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Stephanie Murray, Senior Short Break Specialist

"Salzburg is a magical city infused with breathtaking vistas, romantic architecture and historically significant sights. A walk through Cathedral Square will place you in the heart of it all where you can take in the city’s famous gothic cathedral and St. Peter’s Abbey as well as the nearby grand Residenz State Rooms, a regal baroque palace once occupied by the archbishops of Salzburg and the location of Mozart’s first musical performance."

Salzburg at a glance

Inspiring vistas, fantastic Baroque architecture and an enviable art and culture scene makes Salzburg a must visit city break destination. Whether you are a fan of ‘The Sound of Music’, want to visit the birthplace of Mozart or savour the picturesque cityscape, Salzburg is a wonderful mixture of beauty, class and theatrical kitsch.

Salzburg, meaning ‘Salt Fortress’, derived its name from the salt often carried on barges through the city on the Salzach River. The profitability of the salt mines, located to the south of the city, enabled Salzburg to achieve an architectural grandeur often compared to Rome. Many of the city’s Baroque buildings survived the bombings of World War II and today make up the beautifully preserved Old Town recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Art, music and theatre lovers can indulge in a number of fantastic venues offering world famous music festivals, operas, and even a marionette theatre, while those looking for inspiration outdoors will find a host of lovely gardens, forested walking paths and excellent vantage points from which to view the Alps. 

Perfect if you’re looking for:

  • Arts and culture 
  • Stunning archetecture
  • Historic attractions 

Getting around

Much of Salzburg’s city centre is pedestrian only, making it easy to get around by foot.

There is also a city bus network that operates throughout the city. Single and 24-hour tickets can be purchased in advance at a discounted rate or from the driver at full price.

Dining in Salzburg

The cuisine in Salzburg is a blend of Austrian and Bavarian tradition, but with a culinary capital prestige that maintains a high concentration of Michelin Star restaurants there is always room for neue Küche (nouvelle cuisine). 

Must-try local dishes

  • Wiener Schnitzel – breaded, tender pork or beef steak
  • Kaspressknödel – fried cheese dumplings
  • Salzburger Nockerl – stiff egg whites mixed with bittersweet chocolate, hazelnut nougat and marzipan

Shopping in Salzburg

The Keisal Shopping Centre is a two-level hive of shops, selling everything from fashion, jewellery, gifts and food items, this convenient shopping centre is located between the historic district and the main station. For those serious about shopping or finding luxury goods, then make your way to the Designer Outlet Salzburg which is roughly fifteen minutes by taxi, designer labels housed in this outlet includes Michael Kors, Diesel, Guess, Puma and Calvin Klein.

Osprey Holidays top tips

Forget the diet and try Salzburg's famous Salzburger Nockerln, a sweet soufflé with a choice of delicious fillings!

Get your tailor-made city break itinerary

Osprey Holidays can create a fabulous short break to Salzburg designed completely around your needs. We can arrange whatever you need, including:

  • All travel and transfers on days of your choice
  • Accommodation from our handpicked range of Salzburg hotels, to suit your budget and requirements

Our award-winning team can provide expert advice and recommendations, from general questions to tiny details. Contact us now for your tailor-made itinerary.

Important information
Population 148,521
Languages German
Currency Euro
Visa Information No visa required for UK citizens
Average temperatures

(monthly highs °C)

Interesting facts

Visit one of the cafés on the Mozartplatz and enjoy a slice of delicious 'Salzburg Nockerl'.

Distance from airports
Salzburg Airport W.A. Mozart 4 km
Railway stations
Salzburgh Hauptbahnhof

Things to do in Salzburg

  • Hellbrunn Castle: A magical castle famous for its ‘trick water fountain’
  • Salzburg Fortress: With a commanding position at the top of Mönchberg Mountain, it is worth taking the funicular up for a visit.
  • Getreidegasse: Elegant and historic street with a variety of shops from the larger chains to smaller, traditional boutiques.
  • Salzburg Cathedral: A breathtakingly beautiful, awe-inspiring 17th century Baroque masterpiece.
  • Salzburg Old Town: Wander around this magical old town with reminders of Mozart at every turn.

Excursions in and around Salzburg

Original Sound of Music Tour

Sing along to the soundtrack as you visit locations from The Sound of Music as well as historical and architectural landmarks in the city of Salzburg and picturesque lake district. Highlights include Mirabell Gardens, visited by Maria and the children; Leopoldskron Castle, which played the part of the von Trapp family home, and Mondsee Cathedral where the wedding scene was filmed.

Eagle's Nest in Berchtesgaden

This half day tour from Salzburg takes you by coach to Kehlsteinhaus (or the Eagle’s Nest), located in the Bavarian Alps and famous for being Hitler’s mountain retreat. Admire the breath-taking scenery of the Königsee River Valley as you travel to the mountainside hamlet of Obersalzberg before taking a special bus and elevator up to the Eagle’s Nest. Here you will explore with your guide and learn all about the site that was built for the Nazi leader’s 50th birthday. The history is fascinating and the views spectacular.

Dinner and Mozart Concert

Enjoy a romantic dinner at Panorama Restaurant at the 900-year-old Salzburg Fortress, followed by a concert by the Mozart Chamber Orchestra of Salzburg who perform Mozart’s most beloved works. Salzburg Fortress, or Festung Hohensalzburg, offers a unique dining and concert experience with beautiful views of the city and beyond.

We would be happy to arrange an excursion for you. To discuss options with a member of our knowledgeable team or to book, please contact us on 0131 243 8098.