Salzburg (state) Travel Guide
A detailed travel guide for Salzburg (state) in Austria including places to visit, hiking/biking routes, food, culture, safety, transportation options and nearby destinations.
- Introduction to Salzburg (State)
- List of Places to Visit in Salzburg (State)
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Salzburg (State)
- Best Things to Do in Salzburg (State): Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Salzburg (State)
- Food and Drink Scene of Salzburg (State)
- Where to Stay in Salzburg (State): Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Salzburg (State): Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Salzburg (State)
- Best Time to Visit Salzburg (State)
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Salzburg (State): Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Salzburg (State)
- Where to Go Next from Salzburg (State): Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Salzburg (State)
Salzburg is a state situated in western Austria, in Central Europe. The state is named after its capital city, Salzburg, which is known for its baroque architecture, culture and stunning mountainous scenery. Salzburg is divided into five regions; Flachgau, Tennengau, Pongau, Pinzgau and Lungau. The state is home to serene natural landscapes, historic landmarks, museums, art galleries, and outdoor activities. Salzburg is a perfect location for individuals and families wanting to enjoy the beauty of Austria.
List of Places to Visit in Salzburg (State)
Whether you’re a history buff or an outdoor enthusiast, Salzburg has something to offer everyone. Here are some top places to visit:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Salzburg Old Town
Salzburg’s Old Town provides a taste of the city’s rich history. The architecture of the Old Town spans several centuries with medieval, baroque and renaissance styles all present. Visitors can explore the Salzburg Cathedral, Residenzplatz Square, and the Mirabell Palace.
Hohensalzburg Fortress
Hohensalzburg Fortress dates back to 1077 and is the largest preserved castle in Europe. The Fortress offers stunning views of the city and Alps. The Fortress museum gives visitors an insight into the castle’s history, people who lived in it, and many other interesting things.
Mozart’s Birthplace
Salzburg is famous for being the birthplace of legendary composer Mozart. The building where Mozart was born offers visitors insight into his life and works. The displays showcase instruments used by Mozart, his compositions, letters of Mozart, and other personal belongings.
Salzburg Museum
The Salzburg Museum depicts the history and culture of the city. It showcases a range of exhibits, like archaeology, art, trade, and science on the ground floor, with more focus on the city’s modern history on the upper floor.
Natural Attractions of Salzburg (State): Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Grossglockner Alpine Road
The Grossglockner Alpine Road is an iconic scenic drive, leading to the highest mountain in Austria - Großglockner. The road is 48 kilometers long and provides stunning views of the valley and mountains around it. If you’re looking for breathtaking vistas, this is a must-visit destination in Salzburg.
Krimml Waterfalls
Kilmm Waterfalls in the Pinzgau region are Austria’s biggest waterfalls, where the Krimml Ache falls from a height of 380 meters. Visitors can hike along the falls and enjoy some of the most amazing views.
Lake Wolfgangsee
Lake Wolfgangsee is situated in the Salzkammergut region and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors can take a relaxing boat ride, rent a rowboat, or simply enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Hohe Tauern National Park
Hohe Tauern National Park is the largest nature reserve in Alpene region. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty and attracts tourists interested in outdoor activities including trekking, climbing, skiing, and sightseeing. It is home to numerous plant and animal species some of which are unique.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Salzburg (State)
Salzburg itself is renowned for its incredible biking and hiking trails. It has some of the best scenic routes in Europe.
Gaisberg Trail
The Gaisberg Trail is a 15 km mountain bike trail, offering some of the best views of the city and surroundings. It is a great activity for bikers, offering an adrenaline rush and breathtaking views.
Liechtensteinklamm Gorge
The Liechtensteinklamm Gorge is a beautiful and adventurous hiking trail that takes visitors through dramatic Alpen scenery. The trail is at times narrow, but the emerald waters of the river make it worth the trip.
Tauern Cycle Path
The Tauern Cycle Path is a cycle route stretching through Salzburg, Tyrol, and Carinthia. The route offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks and untarnished nature. The route also offers mountain bikers some adventurous routes.
Best Things to Do in Salzburg (State): Activities and Tours
Sound of Music Tour
“The Sound of Music” tour takes visitors to the filming locations of the legendary musical movie. The tour visits locations like Leopoldskron Palace and Mirabell Gardens, and the picturesque village of St. Gilgen.
Salt Mines of Hallein Tour
A tour of the Salt Mines of Hallein takes visitors on a journey back to the salt production industry of the 14th century. Visitors can see salt mining techniques, ride down subterranean slides, and learn a little about the history of salt mining in the region.
Christmas Markets
Christmas Markets are seasonal markets featuring festive decorations, food, and unique souvenirs. Salzburg has some of the most beautiful and enchanting Christmas Markets in Europe. The markets are held in Residenzplatz and Mirabellplatz and are a wonderful way to spend a winter’s evening in Salzburg.
Week-Long Itinerary for Salzburg (State)
Here is a suggested itinerary for spending one week in Salzburg:
| Days | Itinerary |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Explore Salzburg’s old town, take a leisurely walk around Salzburg city |
| Day 2 | Hohensalzburg Fortress and Salzburg Museum visit, Old Town cultural walking tour |
| Day 3 | Sound of Music Tour visit, followed by a visit to Leopoldskron Palace |
| Day 4 | Salt Mine Tour visit, followed by Mozart’s Birthplace and Mozart House |
| Day 5 | Visit to Hangar-7, followed by a visit to the Modern art museum and shopping on Getreidegasse |
| Day 6 | Spend the day in Salzkammergut region, visiting the Krimml Waterfalls, Lake Wolfgangsee and the Postalm area |
| Day 7 | Visit the Hohe Tauern National Park for some hiking, followed by a scenic drive along the Grossglockner Alpine Road |
Food and Drink Scene of Salzburg (State)
Salzburg’s food is rich, diverse, and influenced by its long history. Local ingredients like cheese, trout, beef, and apples are used in preparing traditional dishes. Here are some of the must-try dishes and beverages:
Must-Try Dishes
Kasnocken
Kasnocken is a traditional dish of cheese dumplings served with salad. It is a popular dish in Austrian cuisine and is a must-try.
Wiener Schnitzel
Wiener Schnitzel is a thin slice of breaded, pan-fried veal and is a staple in Austrian cuisine.
Apfelstrudel
Apfelstrudel is a famous Austrian dessert, made from pastry filled with apples, raisins, and nuts.
Local Beverages
Schnapps
Schnapps is a fruit brandy common in Austria. Salzburger Marillenchnaps, made from apricots, is a must-try Schnapps.
Austrian Wine
Austrian wine is a must-try for wine lovers. Salzburg produces some of the best white wines in Austria.
Where to Stay in Salzburg (State): Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Salzburg offers a range of accommodation options depending on preferences and budgets. Here are some of the options available:
Hotels
Salzburg boasts some of the finest hotels in Europe. Hotel Sacher Salzburg and Hotel Goldener Hirsch Salzburg are among the best hotels in the city.
Hostels
For budget travelers, hostels like Yoho Youth Hostel and MEININGER Hotel Salzburg City Center are popular options.
Guesthouses
Guesthouses are a great way to experience the local culture and interact with the locals. There are many excellent guesthouses throughout the city, including Gästehaus Imberg, Landhotel zur Mariensäule, and Haus Wartenberg.
What to Buy in Salzburg (State): Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Salzburg has some unique souvenirs and products to take back home. Here are some suggestions:
Mozart Balls
Mozart Balls are a classic souvenir, consisting of balls of pistachio marzipan covered in chocolate.
Beer Stein
Beer steins are a popular gift, and there is no better place to buy them than in Salzburg.
Handmade Souvenirs
Handmade souvenirs like leather goods, jewelry, and traditional woodcarvings can be found in the quaint little shops dotted around the city.
Local Culture and Customs of Salzburg (State)
Austrians value punctuality, so it is important to arrive on time. Austrians are proud of their cultural heritage and traditions. It is essential to respect their culture and customs while visiting Salzburg.
Best Time to Visit Salzburg (State)
Salzburg can be visited throughout the year. However, the best time to visit is during the months of April to September when the weather is warm and there is less chance of rain.
Do’s and Don’ts of Salzburg (State)
Do:
- Do learn a few words in German as Austrians appreciate visitors making an effort to speak their language.
- Do dress appropriately. It is considered impolite to wear shorts or revealing clothing when visiting churches or historic sites.
- Do carry cash. Debit cards are not widely accepted, and it is considered polite to have cash on hand for small purchases and tips.
Don’t:
- Don’t be loud or rowdy in public places. Austrians value their peace and quiet.
- Don’t be late. Punctuality is highly valued in Austria.
- Don’t smoke in public areas. It is considered impolite and is prohibited in public places.
Safety and Health
Safety in Salzburg (State)
Salzburg is a relatively safe destination with low crime rates. However, travelers are advised to take basic safety precautions like keeping valuables safe, being careful in crowded areas, and avoiding unlit areas at night.
Health in Salzburg (State)
Austria has a high standard of healthcare. International tourists are strongly advised to take out comprehensive travel insurance before visiting Salzburg.
Getting to Salzburg (State): Transportation Options and Logistics
Salzburg is located in central Europe and can be reached easily by plane, train or bus. The city also has a well-connected public transport system.
Airports Near Salzburg (State)
Salzburg can be reached by its airport, Salzburg Airport. Other airports serving the Salzburg region are Munich Airport (about 150 km) and Vienna Airport (about 300 km).
Bus Stations Near Salzburg (State)
Salzburg is served by the Salzburg central bus station, which connects the city to other major cities across Europe.
Other Options
The city is also accessible via rail connections from major European cities. The Salzburg Hauptbahnhof railway station is well-connected to other major European cities.
How to Get Around in Salzburg (State)
Salzburg has a well-connected transportation system comprising buses, trains, taxis and bicycles. The Salzburg Card is an all-inclusive card that gives you free access to public transport and discounts on other activities.
Where to Go Next from Salzburg (State): Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Salzburg is a perfect base for exploring nearby destinations. Some of the recommended excursions and nearby destinations are:
Hallstatt
Hallstatt is a charming town situated in the Salzkammergut region. It offers visitors a chance to delve into the culture and history of Austria.
Berchtesgaden
Berchtesgaden is a small Bavarian town nestled amidst the Bavarian Alps. It is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and historical landmarks.
Innsbruck
Innsbruck is the capital city of Tyrol. It offers visitors a chance to explore the historic city center, with its medieval architecture and unique shops and cafes.
Conclusion
Salzburg (state) is a perfect destination for individuals and families. The city has something to offer everyone, from historical landmarks, scenic landscapes, and outdoor activities to delicious cuisine and cultural heritage. Salzburg is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of Austria.
