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Salzburg sits on the Salzach River at the northern edge of the Austrian Alps, its baroque old town hemmed in by two forested hills and watched over by a medieval fortress. For centuries it was ruled by powerful prince-archbishops, whose wealth from the salt trade paid for the domes, squares and palaces that now make up a UNESCO-listed historic center. It is also the city where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born, and music remains central to its identity.
Days here tend to begin with the funicular or a steep walk up to Hohensalzburg Fortress, then descend to the cathedral and Domplatz, the broad Residenzplatz and the DomQuartier museum route. St. Peter's Abbey has a cemetery with catacombs cut into the cliff, and Nonnberg Abbey sits quietly above it. Getreidegasse, with its wrought-iron shop signs, leads to Mozart's Birthplace, while the Mozart Residence stands across the river near the formal Mirabell Gardens. For views, walkers head up the Kapuzinerberg or along the Mönchsberg ridge.
Salzburg suits travelers who enjoy history, classical music and walkable streets. The summer festival brings crowds and higher demand for rooms, while December has Christmas markets. Easy excursions lead to the Salzkammergut lakes and Berchtesgaden.
WiserMap travel guideSalzburg Austria Mozart Old Town and Hohensalzburg FortressPlan Salzburg: Hohensalzburg Fortress, the Baroque old town, Mozart's birthplace, Mirabell Gardens, Hellbrunn trick fountains, the festival and local food.Read the guide
One of the largest fully preserved medieval castles in Europe, standing high above the old town. A funicular reaches it from the old town, and inside are state rooms, a marionette museum and terraces with views over the city and Alps. Tip: walk down via the Monchsberg trail.
An early Baroque cathedral with a huge dome and a white marble facade, where Mozart was baptized. Its square, Domplatz, hosts the Jedermann play during the Salzburg Festival and a Christmas market in winter. Tip: listen for organ music at the noon service.
A grand square with a large Baroque fountain, next to the cathedral. The DomQuartier museum route leads through the prince-archbishops' state rooms, a gallery and the cathedral organ loft. Tip: the Glockenspiel tower opposite plays its bells several times a day.
Salzburg's most famous shopping street, a narrow lane lined with tall houses and wrought-iron shop signs, including those of international brands. Small passageways link it to courtyards and parallel streets. Tip: look for the hidden passages to discover quieter courtyards and cafes.
One of the oldest monasteries in the German-speaking world, with a Baroque church and a beautiful cemetery of wrought-iron graves. The catacombs are small cave chapels carved into the cliff of the Monchsberg. Tip: the abbey restaurant is said to be among the oldest in Europe.
A Benedictine convent founded around 714, the oldest continuously running nunnery north of the Alps, below the fortress. It is known as the abbey of Maria in The Sound of Music. Tip: the church is open to visitors, and the walk up gives great views over the old town.
The yellow house on Getreidegasse where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in 1756, now a museum. It holds his childhood violin, portraits, letters and rooms furnished as in his time. Tip: a combined ticket with the Mozart Residence across the river saves money.
The house on Makartplatz where the Mozart family lived from 1773, rebuilt after wartime bomb damage. It shows family portraits, original instruments and documents, with an audio guide about his life and music. Tip: visit after the Birthplace to follow his story in order.
A Baroque palace with formal gardens of fountains, flower beds and statues, offering a classic view of the fortress. Scenes of The Sound of Music were filmed here. Tip: the gardens are free, and the palace's Marble Hall is open on weekdays and used for concerts and weddings.
An early 17th-century summer palace south of the city, famous for its trick fountains, hidden jets that surprise visitors on guided tours. The park also holds the Sound of Music gazebo. Tip: expect to get a little wet, and note it is closed in winter except for advent events.
Two wooded hills that frame the old town. The Monchsberg, reached by a lift, has walking paths and the Museum der Moderne with a terrace view, while the Kapuzinerberg on the other side has a monastery and quiet trails. Tip: both are lovely at sunset.
A mountain on the border with Germany, reached by a cable car from Grodig just south of Salzburg. From the top station at about 1,800 metres you get views of Salzburg, the Alps and lakes, and trails lead along the ridge. Tip: bring warm clothes, as the summit is much colder.
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