Inka PIegsa-Quischotte
The Ultimate Travel Guide to Salzburg, Austria
(Salzburg, Austria) – Divided by the idyllic river Salzach and bordered by the Alps to the north and south, Salzburg, Austria’s 4th largest city, is a paradise for lovers of music, baroque architecture, and chocolate.
Salzburg Travel Guide
Birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, his music is even piped in at the airport and the central train station. You’ll never be in doubt about where you are. The Old Town has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996 because of its more than 20 baroque churches and buildings. Salzburg is the setting for the musical/film ‘The Sound of Music.’ As far as chocolate is concerned, there is the world-famous Sacher Torte to be sampled in the Café Sacher and Mozartkugeln, little chocolate balls filled with marzipan and pistachio beckon in many confiseries.
Add to this the majestic castle Hohensalzburg, the music festival, and the many delightful parks, and you will see that Salzburg is a city that offers something for every taste.
In this Salzburg Travel Guide blog article, we’ll give you travel tips to Salzburg with budget tips and advice on things to do and see, itineraries, money-saving tips, the best hotels to stay, and more.
Best time to visit Salzburg
The best time to visit Salzburg, Austria, depends on your personal preferences and the activities you plan to engage in. Salzburg experiences a continental climate with mild summers and cold winters. Here are the main factors to consider when deciding on the best time to visit:
Summer (June to August)
Pros
Mild temperatures range from 19°C to 25°C (66°F to 77°F). Pleasant weather for exploring the city on foot and enjoying outdoor activities Festivals and cultural events, such as the Salzburg Festival, takes place during this time.
Cons
The higher number of tourists, resulting in crowded attractions and higher prices Limited availability of accommodations if not booked well in advance
Spring (April to May) and Autumn (September to October)
Pros
Mild temperatures and fewer tourists compared to summer Beautiful spring blooms or vibrant autumn foliage, depending on the season. Lower hotel rates and fewer crowds make it easier to explore popular attractions.
Cons
Weather can be unpredictable, with occasional rainfall. Some attractions may have shorter opening hours or be closed for maintenance.
Winter (December to February)
Pros
The magical atmosphere with Christmas markets and festive decorations Possibility of enjoying winter sports in the nearby Alps Fewer tourists compared to other seasons, allowing for a quieter experience
Cons
Cold temperatures range from -1°C to 4°C (30°F to 39°F) Limited daylight hours, with the sun setting early in the afternoon. Some attractions and outdoor activities may have limited availability. Ultimately, the best time to visit Salzburg depends on your preferences. Summer is a great choice if you enjoy mild weather and cultural events. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds. Winter is ideal for experiencing Christmas traditions and enjoying winter sports. Choose the season that aligns with your interests, and be sure to check the specific dates of festivals or events you wish to attend.
How to get to Salzburg
To travel to Salzburg, you have several transportation options available depending on your starting point. Here are a few common methods of getting to Salzburg:
By Air
If you prefer air travel, the most convenient option is to fly directly to Salzburg Airport (W. A. Mozart Airport), which is well-connected with major European cities. You can take a taxi, shuttle bus, or public transportation from the airport to the city center.
By Train
Salzburg is well-connected to the European railway network, making train travel popular. The city has good train connections with other major Austrian cities and neighboring countries such as Germany, Switzerland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (main train station) is centrally located, allowing easy access to the city center.
By Car
If you prefer driving, Salzburg is conveniently located near major highways. The A1 and A10 highways connect Salzburg to other Austrian cities and countries within Europe. Remember that parking in the city center may be limited and expensive, so using public transportation is recommended once you arrive.
By Bus
Several bus companies operate routes to and from Salzburg, offering affordable travel options. Buses provide connections to various European cities, including Munich, Prague, Vienna, and Zurich. Salzburg’s main bus station, Salzburg Süd, is located south of the city center.
By Bicycle
Cycling to Salzburg is a great option for the more adventurous and eco-friendly traveler. The city is well-connected to regional and long-distance cycling routes, allowing you to enjoy beautiful scenery and explore the surrounding areas at your own pace.
Once you’ve arrived in Salzburg, the city offers an efficient public transportation system, including buses and trams, making it easy to get around and explore the city’s many attractions.
Getting around
Salzburg is one of those cities that want to be explored on foot. If you tire of walking, you can use any of the 20 lines of the Trolleybus system or the 5 of the S-Bahn. Parking within the Old Town is nearly impossible, so leave your car in one of the car parks near the train station.
Where to stay
Nothing beats the atmosphere of a family-run hotel; if it’s in the luxury category, that’s even better.
Imlauer Hotel Pitter Salzburg
Address: 5020 Salzburg – Rainerstraße 6
Telephone: +43 662 88 978 – 813
[Check Rates and Availability]
The Imlauer Hotel Pitter in Salzburg’s Old Town fits the bill perfectly.
Recently renovated, it offers a splendid view from the Sky Bar on the rooftop and is centrally located so you can reach everything you want to see on foot.
Hotel Sacher Wien
Address: Philharmoniker Str. 4, 1010 Wien, Austria
Phone: +43 1 514560
[Check Rates and Availability]
The best and most traditional Hotel in Salzburg, combing atmosphere with luxury and super service, is the Hotel Sacher.
It’s a very relaxing place to be located on the shore of the river Salzach near a bridge to cross over. Not to forget the Café Sacher with its wall of fame and traditionally dressed waitresses, which evokes the times of Salzburg’s café society.
These hotels are expensive, and I opted for a cheaper but equally fabulous hotel: Hotel am Mirabellplatz.
Hotel am Mirabellplatz
Address: Paris-Lodron-Strasse 1, New Town, Salzburg, Austria
Phone: +43 662 881688
[Check Rates and Availability]
In Goldgasse, close to Domplatz and in the center of the Old Town. The rooms are very comfortable, and I also liked the minimalist décor in reception and the very friendly and helpful staff.
Where to eat
Austrian cuisine is rich, heavy on meat, gravy, and pasta of the local kind. Then there are the deserts to die for if you have a sweet tooth, like Kaiserschmarn, Apfelstrudel, and Salzburger Nockerln, which even have their own song. Here are a few suggestions for where you can best sample these Austrian specialties.
Top of your list should be Europe’s oldest restaurant. Stiftskeller St. Peter (official website)
This is for atmosphere and great dining with excellent service, wines, and quality food, but expensive.
A somewhat cheaper alternative for Austrian food is Zum Zirkelwirt in Pfeiffergasse 14. I had Sachertorte in the Café Sacher and food in one of the many stalls in the market. A Bratwurst with Sauerkraut for some €10 in the market lasted me all day.
What to do and see
I arrived in Salzburg by train from Munich and explored on foot, staying overnight in the Hotel am Mirabellplatz. My first stop was the huge and beautiful Mirabell Garden, one of several of Salzburg’s green lungs. If you are lucky like me, you might even witness a wedding Salzburg style.
From there, I went to the Birth House and Museum of Mozart and his home, a nearby different building.
I reached the river and made my first coffee stop in Café Sacher. Crossing one of the many bridges into the Old Town, I strolled along the tiny streets, named Goldgasse, Silbergasse, etc according to the trade carried out here in times gone by.
You wander from one baroque building to the next, from the Cathedral to Holy Trinity Church to the Festspielhaus (Opera), the center of the world-famous Salzburger Festspiele in July/August.
If you want to attend, book at least a year in advance to ensure tickets and hotels.
I then enjoyed the vast marketplace and flower market before going to the medieval fortress high up on a cliff overlooking Festung Hohensalzburg. It’s one of Europe’s oldest and largest castles and, many say, the most beautiful. You can walk around endlessly, visit the permanent museum and the royal rooms, have a snack at the café, or participate in one of the many events in the castle over the year.
To reach the castle, you can either take the easy way by using the funicular or, if you are reasonably fit, you can walk. I went up in the funicular but walked down to enjoy the ever-changing views.
There are beautiful things to do and see just a few miles outside Salzburg, too: the park and castles of Hellbrunn and something unusual and modern: Hangar 7. It’s a multifunctional building owned by Red Bull, housing historical airplanes, helicopters, Formula 1 racing cars, and a Michelin, starred restaurant. Ikarus.
If you are so inclined, you can even go on guided tours to the film locations of The Sound of Music or follow on your own.
With so many things to do and see, you should plan two days to stay in Salzburg.
Salzburg Travel and Tour Packages
Salzburg Day Tour from Munich
- This tour starts in Munich, Germany.
- Explore a city so special they named the entire place a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Salzburg is famed for its old-world glamor, made all the more striking by a majestic backdrop of the snow-capped Alps.
- Visit the Mozart Museum in the hometown of genius composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
- See one of the world’s most famous “movie tourism” destinations because of the film “The Sound of Music”.
Salzburg Day Tour
- Enjoy the beautiful countryside view via comfortable round-trip bus transfers from Vienna to Salzburg.
- Stop by St. Gilgen and take stunning photos while enjoying the breathtaking view of the Wolfgangsee.
- Take a guided walk in the old town of Salzburg, stopping by the University Church, St. Peter’s Abbey, the Salzburg Cathedral, and the Festival Hall.
- Sing “do re mi” like Maria Von Trapp and the children at the Mirabell Palace.
- Visit Getreidegasse, where Mozart was born, and learn about his life.
- Feel free to explore the town at your own pace, shop for souvenirs or have some lunch during the free time.
Salzburg and the Lake District
- Visit the charming city of Salzburg, home of Mozart and have some free time to explore or go shopping!
- Travel through the Bavarian Alps and see the breathtaking countryside featured in “The Sound of Music”.
- Cruise across Lake Wolfgangsee (only available from April to October), and you can even take a boat ride to the White Horse Inn and the pilgrim church!
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