Explore the Best Parks in Salzburg for Outdoor Activities
Famous for Mozart, the Sound of Music, and a majestic array of churches and palaces, Salzburg is sometimes overlooked as a city of green spaces. From the richly ornamented parks established by pleasure-loving archbishops to the densely forested hills that rise above the city, Salzburg is a destination that rejoices in outdoor life.
Whether you wish to marvel at fine horticulture, play games, or simply unwind in a peaceful setting, Salzburg offers a plethora of parks that cater to diverse preferences. Moreover, these green spaces provide a window into local life, allowing visitors the opportunity to mingle with residents as they jog, cycle, or enjoy a respite from the city’s summertime bustle.
One of the greatest outdoor assets of the city is the Salzach River, flowing through the center and lined with tree-shaded pathways on both banks. Perfect for strolling and cycling, it serves as an excellent route connecting various parts of the city.
The Mirabell Gardens: A Romantic Haven
There’s something charming about a park originally constructed by an archbishop for his mistress, which perfectly describes Salzburg’s Mirabell Gardens. Established by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich as a gift to the mother of his 15 children, Salome Alt, the gardens feature vivacious flowerbeds and an array of rose gardens that exude undeniable romantic appeal.
With statues of Graeco-Roman gods, fountains, and a circle of stone dwarves in the Zwerglgarten or Dwarf Garden, they offer a splendid introduction to Baroque-era Salzburg’s appreciation for leisure. Furthermore, these gardens served as the primary outdoor location for the Do-Re-Mi sequence in the Sound of Music, adding to their allure.
The Mönchsberg: Best Park for Woodland Walks
It isn’t often that you can access a city’s green spaces via lift, yet this is the quickest route to the Mönchsberg. This green-topped hill, with its forest-covered summit, offers an inviting network of woodland paths leading to spectacular lookout points with panoramic views of the city. Additionally, it is home to one of Salzburg’s cooler cultural attractions, the Museum der Moderne.
After your visit, enjoy refreshments at the Museum’s bistro, or indulge in a meal at Schloss Mönchstein’s Michelin-listed Glass Garden restaurant. Finally, descend northwards to the historic Mülln district for a refreshing beer at the Augustinerbräu garden.
Hellbrunn Palace Park: An All-Day Adventure
Among Salzburg’s parks, Hellbrunn is worth dedicating a significant part of your time to. Located 6km (3.7 miles) south of the center, it was designed by 17th-century Prince-Archbishop Markus Sittikus as an out-of-town retreat. The lavish Hellbrunn Palace dazzles visitors with its frescoes and exquisite furnishings, providing insight into the opulent lifestyles of 17th-century rulers.
The Wasserspiele, a collection of trick fountains that surprise guests, reveal Sittikus’s sense of humor. Open to the public at no charge, the palace park is perfect for a leisurely stroll, featuring ornamental flowerbeds and fishponds that lead to rolling meadows and one of Salzburg’s finest children’s play parks. Ascend to the top of the park’s wooded hill for breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings.
Hans-Donnenberg Park: A Quiet Refuge
Concealed behind the Hohensalzburg hill, Hans-Donnenberg Park is one of Salzburg’s best-kept secrets. This serene area, a mix of rolling meadows and woodland, feels intentionally untended, allowing nature to thrive. Stepping far away from the tourist path, it offers a tranquil spot perfect for peaceful contemplation, with frogs and ducks often outnumbering humans around a reedy central pond. The park’s walking and cycling paths connect with the historical Almakanal, a centuries-old canal that powered the city’s mills, providing a beautiful waterside walk that feels a world apart from the city.
Volksgarten: Fun and Recreation
Running along the banks of the Salzach River, Salzburg’s Volksgarten may lack flowerbeds but brims with activities. With a winding lake and a spraying fountain, the park offers lush lawns and tree-lined avenues bustling with cyclists and strollers. Additionally, visitors can engage in various recreational activities such as beach volleyball, climbing, and more at the impressively equipped children’s play area.
Grab refreshments at the artfully minimalist grey kiosk, then settle on the sandy ground near the lake to savor a moment reminiscent of the seaside. For those wanting to swim, the Volksgarten Bad, located just behind the park, features open-air pools bordered by neat lawns and even a cocktail bar, making it a perfect Mediterranean-like experience.
Schloss Arenberg Sculpture Park: A Hidden Gem
Encased behind Schloss Arenberg, which currently hosts a medical research institute, this charming stretch of woodland and meadow showcases an extraordinary collection of modern, mostly abstract sculptures. It serves as a remarkable glimpse into contemporary German and Austrian art, with standout pieces like Bernhard Heiliger’s rugged Large Phoenix III and Tobias Ballaty’s enigmatic don’t forget, resembling a gigantic golden kidney bean suspended from a tree.
St Sebastian’s Cemetery: Ideal for Meditation
Although not technically a park or garden, St Sebastian’s Cemetery is undoubtedly one of Salzburg’s most intriguing green spaces. Nestled beyond an archway just off the bustling Linzergasse, this intimate, cloistered area features a wealth of grave memorials, many adorned with skulls and bones that emphasize the transience of earthly life. Meditative rather than melancholic, it offers a magical setting to ponder Salzburg’s rich history. Afterward, you can unwind at the nearby courtyard’s Coffee House, a mellow space perfect for reflective moments.
