Fantastic Things to do on Your Vacation to Salzburg

Last updated on January 20th, 2023 at 01:27 pm

Salzburg is hands down one of my favorite cities in Europe. While it may not as big nor as popular as great cities like London, or Paris, or Berlin, it has a unique and diverse range of activities for tourists to enjoy. With its beautiful and clean Baroque-style architecture, musical history, imposing fortress, proximity to the alps, and the delightful Hellbrunn trick fountains, there is something here for each member of the family to enjoy. Additionally, its central location to a number of interesting attractions makes it a superb location for day trips. Throughout this post, I have chosen to highlight our personal favorite things that we did while we were in Salzburg. Additionally, at the bottom, you will find a section with more details on the amazing day trips you can take from Salzburg.

If you are looking for the best way to save money as you visit different sites throughout the greater Salzburg area, be sure to check out my post: How to Use the Salzburg Card to Save Money! This post provides all the tips and tricks to get the most out of your Salzburg Pass and includes an itinerary utilizing the 48 hour pass.

Podcast Feature: Destinations Beyond Expectations

Christine’s Travel Gems is excited to once again be featured on the podcast Destinations Beyond Expectations! This fantastic podcast is hosted by Stevie G. and is designed for people who strive to be students of travel. Each of the episodes features travelers and destinations from around the world.

To tune into the Travel Gems Feature episode about Salzburg, be sure to visit the Destinations Beyond Expectations website, or you can tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and others.

***Disclaimer: please remember to check all entry requirements for Austria as well as any activities you wish to participate in before booking any part of your trip.

1. Visit Hellbrunn Palace and the Trick Fountains

Trick Fountains at Hellbrunn Palace in Salzburg

When I was researching for our trip to Salzburg, the trick fountains at Hellbrunn shot straight to the top of my “must see” list. I had never heard of trick fountains and I was curious to know what that meant. And, let me tell you, they did not disappoint. Throughout the garden is a series of playfully crafted fountains that will surprise you when you least expect it. Jet streams of water flow from the walls, chairs, the mouths of tortoises, and a deer’s antlers. Adults and children alike are sure to be delighted by these encounters.

What makes this wonder even more intriguing is that the elaborate water system was originally designed over 400 years ago! Of course, modifications and improvements were made over the years, improving upon and adding to the original concept. Nowadays, it’s quite impressive to experience what these innovative engineers were able to accomplish. Discover a magical floating crown, a music-playing theater, a magical floating crown, and and jet streams that unexpectedly come to life.

Within the walls of the palace itself, you have the chance to learn more about Hellbrunn’s history. One of the things I was most surprised to learn was that the Archbishop who built it never intended for this palace to be a full-time residence. Curiously, you will not find a single bedroom within the Hellbrunn’s bright yellow walls! But this only reinforces the point that this ostentatious building was built to be a mere day residence for the archbishop during the summer months. As you journey through the space, be sure to keep an eye out for the palace’s ever elusive unicorn. 😉

Planning Your Visit to Hellbrunn Palace

Please note that Hellbrunn closes during the winter!! Each year it opens on 31. March and closes again on 1. November.

Personally, I recommend planning your visit during the saddle months: April/May and Sept/Oct in order to avoid crowds. But, no matter what time of year your visit is scheduled for, I recommend visiting the palace as early in the day as possible. After all, there is much to see and you won’t want to miss any of it.

Keep in Mind that your entrance ticket includes a visit to 3 spaces: the fountain garden, the palace, and the folklore museum. Overall, I would recommend about 3 hours to see and do everything.

If it is possible for you to visit the trick fountains first, this would be the most ideal. From there, I recommend visiting the interior of the palace. After that, be sure to check out the folklore museum as well as the Sound of Music Gazebo (where the song Sixteen Going on Seventeen was filmed)!

For more information about ticketing, opening hours, and more, please visit the official Hellbrunn Palace website.

2. Explore the World of Mozart

Salzburg is quite famous for being the birthplace of the child prodigy and music genius, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. While he spent his adult life in Vienna, this beautiful Baroque city is where his life and musical career began. His parents were Leopold and Maria Pertl Mozart. They lived in the

As such, there are many wonderful things you can do to celebrate his life and contribution to the musical world.

Best Mozart Related Things to do in Salzburg

Visit Mozart’s Birthplace House and Museum – On the 27th of January 1756, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born at No. 9 Getreidegasse in Salzburg. In the family’s third floor apartment, he spent the first 17 years of his life, learning piano and violin, and composing many musical works. Visitors have a chance to explore the rooms, learn more about the Mozart family, and see instruments that Mozart personally played in addition to other period instruments.

Visit the Mozart Residence and Museum (Another home in Salzburg where Mozart lived) – Eventually, the family outgrew the home where Wolfgang Mozart was born. In 1773, the Mozarts moved to No. 8 Makartplatz, nicknamed the “Dance Master’s House”. The music genius resided here for only a few years before he relocated to Vienna in 1781.

Attend a Concert at the Mirabell Palace Marble Hall – This was one of my absolute favorite things that we did in Salzburg! The chamber concert was about 1 hour long and featured four musicians. They played a variety of chamber music, including many pieces composed by Mozart. What I particularly loved about the concert was the combination of the beautiful location and how much the musicians seemed to enjoy making music together.

Visit the Salzburger Dom (Cathedral) – This beautiful and historical cathedral is where the Mozart family attended mass. It is also where Mozart played as the organist for two years.

3. Discover The Sounds of Music

Sound of Music Gazebo at Hellbrunn Palace in Salzburg

As you may (or may not) know, Salzburg is the filming location for the 1965 film “The Sound of Music” featuring Julie Andrews. All throughout the city and surrounding areas, you will stumble across places visited by the real Von Trapp family as well as locations that were used for filming.

Places You Should Visit in Salzburg if You are a “Sound of Music” Fan

Mirabell Palace and Gardens – This was used as the filming location when Maria and the children sing the song “Do-Re-Mi”.

Stift Nonnberg (Nonnberg Abbey) – This is the oldest nunnery in the Germany speaking area. This is the place where the real life Maria Auguste and Georg von Trapp were married. The church and the gardens are opened daily from 6:45am until sunset. Please note that it is not possible to visit during church services.

Sound of Music World World Museum – This small, but very informative museum provides valuable information about the the real von Trapp family that The Sound of Music musical was based on. Here you have the opportunity to see video footage and hear from actual family members about their real life experiences. In this way, you are able to learn what parts of the movie were indeed fact and what was fiction.

Hellbrunn Palace – For more information, please return to section 1 of this post.

Sound of Music Hiking Trail in Werfen – This cute little trail is located in Werfen, approximately 1 hour south of Salzburg. It leads from the old town up the hill to where the scene where Maria and the children have their picnic was filmed. Along the path are fun little games to play that are related to the movie. If you decide to go on this hike, I recommend brining a picnic lunch with you!
**You can learn about more things to do in Werfen in section 7!

Sound of Music Tour – There are many different Sound of Music tours in the Salzburg area. Some of the most popular involve riding on bikes. While we did not personally go on one of these tours, we have heard great things from friends who have!

4. Visit Hohensalzburg Fortress

The mighty medieval Salzburger Fortress (the largest, fully-preserved fortress in central Europe) is located on a steep hill overlooking the Salzach River. The history of the fortress began in 1077. It was built as a means of protection and fortification. Attacks on the fortress were rare and the only time it came under siege was during the German Peasant’s War of 1525. After surrendering peacefully to French troops during the Napoleonic Wars, the fortress was used as a military outpost and barracks. Later, during WWI, the Hohensalzburg was utilized as a prison, mostly for Italian prisoners of war.

Within the walls of the fortress, you will find multiple museums dedicated to the armory, the history of the fortress, the Rainer regiment, and you will even find a puppet museum!

I’m going to be honest, in my opinion, out of all my visits to European fortresses, this was one of the least memorable. However, the views overlooking the city of Salzburg as well as the Salzach River are unbeatable.

Planning Your Visit to Festung Salzburg

Festung Salzburg sits atop a rather steep hill, and depending on your fitness level, it could be quite challenging to climb. Therefore, my recommendation is to utilize the Festungsbahn to get to the top.

Once you enter the fortress, you are free to explore at your own pace. My recommendation is to to plan 2-3 hours for your visit. Of course, this will vary depending on how much of the fortress museums you want to visit.

For more information about opening hours, ticket prices, and more please visit the official website.

5. Take a Ride on the Salzach River

View of Festung Salzburg Taken From the Water

A boat ride on the Salzach River is an absolute must do during a visit to Salzburg. Especially if you have chosen to purchase a Salzburg Pass, you won’t want to miss out on this opportunity. Even if the weather is cooler (which it was during our stay at the end of May), the views from the water are incredibly beautiful. Plus, during your 45 minute cruise, the ship captain will tell you all kinds of interesting things about Salzburg and its history.

6. Discover Christmas in Salzburg Year-Round

The Christmas Museum in Salzburg was a fun little place to pop into for a little visit. I’m going to be honest with you and admit that it was not on our top-list for visiting Salzburg. In fact, the only reason we went was because we had some extra time after our boat trip and it was included in the Salzburg Pass. So, it seemed reasonable to at least see what it was all about.

Throughout the museum, you will discover all kinds of Christmas decorations and paraphernalia from across the centuries. I found it be a very cute little place and I really enjoyed learning more about European Christmas traditions.

7. Day Trips From Salzburg

> Hallstatt

Hallstatt is an idyllic and important village located southeast of Salzburg. It takes about 1 hour by car or 2.5 hours using public transportation. Alternatively, you can join a day trip from Salzburg such as this one offered through Viator or this one offered through Get Your Guide.

I would say that a visit to Hallstatt is an absolute must if you are in Austria. That said, you should be warned, during the peak season, this tiny village will be quite over crowded. My recommendation is to plan you visit for the saddle months and get there as early in the day as possible!

To learn more about Hallstatt and things to do there, check out my post: Visit Hallstatt: A UNESCO World Heritage Gem in Austria

> Werfen

Werfen is just south of Salzburg, approximately 45 minutes by car or under 1.5 hrs by public transportation. Although it is a small village, it has a number of attractions that visitors will be excited to see.

1. Eisriesenwelt

Our experience at the Eisriesenwelt was one of my favorite experiences in Europe. They don’t utilize any modern lamps or lighting, and instead we were given lamps with an exposed flame to light our way. In addition, the ice sculptures were illuminated by the tour guide who burned magnesium ribbons behind them. This traditional way that people explored the caves when it first became a tourist attraction back in the 1920s continues to this day.

Please note that the Eisriesenwelt is open to families with children 12 years of age and older. The trek up to the ice cave involves two very steep walking sections (about 15-20 min each) as well as a gondola ride (you must add the gondola ticket when buying your ice cave tickets).

Some things to consider when visiting any ice cave (whether here or elsewhere):

With any cave or ice cave experience, there will be lots of stairs and steep areas involved. Please consider whether or not your travel party is up for this.
Even if it is summer outside, it will be cold in the ice cave, so be sure to wear closed toe shoes and have a warm jacket with you.

2. Hohenwerfen Fortress (Castle)

Unfortunately, we didn’t personally get to visit the Hohenwerfen Fortress because it was closed for restoration during our visit. But, it offers visitors quite a variety of experiences. There are guided tours of the castle, a tavern-like restaurant, falconry shows, and a gift shop.

3. Sound of Music Trail Werfen

Fore more information about The Sound of Music Trail, please revisit Section 3 dedicated to the Sound of Music.

> Berchtesgaden

Berchtesgaden is about 1 hour away from Salzburg and has a few points of interest for visitors. In my opinion, the best of these is the Berchtesgaden Salzbergwerk (salt mine). This tour was completely unforgettable for both my husband and myself. It included a train ride into the mine, a chance to slide down the special wooden slides designed for miners, laser shows, and many different displays to help visitors learn more about the salt mining tradition in this region.

Additionally, visitors can hike up to or take the bus to the the Eagle’s Nest. We had planned to do this, but due to the rain and strong winds, the buses were not running on the day we had planned to go. And, of course, due to the weather, the thought of hiking up was not very appealing either.

If the weather is nice, there is also the option to enjoy swimming, boating, and hiking at the stunning Königssee. Again, we did not have the most ideal weather on the day we visited Berchtesgaden, so we decided not to visit the lake. However, I have heard from many people that this is one of the most beautiful lakes in Germany.

In Conclusion

I hope you have a fantastic time exploring all the things there are to do in Salzburg! I’d love to hear from you, so drop me a comment down below. 🙂

Happy Travels,
<3 Christine