Overview
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.
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 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.
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
Get in
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.
To get to the city centre, walk (about 15 min), or use one of the trolley buses.
By bus Budweis-shuttle " 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.
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.
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. Garage companies include Best in Parking, APCOA, Contipark. 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). There are also daily, weekly and monthly passes. 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).
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.
See
The Salzburg Altstadt is a 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.
Schloss Hellbrunn. 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.
Hohensalzburg Fortress. 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. It's the oldest funicular in Austria.
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. 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!
Salzburg Cathedral. 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.
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.
St. Sebastian Cemetery. Holds the graves of Mozart's wife Constanze Weber-Nissen, and the must-see Mausoleum of Archbishop Wolfdietrich.
St Peter's Church, Cemetery, and Catacombs. Climb up for a couple of small chapels and a nice overlook.
Hellbrunn Trick Fountains. Park with trick fountains.
Nonnberg Abbey. Founded around 711/712 by Saint Rupert, the Nonnberg Abbey is the world's oldest continuously operating Christian convent. Situated on a terrace of Salzburg's Festungsberg, it has been a significant religious site for centuries. The abbey church, dedicated to the Assumption of Mary, showcases architectural elements from the Romanesque and Gothic periods, with notable frescoes and a prominent tower. Explore the church and the surrounding grounds, which offer insights into the abbey's rich history and spiritual significance.
Mozarts Geburtshaus. 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.
Mozarts Wohnhaus. Mozart’s Residence was reconstructed after being destroyed during World War II and was opened to the public in 1996.
Salzburg Museum. 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.
Toy Museum. 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.
Museum of Natural History. Science museum in the heart of the city. It offers interactive exhibits covering a wide range of topics, from natural history and geology to physics and astronomy. Highlights include a large collection of local and exotic wildlife, a fascinating look at the universe through the museum's planetarium, and an extensive exhibition on the history of the Earth.
Salzburg Museum of Modern Art. 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.
Residenzgalerie. Art gallery showcasing European paintings from the 16th to 19th centuries. Established in 1923 to revive Salzburg's artistic heritage, the gallery's notable collections include the Czernin Collection, featuring 17th-century Dutch, Italian, Spanish, and French masterpieces, and works from the Schönborn-Buchheim Collection, highlighting Dutch and Italian artists of the same era. Some of the more famous painters include Rembrandt, Carel Fabritius, Carlo Saraceni, and Hieronymus Francken II.
Hangar 7. 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.
Hallein Salt Mine. An ancient underground salt mine on the Dürrnberg plateau near Hallein. With a history spanning over 2,600 years, it was instrumental in establishing Salzburg as a significant trading hub. Today, the mine operates as a museum, offering guided tours that include a 400-metre electric train ride into the mountain, wooden slides between levels, and a boat trip across an underground salt lake. Visitors don protective coveralls and explore various tunnels, some dating back to the 15th century. The mine also provides insights into early mining techniques and the lives of Celtic miners.
Stiegl Brauwelt. Brewery museum offering an immersive experience into the world of beer. You can explore interactive exhibits detailing the brewing process, enjoy freshly tapped Stiegl beer in one of the on-site restaurants, and purchase souvenirs from the brewery shop. Guided tours available at 15:00.
Salzburg open-air museum. The 50-hectare Salzburg Open-Air Museum is located southwest of the city on the Untersberg. The Salzburg Open-Air Museum consists of around 100 original buildings spanning 6 centuries. There are old farms, a brewery, village school, blacksmith shop, power station, old tractors, steam engines and work tools, as well as a historic inn with a cozy garden. Especially on Sundays and public holidays, artisans demonstrate their traditional skills.
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.
Untersberg. The Untersberg is a striking mountain on the Austria-Germany border, easily accessible from Salzburg. Take the Untersbergbahn cable car to Geiereck peak (1,776 m) for stunning Alpine views. The area offers hiking, climbing, and winter sports, with trails suitable for all levels. Bus 25 connects Salzburg to the cable car station, making it a convenient day trip.
Lammer Gorge. A natural canyon carved by the Lammer River near Scheffau am Tennengebirge. This 1 km long gorge features dramatic limestone formations and narrow passages, with a height difference of 43 m. Explore the trail that winds through the gorge, offering stunning views of the rushing river and surrounding cliffs. The trail is accessible for a fee and has been in place since 1884. At both the upper and lower entrances of the gorge, there are guest houses for refreshments.
Do
Salzburg Zoo. 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
Europark. Indoor shopping mall. Nothing out of the ordinary, but a good place to take refuge if the weather is poor.
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!
Salzburger Würstelkönigin. 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.
Heisse Kiste. 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.
Lechners Würstelstand!. 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.
Würstelstand Alter Markt. 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...
Maroni-Salzburg. Have roasted chestnuts and a glass of glühwein in the winter season right before you start off to the Christmas Market. Maronibraterei Salzburg
Wilder Mann. Wilder Mann offers traditional Austrian cuisine. The restaurant provides large portions and friendly-service. Smoking is allowed in the restaurant.
Schmankerl. Affordable meals and you support a social project of the town of Salzburg. Very friendly staff, well attended. The meals are good.
Paninoteca Piccolo Mondo. A lovely selection of paninis that look really lovely and taste just like Italy. Quality wines and tasty pasta. Recommendation for the antipasti platter.
Burrito Factory. 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.
Pommes Boutique. A wonderful stop for those who love burgers and fries. Vegetarian options available. Outdoor seating.
Uncle Van. 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.
Reyna Kebap. Great kebab and very good pizza until late at night. Super Bosna. Very nice staff.
Mid-range Many of the beer halls listed under Drink are also great mid-range options.
Bärenwirt. Traditional food, traditionally furnished restaurant, rather cheap, fabulous beer from the close by Augustiner Bräu.
Gabler Bräu. Traditional food of high quality, a big selection of salads from the self-service-menu.
Gasthof Goldgasse. Seasonal, regional, and of the highest quality.
Goldener Stern. A good choice to enjoy "Salzburger Nockerln" as well as "Topfenstrudel". In the middle of its garden full of trees and flowers there´s an old Austrian stagecoach where children can play.
Raschhofer's Rossbräu. They serve excellent "Kaiserschmnarrn" a "breakfast" (yet really a dessert).
Zirkel Wirt. Delicious traditional and some not-so-traditional food, vegetarian-friendly, great beer, good atmosphere.
Hangar 7 / Ikarus. 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.
KOLLER+KOLLER am Waagplatz - Restaurant & Tagesbar. Just steps away from the Salzburg Cathedral on Mozart Plaza.
Stiftskeller St. Peter. 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.
Restaurant Blaue Gans. Traditional and noble. Great 'Schnitzel'.
Café Sacher Salzburg. 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.
Drink
Augustiner Bräustübl. 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.
The Shamrock. 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. Bus stop Bräuhausstrasse on line 1. Tour the brewery and museum and have a Stiegl in the brewery's own pub and beer garden.
Stieglkeller. 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. 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!
Tomaselli. Alter Markt 9. A traditional Viennese coffee house, the oldest in Salzburg. Try the Einspänner and Sacher cake!
Café Bazar. 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.
Fürst. Exquisite pastries, and the place to buy the original Mozartkugel, invented by confectioner Paul Fürst in 1884.
Republic. 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.
Shakespeare. Art café with good Chinese cuisine, cheap lunch menu during the week.
Anifer Mühlenbrot. 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.
Afro Café. A funky, modern café with decoration inspired by urban African style. Offers a variety of unconventional and great food and drinks.
Café Sacher Salzburg. 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
Nord-Sam. 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.
Hotel Lasserhof Salzburg. 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. 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.
YoHo (International Youth Hotel Salzburg). The Youth Hotel offers guests clean rooms at reasonable prices. They also show The Sound of Music every morning at 10:30.
Landesberufsschülerheim Aigen - Hosteling International. This hostel has 156 beds and a fitness room.
Landesberufsschülerheim Haunspergstraße - Hosteling International. 24 rooms all with an attached washroom and Internet access.
Eduard Heinrich Haus - Hosteling International. 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.
A&O Hostel Salzburg Hauptbahnhof. Close to the main train station.
Gasthaus Hinterbrühl. Edge of old town in a building constructed in 1380, the plumbing is slightly more modern.
Amade Hotel Schaffenrath. Located in the southern section of Salzburg, this hotel has 48 rooms and 28 apartments.
City Hotel Wolf-Dietrich. 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.
Hotel Haus Arenberg. 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. A small family-run bed & breakfast, very close to the train station. The hotel offers free wireless internet and bike rentals. 24-hour reception.
Hotel Auersperg. 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.
Hotel Trumer Stube. Family-run three-star hotel just off the Linzergasse, close to all old town sights. Hosts are exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable. Breakfast buffet included.
Ambiente-Hotel Struber. Family-run hotel, set in a central location, with spacious rooms, near the old town, yet surrounded by meadows. Some rooms have balcony with view of Salzburg Castle.Car park right in front of the hotel.
NH Salzburg City. 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.
Hotel Weisse Taube. 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.
Hotel Goldgasse (ehem. Zur Goldenen Ente). Very nice hotel set in a central location.
Holiday Inn. Well furnished rooms. Reasonable breakfast, good service. A little way out of the centre of town. Has parking, some free, mostly paid.
Hotel Goldener Hirsch. 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.
Hotel Schloss Mönchstein. 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. 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. 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. 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, À la Carte, serves the best of Austrian cuisine, and is open daily from 08:00-12:00.
Romantik & Spa Hotel Gmachl. - 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. Hotel Bergrose is a very romantic hotel at the legendary Wolfgangsee close to Salzburg.
Radisson Blu Altstadt Hotel Salzburg. 5 Stars. Very comfortable, in a traditional building of Salzburg's old town. Breakfast is also really good.
Make Salzburg your own.
Before committing, pick one main reason for this visit and two nearby experiences that support it. Check the guide’s transport sections against current operator information. A convenient base can save more time than adding another attraction.
- Choose your arrival point and one base. Write down the real transfer time, not just the map distance.
- Build a first-day plan with room to settle in. Cluster the places you want to see rather than crossing the city repeatedly.
- Use actual accommodation and transport quotes in your budget. Add fees to the quote before comparing it.
- Keep one uncommitted block. Weather, energy and a good local recommendation can all change your plan.
Source transparency
This guide adapts licensed text by Wikivoyage contributors. It is not a claim that Lakhou has visited or independently verified every listing. We converted the source to plain text, selected practical sections and removed price sentences and private contact information. The planning framework and any related-business booking recommendations above are Lakhou editorial additions.
Original revision 5355927 · Contributor history · CC BY-SA 4.0. Reused text and adaptations on this page are available under that license. Source revision date: 2026-09-12. This is not a date of field verification.
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