11 Historical sites to see in Salzburg Austria

There is no doubt that the city of Salzburg is one of the prettiest I have seen. Like much of Europe, Austria’s cities are rich in history, culture, and charm. Salzburg is a popular destination known for its famous landmarks and well-preserved historical sites, such as Hohensalzburg Fortress.

Though it is fabled for its rich history and architecture, Salzburg also plays a vital role in musical culture. This is where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born and lived for the first part of his life. His strong influence is reflected throughout the city in attractions such as Mozart’s residence and the Mozart birthday celebration. Salzburg’s landmarks have also been used as filming sites for the famous Sound of Music, which is particularly popular with tourists.

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Overview of the historical old town of Salzburg City, Austria

About Salzburg & Its History

Salzburg is located on the western edge of Austria, near the German border, in the Salzburgerland region. It is the fourth-largest city in Austria, stretching along both banks of the River Salzach. Thanks to its proximity to the Austrian Alps, visitors can combine their trip with a winter break at one of the nearby ski resorts, such as St Johann Alpendorf.

The area has been a site of human settlement for millennia. Recorded history dates back to the 5th century. The various settlements merged into one city, Juvavum, under Roman occupation around 15 BCE. The name Salzburg (literally Salt City) was coined by Saint Rupert around 700 AD.

Today, there are two distinct and intriguing areas of the city to visit: the Old City and the New City, separated by the River Salzach. However, they are connected via several bridges, including historical ones such as the pedestrian bridges Marko-Feingold-Steg or Passerelle Mozart.

Historical Attractions and Landmark Sites in Salzburg

While Salzburg is a large city, most of its historical and landmark sites are located within the Old Town. The Old Town district is a must-see, with narrow medieval streets and picturesque courtyards. If you have more than one day in Salzburg, you can venture further out to the picturesque villages of Hallstatt or explore the Dachstein Ice Caves.

Here is a list of essential historical attractions and landmark sites to see in this beautiful city of Salzburg, Austria, to add to your itinerary.

⇒ Make sure to wear good walking shoes to get around the Salzburg sites. I wear Merrell Low Rise Hiking Shoes, which are comfortable and lightweight.

Walking along the Fortress Walls at Hohensalzburg Castle, Salzburg

1. Hohensalzburg Fortress

It isn’t a trip to Salzburg without visiting one of the most famous historical attractions, Hohensalzburg Fortress. Perched on top of Festungsberg Hill overlooking the stunning city is this impressive medieval white Fortress. It was originally built in 1077 to protect the rulers and archbishops from invasion and attacks.

Over the years, it has undergone numerous extensions and expansions, making it one of the largest fully preserved castles in Europe today. One such addition is the Funicular Cable Car, which allows easy access for tourists from the bottom of the hill to the Hohensalzburg Fortress entrance. You can also get there via the Monchesberg elevator or on foot.

There are plenty of amazing things to see and do in the Fortress, and you can literally spend a few hours there without a problem. Inside, you have the State Rooms, Fortress Museum, Rainer Regiments Museum, and unique Marionette Museum. As well as the Stables/salt storage, castle courtyard, Romanesque church, and Kuenburg bastion.

For more adventures, head up to the viewing platform at the Reckturm Tower, where you will have spectacular 360-degree views of the city. Make sure to take your zoom lens for your mirrorless camera or smartphone.

Exploring in and around Hohensalzburg Fortress

Afterwards, stop off for a drink or something to eat at Cafe-Restaurant Nussbaumer at the bottom of the cable car while taking in the views above the fortress. Hohensalzburg Fortress is worth a visit, even for just a couple of hours or for the stunning views. The fortress is undoubtedly the number one site in Salzburg and a historical wonder.

Tickets for the Fortress rooms and exhibitions, along with a return funicular ride, can be purchased online.

Additional Information

Good to know: The cable car up and inside the Fortress, apart from the State Rooms, is included with your Salzburg Card.
Address: Mönchsberg 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

2. Salzburg Old Town

Salzburg’s Altstadt, or Old Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its buildings reflect the city’s baroque and medieval background. This incredibly beautiful part of the city is visited by tourists from around the world every year. The narrow streets are ideal for exploring, and for me personally, this was one of my favourite things to do in Salzburg.

Altstadt comprises several sub-areas and offers several days of intriguing walking and sightseeing. Because the area is so popular with visitors, the city regulates certain activities to help preserve the integrity of the buildings. If you have time, stop by for a coffee at the historic Café Tomaselli, established in 1700. Book a 2.5-hour guided walking tour learning about the Old Town and about Mozart on GYG.

On the viewing platform at the Reckturm Tower, Hohensalzburg Castle

3. Mirabell Palace and Gardens

Built in 1606, Schloss Mirabell remains a dreamy destination and is a popular venue for weddings. Listed as a cultural heritage monument, the Palace was mainly used as a pleasure palace. The palace features multiple installations, including fountains and gardens (such as a magnificent rose garden), which visitors can explore at any time.

It also features a theatre and the Marble Hall, where numerous small concerts take place. Like so many great palaces of the past, the magnificent Mirabell Palace was built for a lover. In this case, prince-archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau commissioned it for his mistress, Salome Alt.

Appropriately, the Marble Hall is regarded as one of the most magnificent wedding halls in the world. The “Angel Staircase” leads up to the Marble Hall and is worth a stop as it’s beautifully decorated with numerous cherubs.

While you can’t visit the Marble Hall without an event, you can see the gardens and the Angel Staircase. Consider catching a fabulous live concert there. Alternatively, I suggest booking a 2-hour walking tour that visits Mirabell Gardens and explores the connection to the Sound of Music and Mozart.

Opening hours: 08:00- 18:00 daily
Address: Mirabellplatz, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

4. Mozart’s Residence

Hagenauer House on Getreidegasse wasn’t the Mozart family’s only home in Salzburg. The family moved to Dance Master’s House, now “Mozart’s Wohnhaus” or Mozart’s residence. It is located at No. 8 Makartplatz on the same side of the Salzach as Mirabelle Palace. Mozart lived here until he moved to Vienna in 1781, and his father lived there until his death in 1787.

The building was destroyed during World War II, but after the war, it was reconstructed as closely as possible to the original design. Today, Mozart’s residence is a museum, much like Mozart’s birthplace. Portraits, documents, and multimedia exhibits provide an in-depth look at the composer’s life. This is a must-see for any Mozart fan. Buy a single-entry ticket or choose a combined ticket that includes a visit to the residence, if you don’t have a Salzburg Card.

Opening hours: 09:00 – 17:30 daily
Address: Makartplatz 8, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
Free admission with Salzburg Card

Visiting the Mozart Residence in Salzburg

5. Mozartplatz Square

Mozartplatz, formerly known as Michaelsplatz, is a square in the heart of the Old Town, near the Salzach River. At the centre of the square stands an ornate bronze statue of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, which was unveiled in the 1800s in the presence of his sons. In addition to the statue, the square is home to attractions like the Salzburg Museum and the Salzburg Christmas Museum.

The city’s tourist information office is located on one of the corners, too. If you are looking for a spot to people-watch or want to take in the atmosphere of Salzburg, head to Café Glockenspiel, located directly in front of the statue. Just off of Mozartplatz square and within a few minutes’ walking distance are two adjoining squares, the Residenzplatz and the Domplatz, both of which are worth seeing.

6. Mozart’s Birthplace

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is one of the most renowned musical figures in Salzburg, Austria, and arguably the world. He was born in Hagenauer Haus, No. 9 Getreidegasse, built in the 12th century. Not surprisingly, the city is very proud of this composer’s achievements and has created a monument to his birthplace that is truly impressive. Today, the home is a museum and a major attraction in Salzburg, albeit with a modern visual aesthetic.

Some original furniture occupies the rooms, and many artefacts, including musical instruments, manuscripts, and informational sheets, are housed in gloriously lit cabinets. The clavichord on which he composed Die Zauberflöte is among the delightful highlights. You can buy a single entrance ticket to his birthplace or opt for a combined ticket that includes a visit to the residence as well. If you are a fan, book a private guided walking tour of Mozart’s life.

Opening hours: 09:00 -17:30 daily
Address: Getreidegasse 9, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
Free admission with Salzburg Card

One of the top things to do is visit Mozart’s Birthplace in Salzburg

7. Neue Residenz

The Neue Residenz, or New Residence, is a stunning building adorned with 1600s stucco. The Residenz Neugebäude was built in 1588 by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau. The building hosts the Salzburg Museum and the famous musical Glockenspiel. Between 1670 and 1680, Prince-Archbishop Max Gandolf von Kuenburg expanded the palace, adding the famous glockenspiel that attracts many visitors today.

Installing the glockenspiel was not without difficulty. The story goes that when the 35 bells were ordered from Belgium, they could not be properly installed. The local engineers spent two years figuring out how to install the glockenspiel, but it was worth it. Even 300+ years later, it’s still regarded as one of the city’s marvels. These amazing bells play at set intervals each day and beautifully recite classical works by composers such as Mozart.

Please note that the New Residence is currently closed until late 2026 due to renovation and site expansion.

Address: Mozartpl. 1, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
Free admission with Salzburg Card

8. Shop on the historical Getreidegasse street

Getreidegasse, or Grain Lane, is a historic pedestrian shopping street in Salzburg’s old town. It is also the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, at No. 9, where he lived until he was 17. As early as the Roman era, the Getreidegasse was a vital route through the city, used for travel to Bavaria. The narrow street features numerous townhouses packed together, which become steadily smaller from the first floor upward.

On the outside, each place has a unique characteristic, a wrought-iron guild sign and quaint little windows displaying its products. Depending on their significance, they are frequently adorned with important historical dates and the names of previous owners. While you will find many exclusive shops along Getreidegasse, this street is worth exploring. Especially the many through-houses that lead to charming courtyards, which offer their own surprises, were my favourite to see.

Wondering along the Getreidegasse shopping street in Salzburg

9. Hellbrunn Castle/Palace

There’s so much to see and enjoy at Hellbrunn, which is one of the most popular attractions in Salzburg. It is located in the southern Morgz district of the city near the Salzburg Zoo. You can walk there or take the easy-to-use public bus No. 25. Four hundred years ago, the Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg, Markus Sittikus, wanted to entertain his guests with a magical experience. So, he built a wonderland of trick fountains around the palace. The entire spectacle is still something to marvel at today.

A trip through the palace grounds combines modern elements, such as guided audio tours, to create a breathtaking summer experience for the whole family. In addition to the famous fountains, you can explore the grottos, a mechanical theatre, and even themed tours. This is one of the top sights in Salzburg. For something different, book a river cruise to Hellbrunn Palace and trick fountains, and return by double-decker bus with a guide.

Opening hours: 9:30 – 17:30 daily
Address: Fürstenweg 37, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
Free admission with Salzburg Card

10. Salzburg Cathedral

What’s an Austrian town without a cathedral? Salzburg’s own cathedral was rebuilt in 1181 after the original church, consecrated by St Rupert in 774, was burned down. It is located in the Altstadt, within the enclosed squares of Residenzplatz and Domplatz. The front facade features dual bell towers and is a fine example of a Baroque Cathedral.

The magnificent interior features detailed frescoes on the dome and columns, as well as a beautiful organ. One of the significant highlights is hearing the cathedral bells ring through the city streets at noon. The organ concert ticket, which includes entrance to Salzburg Cathedral, lasts 30 minutes and is held daily except on Sundays. Otherwise, you can purchase just any entry ticket that includes an audio guide.

Opening hours: 08:00 – 18:00, Sundays 13:00 – 18:00
Address: Domplatz 1a, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
Discount with the Salzburg Card

Salzburg Cathedral at sunset, Austria

11. St. Peter’s Monastery, Cemetery & Catacombs

Another historical site worth visiting in Salzburg is St. Peter’s Monastery, Cemetery, and Catacombs. A popular spot in Austria with “The Sound of Music” fans. Located near the Funicular Cable Car below the Mönchsberg cliffs. St. Peter’s Monastery is among the oldest monasteries in Europe, established in 696 AD.

Adjacent to the monastery, St. Peter’s Cemetery (Petersfriedhof) is filled with elaborate tombs, flowers, and wrought-iron crosses. Just above, there are the catacombs carved into the rock, where early Christians once worshipped quietly in caves.

Other Historical sites you might want to see in Salzburg

Hohenwerfen Fortress is a 12th-century castle in the Pongau region of Salzburg.

Do a Sound of Music Tour: Visit some of the most beautiful and historically significant locations where the movie was filmed in Salzburg.

Enjoy a half-day guided tour of the historic town of Hallstatt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its breathtaking views.

Have dinner at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, which opened in 803AD and is Europe’s oldest restaurant.

Take a half-day tour to the Bavarian Mountains and Salt-Mines, dating back 450 years.

I had a 48-hour Salzburg Card for my time in the city, including visits to the sites.

Use a Salzburg Card for historical sites in the city

If you plan to visit Salzburg’s top landmarks, attractions, and museums, I recommend getting a Salzburg Card. It will save you money and simplify the ticket-buying process at each attraction. With the SalzburgCard, you can go directly into some of the city’s main attractions, such as Hohensalzburg Fortress.

The Salzburg Card also offers discounts on hotels, tours, restaurants, cultural events, and concerts. Depending on your duration, you can choose a 24-, 48-, or 72-hour option. You can purchase a Salzburg Card here by selecting your desired duration and date.

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How about reading these other interesting articles on historical sites in Austria and Europe?

Have you visited any of Salzburg’s historical sites, or do you know of any other landmark attractions I can add? Please let me know in the comments below.

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Disclaimer: Even though I was a guest of Salzburg Tourism and Salzburgerland Tourism during my three days. All views are my own and based on my own experience.

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Booking links and information for Salzburg

I stayed at the JUFA Hotel Salzburg City for 2 nights, which was reasonably priced. It was also within walking distance of most Salzburg attractions and historical sites. You can check availability for all hotels in the city.
I flew directly from London to Salzburg with EasyJet. Check flight prices on Trip.com.
Here is a selection of cultural tours you can book and prices for Salzburg city.
Book a car from Salzburg to explore the great area of Salzburgerland.

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