Salzburg

Salzburg is a city in Austria, near the border with Germany's Bavaria state, with a population of 157,000 (2020). It was the setting for the 1965 movie The Sound of Music, so you may think you know all there is to see in Salzburg if you have seen the movie. Admittedly, it is difficult not to burst into song when you're walking along the Salzach River, or climbing up to the Hohensalzburg fortress, which looms over the city. But there is a lot more to this compact, courtly city than Julie Andrews and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who was born here.

This article is about the city of Salzburg. For the state, see Salzburg (state).

Understand

Salzburg, which has been inhabited since the Neolithic period, is the fourth-largest city in Austria (after Vienna, Graz and Linz) and the capital of the federal state of Salzburg. In 45 AD, it was a Roman establishment. The Bavarians took over in the 6th century. At the end of the 16th century, under Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau, the transformation of the medieval town into the "Rome of the North" began, with new buildings following the Italian baroque style. The buildings from this era are mostly in the "Old Town", as it is known today. The old town is one of the best-preserved city centers in the German-speaking world and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Salzburg became part of the Austrian Empire in 1816. It frequently ranks favorably in quality of life rankings.

Origins of name

The name Salzburg, literally "Salt Castle", is derived from the barges carrying salt on the Salzach river, which were subject to a toll in the 8th century.

Early history and medieval period

Traces of human settlements dating to the Neolithic Age and later a Celt camp have been found in the area. Starting from 15 BC, the small communities were grouped into a single town which was named by the Romans as Juvavum. Little remains of the city from this period.

The Hohensalzburg Fortress was built in 1077 and expanded in the following centuries. Independence from Bavaria was secured in the late 14th century.

Independent state

Salzburg was the capital of an independent state from the early 14th century until 1805. It was ruled by prince-archbishops, who became rich by the salt mines in the south of the city. This led to the architectural gem you see today, as materials and architects were imported from Italy and other European countries. This is also why, compared to other Austrian cities, sacral monuments surpass the few secular buildings in every respect. The prince-archbishops were forced to give up their political powers during the French occupation in 1805, when Napoleon Bonaparte introduced the concept of separation of Church and State in all the occupied territories.

Tourist information

Get in

By plane

Having arrived at the airport (Flughafen Salzburg), it is very easy to make your way into the town centre by electric trolleybus or other modes of transport. Tickets for these services can be bought easily from the bus driver and you can travel from here to the "Hauptbahnhof" main station where you can reach many destinations, predominantly in Austria, but also across the whole of Europe.

For more international connections, you may prefer flying to Munich and taking the train to Salzburg. Other airports in Austria like Graz or Innsbruck can be of interest if you like scenic journeys through the mountains.

By train

Salzburg's train station, the Hauptbahnhof, is north of the Salzach River within the New Town of Salzburg. The train ride from Munich to Salzburg takes about 1½ hours (Regional trains take about 2 hours), and international trains operate from Zurich, Zagreb, Ljubljana and Budapest and other destinations. Inter-city trains operate very frequently (especially to Vienna where services are almost hourly).

The ÖBB Nightjet runs to Salzburg from Germany, Italy and Switzerland.

The station is operated by the Austrian Federal Railway Company (ÖBB) and by the national German Railway company (DB). Both companies have ticket stalls and machines in the station. The popular train pass for Bavaria sold by DB (in German: Bayern Ticket) covers train rides between Bavaria and Salzburg, but it is only valid for Regional trains (code RE, RB, or M). The rail pass can be brought from DB ticket stalls and from DB ticket selling machines in the station.

Salzburg has direct train connections with Vienna, Linz, Feldkirch (at the Liechtenstein border), Zürich (in Switzerland), etc.

The station has a supermarket which is open 06:00-23:00, lockers (from €2 to €3.50, which are often full), and toilets (€0.50/entry).

To get to the city centre, walk (about 15 min), or use one of the trolley buses.

By bus
  • Budweis-shuttle "http://www.budweis-shuttle.cz" and Czechshuttle.com offers a door-to-door shuttle bus transfer from Česky Krumlov or Česke Budejovice to Salzburg and back for 1,100 Kč per person.
  • From Bosnia, (Banja Luka or Doboj), three times per week, with Boro Bus
  • Bus transfer from/to Budapest with a possible stop in Vienna, from door to door, English-speaking drivers with Eurobusways
  • There are day-trip tour buses that leave from Munich (right outside the main station).
  • The Flixbus stop is in Salzburg Sud, not really near the main train station.

By car

Salzburg is well connected to Vienna (Wien) and Munich (München), Germany via the autobahns A8 (Munich - Salzburg) and A1 (Salzburg - Vienna). There is an Austrian Motorway "Vignette" you have to purchase. The price varies depending on whether you buy a yearly or 10-day vignette.

Driving around Salzburg can be a pain. The road names are small and written in a "traditional" German font which can be hard to read. The best bet is to get into the city, find a parking space, and travel by foot. Several garages are on the edge of the historic center have hourly rates as well as 24-hour rates that range from €14-20. Garage companies include Best in Parking, APCOA, Contipark. Nearby hotels often have arrangements for discounted rates with commercial garages. More budget options include using one of the park-and-ride lots that have promotions for a free transit pass or even free parking during summer months. Be sure that if you are driving in cold weather to be prepared for snow. Snow chains should be recommended, in extreme weather. All cars must have snow tires (Winterreifen) by law from October to April.

Get around

The best way to get around Salzburg is by foot.

There is a network of city buses, the StadtBus, with numbers from 1 to 10, 12 and 14 (O-Buses, electric, trolley-bus) and 20-27 (fuel-powered). From the bus driver, you only get a single A single ticket for €3. The other option is buying a 5-ticket-strip in advance (€10,50). A 24-hr ticket costs €4.50, when bought at the vending machine (all prices from 2023). There are also daily, weekly and monthly passes. The Salzburg Verkehr application allows you to buy these tickets from your mobile phone. Make sure that you do not catch one of the last buses. They will take you several kilometers out of town with your only way back being by walking or taxi. If you need to get somewhere late at night it may be best to take a taxi or walk. The "Lokalbahn" train has a separate train station under the main train station and travels in the direction of Oberndorf and Lamprechtshausen. Tickets can be bought on the train.

Another option for exploring areas around the main city (Bad Ischl, Fuschlsee, etc.) are the POST-BUSes. These also leave from the main train station; tickets can be bought from the driver.

An excellent option is renting a bike. Salzburg has over 100 km of bike paths, and using this mode of transportation is often faster than bus, car or foot. There are also excellent bike paths on either side of the river which you can follow to either Freilassing (35 min), Oberndorf or Hallein (each about an hour away).

Salzburg Card

Depending on how long you want to stay in Salzburg and how much you want to pack into one day, the Salzburg Card could be a good investment, it includes:

  • Free single admission to all the city's attractions.
  • Free use of public transport throughout the city, including fortress funicular, panorama boat & cable car Untersberg.
  • Attractive discounts for cultural events.
  • Discounts for various tours and excursions.

Salzburg Card 24 hr/adult: €28.00, 48 hours: €37.00, 72 hours: €43.00

See
  • 🌍 Schloss Hellbrunn, Fürstenweg 37, ☏ +43 662 820372-0, fax: +43 662 820372-4931, . Apr Oct: 09:00-16:30; May Jun Sep: 09:00-17:30; Jul Aug: 09:00-21:00 (only trick fountains from 18:00). Once the summer palace of the Archbishops of Salzburg it has lots of clever fountains and pretty gardens. When you take the tour stand next to the guide otherwise you will get wet. Hellbrunn is surrounded by vast gardens, including a good children's playground with swings and flying fox (zip wire), and a cold wading pool, and is a perfect place for a picnic or a long walk through the green. In the Steintheater (Stone Theater), the first opera in Middle Europe was conducted. Children and adults alike are amused. There is an excellent and substantial zoo within the grounds. Adults €13.50, students (19-26 years old) €8.50, children (4-18 years) €6.00, family ticket (2 adults, 1 child) €29.50. (updated Sep 2018)
  • 🌍 Hohensalzburg Fortress (Festung), Mönchsberg 34, ☏ +43 662 84 24 30 11, fax: +43 662 842430-20, . 09:30 - 17:00 daily. On top of a mountain, the Festung offers breathtaking views of Salzburg and the Alps. One area of the fortress offers visitors the chance to look down on a field below to find only one house, the executioner's residence. It was believed to live anywhere near the executioner was bad luck. Inside the fortress is a museum of medieval weapons, life on the fortress, and torture instruments. Public concerts are often held here in the evenings, reservations are recommended. On nights with concerts, it is possible to remain within the walls past dark. To avoid the vertical hike up to the fortress, a funicular is available to ride, for a fee. Adults: €13.20 (funicular) €11.70 (foot), children (6-15 years): €7.50/€6.70, family ticket: €29.20/€26. (updated Sep 2018)
  • 🌍 Alter Markt Square. Various shops in this area are quite old and impressive. For instance have a look at the interior of the pharmacy called Fürsterzbischöfliche Apotheke. No pictures though, this is a pharmacy not a tourist attraction. 
  • 🌍 Schloss Mirabell, ☏ +43 662 8072 2334, . M W Th 08:00-16:00; Tu F 13:00-16:00. Next to the Salzach river and the Mozarteum University of Music and Arts lies a beautiful castle with gardens, built by an archbishop for his beloved courtesan. Watch out for the "Garden of Dwarfs" and the Garden of Roses. Inside, you find the marble stairs of Raffael Donner, and the world's most beautiful wedding hall, the Marble Hall. If you plan to marry there, reservations should be made at least a year in advance. Weddings in English are only held on Tuesday and Friday. If you don't speak German, you can't get married any other day! Free. 
  • 🌍 Salzburg Cathedral (Salzburger Dom), Residenzplatz, ☏ +43 662 8047 1860, . 08:00 - 17:00 daily. In Cathedral Excavations Museum you can see objects excavated from a Roman villa and foundations of the west towers of the Romanesque cathedral both of which stood in the area of today's cathedral. €5 + €3 for the audio guide. 
  • 🌍 Getreidegasse. A long yet narrow street running parallel to the river in the centre of town, with lots of shops, famous for the old (or old-style) signs of profession outside each store. (updated Nov 2018)
  • 🌍 St. Sebastian Cemetery (Sebastiansfriedhof). Holds the graves of Mozart's wife Constanze Weber-Nissen, and the must-see Mausoleum of Archbishop Wolfdietrich. (updated Nov 2018)
  • 🌍 St Peter's Church, Cemetery, and Catacombs (Petersfriedhof). Catacombs: May-Sep: daily 10:00-12:30 13:00-18:00, Oct-Apr: 10:00-12:30 13:00-17:00; cemetery: Apr-Sep: daily 06:30-20:00, Oct-Mar: daily 06:30-18:00; church: daily 08:00-20:00. Perhaps most remarkable are the small catacombs (€2 adults, €1.50 children) carved into the nearby cliff side. Climb up for a couple of small chapels and a nice overlook. (updated Feb 2021)
  • 🌍 Kapuzinerberg. This steep hill can be accessed through Linzergasse in the old part of town. Once you're in you're in deep forest. There are several paths that bring you to the top (where the Franziskischlössl fortification stands - today it's a restaurant) via either a paved road -no traffic, though- or a forest track with steps. There are several viewpoints along the way. The views of the city, and the Alps, are spectacular, the air is fresh and it makes for a superb little excursion without leaving the city. (updated Nov 2018)
  • 🌍 Hellbrunn Trick Fountains (Wasserspiele Hellbrunn), ☏ +43 662 820372, . Park with trick fountains. (updated Mar 2023)

Museums
  • 🌍 Mozarts Geburtshaus (Mozart's birth house), Getreidegasse 9, ☏ +43 662 84 43 13, fax: +43 662 84 06 93, . Daily 09:00-18:00 (last admission: 17:30), open until 19:00 Jul-Aug. From 1747 to 1773 the Mozart family lived in this house in the heart of Salzburg, where W.A. Mozart was born on 27 January 1756. The house is now a popular museum devoted to Mozart and his family, with interesting memorabilia and letters. Well worth a quick visit. Adults €10, youths and school groups 15-18 €4, children and school groups 6-14 €3.50, family tickets (2 adults with children) €21. 
  • 🌍 Mozarts Wohnhaus (Mozart Residence), Makartplatz 8, ☏ +43-662-874227-40, . Daily 09:00-18:00 (last admission: 17:30), open until 19:00 Jul-Aug. Mozart’s Residence was reconstructed after being destroyed during World War II and was opened to the public in 1996. Adults €10 (with birth house €17), youths and school groups 15-18 €4, children 6-14 €3.50, family €21. 
  • 🌍 Salzburg Museum, Mozartplatz 1, ☏ +43 662-62 08 08-700, . Tu-Su 09:00-17:00, closed 1 Nov and 24-25 Dec. Trying really hard to tell you about Salzburg's history. Blind and partner dogs may be taken to the museum. There are regular guided tours for blind/visually impaired and deaf/hearing impaired people. Call for an appointment. All rooms of the Salzburg Museum in the Neue Residenz are wheelchair accessible. A passenger lift with sufficient door width leads to all floors. In the New Residence there is an induction loop for the hearing aid. Adults €8.50, 16-26 years €4, 6-15 years €3, families (2 adults and children) €17, seniors €7, people with impairment (ID) or Salzburg Card free. Combi Ticket with the Panorama Museum: adults €10, 16-26 €4.50, 6-15 €3.50, families €20, seniors €8.50, people with impairment (ID) or Salzburg Card free. (updated Dec 2017)
  • 🌍 Toy Museum (Spielzeugmuseum), Bürgerspitalgasse 2, ☏ +43 662 620808-300, fax: +43 662 620808-320, . Founded in 1978, the Toy Museum has the largest collection in Austria of European toys. The "Kasperltheater" puppet show has been held every Tuesday and Wednesday at 15:00 for the since the early 1990s. Adults €2.70; seniors, children, youth (16-26) €2; students (6-15) €0.80. 
  • 🌍 Museum of Natural History (Haus der Natur Salzburg), Museumsplatz 5, ☏ +43 662 84 26 53-0, . Daily 09:00-17:00. Adults €8.50, seniors (60+) or with a pass €8, students (under 27) and children (4+) €6 (2019). 
  • 🌍 Salzburg Museum of Modern Art (Museum der Moderne Salzburg), . Two locations: Wiener Philharmonikergasse 9, and Mönchsberg 32. The Salzburg Museum of Modern Art is on the cliff overlooking the old town. It houses contemporary art works from the 20th and 21st centuries, along with rotating international art displays. Tu-Su 10:00-18:00, W 10:00-20:00, closed M. 
  • 🌍 Residenzgalerie (Residence Gallery Salzburg), Residenzplatz 1, . 
  • 🌍 Hangar 7, Wilhelm-Spazier-Straße 7A, ☏ +43 662 2197, . 09:00 - 22:00 daily. Transportation museum housing the historical Flying Bulls fleet and several historic race cars. The collection itself will not be too spectacular unless you're a race fanatic, but the building itself with its glass domed roof is worth a visit. (updated Mar 2023)

Do
  • Casino Salzburg, 5071 Wals-Siezenheim, ☏ +43 662 85 44 55. Open daily except for December 24. Slot machines: 12:00-03:00, Live games: 15:00-03:00. Free admission. 
  • 🌍 Salzburg Zoo, Anifer Landesstr 1, ☏ +43 662 820176-0, . Daily 09:00-23:00. The zoo is in south Salzburg and is open 365 days a year. It also has a petting zoo for children. There is a restaurant on site serving traditional Austrian dishes. Adults: €10.10, students (under 27): €7, children (4-14): €4, family: €26.50. 
  • 🌍 Untersberg. The mountain is perennially popular with tourists due to its proximity to the city of Salzburg, less than 16 km to the north of the mountain and within easy reach by bus. A variety of paths lead to the top, but most people use the cable car that lifts passengers over 1300m to the Geiereck peak. The cable car runs from the 🌍 St Leonhard station in the town of Gartenau to the station at the Geiereck peak. Can be reached from Salzburg by taking bus 25 to its terminus station. (updated Sep 2018)
  • Chess — Giant chess board painted onto the ground, past the cathedral (travelling away from the river). You'll have to wait your turn, but it's worth it.
  • Football: FC Red Bull Salzburg play soccer in the Austrian Bundesliga, the top tier. They play in Red Bull Arena (capacity 32,000) in Wals-Siezenheim 3 km northwest of city centre.
SV Austria Salzburg are a breakaway club formed in 2005 in protest at Red Bull's takeover of FC Salzburg. They play in the minor leagues at Max Aicher Stadium (capacity 1600) just east of the airport.

Tours
  • Salt Mines Hallein, . — There are a few different salt mine tours available in Salzburg's immediate surroundings. A good one is Salzwelten Salzburg in Bad Dürrnberg near Hallein. Getting there is easy with the Salz Erlebnis Ticket, available at the train station; it covers the local train and a bus transfer (round-trip), admission, and the (required) Salzwelten tour. The tour is great for families, although children under 4 are not allowed on the tour. Put on white coveralls, ride a trolley into the mine, and use wooden slides to descend into the lower levels. A café and picnic benches are available on-site, as well as a small reconstructed Celtic village that includes a playground. Allow about 2½ hours for the tour and the Celtic Village. Apr-Oct: 09:00-17:00, Nov-Dec: 10:00-15:00. Adults €23; students/juniors/senior €21; children 4-15 years €11.50. Family and Group tickets are available. (updated Feb 2019)

Festivals

For almost a century, Salzburg has hosted the world-famous Salzburg Festival, with operas, concerts, and theater plays in different locations throughout the city. It was founded by Hugo von Hoffmansthal, Max Reinhardt and Richard Strauss in 1920. It takes place in July and August, the most famous piece is the "Jedermann" ("Everyman") by Hugo v. Hoffmansthal, being conducted in front of the Dom (Cathedral) every year.

Festivals also take place during Easter time (with mostly Baroque music), and in autumn.

Buy
  • Mozartkugeln (Mozart balls) are confections of chocolate, marzipan, pistachio and sometimes hazelnut inspired by the famous composer, Salzburg's most famous son, Mozart. Try the original version by Fürst, which are handmade and cannot be purchased outside Fürst's four shops in Salzburg. They're expensive, though, at €1.80 a pop (souvenir boxes cost even more), and comparatively simple with only two layers. The cheaper, more widespread and arguably tastier Mirabell brand is available throughout Austria; you'll get the best prices at regular grocery stores, not souvenir shops. The third big name is Reber, which has three chocolate shops in the Old Town with a wide range of chocolates, Kugeln and pastettes (Alter Markt 5; Griesgasse 3; Getreidegasse 26). Souvenir shops sell other brands too, which tend to cheap out on their ingredients and are best avoided.
  • The annual Christmas Market (Christkindlmarkt), located at the three squares around the dome (Domplatz, Kapitelplatz, Residenzplatz) features traditional fast food, such as hot potatoes, doughnuts with kraut, and candies, as well as Christmas decorations, winter clothes, and craftmanship. It opens end of November and closes on Christmas.

Eat

A typical dessert from Salzburg is the Salzburg Nockerl, a tasty baked soufflé best served with ice cream, berries and whipped cream. Good places make it to order, which takes at least 30 minutes, and the serving size is huge: one Nockerl is easily enough for four!

Street food
  • 🌍 Salzburger Würstelkönigin, Ferdinand-Hanusch-Platz 5. Gorgeous hotdogs and great spot to chill by the Salzburg river. The grilled meat sandwich with the Century Sauce (Jahrhundertsoße) is amazing. You can meet the whole world here. (updated Sep 2022)
  • 🌍 Heisse Kiste, Schwarzstraße 4. An institution. Recommended are the Leberkäs and the Käsekrainer. Real sausage culture - very tasty. One of the most popular addresses among the people enjoying Salzburg's nightlife to grab a sausage with bread for a midnight snack. (updated Sep 2022)
  • 🌍 Lechners Würstelstand!, Universitätspl. 18. If you want to try Austrias original street food in Salzburg, this is the place to go. Very traditional, very tasty. Service is fast. Everything is delicious. (updated Sep 2022)
  • 🌍 Würstelstand Alter Markt, Alter Markt 3. The Käsekrainer and the warm sauerkraut are delicious. Tasty fries, Bosna and whatever the sausage heart desires. There might be a queue and then it takes some time... (updated Sep 2022)

Winter season
  • 🌍 Maroni-Salzburg, Hanuschplatz 1, ☏ +43 662 824372. Have roasted chestnuts and a glass of glühwein in the winter season right before you start off to the Christmas Market. Maronibraterei Salzburg (updated Dec 2021)

Budget
  • 🌍 Wilder Mann, Getreidegasse 20. Wilder Mann offers traditional Austrian cuisine. The restaurant provides large portions and friendly-service. Smoking is allowed in the restaurant. (updated Sep 2022)
  • 🌍 Schmankerl, Glockengasse 10. Affordable meals and you support a social project of the town of Salzburg. Very friendly staff, well attended. The meals are good. (updated Sep 2022)
  • 🌍 Paninoteca Piccolo Mondo, Waagpl. 5. A lovely selection of paninis that look really lovely and taste just like Italy. Quality wines and tasty pasta. Recommendation for the antipasti platter. (updated Sep 2022)
  • 🌍 Burrito Factory, Kaigasse 15. You feel like you are in a host family who has invited you to dinner in Mexico. You should reserve a table at lunchtime because the restaurant is quite small, which is exactly what makes it so charming. Very friendly service. (updated Sep 2022)
  • 🌍 Pommes Boutique, Mirabellplatz 7. A wonderful stop for those who love burgers and fries. Vegetarian options available. Outdoor seating. (updated Sep 2022)
  • 🌍 Uncle Van, Pfeifergasse 2. A lovely little place completely unexpected in an otherwise unremarkable street. Great concept to select the ingredients for your wok. Very tasty. Also everyone who wants to eat vegetarian is at the right place here. (updated Sep 2022)
  • 🌍 Reyna Kebap, Steingasse 3. Great kebab and very good pizza until late at night. Super Bosna. Very nice staff. (updated Sep 2022)

Mid-range

Many of the beer halls listed under Drink are also great mid-range options.

  • 🌍 Bärenwirt, Müllner Hauptstraße 8, ☏ +43 662 422-404. Traditional food, traditionally furnished restaurant, rather cheap, fabulous beer from the close by Augustiner Bräu. (updated Sep 2022)
  • 🌍 Raschhofer's Rossbräu, Alpenstraße 48, ☏ +43 662 626-444. Traditional, yet somewhat updated, Austrian fare. They serve excellent "Kaiserschmnarrn" a "breakfast" (yet really a dessert). (updated Sep 2022)
  • 🌍 Zirkel Wirt, Pfeifergasse 14 (Papagenoplatz). Delicious traditional and some not-so-traditional food, vegetarian-friendly, great beer, good atmosphere. (updated Sep 2022)
  • 🌍 Gabler Bräu, Linzergasse 9, ☏ +43 662 889-650. Traditional food of high quality, a big selection of salads from the self-service-menu. (updated Sep 2022)
  • 🌍 Gasthof Goldgasse, Goldgasse 10, ☏ +43 662 84 82 00, . 7AM - 24AM. Seasonal, regional, and of the highest quality. (updated Sep 2022)

Splurge
  • 🌍 Hangar 7 / Ikarus, Wilhelm Spazier Straße 7a, ☏ +43 662 2197. If you seek a special environment for your dinner this is the place, a top-cuisine restaurant and a great bar close to the airport. (updated Sep 2022)
  • 🌍 KOLLER+KOLLER am Waagplatz - Restaurant & Tagesbar, Waagplatz 2, ☏ +43 662 842-156. Excellent Austrian fare in a romantic intimate setting. Just steps away from the Salzburg Cathedral on Mozart Plaza. A 3-course meal for two people with a bottle of wine was about €90. (updated Sep 2022)
  • 🌍 Stiftskeller St. Peter, St. Peter Bezirk 1/4 (in the St. Peter church complex), ☏ +43 662 84 12 68-0. M-Sa 11:30-23. Claims to have been opened in 803, and as such the oldest restaurant in the world. Austrian cuisine with some Mediterranean influences in a quite grandiose environment. mains around €25-35, menus €40 (Feb 2019). (updated Sep 2022)
  • 🌍 Restaurant Blaue Gans, 41-43, Getreidegasse. Traditional and noble. Great 'Schnitzel'. (updated Sep 2022)

Sweet
  • 🌍 Café Sacher Salzburg, Schwarzstraße 5-7, A-5020 Salzburg, ☏ +43 662 - 88 977 0. Trying the original Sacher-Torte is a must for all chocolate lovers out there. But there's more to Café Sacher than just cake. They also serve delicious hot food at prices cheaper than other touristy places listed here - plus you enjoy the service and ambiance of the Sacher Hotel. (updated Sep 2022)

Drink

Beer
  • 🌍 Augustiner Bräustübl, Lindhofstrasse 7 (near Muller Hauptstr, or Augustinergasse 4, On the Mönchsberg, bus stop Landeskrankenhaus, or a 20-min walk along the river from the city center), ☏ +43 662 431-246. Augustine monks have been brewing here since 1621. Today it's Austria's largest beer hall, with a lovely garden outside when the weather is nice and enormous inside halls when it isn't. Grab a table, a few ceramic steins of Märzenbier beer straight from the barrel, and pick your favorite Austrian dishes from the market-style shops. Or you can bring your own food (not drinks!) if you want. 1/2L beer €3.60. (updated Sep 2022)
  • The Shamrock, Rudolfskai 12, Judengasse 1, ☏ +43 662 841-610. Guinness, cider, German and Austrian beer as well, occasional live music, and a nice atmosphere. Popular with local university students. Expect the place to be packed on a weekend night. 
  • Stiegl Brauwelt, Bräuhausstrasse 9. Bus stop Bräuhausstrasse on line 1. Tour the brewery and museum and have a Stiegl in the brewery's own pub and beer garden. The tour costs €9 and it includes three 20cl drinks and a gift. 
  • Stieglkeller, Festungsgasse 10, ☏ +43 662 8426810. 11:00-23:00. The Stieglkeller is open from May to September. It offers a small choice of traditional dishes, Stiegl beers, Radler and other drinks. It is most recommendable for its fantastic panoramic view over the city. The lower terrace is with service, though you are expected to consume food there. The upper two terraces are self-service areas. 
  • O'Malley's. Everyone goes here. Great bartenders. Open late for real drinkers. 
  • Die Weisse, Rupertgasse 10 (near Linzergasse), ☏ +43 662 872-2460. Located in one of Salzburg's most historic breweries, this is where all the locals hang out. It's best to make reservations Wednesday through Saturday as it can get crowded. They also serve treats from Bavaria and Salzburg! 

Café
  • 🌍 Tomaselli, ☏ +43 662 844-488. Alter Markt 9. A traditional Viennese coffee house, the oldest in Salzburg. Try the Einspänner and Sacher cake! 
  • 🌍 Café Bazar, Schwarzstrasse 3. Legendary Viennese coffee house with terrace overlooking the river Salzach and the city, where artists and businessmen alike (and yes, tourists as well) sip a "Kleiner Brauner" and discuss last evening's Festival-performance. (updated Nov 2018)
  • 🌍 Fürst, Brodgasse 13. Exquisite pastries, and the place to buy the original Mozartkugel, invented by confectioner Paul Fürst in 1884. (updated Nov 2018)
  • Republic, Anton-Neumayr-Platz 2. A modern café with good breakfast, and a variety of cultural events (Jazz Brunch, Clubbing, special theme parties at night). Turns into one of the most popular places to be during night. (updated Nov 2018)
  • Shakespeare, Hubert Sattler Gasse 3 (close to Mirabell castle), ☏ +43 662 879 106. Art café with good Chinese cuisine, cheap lunch menu during the week. (updated Nov 2018)
  • Anifer Mühlenbrot, Markatplatz. A tiny bakery with a tasty selection of sweets and snacks, and serves cheap breakfast, even though there is only one table. Try the Berger chocolates. (updated Nov 2018)
  • Afro Café, Bürgerspitalgasse (at the end of Getreidegasse). A funky, modern café with decoration inspired by urban African style. Offers a variety of unconventional and great food and drinks. (updated Nov 2018)
  • Café Sacher Salzburg, Schwarzstraße 5-7, A-5020 Salzburg, ☏ +43 662 - 88 977 0. Excellent coffee (try the Wiener Melange if you like your cappuccinos) and great cakes and desserts. The Sacher-Torte hardly requires an introduction. But there are more cakes and tortes. The Strudel is great, and if you have a big appetite the Kaiserschmarrn (huge pancake-like dessert with plum confit and lots of sugar!) will not disappoint you. And it's not as expensive as you might imagine given this is a 5-star hotel. In fact, you'll spend the same, if not more, in any other café in the old part of town. 

Sleep

Camping
  • Nord-Sam, Samstraße 22a, ☏ +43 662 660-157, . Decent sized site with a pool, shop, washing facilities, and on a bus route. By car via A1 Salzburg-Wien (Vienna), exit Salzburg-Nord. Follow signs to Nord-Sam after the traffic lights. Takes about 20 minutes to get into the city and is in a peaceful residential area with a supermarket (Spar) a short walk away. 

Hostels

Budget
  • Gasthaus Hinterbrühl, Schanzlgasse 12, ☏ +43 622 846-798, fax: +43 622 841-859. Edge of old town in a building constructed in 1380, the plumbing is slightly more modern. €37-70 (without breakfast) or €42-85 (with breakfast). 
  • AllYouNeed Hotel Salzburg, Glockengasse 4b, . The hotel is open from 1 July to 30 September and has 69 non-smoking rooms en-suite with hairdryer, flat-TV with cable access, telephone and free internet, 1 handicapped accessible room, breakfast buffet and breakfast room with a panorama terrace overlooking the rooftops of Salzburg, lift, lobby with seating, parking (extra charge), luggage storage, concierge service. 
  • Hotel Gasthof Kamml, Brückenstraße 5, ☏ +43 662-850267, fax: +43 662 850267-13, . 

Mid-range
  • 🌍 Amade Hotel Schaffenrath, Alpenstraße 115–117, ☏ +43 662 639-000, fax: +43 662 639-005, . Located in the southern section of Salzburg, this hotel has 48 rooms and 28 apartments. Rooms start from €75 and include breakfast. 
  • City Hotel Wolf-Dietrich, Wolf-Dietrich-Straße 7 (Old Town), ☏ +43 662 871-275, fax: +43 662 871275-9, . The hotel has rooms decorated in a classic style. Each room has a private bathroom and minibar. The hotel also offers its guests an organic breakfast buffet. Rooms start from €75 and vary according to season. 
  • Hotel Haus Arenberg, Blumensteinstraße 8, ☏ +43 662 640097, . Quietly located on a slope of the Kapuzinerberg this Hotel Garni "House Arenberg" offers a special kind of stay. The view of the City with its breathtaking mountain panorama as well as the sophisticated atmosphere of the Salzburgian lifestyle give the feeling of country-live in the midst of the city. 
  • 🌍 Hotel-Pension Adlerhof, Elisabethstrasse 25, ☏ +43 622 875-236, fax: +43 622 873-663, . A small family-run bed & breakfast, very close to the train station. The hotel offers free wireless internet and bike rentals. 24-hour reception. €48-120 (low season) to €59-140 (high season). 
  • Hotel Auersperg, Auerspergstraße 61, ☏ +43 662 889-440, . Part of the Golden Tulip chain but with an independent feel, this hotel is just off the Linzergasse, close to all old town sights and a pleasant 5-10 min walk into the city centre. Free mulled wine, a fantastic rooftop sauna/spa/winter garden complex (also free) and free wi-fi internet access all over the hotel. Breakfast buffet included and served until 11:00. €85-180 (low season) to €120-240 (high season). 
  • Hotel Trumer Stube, Bergstraße 6, ☏ +43 662 874-776, +43 662 875-168, fax: +43 622 874-326, . Family-run three-star hotel just off the Linzergasse, close to all old town sights. Hosts are exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable. Breakfast buffet included. €89-125 (low season) to €133-161 (high season). 
  • Ambiente-Hotel Struber, Nonntaler Haupstrasse 35, ☏ +43 662 84 37 28, fax: +43 622 84 37 28 8, . Family-run hotel, set in a central location, with spacious rooms, near the old town, yet surrounded by meadows. Rooms reflecting Salzburg tradition, feature shower (or bath tub), toilet, phone, satellite TV and radio. Some rooms have balcony with view of Salzburg Castle.Car park right in front of the hotel. €90-126 (low season) to €138-168 (high season). 
  • 🌍 NH Salzburg City, Franz-Josef-Strasse 26, ☏ +43-662-8820410. This 4-star hotel offers comfortable rooms and is located in the heart of the city. The hotel itself is very modern and offers many amenities to make the stay very comfortable. Rooms from €65. 
  • 🌍 Hotel Weisse Taube, Kaigasse 9, ☏ +43 662 84 24 04, fax: +43 662 84 17 83, . Situated in the center of the old town, Hotel Weisse Taube has been owned by the same family for over a hundred years. Now a four star hotel and fully renovated, it has retained the spirit of the 700 year old citizen house. €68-82 (low season), €85-98 (high season). 
  • Hotel Goldgasse (ehem. Zur Goldenen Ente), Goldgasse 10, ☏ +43 662-84 56 22, fax: +43 662 84 56 22-9, . Very nice hotel set in a central location. €49. (updated Oct 2019)
  • Gasthof Brandstätter, Münchner Bundesstraße 69, ☏ +43 662-434535, fax: +43 662 434535-90, . 
  • 🌍 Holiday Inn, Sterneckstrasse 21. Well furnished rooms. Reasonable breakfast, good service. A little way out of the centre of town. Has parking, some free, mostly paid. €120. 

Splurge
  • 🌍 Hotel Goldener Hirsch, Getreidegasse 37, ☏ +43 662 80840, fax: +43 622 843-349, . Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. This 65-room hotel is across from the Festival Hall and down the street from Mozart's house. The friendly staff is happy to help with all one's business needs. The hotel also has a 24-hour in-room dining and nightly turndown services. €200 per night. 
  • Hotel Schloss Mönchstein, Mönchsberg Park 26, ☏ +43 622 848-555-0, fax: +43 622 84 85 59, . This hotel is comprised of 24 rooms, each equipped with a minibar and a wireless internet power point. There is also a restaurant on site; reservations are recommended. Prices vary according to the season. 
  • 🌍 Best Western Hotel Elefant, Sigmund-Haffner-Gasse 4, ☏ +43 662 843-397, fax: +43 662 8401-0928. One of Salzburg's most ancient buildings, over 700 years old. The hotel is in a quiet alley off the world-famous Getreidegasse. Over the hotel's 400-year history, its purpose was, and still is, to serve its guests according to the best in Austrian tradition. 
  • 🌍 Schwärzler Hotel Neutor, Neutorstrasse 8, ☏ +43 844-1540, fax: +43 662 8441-5416, . Schwärzler Hotel Neutor, known as the artists' meeting place, is located close to the city center. Breakfast is served until 13:00 in your room or until 15:00 in the hotel's 'Artist Cafe.'. 
  • 🌍 Hotel Hölle, Dr -Adolf-Altmann-Str 2, ☏ +43 662 820-760, fax: +43 662 820-760-18, . Hotel Hölle is comprised of 15 rooms, and is on the edge of the city center. The hotel has various sized rooms to suite your level of comfort. The on site restaurant, A la Carte, serves the best of Austrian cuisine, and is open daily from 08:00-12:00. 
  • Romantik & Spa Hotel Gmachl, Dorfstrasse 14 - 5161 Elixhausen, ☏ +43 48 02 12 72, fax: +43 48 02 12 72-12. - On the green outskirts of the city, just about an 8 km drive from Salzburg’s historic heart, you will find the Romantik Hotel Gmachl, the oldest family-run establishment in all of Austria (established in 1334). The hotel offers 35 luxurious rooms, an accredited restaurant and an exclusive Spa & Beauty area, boasting a bio-sauna, infrared cabin, aroma steam bath, fitness room, mist grotto, tanning studio and an outdoor pool heated year-round. 
  • Hotel Bergrose, A-5350 Strobl Weissenbach 162, ☏ +43 61 37 - 54 31, fax: +43 61 37 54 31-5, . Hotel Bergrose is a very romantic hotel at the legendary Wolfgangsee close to Salzburg. 
  • 🌍 Hotel Sacher Salzburg, Schwarzstraße 5-7, ☏ +43 662- 88 977 0, fax: +43 662 88 977 551, . 
  • 🌍 Hotel Stein, Giselakai 3-5, ☏ +43 662 8743460, fax: +43 662 8743469, . 
  • Altstadthotel Amadeus, Linzergasse 43-45, ☏ +43 662 - 87 14 01, fax: +43 662 - 87 14 01 7, . .
  • 🌍 Radisson Blu Altstadt Hotel Salzburg, Rudolfskai 28. 5 Stars. Very comfortable, in a traditional building of Salzburg's old town. Breakfast is also really good. (updated Jan 2021)

Connect

Salzburg has 4G from all Austrian carriers. As of Sept 2021, 5G has not reached the city.

Wifi is widely available in public places.

Cope

Consulates

Go next
  • Hallein (22 000 inhabitants) with the Hallein Salt Mine also known as Salzbergwerk Dürrnberg.
  • Bad Reichenhall (Germany) and Berchtesgaden (Germany)
  • If you get tired of the city you can visit the ice caves south of Salzburg
  • Oberndorf, a small city next to Salzburg where Silent Night, Holy Night, the famous Christmas song, was composed and premiered. You can see the Silent Night Chapel there.
  • For people who prefer nature to sights, hiking on the Untersberg , a trip to Salzkammergut or the Königssee (Germany), or a visit to Bad Ischl may be interesting.
  • Hallstatt, a UNESCO world heritage city, can be reached in about 2 hours by bus through Bad Ischl, or 3 hours by train through Attnang-Puchheim.
  • Freilassing (Germany) is a small German town just across the border, 10-15 minutes by train. Some locals prefer to shop here as goods are slightly cheaper than in Austria.
  • Salzburg is about 2 hours from Munich (Germany) and Passau (Germany), 2 hours from Vienna, and is only a stone's throw from the Alps.
Routes through Salzburg
Ends at ←  W  E  → Vöcklabruck → Linz
Becomes ←  N  S  → Villach → ENDS
END ←  W  E  → Vöcklabruck → Wels


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