Ruqayyah Snyder
Salzburg is one of the prettiest destinations in Austria and there is plenty to see and do all year round. The best time to visit depends on what you want to get out of your trip. If you want to make the most of the warm weather, the summer high season is the best time to go, with temperatures of around 60-70°F (15.5-21°C). However, this is also the busiest time of year, with increased traffic, temperatures and prices. If you want to avoid the crowds, September to October is a good time to visit, as the summer crowds have dispersed, but the weather is still pleasant. If you're a skier, Salzburg in winter is a great option, as the surrounding mountains get lots of snow.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best time to visit | September to October |
| Weather during the best time | Comfortable temperatures |
| Crowd during the best time | Less crowded |
| Attractions open during the best time | Beautifully pruned gardens |
| Ideal duration of the trip | 3 to 4 days |
| High season | July and August |
| Events during high season | Salzburg Festival |
| Events in April | Musical events, buskers on the streets |
| Events in May | Maypole ceremonies |
| Events in June | Bach festival, parades to honor Samson |
| Events in Winter | Christmas Market |
| Attractions | Mozart's birthplace, Pferdeschwemme, Nonnberg Abbey, Mirabell Gardens, Mozart Concert Shows, Hellbrunn Palace Trick Fountains, Old Residenz, Modern Art Museum, St. Peter's Keller, Stiegl Beer Garden, Augustiner Monk's Brewery |
| Transport | Hauptbahnhof (main railway station), local bus, trolleybus, bicycle |
| Accommodation | Cheaper outside the city center |
| Food | Merkel und Merkel, Saint Peter's Keller, Tomaselli, 220Grad Rupertinum, Café Bazar |
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The best time to visit
Salzburg is a beautiful city to visit at any time of the year, with each season offering its unique attractions. However, if you want to make the most of your trip, there are some key things to consider when planning your visit.
For those seeking warm days and sunshine, the summer high season, from June to August, is the perfect time to visit Salzburg. The surrounding hills are ripe for walking, with temperatures hovering around 60-70°F (15.5-21°C). This is also when the city's most important music event, the Salzburg Festival, takes place, filling the historic streets with music and people. However, be prepared for increased traffic, temperatures, and prices during this peak season.
If you prefer milder temperatures and fewer crowds, the best time to visit is from September to October. The summer rush has usually tapered off by then, and you can comfortably explore the beautifully maintained gardens and enjoy the surrounding nature.
For skiers and winter sports enthusiasts, the winter months in Salzburg are ideal. The city is blanketed in snow, and the ski resorts come alive with winter sports lovers taking to the slopes. Although it's not unbearably cold, there are fewer gardens open, and you might want to opt for brisk walks instead.
If you're looking for a quieter time to visit, May is a great option. The ski season is over, but the summer crowds have yet to arrive, so you can enjoy decent weather and peaceful sightseeing.
When planning your trip, keep in mind that most sights are open daily until 5-7 pm, and the beer halls are open until late. The Hellbrunn Trick Fountains are open until 9 pm during the peak season but are closed from November to March.
To make the most of your time in Salzburg, it is recommended to stay for at least 3 to 4 full days. This will allow you to explore the city at a relaxed pace and include some side trips, such as a visit to the nearby lakeside town of Hallstatt.
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One-day itinerary
Salzburg is a captivating city that makes for a brilliant city break. The city is famous for its Baroque architecture, which can be seen throughout the old town. The best time to visit Salzburg is from September to October when summer crowds have tapered off, but the city is a great choice all year round.
Morning
Start your day with a visit to the Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of the largest fortresses in Europe. Get there at opening time to avoid waiting in line and decide whether to ride the funicular or walk up the steep path to enjoy the view over Salzburg along the way. Once inside, explore the various wings and courtyards, as well as the museums, including the Main Fortress Museum and a Marionette Museum.
Lunch
After exploring the fortress, make your way down to the old town for lunch. The Afro Café, close to the Modern Art Museum, serves burgers, wraps, and African cuisine. Alternatively, try the elegant coffee house Tomaselli, adorned with dark wood and oil paintings, for coffee and cake.
Afternoon
After lunch, explore the old town, including Mozart's birthplace on the Getreidegasse alley, where you can see the miniature violin he received at age six. Then, visit the DomQuartier and the eighth-century Nonnberg Abbey, where the real-life Maria Kutschera spent two years as a novice.
Evening
End your day with dinner at Saint Peter's Keller, the oldest restaurant in Europe, dating back to 803. Alternatively, enjoy the sunset on the patio of the Stiegl Beer Garden. If you're visiting in the summer, the Trick Fountains at Hellbrunn Palace are open until 9 pm.
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Getting around
Salzburg is a compact city, so it's easy to get around by walking or biking. The historic Old Town is packed with sights, and you can walk to most attractions in the area from here. If you're staying in the Old Town, you can walk to the Hauptbahnhof train station in 15 minutes, or to Mirabell Palace in just 7 minutes.
If you're looking to venture further afield, you can rent a bike for the day from a stand or your hotel. Cycling is a popular way for tourists to get around the city.
Salzburg also has a network of easy-to-use city buses. Bus 25, for example, goes directly to the Zoo, Water Palace, and Hellbrunn Palace. Buses are also a good option for getting to and from the airport. Bus 180 frequently runs between the airport and the train station, stopping near Mirabell Palace on the way. Buses 2 and 10 follow a similar route and cost €2.50 each way.
If you're looking for a more novel way to get around the historic city centre, you can opt for a fiaker (a horse-drawn carriage). There are also plenty of taxis available throughout the city.
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Accommodation
Salzburg, Austria, is a picturesque city situated at the foot of the Alps. The city is known for its classical music scene, its young urban vibe, and its historic Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
When it comes to accommodation, Salzburg offers a variety of options to suit different tastes and budgets. Here is a guide to help you choose the perfect place to stay during your visit:
Old Town (Altstadt):
The Old Town, known as "Altstadt" in German, is the historic heart of Salzburg. It is renowned for its charming cobblestone streets, Baroque architecture, and iconic landmarks such as Hohensalzburg Fortress and Mirabell Palace. This area offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to cozy guesthouses and boutique hotels. Staying as close as possible to the Salzburg Cathedral is ideal, as it is the heart of the Old Town and most accommodations are within a 15-minute walk from it.
Some recommended hotels in the Old Town area include:
- Altstadthotel Weisse Taube: Located within walking distance of attractions like Mirabell Palace and Gardens, this hotel offers renovated rooms and bathrooms, a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and excellent staff who provide great recommendations for tours and transportation.
- Leonardo Boutique Hotel Salzburg Gablerbräu: This centrally located hotel offers modern and spacious suites perfect for families or groups, with contemporary bathrooms and coffee-making facilities.
- Hotel Goldgasse: Located on Linzer Gasse, Salzburg's main pedestrian street, this boutique hotel is set in a restored 500-year-old building. The interiors blend stone vaults and antiques with contemporary touches and pops of colour.
Near the Main Train Station:
The area near the main train station, known as Elisabeth-Vorstadt, offers a range of lodging options, including business hotels, classic pensions, and hostels for those on a budget. While this area may not have notable landmarks, its proximity to the Old Town and convenient transport connections makes it a great base for exploring the city.
Recommended accommodations near the main train station include:
- Austria Trend Hotel Europa Salzburg: Just steps from the train station, this elegant hotel features a panoramic restaurant on the 15th floor.
- Motel One Salzburg-Mirabell: This hotel combines elegance and a prime location, offering stylish interiors and views of Mirabell Palace.
- Arte Hotel Salzburg: Enjoy contemporary design and mountain views at one of the city's tallest buildings, just a short distance from the main station.
Nonntal:
If you're looking for a greener escape, Nonntal is the neighbourhood to stay in. Here, you can enjoy nature and beautiful landscapes while still being within a 15-minute walk of the Old Town. The southern part of Nonntal offers accommodation close to recreation areas and parks, while the northern part is home to Salzburg's art scene, museums, and cultural offerings. Nonntal is also popular for its hip bars, budget-friendly restaurants, and cheap places to stay.
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Attractions
Salzburg is a beautiful city to visit all year round, with each season offering its own unique attractions. The summer high season brings warm temperatures, blue skies and plenty of walking opportunities in the surrounding hills. It is also the busiest time of year, with the historic streets filled with tourists and the Salzburg Festival taking place in July and August. If you're visiting in summer, be prepared for higher prices and increased traffic.
For those who prefer a quieter experience, spring and autumn are excellent alternatives. In spring, the hills are in bloom, and while March and April can still be a bit chilly, May offers pleasant weather and fewer crowds. In autumn, the summer crowds have dispersed, and you can enjoy the beautifully maintained gardens in comfortable temperatures. September to October is considered the best time to visit Salzburg, as you can take advantage of the pleasant weather before the winter chill sets in.
Winter in Salzburg is a magical experience, with the city covered in snow and the ski resorts in full swing. Although some gardens and attractions may be closed, you can still enjoy brisk walks through the open gardens and explore the Christmas markets. Just remember to pack an umbrella, as precipitation is common throughout the year.
Now, let's dive into some of the top attractions Salzburg has to offer:
- Old Town (Altstadt): Get lost in the medieval alleys and charming squares of the Old Town. Visit Mozart's Birthplace, the apartment on Getreidegasse where the composer took his first breath in 1756. Stroll through Mozartplatz, a square dedicated to Salzburg's most famous son, and listen to the street musicians bringing his music to life.
- Sound of Music Filming Locations: Follow in the footsteps of Maria von Trapp and explore the real-life filming locations from the iconic 1965 musical. Start with the eighth-century Nonnberg Abbey, where the real-life Maria Kutschera spent time as a novice. Then, head to the Pferdeschwemme, the 17th-century horse pond featured in the film. Cross the river to the Mirabell Gardens, where the Pegasus fountain, dwarf garden, and hedge tunnel were immortalised in a memorable montage.
- Hellbrunn Palace Trick Fountains: Located south of the city, these trick fountains are a fun attraction, open until 9 pm during the summer months (closed November to March).
- DomQuartier: Explore this beautiful quarter, which houses the eighth-century Nonnberg Abbey and offers an easy walk to other historical sites.
- High Fortress (Festung Hohensalzburg): Visit the iconic fortress in the first half of the day before it gets busy, and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
- Salzburg Card: If you're planning to visit multiple attractions, consider purchasing the Salzburg Card, which offers free access to museums and other sights, as well as free use of buses and trolleybuses.
- Day Trips: Take a day trip to the picturesque town of Hallstatt, a UNESCO-listed lakeside town known for its historic salt mine.
- Cafes and Restaurants: Indulge in the local cuisine and coffee culture. Visit Tomaselli, an elegant coffee house dating back to 1703, or try 220Grad Rupertinum, one of Salzburg's modern specialty cafes. For dinner, dine like royalty at Merkel und Merkel, a restaurant housed in a 17th-century palace with stunning Alpine views.
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Frequently asked questions
The best time to visit Salzburg is from September to October when summer crowds have dispersed, and you can enjoy the gardens in comfortable temperatures. The summer high season is also a popular time to visit Salzburg, with blue skies and temperatures of around 60-70°F (15.5-21°C). However, this is the busiest time of year, with increased traffic, temperatures and prices.
The city's most important music event, the Salzburg Festival, takes place in July and August. There are also numerous walking trails in the surrounding hills.
In winter, skiers and winter sports enthusiasts take to the slopes of the surrounding mountains, which are covered in snow.
Salzburg is one of Austria's prettiest destinations in any season, with the city offering museums, walking tours, restaurants and cafes, and historic sites such as the Old Town and Mozart's birthplace.
Many visitors try to see Salzburg in 24-48 hours, but staying for 3-4 days will allow you to see everything at a more relaxed pace.
