Salzburg Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide for Salzburg, including a list of places to visit, hiking and biking routes, activities, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, safety and health, transportation options and logistics, and nearby destinations.


Introduction to Salzburg

Salzburg is a charming city located in the Salzburg state of Austria, in Central Europe. Often referred to as the “Rome of the North,” Salzburg is nestled between the Eastern Alps and the banks of the Salzach river. Surrounded by stunning natural beauty, this place is a popular destination among history buffs, culture vultures, outdoor enthusiasts, and foodies. The city’s rich cultural heritage and stunning Baroque architecture have earned it a UNESCO World Heritage status. This travel guide aims to provide an all-encompassing list of things to do and see in Salzburg.

List of Places to Visit in Salzburg

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Hohensalzburg Fortress - This 11th-century fortress provides stunning views of Salzburg’s Old Town.
  2. Mozart’s Birthplace Museum - The birthplace of the legendary composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is now a museum showcasing his life and work.
  3. Salzburg Cathedral - This stunning Baroque-style cathedral features a magnificent organ that Mozart used to play.
  4. Mirabell Palace and Gardens - The ornate palace and its stunning gardens are a must-visit for all nature and history lovers.
  5. Residenzplatz and Residenz Palace - The former royal palace and its square host a variety of cultural events and historical exhibitions.

Natural Attractions of Salzburg: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Untersberg Mountain - This mountain, located on the outskirts of Salzburg, offers stunning views and a range of adventurous activities.
  2. Hellbrunn Palace and Trick Fountains - A spectacular palace featuring astonishing waterworks and a beautiful park.
  3. Salzkammergut - A breathtakingly beautiful region full of lakes, forests, and mountains that offers hiking, biking, and swimming opportunities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Salzburg

  1. Gaisberg Mountain Trail - A 1.5-hour hike to the summit of Gaisberg, which offers a stunning panoramic view of the city.
  2. Mozart-Weg Trail - A 3-hour walk through the beautiful countryside surrounding Salzburg.
  3. Tauern Cycle Path - A 270-kilometer bike trail that runs along the Salzach river and offers stunning views of the Alps.

Best Things to Do in Salzburg: Activities and Tours

  1. Sound of Music Tour - A tour of the city’s famous musical landmarks. Perfect for fans of the legendary movie “The Sound of Music.”
  2. Christmas Markets - Salzburg’s Christmas markets are world-famous and offer a plethora of street food, handmade souvenirs, and traditional crafts.
  3. Salzburg Card - A cost-effective way to explore the city’s attractions and get discounts on tours and transportation.

Week-Long Itinerary for Salzburg

Day Activities
Day 1 Explore the city’s Old Town and visit the Salzburg Cathedral and the Hohensalzburg Fortress.
Day 2 Go on a Sound of Music tour and visit Mozart’s Birthplace Museum.
Day 3 Take a trip to the breathtaking Salzkammergut region and explore its beautiful lakes.
Day 4 Head to the Hellbrunn Palace and its Trick Fountains and explore its stunning grounds.
Day 5 Rent a bike and ride along the Tauern Cycle Path that runs alongside the Salzach river.
Day 6 Visit the Mirabell Palace and its stunning gardens.
Day 7 Spend a leisurely day exploring the city’s shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Food and Drink Scene of Salzburg

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Schnitzel - A fried thinly sliced meat dish that is often served with potatoes and salad.
  2. Apfelstrudel - A sweet pastry filled with fresh apples, raisins, and spices.
  3. Mozartkugel - A ball-shaped chocolate covered with pistachio marzipan and nougat cream, named after the legendary composer.

Local Beverages

  1. Stiegl Beer - A locally brewed beer that is a favorite among Salzburgers.
  2. Schnapps - A fruit-infused liquor that is popular with locals and visitors alike.
  3. Glühwein - A hot, spiced wine that is perfect to sip on during the cold winter months.

Where to Stay in Salzburg: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Sacher Hotel Salzburg - A luxurious hotel located in the heart of the Old Town.
  2. YOHO International Youth Hostel - A budget-friendly hostel situated near the city’s train station.
  3. Villa Verde Guesthouse - A charming guesthouse located in a peaceful neighborhood that offers comfortable rooms and delicious breakfast.

What to Buy in Salzburg: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Mozart Chocolate and Candy - A sweet treat that comes in a variety of flavors and packaging options.
  2. Handmade crafts and ornaments from Christmas markets - A unique souvenir that captures the spirit of Salzburg’s Christmas markets.
  3. Traditional Trachten clothing - A beautiful outfit made of wool and linen that is often worn during traditional Austrian celebrations.

Local Culture and Customs of Salzburg

Salzburg has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its music, art, and lifestyle. The city is known for its love for classical music and its role in nurturing the talent of Mozart. The most important customs and traditions in Salzburg include celebrating Christmas and New Year’s Eve, attending music concerts, and taking part in local festivals such as the Salzburg Festival.

Best Time to Visit Salzburg

Salzburg is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is during the summer (June to August) when the weather is pleasant, and the city is buzzing with activity. The Christmas markets during December also draw a large crowd to the city.

Do’s and Don’ts of Salzburg

Do:

  1. Respect the locals and their customs.
  2. Take part in the city’s cultural events and festivals.
  3. Try the local cuisine and beverages.

Don’t:

  1. Be too loud or noisy in public places.
  2. Litter or damage the city’s historical monuments and buildings.
  3. Wear inappropriate clothing while visiting religious places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Salzburg

Salzburg is a safe city that experiences a low crime rate. However, it is always advised to take normal precautions like keeping valuables safe, especially in crowded places, and following traffic rules while crossing the road.

Health in Salzburg

Salzburg has a well-established healthcare system, and visitors can avail of high-quality medical facilities in case of emergency. The tap water in Salzburg is safe to drink.

Getting to Salzburg: Transportation Options and Logistics

Salzburg is well-connected to major European cities via air, rail and road. The city’s international airport is located just 4 kilometers from the city center. The city’s rail station offers services from major European cities like Vienna, Munich, and Zurich. Buses and taxis are readily available at the airport, railway station, and city center for local transportation.

Airports Near Salzburg

  1. Salzburg Airport
  2. Munich International Airport
  3. Vienna International Airport

Bus Stations Near Salzburg

  1. Salzburg Autobus Terminal
  2. Salzburg Süd Autobahn Bus Terminal

Other Options

  1. Renting a car to explore the surrounding areas of Salzburg.
  2. Taking a scenic train journey to explore the beauty of the Austrian countryside.

How to Get Around in Salzburg

Salzburg is a walkable city and can easily be explored on foot. However, for those who prefer other modes of transportation, buses and taxis are readily available. Visitors can also rent a bike to explore the city and its surroundings.

Where to Go Next from Salzburg: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Vienna - The capital of Austria, located just a few hours from Salzburg, offers stunning architecture and rich cultural history.
  2. Zell am See - A picturesque town located in the Salzburgerland region, famous for skiing and other winter sports.
  3. Innsbruck - The capital of the Tyrol region, located just a few hours from Salzburg and surrounded by the stunning Alpine mountains.

Conclusion

Salzburg is a city that offers something for everyone. History, culture, natural beauty, and adventure are all a part of this charming city’s charm. This travel guide aims to provide visitors with a comprehensive list of things to do and see in and around Salzburg, ensuring a truly unforgettable experience.

A view of the old town A view of the old town Schloss Hellbrunn Schloss Hellbrunn Hohensalzburg fortress Hohensalzburg fortress Salzburg Cathedral Salzburg Cathedral Mozart's birth house Mozart's birth house Salzburg Nockerl Salzburg Nockerl Saran Essbar Saran Essbar Salzburg Cathedral Salzburg Cathedral Salzburg Market Salzburg Market