Salzburg, Austria is a veritable wonderland of attractions and activities. From the salt mine tours to the amazing scenery, there’s something for everyone. With its historical sites, museums, and natural beauty, Salzburg is an ideal destination for a family vacation or romantic getaway. If you’re planning a trip to Salzburg and wondering what to do while you’re there, we’ve got you covered! Here are our top 10 things to see and do in Salzburg.
The Hohensalzburg Fortress (Festung Hohensalzburg)
The Hohensalzburg Fortress is a medieval castle that sits atop a hill in the city of Salzburg, Austria. The fortress is one of the largest and best-preserved castles in Europe, and it offers stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside. Visitors can explore the castle’s many rooms and corridors, which are filled with artwork and historical artifacts. The fortress also houses a museum, which tells the story of the castle’s long history.
Built in 1077, the Hohensalzburg Fortress has been a part of the city’s history for more than 900 years. It has served as a palace, prison and military stronghold over the centuries. In its heyday, it was one of the most important fortifications in Europe. Today, it is open to visitors who want to explore its vast rooms and catch a glimpse of Salzburg from above.
The fortress was built in the 11th century and served as a military base for centuries. It was also used as a prison, and several famous people were held inside, including Casanova and Mozart’s father Leopold. The fortress is now open to the public and offers guided tours, as well as a restaurant with gorgeous views of the city below. Visitors can also enjoy some music by local bands during concerts at the fortress.
Festung Hohensalzbug is one of the most popular attractions in Salzburg and should not be missed if you visit the area. Whether you want to explore its history or take in the amazing views, it is sure to be a memorable experience!
Getreidegasse
Salzburg’s Getreidegasse is one of the most iconic and well-known streets in Austria. Lined with beautiful historic buildings and home to some of the best shopping in the city, it’s no wonder this street is always packed with tourists. Here are some of the best things to see and do on Getreidegasse:
- Shop at the famous Mozartkugel store, Original Salzburger Mozartkugeln, for delicious chocolates and sweets.
- Check out the window displays at Swarovski, where you can find beautiful jewelry and other sparkling creations.
- Stroll down the street and admire the architecture of the buildings, many of which date back centuries.
- Pop into one of the many cafes or restaurants for a break from sightseeing. We recommend Café Tomaselli, Salzburg’s oldest café, for a traditional Austrian experience.
Mirabell Palace and Gardens
Salzburg is a beautiful city in Austria, and one of the top things to see and do there is Mirabell Palace and Gardens. The palace was built in the early 17th century by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau, and the gardens were added in 1690. The Garden has 10 sections, each with a different theme. There is also a Fountain Court, which has a series of fountains that shoot water up into the air. The gardens are open all year round, and they are free to enter.
The Palace is open to visitors, and it contains the Salzburg Marionette Theater as well as the Marble Hall, which features a spectacular ceiling fresco painted by Johann Michael Rottmayr. The palace also includes a number of other important works of art, including paintings by Rubens and van Dyck. There are guided tours of the palace or visitors can explore on their own.
The Mirabell Palace and Gardens are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Salzburg, and they provide an opportunity to see some incredible architecture and artwork from centuries past.
Salzburg Cathedral
The Salzburg Cathedral is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Salzburg. The cathedral is a Romanesque church that was built in the 12th century. The interior of the cathedral is decorated with baroque paintings and sculptures.
The cathedral also has a crypt which contains the remains of some of the Prince-Archbishops of Salzburg. Visitors can also climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of Salzburg.
The Salzburg Cathedral is one of the oldest churches in Austria and has played a vital role in the history of the city. It served as a spiritual center for many centuries, hosting coronations and other important events. Today, the Salzburg Cathedral remains an important part of the city’s culture and is open to visitors from all over the world.
Mozart’s Birthplace
Mozart’s Birthplace is a must-see for any music lover. The house where Mozart was born in 1756 is now a museum, and visitors can see original manuscripts and letters, as well as personal items belonging to the composer. There are also interactive exhibits where you can learn more about Mozart’s life and work.
The house is located in the Getreidegasse in Salzburg, Austria. It was acquired by the International Mozarteum Foundation in 1880, and opened as a museum two years later. Today, it features five floors of exhibits, including the bed chamber where Mozart was born. The house also has an impressive library with over 11,000 books related to the composer.
In addition to the museum, there are several other attractions nearby related to Mozart’s life and work. These include his final resting place at St Sebastian Cemetery and a statue of him outside the Salzburg Cathedral. There are also multiple concerts held every year at nearby venues to honor his legacy.
Mozart’s Residence
Mozart’s Residence is one of the top things to see and do in Salzburg. It is the former home of the world-famous composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The house is now a museum dedicated to his life and work. Visitors can see Mozart’s bedroom, living room, and study, as well as a collection of his musical instruments. The museum also has a cafe and shop.
Mozart’s Residence is located at Makartplatz 8, 5020 Salzburg, Austria. It is open daily from 9am to 5pm, except for Mondays when it is closed. Admission is €9 for adults and €7 for students and seniors.
St. Peter’s Abbey
St. Peter’s Abbey (German: Stift Sankt Peter) is a Benedictine monastery in Salzburg. It is considered one of the oldest monasteries in Austria, and was founded in 696 by Saint Rupert of Salzburg.
The abbey is located on the northern edge of the old town of Salzburg, on top of Mount Monchsberg. It is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can tour the Abbey Church, which houses the remains of Saint Rupert, as well as the Abbey Library, which contains over 100,000 books and manuscripts.
The abbey is also famous for its musical tradition, as it has been the home of the Salzburg Boys’ Choir since 1617. The choir performs regular concerts at the Monastery Church, as well as other venues in Salzburg and beyond.
The monks of St. Peter’s Abbey are active in many areas of modern life, including education, missionary work, and social outreach projects.
Hellbrunn Palace and Trick Fountains
If you’re looking for a fun and unique activity in Salzburg, head to Hellbrunn Palace and check out the Trick Fountains! These fountains are sure to amuse and delight, spraying water unexpectedly (and sometimes quite forcefully!) at those who least expect it. Visitors can also take a tour of the palace itself, learning about the history of this fascinating building and seeing some of the original furnishings.
The Hellbrunn Palace and Trick Fountains have a long history, going back to the 1600s. The palace was constructed by the Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg, Markus Sittikus von Hohenems, as a summer residence and hunting lodge. He built the trick fountains to entertain guests in the gardens; they were designed to surprise unsuspecting visitors with jets of water that would suddenly spurt out from hidden locations around the grounds.
Today, visitors can take guided tours through both the palace and its gardens, learning about its interesting history and viewing original furnishings from the time of Sittikus. The tour also includes a visit to the trick fountains, so visitors can experience their unexpected bursts of water first-hand.
Whether you’re looking for an entertaining afternoon activity or just want to learn more about Salzburg’s fascinating history, Hellbrunn Palace and its Trick Fountains are sure to delight!
Kapuzinerberg
Kapuzinerberg is one of Salzburg’s most popular attractions, and for good reason. The hilltop park offers stunning views of the city, and is home to a number of interesting sights.
Some of the highlights of Kapuzinerberg include the Capuchin monastery, which was founded in 1617, and the Capuchin church, which dates back to 1743. The monastery is home to a small museum, which contains a number of interesting artifacts relating to the history of the order.
The park also contains a number of war memorials, including one for the Battle of Kapuzinerberg in 1809. Visitors can also learn about the history of Salzburg at the Seckau Abbey Museum, which is located on the grounds of the former abbey.
Residenzplatz – Residence Square
In the centre of Salzburg’s Old City, Residence Square is a particularly stunning forecourt between the archiepiscopal palaces. Surrounding it are the Cathedral, the Old Residence, the New Residence, and a continuous row of townhouses.
Under Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau, five squares were developed, with Residence Square being the largest and most aesthetically pleasing thanks to its massive, elaborately adorned baroque fountain. To make way for the area, 55 mediaeval structures were demolished. The Mannerism-inspired designs of Italian architect Vincenzo Scamozzi may be seen in the square’s layout.
Football games broadcast to the public, concerts, and New Year’s Eve celebrations are just some of the large-scale events that often take place in Residence Square. The September St. Rupert’s Fair and the December Christmas Market are held in Residence Square.
Another must-see for fans of the Hollywood musical “The Sound of Music” is the Residenzplatz, which featured prominently in the film as the location where Maria and the children sang as they rode by the Residenz Fountain. The Residenzplatz was recently renovated after a section of the ancient river stone surface was uncovered.
Residence Fountain
It’s worth your time to check out Salzburg’s most stunning fountain, the Residence Fountain, where four snorting horses appear to emerge from a gushing rock. The upper, scalloped basin is held in place by three dolphins, while the lower, rounded basin is carried by giants firmly planted in the rock. A Triton stands in the upper basin, his conch-shell trumpet spitting out a stream of water.
The fountain was commissioned by Archbishop Guidobald Thun, who was a fountain aficionado. It’s one of the most famous examples of baroque architecture in Europe. Tommaso di Garone, an Italian sculptor, is credited with creating this piece.
Conclusion
Salzburg is a beautiful city full of history, culture and unique attractions. With its breathtaking scenery, fascinating architecture and lively atmosphere, it’s an ideal destination for anyone looking to explore somewhere new.
From the famous sites like Hohensalzburg Fortress or Mirabell Palace to more unusual experiences like visiting Hellbrunn Castle or exploring Salzach River by boat, there are plenty of exciting things to do in Salzburg that will make your trip unforgettable. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next adventure today!