# Salzburg: A Baroque City Set to Music

> A practical guide to the Old Town, the fortress and Mozart's houses, the coffee houses, the Festival, the Advent markets and day trips into the mountains and lakes.

- **Section:** Travel Guides
- **Country:** Austria
- **Published:** 2026-10-16
- **Author:** Voyage Editors
- **Publisher:** Voyage (https://thevoyage.gr)
- **Type:** practical travel guide, our own editorial writing
- **URL:** https://thevoyage.gr/en/destinations/salzburg

Salzburg is a city that performs. Every summer since 1920, Hugo von Hofmannsthal's Jedermann has been played in the open air on Cathedral Square in front of more than 2,500 people, and the festival's founders described the place in one phrase: the whole city is a stage. The Baroque Old Town on both banks of the Salzach has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, and it holds around 1,000 historic buildings in about 236 hectares.

Mozart was born here, in a house on Getreidegasse, and the city still keeps time with him. But Salzburg is just as good at the smaller pleasures: a Melange at a marble table, a stone mug of beer drawn from a wooden barrel, a Salzburger Nockerl big enough to share, an Advent market under the fortress. This guide is about how to enjoy all of it well.

## The Areas

The Salzach divides the centre in two. The Old Town proper sits on the left bank under the Mönchsberg and the fortress; the right bank has its own old streets at the foot of the Kapuzinerberg. Almost everything is walkable.

- Altstadt (left bank) — Getreidegasse, Mozart's Birthplace, the Cathedral, Residenzplatz and the Christmas market, with the fortress above. Best for a first visit and short stays, when you want to step straight out into the sights.
- Right bank: Linzergasse and Steingasse — Linzergasse runs from the Platzl by the Staatsbrücke towards Schallmoos with boutiques and restaurants, while Steingasse, one of the oldest streets on this side, follows the river under the Kapuzinerberg. Good for repeat visitors and anyone who likes a walk up a hill before breakfast.
- Mirabell and the Neustadt — the area between Mirabell Gardens, Makartplatz and the station, with the Mozart Residence, St Andrew's Church and its Thursday market. Practical for arrivals by train and for travellers who want the Old Town within walking distance.
- Nonntal and Mülln — two quieter quarters close to the centre: Nonntal, just south of the Old Town, and Mülln, at the northern end of the Mönchsberg, with the Augustiner brewery. Suits travellers who like a neighbourhood feel close to the centre.

## What to See and Do

Start at Hohensalzburg Fortress, begun in 1077 under Archbishop Gebhard and described by the tourist board as the largest fully preserved castle in Central Europe. The fortress railway has run up from Festungsgasse since 1892. Inside are the Fortress Museum and the Prince's Rooms, furnished in 1501/02. An All-Inclusive ticket with the railway was €19.20 for adults in the most recent published prices.

Mozart's two houses tell two chapters of his life. He was born on 27 January 1756 at Getreidegasse 9, where the family lived on the third floor from 1747 to 1773; the museum holds his violin and clavichord as well as letters and portraits, and opens daily 09:00–17:30. In 1773 the family moved across the river to the Mozart Residence at Makartplatz 8, with Mozart's pianoforte and, in the courtyard, the small wooden house in which he is said to have composed The Magic Flute. A combined ticket for both costs €25.

Getreidegasse itself is worth slowing down for. Wrought-iron guild signs hang over the shopfronts, and the Wieber metalworkers still make them by hand. Look for the through-houses, passages to the next street; the Schatz House runs from No. 3 to Universitätsplatz.

Salzburg Cathedral, consecrated in 1628, was the first early Baroque church north of the Alps, designed by Santino Solari. Mozart and Joseph Mohr, who wrote the words of Silent Night, were both baptised in its bronze font of 1311; admission is charged. Next door, St Peter's Abbey is considered the oldest monastery still in existence in the German-speaking world.

Across the river, Mirabell Palace was built in 1606 by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich for Salome Alt. Its Marble Hall, where the young Mozart and his sister Nannerl performed, is now a wedding hall, and the gardens, with the Pegasus fountain from The Sound of Music, are free and open daily from early morning. For views, take the Mönchsberg lift up to the Museum der Moderne.

Keep a day for the mountains and lakes. The Untersbergbahn, about 10 kilometres south and reached by bus 25, climbs to 1,776 metres in under ten minutes. In the Salzkammergut, the Schafberg cog railway has run from St. Wolfgang to the summit since 1893, a 40-minute ride. Hallstatt, on its fjord-like lake, is part of the Hallstatt Dachstein Salzkammergut World Heritage landscape: see the painted skulls in the charnel house and the Skywalk 360 metres above the rooftops. Guided bus tours from the city go via Fuschl, St. Gilgen and Bad Ischl.

## The Festival and Advent

The Salzburg Festival was founded by Max Reinhardt, Hugo von Hofmannsthal and Richard Strauss and has run every July and August since 1920. Jedermann on Cathedral Square sells out every year. You do not need a ticket to feel it: the free Fest>Spiel>Nächte screenings on Kapitelplatz show selected productions on a large outdoor screen. The 2027 summer festival runs from 16 July to 29 August, with the Whitsun festival from 14 to 17 May.

In winter the city turns to Advent. Salzburg Advent Singing began in 1946, when the musician Tobias Reiser invited friends to a carol concert, and it has been held in the Grosses Festspielhaus since 1960. Silent Night was first performed on 24 December 1818 in Oberndorf near Salzburg. The 2026 market dates published by the organisers and the tourist board:

- Salzburger Christkindlmarkt, Domplatz and Residenzplatz — 19 November 2026 to 1 January 2027, Monday to Thursday 10:00–20:30, Friday until 21:00, Saturday 09:00–21:00, Sundays and holidays 09:00–20:30; in its current form since 1974.
- Hellbrunner Adventzauber, Hellbrunn Palace — 19 November to 24 December, Tuesday to Friday 13:00–20:00, weekends and 8 December from 10:00; €8 until 19:00 with a hot drink included, free after 19:00.
- Fortress Advent, Hohensalzburg — 27 November to 20 December, on Advent Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays plus 7 and 8 December; free if you walk up and mention the Advent market at the ticket desk.
- Mirabellplatz — 19 November to 31 December, Sunday to Thursday 10:00–20:00, Friday and Saturday until 21:00.
- Sternadvent, Sternbräu courtyard between Getreidegasse and Griesgasse — 19 November 2026 to 6 January 2027, carrying on after Christmas as a winter market.

## What to Eat and Drink

Café Tomaselli on the Alter Markt, which the tourist board calls the oldest coffee house in Austria, has been run by the Tomaselli family for more than 150 years; order an Einspänner or a Melange. Hofmannsthal and Reinhardt are said to have sketched the idea for the Festival at its tables. On the same square, the Fürst confectionery has been making the Original Salzburger Mozartkugel to Paul Fürst's 1890 recipe: a marzipan and pistachio centre wrapped in nougat and dipped in dark chocolate. Café Bazar on the right bank, open since 1882, has a terrace looking across the river to the fortress.

The Salzburger Nockerl is the city's dessert, a sweet egg-white soufflé baked in three peaks said to stand for the Mönchsberg, the Kapuzinerberg and the Gaisberg. It should stay soft inside and often comes with raspberry sauce or lingonberry jam. The tourist board lists the St Peter Stiftskulinarium, Gasthof Goldgasse, the Bärenwirt, Café Mozart and the Sternbräu among the places that serve it, and Café Sacher on the right bank brings it out on a serving trolley. For something quicker, try a Bosna, Salzburg's street-food classic: two grilled sausages in a white roll with mustard, onions and curry powder.

Then there is beer. The Augustiner Bräustübl in Mülln is Austria's largest beer inn, with five halls and a big garden under chestnut trees. Take a half-litre or litre stone mug from the shelf, rinse it at the fountain, pay at the till and hand over your voucher at the counter, where the beer is drawn from wooden barrels. The lights go out at 23:00.

For markets, the Grünmarkt on Universitätsplatz opens Monday to Saturday, and the Schranne, held in front of St Andrew's Church every Thursday morning since 1906, has about 190 stalls.

## Getting There and Around

Salzburg Airport is close to town. Bus 2 runs daily to the Hauptbahnhof every 15 to 20 minutes and takes about 23 minutes; bus 10 runs Monday to Saturday every 15 minutes to the city centre in about 15 minutes.

By rail, the Western Railway links Salzburg with Linz and Vienna, and the line through Rosenheim connects it with Munich. From Vienna Airport there are direct trains to Salzburg in just under three hours; from Munich Airport, allow about two and a half hours by train via München Ost.

If you stay overnight anywhere in the province of Salzburg, you will be given the Guest Mobility Ticket at check-in: free travel on all public transport in the province, trains included, for the length of your stay. It is paid for by a mobility fee of €0.50 per person per night for guests aged 15 and over, rising to €1.10 from 1 May 2027. The Mönchsberg lift is not included. Since 1 July 2026 the Old Town has been largely closed to regular traffic, so leave the car at a Park & Ride.

## When to Go

Salzburg has two high seasons. July and August belong to the Festival, when the city is full and the stages are lit every night; book early. From the second half of November until early January the Advent markets fill the squares and the Advent Singing fills the Grosses Festspielhaus. Spring and early autumn suit the outdoors: the Hellbrunn trick fountains and the Schafberg railway run from April.

## Good to Know

- The Salzburg Card gives one free entry to most sights, including the fortress, both Mozart museums, the Mönchsberg lift, Hellbrunn and the Untersberg cable car, plus city public transport (not the S-Bahn). In 2026 it costs €35, €41 or €44 for 24, 48 or 72 hours from November to March, and €38, €45 or €49 from April to October; children aged 6 to 15 pay half.
- Salzburg Cathedral cannot be visited during services or the midday music.
- The Untersbergbahn is closed for maintenance from 2 November to about 13 December 2026, then opens 09:00–16:00 from 14 December. A return ticket costs €34 for adults.

## Our Picks

- To see · Hohensalzburg Fortress — Mönchsberg, above the Old Town — The Golden Hall and the view from the keep; on Advent weekends it stays open until 18:00.
- To see · Mozart Residence — Makartplatz 8, right bank — Mozart's pianoforte and the Magic Flute house in the courtyard; allow an hour and a half.
- To see · St Peter's Cemetery and Catacombs — St Peter's Abbey, Old Town — Rock-cut early Christian chambers in the fortress hill, open daily.
- To walk · Kapuzinerberg — via the Imbergstiege from Steingasse — A short climb past the little church of St Johann am Imberg to one of the best views of the fortress.
- To drink · Café Tomaselli — Alter Markt, Old Town — A Melange and a slice from the cake lady's tray, in the oldest coffee house in Austria.
- To drink · Café Bazar — right bank of the Salzach — Breakfast with two eggs in a glass and the fortress across the water.
- To drink · Augustiner Bräustübl — Mülln — Beer from wooden barrels in stone mugs, with food from the stalls of the Schmankerlgang.
- To eat · St Peter Stiftskulinarium — St Peter's Abbey, Old Town — It traces its history back to 803, and it is one of the places to order a Salzburger Nockerl.
- To eat · Stiftsbäckerei St. Peter — Kapitelplatz, Old Town — Sourdough bread still baked in the wood-fired oven, beside the mill wheel on the Almkanal.
- To shop · Café-Konditorei Fürst — Alter Markt, Old Town — The Original Salzburger Mozartkugel, made to Paul Fürst's 1890 recipe.

## Where to Stay

- master Linzergasse Salzburg — Right bank — Serviced apartments at the entrance to the old city, with 21 rooms for two to four guests, each with a coffee machine. [Book](https://trvl.gr/en/stay-wh/MASTERLINZ)
- NH Collection Salzburg City — Neustadt — A hotel near the city centre, close to St Sebastian's Church, the Kapuzinerberg and Mirabell Palace, with a sauna, spa centre and fitness centre. [Book](https://trvl.gr/en/stay-wh/ETG_7494866)
- The Cloud One Salzburg — Neustadt — A five-star hotel on Rainerstrasse, about a kilometre from the centre and near Mirabell Palace and the Mozart Residence, with a bar, a restaurant and a concierge. [Book](https://trvl.gr/en/stay-wh/ETG_9924765)
- ARCOTEL Castellani Salzburg — Nonntal — Near the city centre, within walking distance of Nonnberg Abbey, Hohensalzburg Castle and Mozartplatz, with a restaurant, a bar, a steam bath and a library. [Book](https://trvl.gr/en/stay-wh/ETG_7495497)

## The Essence

Salzburg rewards the traveller who lets it set the rhythm. Ride up to the fortress in the morning, take a Melange at Tomaselli at noon and a Nockerl in the evening, and end the day in Mülln with a stone mug in your hand. Come in summer for Jedermann on the square, or in December for the markets under the cathedral, and keep a day for the lakes and the mountains beyond.

## Hotels in this guide

- master Linzergasse Salzburg, Salzburg: https://trvl.gr/en/stay-wh/MASTERLINZ
- NH Collection Salzburg City, Salzburg (4★): https://trvl.gr/en/stay-wh/ETG_7494866
- The Cloud One Salzburg, Salzburg (5★): https://trvl.gr/en/stay-wh/ETG_9924765
- ARCOTEL Castellani Salzburg, Salzburg (4★): https://trvl.gr/en/stay-wh/ETG_7495497

## Sources

- Festival since 1920; founders Reinhardt, Hofmannsthal, Strauss; "The whole city is a stage"; Jedermann on Cathedral Square since the beginning, >2,500 spectators, sold out; Felsenreitschule and Grosses Festspielhaus on Hofstallgasse; Fest>Spiel>Nächte free screenings on Kapitelplatz; July and August: https://www.salzburg.info/en/salzburg/salzburg-festival (checked 2026-10-16)
- Salzburg Festival summer 2027: 16 July to 29 August; Whitsun 2027: 14 to 17 May: https://www.salzburgerfestspiele.at/en (checked 2026-10-16)
- UNESCO World Heritage since 1996; ~236 hectares; ~1,000 historic buildings; both sides of the Salzach: https://www.salzburg.info/en/salzburg/unesco-world-cultural-heritage (checked 2026-10-16)
- Hohensalzburg: begun 1077 under Archbishop Gebhard; largest fully preserved castle in Central Europe; fortress railway since 1892 from Festungsgasse; museums, Prince's Rooms incl. Golden Hall with furnishings since 1501/02; panorama tour to keep, 360-degree view; Oct–Apr 9:30–17:00, Advent weekends to 18:00; All-Inclusive with railway €19.20 (prices stated "as of 10/2025"): https://www.salzburg.info/en/sights/top10/hohensalzburg-fortress (checked 2026-10-16)
- Mozart's Birthplace: Getreidegasse 9; born 27 Jan 1756; third floor; family lived there 1747–1773; violin and clavichord; daily 9:00–17:30; €18, combination ticket with Residence €25: https://www.salzburg.info/en/sights/top10/mozarts-birthplace (checked 2026-10-16)
- Mozart Residence: Makartplatz 8; family 1773–1787; eight-room apartment; destroyed 1944, reconstructed to original plans, reopened 1996; Mozart's pianoforte; Magic Flute house in courtyard; allow 1.5 hours; Salzburg Card free: https://www.salzburg.info/en/sights/museums/mozart-residence (checked 2026-10-16)
- Getreidegasse: guild signs; Wieber shop still makes them by hand; through-houses; Schatz House from No. 3 to Universitätsplatz: https://www.salzburg.info/en/sights/top10/getreidegasse (checked 2026-10-16)
- Cathedral: early Baroque, Santino Solari, first early Baroque church north of the Alps, consecrated 1628; bronze font 1311 where Mozart and Joseph Mohr were baptised; admission fee; November Mon–Sat 9–17, Sun 13–17; no visits during services/music at noon; changed hours around Jedermann: https://www.salzburg.info/en/sights/churches-cemeteries/salzburger-cathedral (checked 2026-10-16)
- St Peter's Abbey: founded 7th century, oldest monastery still in existence in German-speaking world; cemetery and catacombs carved into fortress hill; catacombs Oct–Apr daily 10–12:30, 13–17: https://www.salzburg.info/en/sights/churches-cemeteries/st-peters-monastery-cemetery (checked 2026-10-16)
- Mirabell: built 1606 by Wolf Dietrich for Salome Alt; Marble Hall, wedding hall, Mozart children performed there; Pegasus fountain, Sound of Music; garden daily from about 6:00 until dusk; admission free: https://www.salzburg.info/en/sights/top10/mirabell-palace-gardens (checked 2026-10-16)
- Mönchsberg lift: 60 m up to Museum der Moderne; not included in Guest Mobility Ticket: https://www.salzburg.info/en/travel-info/arrival-traffic/moenchsberg-lift (checked 2026-10-16)
- Mönchsberg: Salzburg Card includes Mönchsberg lift and Museum der Moderne: https://www.salzburg.info/en/salzburg/nature-outdoors/moenchsberg (checked 2026-10-16)
- Kapuzinerberg: routes via Imbergstiege from Steingasse; Hettwerbastei view of fortress: https://www.salzburg.info/en/salzburg/nature-outdoors/kapuzinerberg (checked 2026-10-16)
- Steingasse: one of the oldest streets on the right bank, at the foot of the Kapuzinerberg; Joseph Mohr lived at No. 31; Imbergstiege and St Johann am Imberg: https://www.salzburg.info/en/sights/squares-streets/steingasse (checked 2026-10-16)
- Linzergasse: from the Platzl by the Staatsbrücke towards Schallmoos; boutiques, restaurants: https://www.salzburg.info/en/sights/squares-streets/linzergasse (checked 2026-10-16)
- Salzburg Advent Singing: founded 1946 by Tobias Reiser; in the Large Festival Hall since 1960: https://www.salzburg.info/en/salzburg/advent/salzburg-advent-singing (checked 2026-10-16)
- Silent Night first performed 24 Dec 1818 at St Nicholas' Church, Oberndorf near Salzburg; Mohr born in Salzburg, grew up at Steingasse 31: https://www.salzburg.info/en/salzburg/advent/silent-night (checked 2026-10-16)
- Krampus and Perchten parades end of November to beginning of January; Advent markets at Domplatz/Residenzplatz, Hellbrunn, Mirabellplatz, Sternbräu, Fortress: https://www.salzburg.info/en/salzburg/advent (checked 2026-10-16)
- Christkindlmarkt 19.11.2026–01.01.2027 on Dom- and Residenzplatz; hours Mon–Thu 10–20:30, Fri 10–21, Sat 9–21, Sun/holidays 9–20:30; current form since 1974: https://www.christkindlmarkt.co.at/en/ (checked 2026-10-16)
- Hellbrunner Adventzauber 19 Nov–24 Dec 2026; Tue–Fri 13–20, Sat/Sun/8 Dec 10–20; €8 incl. hot drink voucher until 19:00, free after 19:00; 24 windows as Advent calendar: https://www.salzburg.info/en/salzburg/advent/hellbrunner-adventzauber (checked 2026-10-16)
- Fortress Advent 27 Nov–20 Dec 2026, Advent Fri–Sun plus 7 and 8 Dec; free on footpath mentioning "Advent market": https://www.salzburg.info/en/salzburg/advent/festungsadvent (checked 2026-10-16)
- Mirabellplatz Christmas market 19 Nov–31 Dec 2026; Sun–Thu 10–20, Fri–Sat 10–21: https://www.salzburg.info/en/salzburg/advent/adventmarkt-mirabellplatz (checked 2026-10-16)
- Sternadvent 19 Nov 2026–6 Jan 2027, Sternbräu courtyard between Getreidegasse and Griesgasse; winter market after Christmas: https://www.salzburg.info/en/salzburg/advent/stern-advent-and-winter-market (checked 2026-10-16)
- Coffee culture dates back to start of 18th century; Tomaselli; Fürst founded 1884, Mozartkugel 1890 in silver-blue foil; Café Bazar breakfast two eggs in a glass with Salzstangerl, terrace view; Café Sacher next to Bazar serves Salzburger Nockerl with raspberry sauce on a serving trolley: https://www.salzburg.info/en/magazin/scenes/over-300-years-of-coffee-house-culture-in-salzburg-from-traditional-to-modern_a_18143522 (checked 2026-10-16)
- Café Tomaselli: Alter Markt; oldest coffee house in Austria; Einspänner, Melange; cake lady; currently open Mon–Fri 7–19, weekends 8–19: https://www.salzburg.info/en/dining-shopping/coffeehouses/cafe-tomaselli (checked 2026-10-16)
- Café Tomaselli run for over 150 years by the Tomaselli family; Bahr, Hofmannsthal and Reinhardt said to have conceived the Festival there: https://www.tomaselli.at/en/ (checked 2026-10-16)
- Café Bazar opened 1882; wood panelling, chandeliers, marble tables; Mon–Sat 7:30–19:30, Sun 9–18: https://www.salzburg.info/en/dining-shopping/coffeehouses/cafe-bazar (checked 2026-10-16)
- Café Bazar on the right bank of the Salzach with view of Old Town and fortress: https://www.cafe-bazar.at/ (checked 2026-10-16)
- Mozartkugel created c.1890 by Paul Fürst: marzipan and pistachio core, nougat, dark chocolate; silver foil with blue portrait; original recipe: https://www.original-mozartkugel.com/en/ (checked 2026-10-16)
- Salzburger Nockerl: three peaks = Mönchsberg, Kapuzinerberg, Gaisberg; served at St Peter Stiftskulinarium, Gasthof Goldgasse, Bärenwirt, Café Mozart, Sternbräu; Bosna: two grilled sausages in white roll with mustard, onions, curry powder: https://www.salzburg.info/en/dining-shopping/salzburg-culinary-classics (checked 2026-10-16)
- Nockerl not baked through; Bärenwirt serves with lingonberry jam; raspberry sauce: https://www.salzburg.info/en/magazin/city-feeling/salzburger-nockerl_a_314106 (checked 2026-10-16)
- Augustiner Bräustübl Mülln: Austria's largest beer inn; stone mugs; beer from wooden barrels; Schmankerlgang; rinse mug at fountain, voucher; five halls and garden; closing 23:00: https://www.salzburg.info/en/salzburg/beer-culture/augustiner-braeu (checked 2026-10-16)
- Grünmarkt: Universitätsplatz; Mon–Fri 7–19, Sat 6–15; extends towards Max-Reinhardt-Platz on Saturdays: https://www.salzburg.info/en/dining-shopping/markets/gruenmarkt (checked 2026-10-16)
- Schranne: Thursdays in front of St Andrew's Church from 5:00; since 1906; ~190 stalls: https://www.salzburg.info/en/dining-shopping/markets/schrannenmarkt (checked 2026-10-16)
- St Peter Stiftskulinarium: dating back to 803: https://www.salzburg.info/en/dining-shopping/inns/st-peter-stiftskeller (checked 2026-10-16)
- Stiftsbäckerei St. Peter: Kapitelplatz; sourdough bread baked in original wood-fired oven; mill wheel at the Almkanal: https://www.salzburg.info/en/dining-shopping/traditional-businesses/stiftsbaeckerei-st-peter (checked 2026-10-16)
- Airport buses: No. 2 daily every 15/20 min to Main Station, ~23 min; No. 10 Mon–Sat every 15 min to city centre, ~15 min; tickets from machine at stop or online: https://www.salzburg-airport.com/en/flights-arrival/arrival-to-the-airport/public-transportation (checked 2026-10-16)
- Western Railway from Vienna and Linz; Rosenheim line to Munich; direct RJ/RJX Vienna and Munich services: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salzburg_Hauptbahnhof (checked 2026-10-16)
- Vienna Airport to Salzburg by train without changing, just under three hours: https://www.salzburg.info/en/travel-info/arrival-traffic/airplane/vienna-airport (checked 2026-10-16)
- Munich Airport to Salzburg by train via Munich Ostbahnhof about 2.5 hours; ~180 km by car via A8, about two hours: https://www.salzburg.info/en/travel-info/arrival-traffic/airplane/munich-airport (checked 2026-10-16)
- Guest Mobility Ticket: from 1 May 2025, all overnight guests, all public transport in the province incl. regional and long-distance trains; given at check-in; fee €0.50 per person per night (15+), €1.10 from 1 May 2027: https://www.salzburg.info/en/travel-info/arrival-traffic/guest_mobility_ticket (checked 2026-10-16)
- Trolleybuses every 10, 15 or 20 minutes; Neutor closed to motorized traffic from 14 Sept 2026 for several months; Salzburg Card bus coverage: https://www.salzburg.info/en/travel-info/arrival-traffic/public-transport-obus-albus (checked 2026-10-16)
- Old Town largely closed to regular traffic from 1 July 2026; Park & Ride recommended: https://www.salzburg.info/en/travel-info/arrival-traffic (checked 2026-10-16)
- Salzburg Card 2026 prices: low season (1 Jan–31 Mar, 1 Nov–31 Dec) €35/41/44; high season (1 Apr–31 Oct) €38/45/49; children 6–15 half: https://www.salzburg.info/en/hotels-offers/salzburg-card/prices (checked 2026-10-16)
- Salzburg Card: one-time free admission, public transport except S-Bahn: https://www.salzburg.info/en/hotels-offers/salzburg-card (checked 2026-10-16)
- Salzburg Card includes Hellbrunn and Untersberg cable car; Hellbrunn open daily early April to early November; Wolfgangsee/Schafberg, Hallstatt-area excursions: https://www.salzburg.info/en/sights/excursions (checked 2026-10-16)
- Untersberg: maintenance closure 2 Nov–~13 Dec 2026; 14–31 Dec 9:00–16:00; departures on the hour and half hour; 1,776 m in about 8 minutes; round trip adult €34: https://www.untersbergbahn.at/en/information/operating-hours/ (checked 2026-10-16)
- Untersberg round trip adult €34: https://www.untersbergbahn.at/en/information/prices/ (checked 2026-10-16)
- Untersbergbahn since 1961; valley station Grödig/St. Leonhard ~10 km south; buses 25, 28 and trolleybus 5; 8½-minute ride; Salzburg Card covers return ride: https://www.salzburg.info/en/sights/excursions/cable-car-untersberg (checked 2026-10-16)
- Schafberg cog railway from St. Wolfgang since 1893, 40 min, daily April–October; Wolfgangsee boats daily May–October and Advent weekends; Kaiser Franz Joseph I paddle steamer 1873: https://www.salzburg.info/en/sights/excursions/schafberg-railroad-wolfgangsee-cruises (checked 2026-10-16)
- Hallstatt tour via Fuschl, St. Gilgen and Bad Ischl; charnel house with painted skulls; Hallstatt Dachstein Salzkammergut World Cultural Landscape 1997; World Heritage Museum; Skywalk 360 m above rooftops: https://www.salzburg.info/en/hotels-offers/guided-tours/bus-tours/hallstatt (checked 2026-10-16)
- Hallstatt salt mine described as the oldest in the world; Salzwelten tours: https://www.hallstatt.net/ (checked 2026-10-16)
- master Linzergasse Salzburg official description (Schallmooser Hauptstrasse 2; entrance to the old city; 21 serviced rooms for 2–4 guests; coffee machine in every apartment): https://trvl.gr/api/hotels/MASTERLINZ (checked 2026-10-16)
- NH Collection Salzburg City official description (Franz-Josef-Str. 26; near city centre; St Sebastian's Church, Kapuzinerberg, Mirabell Palace; sauna, spa centre, fitness centre): https://trvl.gr/api/hotels/ETG_7494866 (checked 2026-10-16)
- The Cloud One Salzburg official description (Rainerstraße 4; 5 stars; 1 km from centre; Mirabell Palace, Mozarts Wohnhaus, St Sebastian's Church; bar, restaurant, concierge): https://trvl.gr/api/hotels/ETG_9924765 (checked 2026-10-16)
- ARCOTEL Castellani Salzburg official description (Alpenstrasse 6; near city centre; Nonnberg Abbey, Hohensalzburg Castle, Mozartplatz; bar, restaurant, steam bath, library): https://trvl.gr/api/hotels/ETG_7495497 (checked 2026-10-16)

## Photo credits

- Salzburg Old Town domes and the Salzach river seen from above: photo by yeojin yun (Unsplash, Unsplash License)
- The Salzach river and a bridge below Hohensalzburg Fortress: photo by Arjun Raj (Unsplash, Unsplash License)
- Formal flowerbeds and fountain in the Mirabell Gardens with the fortress behind: photo by Laura Chouette (Unsplash, Unsplash License)
- Advent market in front of Salzburg Cathedral at dusk: photo by Scorn Pion (Unsplash, Unsplash License)