Salzburg

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 centres 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 favourably 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 Salzburg tourism website

Getting there

By plane 1 Salzburg W.A. Mozart International Airport (SZG IATA), Innsbrucker Bundesstraße 95 (about 20 minutes from the centre of the city), ☏ +43 662 8580 7911. Connection with the city is provided by a trolley bus. The airport has direct connections from Rotterdam, Amsterdam Schiphol, Bristol, Brussels, Birmingham, Coventry, Exeter, London, Palma de Mallorca, Paris, Saint Petersburg, Istanbul, Moscow, Vienna, all big German cities, and Zurich. (updated Sep 2021) 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 Belgium, 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

Getting 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 (€11,50). A 24-hr ticket costs €4.70, when bought at the vending machine (all prices from 2024). 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. From May 2025, overnight guests will pay a mobility contribution of initially 50 cents per day (from May 2027 1.10 €/day) and can use all public transport in the state of Salzburg free of charge. 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. The Salzburg Card costs: 24 hr/adult €34.00, 48 hours €41.00, 72 hours €47.00 (Oct 2025).

See

Architecture

The Salzburg Altstadt is a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its well-preserved Baroque architecture and rich cultural heritage. Nestled along the banks of the Salzach River and surrounded by the Mönchsberg and Kapuzinerberg hills, the Altstadt is home to many architectural landmarks. Notable sites include the Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of Europe's largest medieval castles; Salzburg Cathedral; and Getreidegasse, a bustling shopping street known for its high townhouses and as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The area also features charming squares such as Mozartplatz, which hosts a monument to Mozart, and Residenzplatz, known for its impressive fountain. The Altstadt's narrow, winding streets and historic buildings offer visitors a glimpse into Salzburg's past, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in history, architecture, and music.

1 Schloss Hellbrunn, Fürstenweg 37, ☏ +43 662 820372-0, fax: +43 662 820372-4931, [email protected]. 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)

2 Hohensalzburg Fortress (Festung), Mönchsberg 34, ☏ +43 662 84 24 30 11, fax: +43 662 842430-20, [email protected]. 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

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. 1 Salzburg Zoo, Anifer Landesstr 1, ☏ +43 662 820176-0, [email protected]. 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. 2 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 2 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.

Festivals For almost a century, Salzburg has hosted the world-famous Salzburg Festival. Festivals also take place during Easter time (with mostly Baroque music), and in autumn.

Salzburg Festival: 20 July – 30 August 2018. For almost a century, Salzburg has hosted this world famous festival, with operas, concerts, and theatre 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. (date needs updating)

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. 1 Europark. Indoor shopping mall. Nothing out of the ordinary, but a good place to take refuge if the weather is poor. Free. (updated Dec 2024)

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 1 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) 2 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) 3 Lechners Würstelstand!, Universitätspl. 18. If you want to try Austria's original street food in Salzburg, this is the place to go. Very traditional, very tasty. Service is fast. Everything is delicious. (updated Sep 2022) 4 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 5 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 6 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) 7 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) 8 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) 9 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) 10 Pommes Boutique, Mirabellplatz 7. A wonderful stop for those who love burgers and fries. Vegetarian options available. Outdoor seating. (updated Sep 2022) 11 Uncle Van, Pfeifergasse 2. A lovely little place co

Drink & nightlife

Beer 1 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 2 Tomaselli, ☏ +43 662 844-488. Alter Markt 9. A traditional Viennese coffee house, the oldest in Salzburg. Try the Einspänner and Sacher cake! 3 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) 4 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,

Sleep

Camping Nord-Sam, Samstraße 22a, ☏ +43 662 660-157, [email protected]. 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 Hotel Lasserhof Salzburg, Lasserstrasse 47. This family-run hotel is located within walking distance of the Mirabell Castle and Gardens. Breakfast is included, and is served 07:00-12:00. There is also free Internet access. Youth and Family Guesthouse Salzburg - Hostelling International, Josef Preis Allee 18, ☏ +43 5 7083-613, fax: +43 5 7083-611, [email protected]. Renovated hostel. Breakfast and linens included. Amenities included: internet, café/bar, and a common room. The Sound of Music is shown nightly at 20:00 in the common room. €15.50-43. YoHo (International Youth Hotel Salzburg), Paracelsusstraße 9, ☏ +43 662 879-649, fax: +43 662 878-810, [email protected]. Check-in: 11:00, check-out: 10:00. The Youth Hotel offers guests clean rooms at reasonable prices. They also show The Sound of Music every morning at 10:30. €19-29. Landesberufsschülerheim Aigen - Hosteling International, Aignerstaße 34, ☏ +43 662 623248, fax: +43 662 623248 4. This hostel has 156 beds and a fitness room. Landesberufsschülerheim Haunspergstraße - Hosteling International, Haunspergstraße 27, ☏ +43 662 875-030, fax: +43 662 883-477, [email protected]. 24 rooms all with an attached washroom and Internet access. Eduard Heinrich Haus - Hosteling International, Eduard-Heinrich-Straße 2, ☏ +43 662 625-976, fax: +43 662 627-980, [email protected]. The hostel is open 365 days a year, and offers its guests Internet and a TV room. Most of the rooms have an attached washroom. Prices start from €16. Muffin Hostel Salzburg, Hegigasse 9, ☏ +43 664 63 67 635, [email protected]. The hostel is opened from 13 July till 6 September and offers wide range of facilities, great location and superb prices starting from €21. A&O Hostel Salzburg Hauptbahnhof, Fanny-von-Lehnert-Straße 4, ☏ +43 662 2342000, [email protected]. Rooms for couples, groups and families for very cheap rates. Close to the main train station. rates starting from €11.

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

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.