The Ultimate 24-Hours in Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg might not be at the top of your list of places to visit on your next European vacation, but it should be. If you’re travelling through Austria, it’s worth stopping for a day or two to see what this fantastic city offers. 

Salzburg is not only a historical and picturesque baroque utopia but also the setting for the classic film The Sound of Music. Any place deemed charming enough to be the backdrop for such an extraordinary film is undoubtedly worth your time. Seeing the actual locations where this quintessential movie was made is a treat for cinema lovers and music aficionados. 

The best way to spend 24 hours in Salzburg is to get here early in the morning, hopefully by overnight train from your last destination. This way, you’ll save one night’s accommodation and splurge a bit the next day. Overnight trains in Europe are excellent and are an experience everyone should have once in their life. 

Map of Walking Tour

Salzburg Hauptbahnhof

After stepping off the train, your first stop should be at a local cafe. This doesn’t have to be anywhere fancy or famous. Train stations in Europe have marvellous cafes open as early as the trains start arriving, where you can sample all of Austria’s delicacies. Often, when merely transferring trains in a country I might not have visited, I will spend time waiting for my connection and sampling local treats. I’ve had legendary Belgian waffles in Belgium without stepping outside the station. Salzburg is most notable for its “Nockerln,” a cream-and-butter fluffy souffle served with a fruit sauce. So if you want to start your day off with a particularly Salzburgian flare, see if you can find one of these.

Mirabell Gardens

After grabbing a few pastries and coffee to get you started, head down to Mirabell Gardens. Here, you’ll be able to sit and enjoy your Austrian breakfast in one of the most elegantly designed royal gardens in Europe. The park gates open at 8 am, so we are sure not to arrive before then. Mirabell Gardens is a serene oasis that has long been the secret gateway for the Austrian aristocracy.

History of Mirabell Palace

The palace that served as the garden backdrop was built in 1606 for Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau. He had the heavenly white mansion designed for the love of his life, Salome. The Prince ensured the gardens were as impressive as the interiors since Salome adored being outdoors. In 1721, after a fire destroyed many buildings, Prince-Archbishop Franz Anton von Harrach had it redesigned by the famous Baroque architect Lukas von Hildebrandt who integrated all the various structures that were spread out into one self-contained complex. This allowed the gardens to surround the palace and flow alongside it like a river so that no matter where you exited, you were always greeted with lush greenery and brightly coloured flowers.

Hedge Theater

The Mirabell Gardens are truly a preserved treasure of a bygone age. The Hedge Theater, created between 1704 and 1718, is one of the oldest hedge theatres in the northern Alps and is the same hedge theatre used in the film The Sound of Music. The Von Trapp children can be seen running through it during the “Doe A Deer” musical number. 

Zwergerlgarten

Another ancient oddity still lingers within this garden is the Zwergerlgarten, or “dwarf garden.” This small alcove is located just up the stairs from the Pegasus statue. Most visitors pass right by it but make sure you make a point to explore. Within this petite corner is a collection of exquisite, yet grotesque, figures of dwarves modelled after actual people who lived in the palace in the 17th century. Back then, it was thought to be good luck to employ a dwarf. The Archbishops of Salzburg adored them so much that he even had their likeness cast into stone. Nowadays, we might look at these statues and feel like they are slightly offensive, but at the time, they were meant to be an honour and were revered by all those who passed by them.

Design of Mirbaell Gardens

The original landscape designer went to great lengths to create a sumptuous structure for the garden beds, which could be seen from the palace and the top of the hillside Fortress. This way, all those around Salzburg could see the greatness that was Mirabell Palace Gardens. The gardens are always changing up their flower designs and colours for guests and locals alike, so there’s consistently something new to discover.

As you circle the perimeter, you’ll notice towering white statues acting as the garden’s guardians. Sculpted by Gerard van Opstal, a skilled artist of classical mythologies from Antwerp, these glorious scenes of lust, triumph and pain, while not as proficient as some pieces from Italy’s Renaissance masters, are nonetheless wonderfully powerful works of art.

Salzach River

As you finish your tour of the Gardens, pass through the Northern Exit, which will lead you towards the Salzach River. Walk southeast along the river’s edge, where you’ll find a pretty pedestrian walkway. This little trail is a great place to admire the cake-topper, pastel baroque houses which dot the riverside. Soon, you’ll reach the Mozartsteg bridge, a great place to stop and watch tourist boat putter by, much as the salt boats would have floated up and down this same river hundreds of years ago. Salzburg’s mines were rich with salt, a hot commodity as early as the 8th century. Salt is the reason the city became wealthy and, as such, gave the town its name. Salzburg means “Salt Castle.”

Mozartplatz

After you get off the bridge, head down to the Mozartplatz or Mozart Square. Mozart Square is named after Salzburg’s most famous resident, you guessed it, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The statue looming in the middle of the square, dedicated to the legendary composer, was unveiled on September 5, 1842, by sculptor Ludwig Schwanthaler. Although Mozart wasn’t alive to see it, his sons were present as the entire city came together to honour their father’s work. The buildings surrounding Mozartplatz are lovely examples of 16th and 18th-century architecture so take a minute to sit and admire the surroundings.

Residenceplatz

Residence Square is located nearby and comprises the New Residence of the Princes of the Salzburg, the Salzburg Cathedral, various aristocratic townhouses and a dozen famous bakeries and cafes. In the middle of the square stands the centrepiece, the enormous Italian Baroque fountain of Tommaso di Garone. It is one of the most magnificent baroque fonts in Europe. Four horses burst out of a rocky mound, rearing up their legs as water shoots from their mouths. Triton stands upon the rocks, holding up a scalloped upper basin that three dolphins balance atop.

Royal Residence

While exploring Residence Square, check out the Royal Residence courtyard. Although you can also explore the interior, this might be better left for a more extended stay. From the exterior, you can still see where the Royals would have lived during their time in Salzburg and get a glimpse of their lifestyle in Austria.

Salzburg Cathedral

Next, it’s over the famous Dom zu Salzburg or Salzburg Cathedral for some spiritual awakening and awe-inspiring architecture. The first Christian church was built in here Salzburg in 774. The original foundations of that church remain here today, underneath the new DOM. When that first church was built, it was one of the largest sacred buildings in Europe. But in 842, lightning struck it and burned it to the ground.

History of the Dom Cathedral

In 1181 a late Romanesque structure was restored, but it was also burnt down in 1598. Some say the fire wasn’t an accident but was initiated by the then Prince-Archbishop, Wolf Dietrich, who wanted to build a new church in his preferred style. But his plans were thwarted, and Italian architect Santino Solari oversaw the current design. It was consecrated in 1628 by Archbishop Paris Count Lodron. The Salzburg Cathedral is one of Germany’s best examples of early Baroque architecture. Its imposing Untersberg marble facade is framed between two twin towers with bright green domes. Atop the towers are four statues; Peter and Paul hold a key and a sword, respectively and Salzburg’s two patron saints, Rupert and Virgil, each clasp a salt vessel (the symbol of the city) and a model of the church.

The church’s exterior has a huge bronze statue of the Virgin Mary, which stands outside to greet visitors. She is flanked by various other expressive characters, and her loving embrace of her son warms your soul on even the coldest day.

Interior of the Dom Cathedral

Three doors allow you to enter the church, each one illustrating a theme; Faith, Hope and Love. The interior of the church is both minimal and elaborate at the same time. The church’s structure is painted a soothing and peaceful shade of white. Despite the simplistic white paint, ornate stucco designs in baroque shapes are embedded onto the walls, columns, archways and ceiling. We have brightly painted frescos along the roof, their colours sharply contrasted against the white of the rest of the Cathedral.

Near the entrance is a Romanesque font where Mozart was baptized. The font is made entirely of bronze and decorated with reliefs of various biblical saints. Be sure to take a moment to study the magnificent organ. Many of Mozart’s compositions were written for this very instrument. They were initially meant to be played in this very place.

Alter Markt

Now, I bet you’re getting slightly hungry after all this walking. So it’s time to start searching for something to eat. Walk over to the Alter Markt, where you have various options. During the middle ages, farmers from all over the country would come here to sell their goods. The St. Florian Fountain in the middle of the square was built in 1488, with the Salzburg’s coat of arms emblazed. The buildings surrounding the marketplace date back to the middle ages, designed in the old burgher’s style of architecture.

Café Tomaselli

There are many different cafes to grab a bite at, but if you have a few extra euros to spend and want an exceptional experience try Café Tomaselli. This cafe is over a hundred years old, and Mozart used to come in here to drink, of all things, almond milk. The cafe is full of history and is decorated with old paintings curated by their various owners. The stories this place could tell if only the walls could talk. But this atmosphere comes with a price. If you still want a chance to visit but are short on cash, simply order a coffee and split a simple pastry with a friend.

Fisch-Krieg Fish Market

If you decide that the Alter Market is too rich for your blood, head to Fisch-Krieg Fish Market. This adorable restaurant along the water is half fish market, half restaurant. All you need to do is pick which variety of fish you’d like, choose how you want it cooked (grilled or fried), and they will serve it up to you alongside one of their many traditional Austrian salads. All their dishes are very reasonably priced, and they have a great taste of traditional Salzburg cuisine. The shop’s interior, with its unique plastic tree growing right up through the floor, is one of those unforgettable touches that will stay in your memory forever. I cannot recommend this place more!

Balkan Grill

Lastly, if you’re looking for something really, really inexpensive that’s just as delicious as it is authentically Austrian, you have to check out the Balkan Grill. Balkan Grill is located at 33 Getreidegasse, one of the city’s most upscale neighbourhoods. They have been serving sausages in this tiny booth for over 50 years, and there is always a line-up. They only have one thing on the menu: a grilled pork sausage covered in your choice of; onions, fresh parsley, and a secret blend of spices served on a white bun with some curry mustard and ketchup. There is something about the fresh parsley that really brightens up the greasy sausage.

Getreidegasse

Once you have sated your hunger, take a few moments to explore Getreidegasse. Getreidegasse, or “grain lane,” is Salzburg’s most prestigious shopping street. It’s most recognizable for its tall and narrow houses, which seem to lean over the sidewalk below.

Ornately designed wrought iron signs hang off the sides of the buildings. These signs were wordless symbols in the middle ages to help citizens who couldn’t read find bakeries, cobblers or butcher shops. The signs have been updated with logos featuring iconic fashion brands, but they have kept up their antique look.

Mozart’s Birthplace

One building worth a second look at is #9 Getreidegasse. This is Mozart’s “Geburtshaus,” or Birthplace. Its golden yellow exterior makes it unmissable as you walk along the street. The Mozart Family lived on the third floor of the “Hagenauer House” from 1747 to 1773. Mozart spent his childhood in Salzburg, developing his incredible musical talent. Inside is a small museum which still holds many objects from the Mozart household and recreations of what the home would have looked like in the 18th century.

Franziskanerkirche

Once you’re exploring Getreidegasse, head north, down Wiener-Philharmoniker-Gasse, to see the Franciscan Church. The Franciscan Church, or Franziskanerkirche, is the architectural opposite of the Salzburg DOM. Whereas the DOM is bright and white, the Franziskanerkirche is dark and GOTHIC! I love both for different reasons, and both are worth checking out.

The first church built on these grounds was erected in the 8th century. It was frequently ravaged by fires and rebuilt time after time. The Salzburg middle class of the 15th century was reasonably well off. When their church needed renovation, they gathered up the required funds themselves. They hired the famous architect Hans von Burghausen to design a newer and more magnificent church. His work was a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Throughout the church, you’ll find slender, dark marble columns that reach up to the sky and open into refined rib vaulting, like a pair of hands whose fingers open to the heavens.

St. Peter’s Abbey & Cemetery

Continue onwards to St. Peter’s Cemetery. St. Peter’s Cemetery is the oldest in Salzburg. Looking at the gravestones, they don’t appear so ancient but take a look behind the headstones, along the rockface, to see where the real history lies. Carved into Mönchsberg are a set of caves which served as catacombs for the earliest settlers. The oldest surviving tombstones inside date back to 1288. If you decide to go inside, you can climb up the 48 steps to see the “Gertrauden Chapel,” which dates back to 1178.

Back on the ground, you can see several crypts flank the nearby church’s exterior. These elegant wrought-iron fences protect the crypts of some of Salzburg’s wealthiest families. These crypts also were the setting for one of the iconic scenes in The Sound of Music when the Von Trapp family was hiding from the Nazis during their daring escape.

Hohensalzburg Castle

To end your walking tour, head to the Mönchsberg funicular, which will take you all the way to the top of the hillside to the crowning glory of Salzburg, the Hohensalzburg Castle.

The first castle built on this site was raised in 1077 and was little more than four wooden walls. It was made high up on the hills to serve as a lookout post to protect the city against Imperial troops from the Holy Roman Empire.

Interior of the Palace

Over the years, towers were built, stone walls were added to fortify the castle, and the fortress grew in size. Inside the castle, the portrait gallery is the first room you’ll pass through. It’s filled with more than a dozen portraits of all the Prince whose legacy it was to grow the size and strength of this impressive Castle Fortress. Unlike many others across Europe, modernization has not touched this building. Salzburg was never subject to attack, so its historic castle was never destroyed or rebuilt. This treasure of the past is truly a unique experience to walk through.

Inside you’ll get to see some of the furnishings used by the royals who once lived within these walls. Opulent wallpaper, lush bedding and even the most ornate heaters you’ve ever seen. In addition to exploring the life of the royals, there are also various exhibits displaying the might of their army. Armour, weaponry and even medieval torture devices are displayed for viewers to discover.

Salzach at Dusk

After exploring the castle, take advantage of the vantage point atop the mountain and walk along the pedestrian path toward the perfect dinner destination. As day turns to dusk, you’ll have a wonderful view of the city’s lights as you make your way toward the Austinger Brau.

Augustiner-Bräu

The Augustiner-Bräu is an old beer hall frequented by locals and tourists alike. If you arrive on a colder night, don’t be surprised if you walk in and think it’s closed (that’s just because all the action is happening downstairs, as the beer garden is only open in the warmer months). Head down the stairs and turn the corner. Any silence you might have experienced upstairs will be broken by laughter and the occasional singing accompanied by the smell of cooking sausages and freshly poured beer. This place is indeed the ideal location to finish your day exploring Salzburg! If you’re lucky and the beer garden is open, you’ll enjoy food and drink beneath a canopy of ancient Austrian trees under the starry sky.

How to Order at Austrian Beer Halls

But first, you’ll need to know how to serve yourself. Yes, that’s right. There are no waiters here. To get a beer, go to the register and pay for as many drinks as you’d like; they will give you one ticket, which you use to trade in for a stein and another for your beers. Once armed with your stein, hand the barman your drink ticket to fill er’ up! The trade for doing all this yourself? Cheap beer, which tastes great. Once you’re done drinking as much as possible, wash out your stein and place it on the rack for someone else to use.

The food available is a traditional Bavarian fair. Small vendor stalls are located in the basement. They have everything from appetizers to desserts. Perfect for whatever you’re craving! Once you’ve got your food and beer tray, find a table and make some new friends. We witnessed friendly Austrians singing happy birthday to a group of tourists to welcome them into the country.

No doubt this tour has worn you out, but after a few Austrian beers, all you’ll feel is that warm fuzziness that comes from good friends and a beautiful day in a fantastic city. Salzburg is a city that truly has something for everyone, from its stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage to its delicious cuisine and lively atmosphere. Whether you have just 24 hours or a little longer, be sure to take advantage of all this beautiful city has to offer.

Happy Travels, Adventurers