5 Things to Do in Salzburg Austria

A walk from the Salzburg central station to the castle, a visit at the castle and then back again will take you past many of the most famous sites in Salzburg.

On the way you will pass stores and restaurants where you can sample the local cuisine and even a fresh produce market – the following 5 top attractions in Salzburg can be seen in one day by following the route through the old town and up to the castle.

Things to Do in Salzburg Austria

Mirabellgarten

These landscaped gardens interspersed with ponds and statues are best known from the film The Sound of Music when the kids sang and danced along the edge of the ponds. The gardens are part of the Mirabell Palace grounds.

The palace was built in 1606 and the gardens were designed in the 1600s and again in the 1700s. The Pegasus Fountain dates back to 1913 and the 17^th century statues around the fountain represent the four elements.

Other features of the gardens include the 18^th century Hedge Theatre, the Dwarf Garden and the Orangerie. The gardens are open from 6am to dusk and entrance is free.

Salzburg Dom

This huge baroque 17^th century church has seen several reincarnations having suffered from fire, and having been renovated and enlarged on several occasion since the original church was constructed in the 700s.

The church has an impressive façade, a large dome and twin bell towers. The majestic doorways, beautiful organ and high vaulted ceilings are just some of the features. The church still holds the font where Mozart was baptized. Open from 8am to 5pm, 6pm or 7pm depending on the month and on Sundays from 1pm, entrance is free.

Getreidegasse

Wander through the cobbled Grain Lane where each store has an old-fashion style shingle and the window fronts are designed to look like they would have looked 100 years ago.

There are a range of stores here including the modern big brand name fashion stores but you’ll also find souvenir stores, quaint cafes and chocolate stores selling Mozart chocolates.

Mozart’s Home (Number 9 Getreidegrasse)

For 26 years from 1747 to 1773 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart lived with his family on the third floor of Hagenauer House. See where he lived, furniture from the same era, memorabilia and several musical instruments he would have played.

There are documents and paintings as well as the violin Mozart played as a child. Open from 9am to 5:30pm and until 8pm in July and August. Admission is €10 for adults, €4 for youths and €3.5 for kids aged 6-14.

Hohensalzburg Castle

The hill top fortress was originally constructed in 1077 and is the biggest completely preserved fortress in Europe. It overlooks the city and is the number one must-see site in Salzburg.

Several rooms of the castle have been furnished in period furniture and other rooms are used to display medieval weapons. From the courtyard there are stunning views of the city below and you can enjoy a meal at the hill top restaurant.

You can take the funicular to the hill top or walk up. Open 9:00am to 5pm or 7pm depending on the month. Admission, together with the funicular ride is €11 for adults and €6.3 for kids.

Whether you are visiting here for pleasure, business or to study, be sure to check out these amazing places.

(photo credit: 1)