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Salzburg, Deutschland - Things to Do in Salzburg

Things to Do in Salzburg

Salzburg, Deutschland - Complete Travel Guide

Salzburg, Austria (not Germany) is a UNESCO World Heritage city that enchants visitors with its baroque architecture, musical heritage, and alpine charm. As the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the filming location for 'The Sound of Music,' this compact city seamlessly blends cultural sophistication with fairy-tale beauty. Nestled between the Salzach River and dramatic mountain peaks, Salzburg's well-preserved Old Town (Altstadt) features elegant churches, historic squares, and narrow medieval streets that have remained largely unchanged for centuries. Beyond its musical fame, Salzburg offers world-class museums, traditional Austrian cuisine, and easy access to the stunning Salzkammergut lake region. The city's manageable size makes it perfect for exploring on foot, while its proximity to both Vienna and Munich makes it an ideal stop on any Central European itinerary. Whether you're drawn by Mozart's legacy, the von Trapp family story, or simply the romance of alpine Austria, Salzburg delivers an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of European cultural heritage.

Top Things to Do in Salzburg

Explore Salzburg's Historic Old Town

Wander through the UNESCO-listed Altstadt with its baroque churches, Mozart's birthhouse, and charming squares like Residenzplatz and Mozartplatz. The narrow Getreidegasse shopping street showcases traditional wrought-iron guild signs and leads to numerous historic attractions. This compact area contains centuries of architectural treasures and can easily fill a full day of exploration.

Booking Tip: Many attractions offer combined tickets (around €12-15) that include Mozart's birthhouse and residence. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds, especially during summer festival season.

Sound of Music Tour Experience

Follow in the footsteps of the von Trapp family with tours that visit filming locations including Mirabell Gardens, Leopoldskron Palace, and the lakeside town of Mondsee. These tours combine Salzburg's movie fame with stunning Alpine scenery and local history. Most tours include transportation to locations outside the city center.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost €40-50 and run year-round. Book with reputable operators who provide English commentary and small group sizes (under 20 people) for a better experience.

Salzburg Fortress and Funicular

Take the historic funicular railway up to Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of Europe's largest medieval castles. The fortress offers panoramic views over Salzburg and the surrounding Alps, plus museums showcasing medieval life and weaponry. The funicular ride itself is a charming experience dating back to 1892.

Booking Tip: Combined funicular and fortress tickets cost around €15-17 for adults. Visit during golden hour for the best photography, and check for evening concerts held in the fortress during summer months.

Austrian Culinary and Beer Culture

Experience traditional Austrian cuisine through food tours or visits to historic beer halls and restaurants. Sample local specialties like schnitzel, strudel, and salzburger nockerl while learning about regional culinary traditions. Many venues offer traditional folk music performances alongside authentic meals.

Booking Tip: Food tours range from €60-80 and typically last 3-4 hours. Book tours that include multiple venues and focus on family-run establishments for the most authentic experience.

Day Trip to Hallstatt and Salzkammergut

Venture into Austria's stunning lake district to visit the postcard-perfect village of Hallstatt and surrounding Alpine lakes. This region offers breathtaking mountain scenery, traditional Austrian villages, and opportunities for boat rides on pristine lakes. The journey showcases some of Austria's most photographed landscapes.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours cost €70-90 and include transportation and guided commentary. Choose tours with small groups (under 16 people) and adequate time in Hallstatt (at least 2 hours) rather than rushed itineraries.

Getting There

Salzburg is easily accessible by train from major European cities, with direct connections from Vienna (2.5 hours), Munich (1.5 hours), and Zurich (5 hours). The city's small airport receives flights from major European hubs and budget carriers, located just 4km from the center with regular bus connections. By car, Salzburg sits conveniently on the A1 autobahn connecting Vienna and Munich, though parking in the historic center is limited and expensive.

Getting Around

Salzburg's compact Old Town is best explored on foot, with most major attractions within a 15-minute walk of each other. The city operates an efficient bus system for reaching outlying attractions, with day passes available for €5.70. Taxis are readily available but expensive for short distances, while bicycle rentals offer a pleasant way to explore the riverside paths and parks surrounding the historic center.

Where to Stay

Altstadt (Old Town)
Neustadt (New Town)
Mirabell District
Nonntal
Riedenburg
Salzach Riverfront

Food & Dining

Salzburg's dining scene ranges from traditional Austrian gasthauses serving hearty regional fare to innovative restaurants putting modern spins on Alpine cuisine. The city is famous for salzburger nockerl (sweet soufflé), excellent schnitzel, and locally brewed beer. Historic venues like Stiftskeller St. Peter (Europe's oldest restaurant) offer atmospheric dining, while the Getreidegasse area provides numerous cafes perfect for coffee and sachertorte. Local markets and food stalls around Universitätsplatz showcase regional products and seasonal specialties.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Munich

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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Giorgia Trattoria

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Ca'D'oro | Ristorante & Pizza Napoletana

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Ristorante Risotto

4.7 /5
(1737 reviews) 2

Trattoria Pizzeria La Valle estab. 1998

4.6 /5
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Trattoria Bellini

4.7 /5
(1234 reviews) 2
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Looking for specific cuisines?

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When to Visit

May through September offers the warmest weather and longest days, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities, though this is also peak tourist season with higher prices and crowds. The famous Salzburg Festival runs from July to August, bringing world-class performances but requiring advance bookings. Winter (December-February) transforms the city into a magical wonderland with Christmas markets and fewer tourists, though some attractions have reduced hours and weather can be unpredictable.

Insider Tips

Purchase the Salzburg Card for free public transport and discounts on major attractions - it pays for itself with just 2-3 visits
Many churches and courtyards can be explored for free, including beautiful hidden gardens and architectural details often missed by rushed visitors
Visit popular attractions like Mozart's birthhouse early morning or late afternoon to avoid tour groups, and consider the less crowded Mozart Residence as an alternative

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