12 Jaw-Dropping Places in Salzburg to Visit This Year

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You guys, Salzburg stole my heart! The moment I stepped onto Mönchsberg mountain and saw those baroque church domes gleaming against the Alps, I knew this wasn’t just another pretty European city. Standing up there, watching the sunset paint the Salzach River golden while church bells echoed through the valley, I couldn’t stop smiling. This place is seriously magical!

From exploring the massive Hohensalzburg Fortress to discovering the most beautiful places in Salzburg, I fell completely in love with Mozart’s hometown. Trust me, when you’re standing in Mirabell Gardens with those perfectly manicured flowers and the fortress looming in the background, you’ll understand why this city feels like it jumped straight out of a fairy tale. Get ready to explore 12 spots that’ll leave you absolutely speechless!

Top Must-See Places in Salzburg

Looking for the coolest things to do in Salzburg? Explore the historic DomQuartier, shop at Getreidegasse, and admire the stunning Franziskanerkirche. Visit the majestic Hohensalzburg Castle, and enjoy a shopping spree at Europark Salzburg. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or architecture, here are the top attractions to visit in Salzburg.

1. DomQuartier

• 🏆 Best For: Art lovers 🎨, history buffs 📜, architecture enthusiasts 🏛️
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Stunning Baroque interiors, seamless blend of religious and royal power, breathtaking views of Salzburg
• 📸 Top Experiences: Walking the complete royal palace-cathedral circuit, admiring the Cabinet of Curiosities, gazing at the city from the terraces
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Goldener Hirsch – Historic luxury hotel in the heart of Salzburg’s Old Town

Channel your inner aristocrat at the magnificent DomQuartier in central Salzburg. This unique complex connects the Cathedral, Residenz Palace, and St. Peter’s Abbey through ornate galleries and terraces.

The lavish state rooms showcase unparalleled Baroque splendor. Don’t miss the North Terrace with its panoramic views across to Mirabell Palace. The Cabinet of Curiosities displays fascinating artifacts collected by ruling archbishops.

Located in the heart of Old Town, the DomQuartier sits just north of Mozart Square. I’ve never seen more Instagram-worthy interiors in all of Salzburg. Plan to spend about 90 minutes exploring this cultural treasure.

2. Europark Salzburg

• 🏆 Best For: Shopping enthusiasts 🛍️, foodies 🍽️, modern design lovers 🏢
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Contemporary architecture, beautifully designed indoor spaces, stylish atmosphere
• 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring over 130 shops and boutiques, dining at upscale restaurants, enjoying seasonal events and decorations
• 🏨 Where to Stay: ARCOTEL Castellani – Modern hotel with beautiful gardens just a short drive from Europark

Need a break from all that history? Europark Salzburg offers a sleek, modern counterpoint to the city’s ancient center. This award-winning mall sits in the Taxham district, about 4 km southwest of Old Town.

Light-filled architecture and indoor gardens create a pleasant atmosphere for spending those vacation euros. The mall features excellent dining options, from quick Austrian specialties to leisurely sit-down meals.

The seasonal decorations transform the space completely during holidays. Though primarily retail-focused, the center’s architectural merit makes it worth visiting. A direct bus from the main station gets you there in 15 minutes.

3. Franziskanerkirche

• 🏆 Best For: Religious history enthusiasts ⛪, art admirers 🖼️, seekers of tranquility 🧘
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Gothic architecture with Baroque additions, peaceful atmosphere, stunning altarpieces and chapels
• 📸 Top Experiences: Admiring the soaring Gothic ribbed vault, meditating in the side chapels, discovering hidden artistic treasures
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel am Dom – Boutique hotel in a historic building just steps from the church

Escape the tourist hustle at the serene Franziskanerkirche, steps from Salzburg’s busiest shopping street. This remarkable church in Old Town blends architectural styles that tell the city’s evolving story.

The soaring Gothic nave dates to the 13th century. Ornate Baroque chapels were added later. The most striking feature is the magnificent High Altar from 1708.

Morning light filters through ancient stained glass, creating patterns across stone floors. The church sits just off Getreidegasse near Mozartplatz. You’ll leave refreshed and ready to tackle more sightseeing after this peaceful break.

4. Getreidegasse

• 🏆 Best For: Shopping aficionados 🛒, photographers 📷, history enthusiasts 🏛️
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Charming narrow street with iconic wrought-iron guild signs, hidden courtyards, and historic architecture
• 📸 Top Experiences: Photographing the famous guild signs, discovering Mozart’s birthplace, exploring hidden passageways and courtyards
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Radisson Blu Hotel Altstadt – Elegant hotel in a 500-year-old building in the heart of Old Town

Walk the same streets as baby Mozart on Getreidegasse, Salzburg’s most famous shopping lane. This narrow medieval strip in the heart of Old Town has maintained its character for centuries.

Elaborate wrought-iron guild signs project from shopfronts. Modern brands now occupy historic buildings, blending old and new seamlessly.

The bright yellow house at No. 9 is Mozart’s Birthplace, now a must-visit museum. I love exploring the hidden Durchhäuser (passageways) connecting to parallel streets. These open into serene courtyards away from the crowds. The street runs parallel to the Salzach River on the west side of Old Town.

5. Hohensalzburg Castle

• 🏆 Best For: History buffs 🏰, panorama seekers 🏔️, photography enthusiasts 📸
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Imposing medieval fortress architecture, breathtaking Alpine views, magical atmosphere above the city
• 📸 Top Experiences: Climbing the Reckturm for 360° views, exploring the Prince-Bishops’ lavish apartments, attending summer concerts
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Sacher Salzburg – Luxury hotel with fortress views across the Salzach River

Capture the ultimate Salzburg selfie at Hohensalzburg Castle, Europe’s largest fully preserved medieval fortress. Perched atop Festungsberg hill in southern Old Town, it’s visible from almost everywhere in the city.

The fortress offers unparalleled views of Salzburg with the Alps creating a dramatic backdrop. On clear days, the panorama stretches for miles.

Inside, explore the opulent Prince-Bishops’ Apartments with Gothic wood carvings. The Golden Hall showcases extraordinary craftsmanship. Take the funicular from Festungsgasse for easy access, or hike up for the full experience.

6. Kapuzinerberg

• 🏆 Best For: Hikers 🥾, nature lovers 🌿, photographers seeking city views 🌆
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Lush forests within the city, medieval fortifications, stunning views across the Old Town
• 📸 Top Experiences: Walking the historic Basteiweg path, visiting the Capuchin Monastery, photographing the city from the Stadtmauer
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Star Inn Hotel Premium Salzburg Gablerbräu – Comfortable hotel at the foot of Kapuzinerberg

Burn off that schnitzel and strudel on Kapuzinerberg, a green escape minutes from downtown Salzburg. This 640-meter hill rises on the eastern bank of the Salzach River, directly across from Old Town.

The forested slopes hide historical treasures from various eras. The Basteiweg path follows remnants of 17th-century city walls. Six preserved defensive towers add historic charm. Halfway up stands the Capuchin Monastery (founded 1594).

For the best experience, climb to Franziskischlössl, a former fortress now housing a restaurant. Watch the sunset turn Salzburg’s Baroque domes golden. Access the hill from Linzergasse or Imbergstrasse on the river’s eastern side.

7. Leopoldskroner Weiher Lake

• 🏆 Best For: Nature lovers 🌳, photographers 📸, peaceful retreat seekers 🧘
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Serene mirror-like waters reflecting the Alps, historic Leopoldskron Palace backdrop, lush surrounding meadows
• 📸 Top Experiences: Morning walks along the shoreline, watching the sunset behind the mountains, picnicking by the water
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Schloss Leopoldskron – Historic castle hotel featured in “The Sound of Music”

Sound of Music fans, prepare to swoon at Leopoldskroner Weiher, just 2.5 km southwest of the city center. This tranquil lake features magnificent baroque Leopoldskron Palace mirrored in its still waters—a sight familiar from the classic film.

A peaceful path circles the lake, with views changing at every turn. In summer, locals picnic along grassy shores. Winter sometimes transforms it into a natural skating rink.

The sunrise here creates breathtaking reflections as mist hovers over the water. The palace grounds sit on the western shore. The eastern edge provides unobstructed mountain views that make perfect social media content.

8. Mirabell Palace and Garden

• 🏆 Best For: Garden enthusiasts 🌸, classical music fans 🎵, romantic strollers 💑
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Meticulously manicured baroque gardens, marble statues, panoramic views of Salzburg Fortress
• 📸 Top Experiences: Posing on the “Do-Re-Mi” steps from The Sound of Music, attending Mozart concerts in the Marble Hall, exploring the geometrical flower arrangements
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Sacher Salzburg – Luxury hotel with views of the Old Town and river

Up your Instagram game at Mirabell Palace and Gardens in central Salzburg. This baroque masterpiece sits on the Salzach River’s right bank, built in 1606 by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich for his beloved.

The geometrical gardens feature mythological statues and the famous Pegasus Fountain, where the von Trapp children danced. From the flowerbeds, capture perfectly framed views of Hohensalzburg Fortress.

Inside, the magnificent Marble Hall hosts classical concerts. The ornate staircases deserve admiration. The gardens shine most vibrantly from April through October. Winter reveals the stark beauty of formal design against snow-capped mountains.

9. Old Town Salzburg

• 🏆 Best For: History buffs 🏛️, architectural admirers 🏰, Mozart enthusiasts 🎻
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Perfectly preserved medieval and baroque architecture, winding cobblestone streets, dramatic mountain backdrop
• 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring Mozart’s birthplace, strolling along Getreidegasse with its wrought-iron guild signs, enjoying coffee and Sachertorte at historic cafés
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Goldener Hirsch – 15th-century inn turned luxury hotel in the heart of Old Town

Live your European fairytale dreams in Old Town Salzburg (Altstadt). This UNESCO site nestles between the Salzach River and steep Mönchsberg hill, packing centuries of history into walkable streets.

The narrow Getreidegasse dazzles with wrought-iron signs above shops. At number 9, explore Mozart’s Birthplace. Nearby, Cathedral Square impresses with its monumental baroque cathedral.

From Residenzplatz, admire the ornate fountain and surrounding palaces. The funicular at Festungsgasse leads to Hohensalzburg Fortress. My favorite memory is wandering hidden courtyards at dusk when tour groups disappear. Most sights cluster within a 10-minute walk radius.

10. Salzburg Zoo Hellbrunn

• 🏆 Best For: Wildlife enthusiasts 🦁, families with children 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦, landscape admirers 🌄
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Natural habitats integrated into historic Hellbrunn grounds, Alpine setting, conservation-focused exhibits
• 📸 Top Experiences: Watching the Eurasian lynx, visiting the rhino habitat, exploring the adjacent Hellbrunn Palace with its “trick fountains”
• Where to Stay: Hotel Stein – Stylish boutique hotel with artistic interiors and a rooftop terrace overlooking Salzburg

Take a wildlife break at Salzburg Zoo Hellbrunn, one of Europe’s most beautiful animal parks. Located 5 km south of the city center, this 14-hectare complex integrates animal habitats into the Alpine landscape.

Home to 1,500 animals across 150 species, it specializes in Alpine wildlife. The Eurasian Wolf and Alpine Ibex exhibits showcase majestic creatures against natural backdrops.

Next door, discover Hellbrunn Palace with its famous “trick fountains” – hidden water jets designed to surprise guests. Take bus #25 from the main station. Allow three hours to enjoy both the zoo and palace grounds. Early mornings offer the best animal viewing.

11. The Museum of Modern Art

• 🏆 Best For: Contemporary art lovers 🎨, architecture enthusiasts 🏢, panoramic view seekers 🏔️
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Striking modernist architecture perched atop Mönchsberg, dramatic contrast with Old Town, breathtaking city vistas
• 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring cutting-edge exhibitions, dining at the glass-walled restaurant with panoramic views, walking the scenic Mönchsberg path
• Where to Stay: Hotel Stein – Stylish boutique hotel with artistic interiors and a rooftop terrace overlooking Salzburg

Elevate your cultural experience at the Museum of Modern Art (Museum der Moderne), crowning Mönchsberg cliff 140 meters above Old Town. This gleaming white Cubist structure creates a bold contrast to Salzburg’s historic skyline.

The museum houses an impressive 20th and 21st-century art collection. Minimal interiors let the art shine. Strategic windows frame perfect city views.

Access is via the Mönchsberg elevator on Anton-Neumayr-Platz or a scenic 30-minute hike. Don’t miss the museum’s terrace and M32 restaurant for panoramas stretching from the fortress to the distant Alps. Time your visit for sunset for magical twilight views.

12. Wolfgangsee Lake

• 🏆 Best For: Water sports enthusiasts 🚣, mountain hikers 🏔️, relaxation seekers 🛁
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Crystal-clear turquoise waters, charming lakeside villages, surrounding Alpine peaks
• 📸 Top Experiences: Taking a historic paddle steamer across the lake, hiking the Pilgrim’s Way, swimming in the pristine waters during summer
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Im Weissen Rössl – Iconic lakeside hotel with spa facilities and private beach

Escape the city for the ultimate Austrian lake day at Wolfgangsee, just 30 km east of Salzburg. This emerald-turquoise jewel sits surrounded by dramatic mountains with three charming villages along its shores.

St. Wolfgang houses the historic White Horse Inn and a Gothic Pilgrimage Church. St. Gilgen claims Mozart family connections. Strobl offers the best beaches on the southern shore.

Board one of the nostalgic paddle steamers crossing these crystal waters since 1873. Summer invites swimming and sailing. Winter transforms the lakefront into magical Christmas markets. Easily accessible by bus #150 from Salzburg main station, allow a full day to explore.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Visiting the Beautiful Places in Salzburg

Interested in learning more about Salzburg’s most picturesque locations? Below are some frequently asked questions about the top attractions in the region.

What is the most famous thing in Salzburg?

The most famous attraction in Salzburg is undoubtedly the Hohensalzburg Castle, a fortress that dominates the city’s skyline. It’s among the largest and best-preserved medieval castles in Europe. Additionally, Salzburg is globally renowned as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, one of the greatest composers in the history of Western music.

Where are the best views of Salzburg?

For the best panoramic views of Salzburg, head to Kapuzinerberg, a forested hill that offers sweeping vistas of the city, including the iconic Hohensalzburg Castle. Another excellent spot is the terrace at the Museum of Modern Art, which provides a unique perspective of the city set against a backdrop of contemporary art.

Which town is best in Salzburg?

While Salzburg city itself is a gem, the town of St. Wolfgang near Wolfgangsee Lake is often considered one of the best towns in the region. It offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and Austrian charm.

Why is Salzburg a favorite with tourists?

Salzburg captivates tourists with its rich history, stunning architecture, and natural beauty. From the Baroque splendor of Mirabell Palace and Garden to the modern allure of the Museum of Modern Art, the city offers a diverse range of attractions. Its status as Mozart’s birthplace and the setting for “The Sound of Music” also adds to its global appeal.

What is Salzburg famous for?

Salzburg is famous for its well-preserved medieval and Baroque architecture, including landmarks like the Salzburg Cathedral and Getreidegasse. It’s also known for its musical heritage, being the birthplace of Mozart and the host city for the annual Salzburg Festival, a celebration of music and drama.

Is Salzburg prettier than Vienna?

Beauty is subjective, but many travelers find Salzburg to be more picturesque than Vienna due to its smaller size and the natural beauty that surrounds it, including lakes and mountains. Vienna, on the other hand, is known for its imperial grandeur and vibrant cultural scene.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Beautiful Places in Salzburg    

Salzburg is more than just a city; it’s a tapestry of art, history, and natural beauty that captivates everyone who visits. From the architectural marvels like Hohensalzburg Castle and Mirabell Palace and Garden to natural paradises like Wolfgangsee Lake, the city offers a diverse range of experiences that cater to all types of travelers. Whether you’re an art aficionado, a history buff, or someone who simply wants to soak in the stunning scenery, Salzburg has something for you.

The city’s rich musical heritage, epitomized by its most famous son, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, adds another layer to its multifaceted appeal. And let’s not forget the culinary delights and shopping opportunities that await in places like Old Town Salzburg. Each destination within this Austrian gem offers its own unique charm and set of experiences, making Salzburg a must-visit on any European itinerary.

So, pack your bags and set your sights on this Austrian wonder. Salzburg isn’t just a destination; it’s an experience that stays with you long after you’ve returned home.