Top Things to Do in Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg is like a film set. Reclining at the foot of wooded cliffs on the banks of a turquoise river, its baroque-gone-mad Altstadt wings you through a millennium of history, with its jewel box of churches, abbeys, and domes. Everywhere you go, you are forced to look up in wonder: at the whopping hilltop fortress; at lavishly gilded palaces and concert halls where Mozart once performed; at mountains peeking up on the horizon where Maria (Julie Andrews) had her twirling The Sound of Music debut.
You can pinch yourself, but it’s all fabulously real. Just don’t expect to have these streets to yourself – the word’s out that Salzburg has got it all going on. That said, there are ways to find peace in this city – whether it’s listening to Gregorian chorales at sunrise or enjoying a gentle cable car ride up a mountain where the Alps open up like a pop-up book. Read on for our top things to do in Salzburg.
1. Hear Nuns Sing at Daybreak
As dawn breaks over the Alps, hoof it up the steep steps of the Nonnbergstiege to reach Stift Nonnberg by 6:45 am to hear the hairs-on-end sound of nuns chanting Gregorian chorales at one of Europe’s oldest working abbeys. Founded by St Rupert, patron saint of Salzburg way back in 715 CE, the Benedictine abbey is off-limits apart from its rib-vaulted church, where you can glimpse Romanesque frescoes.
If it feels like déjà-vu up here, it’s no surprise: you probably have seen nuns waltzing to mass at this abbey before in The Sound of Music. If you’re not an early riser, don’t worry, as you can hear their uplifting song again at 5:15 pm on weekdays, 5 pm on Saturdays, and 4:30 pm on Sundays.
2. See the City from On High
Short but spectacular, the walk from Nonnberg to Festung Hohensalzburg along the Hohe Weg (Festungsgasse) lifts spirits instantly and gives a great overview of the city, with stunning views over the rooftops, spires, and domes of the baroque Altstadt to the forested mountains beyond. Walking up here, far above the hum of the city and the toll of church bells, is truly remarkable. Round out your walk with a romp around the ramparts, lavish staterooms, and museums at the 900-year-old clifftop fortress.
3. Drink Up at the Augustiner Bräustübl
It’s Oktoberfest 365 days a year at the Augustiner Bräustübl, an offshoot of the Munich-run brewery that is Germany’s oldest, dating to 1328. With its vaulted taverns and vast, 1400-seat beer garden under the shade of chestnut trees, this monk-founded brewery at the foot of Mönchsberg has given Salzburg rollicking good times since 1621. Fill your tankard at the foyer pump and visit the Schmankerlgang (deli stands) for hearty, beer-swigging grub like Stelze (ham hock), pork belly, and pretzels as big as your head. You’ll find a friendly, authentic vibe here compared to other beer halls in Altstadt.
4. Sing Along to The Sound of Music
You don’t have to be a die-hard fan of The Sound of Music to enjoy cycling and belting out a few songs while pedaling between film locations. All the classics are part of this half-day bike tour that rolls from palace to plaza, park to abbey, running from April to October. Summer spots fill up quickly, so plan accordingly.
5. Climb Every Mountain
Puckering up on the German border, 1973m (6473ft) Untersberg delivers breathtaking scenery on the fringes of the city. This mountain, dotted with wildflowers, features hiking trails that open up stunning views of Salzburg, the Rositten Valley, and the Tyrolean, Salzburg, and Bavarian Alpine ranges. In summer, paragliders launch from the peak, while winter brings gentle skiing opportunities.
At the top station of the cable car, you can take gentle trails to lookouts like Geiereck (1805m; 5922ft) and Salzburg Hochthron (1853m; 6079ft). Alternatively, trek across a karst plateau to the Schellenberger Ice Cave just over the border in Bavaria. Be sure to wear sturdy boots and bring a fleece or jacket, as temperatures can be significantly cooler here than in the valley.
6. Get an Art Fix at Mönchsberg
With wooded cliffs rising above Salzburg like a theater curtain, Mönchsberg – Monk Mountain – is named after the Benedictine monks of St Peter’s Abbey. The views are heavenly, framing the fortress-topped Altstadt. Follow trails through meadows and woodland, particularly towards Augustiner Bräustübl, to see the Austrian and Bavarian Alps on clear days.
If contemporary art interests you, visit the Museum der Moderne, a striking minimalist building crafted from locally quarried Untersberg marble. You can take the lift or walk from Festung Hohensalzburg to enjoy exhibitions showcasing impressive 20th- and 21st-century art. Outside, admire sculptures like American artist James Turrell’s Blue Pearl – Skyspace.
7. Feel the Mozart Groove at Schloss Mirabell
If you appreciate Mozart without the crowd, skip the typical dinners and head to Schloss Mirabell. This stunning 17th-century palace hosts intimate chamber music concerts in its Marmorsaal (Marble Hall), an exquisite example of stucco and fresco artistry. Renowned ensembles perform compositions by Mozart and other celebrated composers. Concerts happen daily at 8 pm (except Fridays and Mondays). Advance planning is recommended during peak seasons.
8. Marvel at Puppetry Magic at Salzburger Marionettentheater
Experience wonder at the Unesco World Heritage-listed Salzburger Marionettentheater, where performances have captivated audiences since 1913. The theater’s ornate decor rivals that of full-size venues, showcasing intricate puppetry in productions like The Sound of Music, Mozart’s The Magic Flute, and Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. All performances feature multilingual subtitles.
9. Wander the Gardens of Schloss Mirabell
Schloss Mirabell palace is renowned for its beautiful baroque design, completed in 1606. However, it’s the gardens that astound, enhanced by Archbishop Johann Ernst von Thun in 1690, creating stunning fountains, muse statues, parterres, and rose gardens. As you explore, look for the Tänzerin (dancer) sculpture that perfectly frames the fortress backdrop. Fans of The Sound of Music will recognize iconic statues and features like the Zwerglgarten (Dwarf Garden).
10. Cycle the Banks of the Salzach
The banks of the Salzach River offer splendid cycling opportunities, especially in summer. Rent a bike and pedal south for views of the Altstadt as you pass Volksgarten park. Cycling allows you to escape the city crowds for a spell. Pack a picnic and spend an afternoon near the summer palace or, on sunny days, continue to Waldbad Anif, where you can enjoy swimming and canoeing in a serene forest lake.
11. Saunter Along Steingasse
While the baroque Altstadt on the left bank draws attention, Steingasse on the opposite side of the river offers a charming alternative. This narrow lane was once a key route between the city and Italy during the Middle Ages. Today, its gently curving medieval townhouses, adorned in soft fresco colors, are perfect for Instagram moments. Don’t forget to check for the plaque honoring Joseph Mohr, author of the carol Silent Night.
12. Dig into Traditional Austrian Grub at Bärenwirt
For hearty meals in a cozy setting, Bärenwirt delivers delicious schnitzel and traditional Austrian fare. This warm, wooden tavern has been serving guests since 1663. Enjoy generous portions of classics such as Bierbraten (beer roast) and dumplings, or Kasnocken (cheese dumplings). If the weather permits, dine on the terrace with a view of the Salzach River.
This article was first published Jul 12, 2022 and updated Nov 7, 2023.
