Your Complete Guide to Exploring the Best of Salzburg
Salzburg is a picturesque city surrounded by stunning alpine landscapes, offering a relaxed atmosphere with a mix of historical charm and modern convenience. It’s easy to explore on foot or by public transport, with affordable accommodations ranging from hostels to boutique hotels. Known for its artistic and cultural vibe, Salzburg is perfect for both budget travellers and those seeking a peaceful, scenic getaway.
When to visit
Temp
Mar – May
Sep – Nov
-5 – 25°C
23 – 77°F
Salzburg’s Top Attractions
Attraction Matrix
Search for attractions that you are interested in based on WindingTravel categories:
WindingTravel Category Examples
Nature & Outdoors: Hiking, National Parks, Beaches, Wildlife Viewing, Camping
Culture & History: Museums, Monuments, Historical Buildings, Cultural Tours, Art Galleries
Food & Drink: Local Cuisine, Food Tours, Markets, Wineries/Breweries, Street Food
Entertainment & Nightlife: Bars, Nightclubs, Live Music, Festivals, Comedy Clubs
Adventure Sports: Surfing, Skydiving, Rafting, Scuba Diving, Climbing
Relaxation & Wellness: Spas, Hot Springs, Yoga Retreats, Meditation Centres, Thermal Baths
Shopping & Markets: Souvenirs, Flea Markets, Shopping Districts, Boutique Shops, Craft Fairs
Unique Experiences: Workshops, Volunteering, Local Festivals, Artisan Crafts, Rooftop Bars
City Highlights: Iconic Landmarks, Famous Streets, Observation Decks, Architectural Tours, Scenic Views
Family-Friendly: Zoos, Aquariums, Theme Parks, Interactive Museums, Educational Centres
Country Highlights: Attractions that are on the WindingTravel Country page that most tourists wont want to miss!
Review further details of each attraction to find out more:
| Hallstatt and Lake Hallstatt | Visit the picturesque village of Hallstatt, with its stunning lakeside setting, charming alpine houses, and ancient salt mines, often described as Austria’s prettiest town. |
| Salzkammergut Lakes Region | Explore the scenic Salzkammergut region, a collection of crystal-clear lakes and alpine landscapes perfect for boating, hiking, and enjoying Austria’s natural beauty. |
| Untersberg Mountain | Take a cable car up Untersberg Mountain for hiking and breath-taking views over Salzburg and the surrounding countryside. |
| Salzburg Old Town (Altstadt) | Explore Salzburg’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, with its baroque architecture, narrow streets, and historic landmarks like Mozart’s Birthplace and Salzburg Cathedral. |
| Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave | Discover the world’s largest ice cave, located in Werfen near Salzburg, featuring breath-taking ice formations in a labyrinth of underground chambers. |
| Hohensalzburg Fortress | Take a funicular ride to Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of Europe’s largest medieval castles, offering panoramic views of Salzburg and the Alps. |
| Mirabell Palace & Gardens | Stroll through the stunning gardens of Mirabell Palace, famous for its floral displays and as a filming location for The Sound of Music. |
| Hellbrunn Palace & Trick Fountains | Visit Hellbrunn Palace, known for its whimsical trick fountains and water displays, along with its beautiful parklands. |
| Mozart’s Birthplace | Visit the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in Salzburg’s Getreidegasse, now a museum dedicated to the life and works of the famous composer. |
| Salzburger Dom (Salzburg Cathedral) | Admire the baroque beauty of Salzburger Dom, the city’s 17th-century cathedral, with its striking dome and frescoed interiors, central to Salzburg’s religious history. |
Check the map to plan your route:
Transport
Salzburg offers efficient public transport, including buses and trains, all easily accessible with the Salzburger Verkehrsverbund (SVV) card. The city is also very walkable, especially around the historic centre. Ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt are available for convenient travel, offering an alternative to public transportation.
Seasonality and Weather
Salzburg experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summer (June–August) is warm, with temperatures ranging from 15°C–25°C (59°F–77°F). Autumn (September–November) sees cooler temperatures, between 5°C–15°C (41°F–59°F), with beautiful fall foliage. Winter (December–February) is cold, with temperatures ranging from -5°C–5°C (23°F–41°F), and snow is common. Spring (March–May) is mild, with temperatures ranging from 5°C–15°C (41°F–59°F).
The best time to visit is during spring and autumn when the weather is mild, and the city is less crowded.
Where to stay
Altstadt (Old Town): Central and historic, perfect for those who want to be close to key attractions, with charming boutique hotels.
Neustadt: A lively area with a mix of restaurants, shops, and modern accommodations.
Lehen: Quieter, more residential area with good transport links and affordable options.
Riedenburg: Scenic neighbourhood offering a more relaxed atmosphere and close proximity to nature.
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