Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol and a two-time host of the Winter Olympics, is a beautiful place surrounded by majestic Alpine peaks, with the turquoise Inn River flowing through it. In this guide — Innsbruck, Austria: 27 Best Things to Do and See — I’ll share the best sights and tips to help you plan your trip. Who would have thought that here you can stand with one foot in a historic imperial residence and the other on a three-thousand-meter peak on the same day?

When I first saw the panorama of Innsbruck, I felt like I was looking at an incredibly elaborate movie set. The perfect composition of colorful houses, Gothic towers, and monumental mountains in the background just couldn’t be real. But it is. And what’s more – it’s a city fully prepared to captivate you in every season.

TL;DR

• Innsbruck is ideal for 3-4 days, where on the first day you explore the historic center, on the second day you take the cable car to the mountains, on the third day you visit Ambras Castle, and on the last day you take a trip to the surroundings (Swarovski or Lake Achensee).
• Luxury accommodation is Hotel Innsbruck; if you’re on a budget, check out special offers via Booking.com.
• What not to miss: Goldenes Dachl, the Imperial Palace Hofburg with its Rococo halls, the futuristic Nordkette cable car (from the city to 2256 m in 30 minutes), the Bergisel ski jump by Zaha Hadid, and the Court Church with its impressive bronze guardians.
• Things to do with kids: Alpenzoo specializing in Alpine fauna, Swarovski Crystal Worlds with a giant head spouting water, or swimming in Lake Lanser See (in summer), which is only 8 km from the center.
• Save with the Innsbruck Card (buy online via GetYourGuide): The card pays off even with a visit to three attractions, including Nordkette (which alone costs €40-47) – activate it first thing in the morning and start with the most expensive sights.

When to Go to Innsbruck

Every season in Innsbruck has its charm, so it mostly depends on your preference.

Winter Wonderland (December-February): Innsbruck transforms into a true winter kingdom in winter. The city, which hosted the Olympic Games, welcomes you with snowy streets and Christmas decorations.

Temperatures hover around freezing and below (the average high is -1 °C in January), but I promise you won’t mind when you’re exploring the Christmas markets with a mug of mulled wine. Winter sports enthusiasts can choose from several ski resorts – from the challenging Nordkette directly above the city to family-friendly Patscherkofel or Kühtai. Don’t forget Bergsilvester (Mountain New Year’s Eve) on December 31st, where you can enjoy live music in the center and midnight fireworks from Bergisel.

Spring like a fairy tale (March-May): Spring in Innsbruck is perfect; down in the valley, the first flowers are blooming, while up in the mountains, skiing is still possible. This combination is magical – you can enjoy a walk through the blooming city in the morning and head out for a last spring ski run in the afternoon. Temperatures in April and May climb to a pleasant 10-20 °C.

Just be prepared for typical April weather – one moment the sun is shining, the next it’s raining, sometimes even snowing.

Summer (June-August): In summer, Innsbruck comes alive. Although temperatures are pleasant (average 19 °C in July, often up to 25 °C), it never gets unbearably hot here because you’re close to the mountains. All cable cars are in operation, making the city an ideal base for hiking, mountain biking, or climbing.

Culturally inclined travelers will enjoy the Innsbruck Festival of Early Music, which takes place in late July and August. For families, summer is an ideal time to visit – you can go on child-friendly hikes (for example, the circuit around Lake Achensee) or cool off in one of the local swimming pools.

Autumn (September-November): Autumn in Innsbruck bursts with colors, and in September, the weather is often still stable and pleasant, ideal for mountain hikes with views of the colorful foliage.

By October, it gets quite chilly (10-15 °C), and the city slowly calms down after the summer tourist rush. It’s harvest time and traditional festivals – in the surrounding valleys, you can witness the Almabtrieb, when farmers ceremonially bring cattle down from the mountain pastures to the valley. And if you’re a food lover, autumn is the time for gourmet festivals and special menus in local restaurants.

Where to Stay in Innsbruck

You can easily find accommodation through booking.com, but if you want something special, I recommend Hotel Innsbruck. There are also many campsites nearby.

How to save on Attractions in Innsbruck

The math is simple – buy the Innsbruck Card (GetYourGuide) if you visit at least 3 paid attractions in a day, especially if one of them is the Nordkette cable car (regular price €40-47).

Example of a one-day program with a 24-hour card for €59:

• Nordkette cable car (round trip): €40-47
• Hofburg: €12
• Alpenzoo: €12
• Public transport (day ticket): €5.50

Total without card: €69.50-76.50 Savings with card: €10.50-17.50

When the Card is not Worth It

The card is not advantageous if:

• You plan to visit only one or two attractions
• You prefer a walking tour of the city (Innsbruck is compact)
• You don’t plan to use the cable cars
• Your sightseeing pace is slower, with long breaks in cafes

Practical Tips

1. Activate the card in the morning – it is valid for exactly 24/48/72 hours from first use
2. Start with the most expensive attractions (Nordkette, Ambras Castle)
3. Plan an efficient route – don’t waste time traveling between distant places
4. Use free public transport for faster transfers

Sights, Cable Car, and other Places You Must See

You can easily explore Innsbruck in one day, but you’ll want to stay longer to fully explore the surroundings and local museums.

Goldenes Dachl

If I had to recommend just one place not to miss in Innsbruck, it would be this gilded ornament of the Old Town Square. You’ll see 2657 gilded copper shingles covering the late Gothic oriel, which Emperor Maximilian I had built around 1500. From this balcony, the emperor watched tournaments and festivities in the square below.

Today, you’ll find a small museum about Maximilian I here, but honestly – the best view of the Golden Roof is from the outside, ideally from one of the cafes on the square, where you can enjoy a typical apple strudel and coffee while admiring this architectural masterpiece.

Imperial Palace (Hofburg)

When you say Habsburg residence, most people think of the Hofburg in Vienna, but its Innsbruck sibling might surprise you with its grandeur. The original 15th-century fortress was rebuilt in the 18th century by Empress Maria Theresa into its current form as a Rococo masterpiece.

A walk through the representative halls with painted ceilings, precious furniture, and portraits will transport you to the times when Tyrol was an important part of the Austrian Empire. Especially magnificent is the Giant Hall (Riesensaal) with its white and gold decoration and stunning ceiling frescoes from 1775. Be sure to take an audio guide (available in German and English) to help you appreciate the rich history of this place.

Hofkirche

Are you an art and history lover? Then we must send you to Hofkirche, the Court Church, which is home to one of the most impressive imperial monuments in Europe. This empty mausoleum of Emperor Maximilian I is surrounded by 28 monumental bronze statues of his ancestors and heroes, whom locals call “Black Men.”

Interestingly, eight of these “black men” are actually women – few visitors notice this curious detail. The simple facade of the church hides a rich interior; for history enthusiasts, Hofkirche is an absolute must-see.

Tiroler Landsemuseum

If you visit here, you’ll find unique cultural treasures, from emotionally charged Tyrolean costumes balancing between appearance and reality to the fascinating history of Christmas nativity scenes from the 18th century. And the best part? You can even sit on centuries-old furniture here – how often do museums let you rest your backside on an exhibit? The museum shares space with the impressive Hofkirche (Court Church), so it’s two sights for the price of one visit. Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM!

Cathedral of St. James (Dom Zu St. Jakob)

In the heart of Innsbruck stands the Baroque cathedral, completed in 1724, whose two towers and massive dome form another dominant feature of the city skyline. The interior of the cathedral will impress you with its magnificent frescoes and stucco work – especially the ceiling painting “The Glorification of St. James” is worth stopping and examining closely.

Another gem is the famous painting Mariahilf by Lucas Cranach the Elder from 1530. If you’re lucky and hit the right date, you can also enjoy a concert on the cathedral organ – it’s truly an experience you’ll appreciate, even if you’re not a fan of classical music.

Maria-Theresien-Straße and Triumphpforte

Innsbruck’s main artery is to locals what the Champs-Élysées are to Paris. This wide, lively street lined with Baroque palaces, cafes, and shops is an ideal place for an afternoon stroll. In the middle is the Annasäule (St. Anne’s Column, from 1706), and at the southern end stands the majestic Triumphpforte.

Maria Theresa had this Roman arch built in 1765 to commemorate the wedding of her son Leopold (later emperor). Today, the street is the heart of the city’s shopping and gastronomic life. And best of all – it’s a pedestrian zone, so you can enjoy it without the stress of passing cars.

Nordkette Cable Car

Imagine standing on a mountain peak at an altitude of over 2200 meters, having reached it directly from the city center in just 30 minutes. That’s the magic of the Nordkette cable car, also known as the “Top of Innsbruck.”

The journey begins at the futuristic Hungerburgbahn station (designed by the famous architect Zaha Hadid), which takes you to the first stop. From there, you continue with other cable cars up to the Hafelekar station at an altitude of 2256 m.

At the top, a 360° panorama of Innsbruck and the Alps awaits you, which is breathtaking in good weather. The cable cars are barrier-free, so this experience is truly accessible to everyone – from families with children to seniors. Just be aware that a round-trip ticket will cost you approximately €47, which is not the cheapest, but the view is definitely worth it. If you plan to visit more attractions, it’s worth buying the Innsbruck Card, which includes this ride.

Bergisel Ski Jump and Tyrolean Panorama

On the Bergisel hill south of the center is the futuristic ski jump, another work by Zaha Hadid. You can take the inclined elevator up and enjoy fantastic views of the city and Nordkette from the observation deck or the “Bergisel Sky” cafe.

Below the ski jump, you’ll find the Tyrolean Panorama Museum with a huge circular painting depicting the Tyrolean rebellion of 1809. The surrounding nature trail (Bergisel-Rundweg) will lead you past monuments and other viewpoints. Locals often recommend not missing the historical museum as well.

Ambras Castle (Schloss Ambras)

About 4 km southeast of the center lies this Renaissance castle, which Archduke Ferdinand II of Tyrol used as his residence from 1563. For art and culture lovers, it’s a true paradise – the lower rooms house a significant armory with over 100 historical armors, and in the upper castle, you can admire Philippine Welser’s bathroom, a remarkably preserved 16th-century bath. century.

The most famous is the Spanish Hall – a magnificent ceremonial hall with a coffered ceiling and Renaissance frescoes, one of the most beautiful of its kind in Europe. The castle is considered one of the oldest museums in the world, as Ferdinand II presented his “cabinet of curiosities” here as early as the 16th century. . The park with ponds and a children’s playground invites you for walks – ideal for families (children can run wild in the park).

Alpenzoo Innsbruck

High above the city (halfway to Hungerburg) lies Alpenzoo – a zoo specializing in Alpine animal species. The area is terraced on a mountain slope; during the tour, you’ll ascend about 100 vertical meters, which is almost equivalent to a light hike.

More than 100 species of Alpine animals can be seen, from ibex and bears to eagles and otters. Especially for families with children, Alpenzoo is a highlight of the visit – in spring, you can observe many young animals here, which makes the visit particularly appealing. The advantage is that the zoo is included in the Innsbruck Card, so you get free entry with it.

360° Rooftop Platform at the Town Hall Gallery

For me personally, this is one of the best places in the city for sunset. The 360° platform offers panoramic views of the Old Town’s rooftops and the surrounding mountains. A cocktail in hand, the Alpine glow over the mountain peaks, and the pulsating historic city below you – is there a better way to end the day?

Generally, it’s not talked about much, but Innsbruck has a great bar scene – start your journey here, then continue to one of the bars in the Viaduktbögen (arches under the viaduct) near the train station, where locals mix with tourists.

City Tower (Stadtturm)

The fifteenth century left Innsbruck this 51-meter-high watchtower, which you can conquer by climbing 133 steps. The effort pays off – at the top, a 360° view of the city, the rooftops of the old town, and the breathtaking panorama of the surrounding mountains await you.

For those who don’t like crowds – this place is often overlooked in favor of more famous viewpoints, so it’s usually quieter here. On my last visit, I was practically alone and could play medieval guard for twenty minutes, dramatically looking out for enemies.

Imperial Court Garden (Hofgarten)

Just a short walk from the Hofburg lies this 10-hectare park. Originally founded in the 15th century for the imperial court, today it features beautiful trees, flowerbeds, and a small pond.

In the summer months, open-air concerts are held here, and it’s a great place for a picnic. In the autumn months, the entire park bursts with colors – absolutely beautiful for photographers.

Market Hall (Markthalle)

If you want to get to know the true soul of the city, visit the local market. Innsbruck’s Markthalle offers everything from fresh Tyrolean cheeses to cured meats and Asian specialties. Locals come here for a quick lunch or to buy ingredients, and so should you.

A stroll among the stalls with local products, tastings, and conversations with vendors will give you a much more authentic experience than any tourist attraction. Taste Speck (Tyrolean ham) and Bergkäse (mountain cheese) – if you’re vegetarian, opt for Kaspressknödel (cheese dumplings).

Wilten Basilica (Wiltener Basilika)

Just a short distance from the city center on the south side stands this Baroque pearl. Its facade may be unassuming, but step inside and you’ll be amazed – the rich Rococo decoration, magnificent frescoes, and impressive altar are like a journey through time.

Originally founded in the 12th century, its current form largely dates from the 18th century. century. The basilica is part of Wilten Abbey, one of the oldest in Tyrol. Many tourists overlook this gem, which is their loss – and your opportunity to explore it in peace.

Glockengießerei Grassmayr (Grassmayr Bell Foundry)

This is one of my favorite places in Innsbruck. The Grassmayr family bell foundry has been operating continuously since 1599.

The museum guides you through the bell-making process, and you can even try the “sound gallery”, where you test various bells. There’s something incredibly satisfying about striking a huge bell and feeling the sound resonate through your entire body.

Inn River Embankment and Bridges

The Inn River gave the city its name (Innsbruck literally means “bridge over the Inn”) and its embankment offers some of the most photogenic views of the city. A stroll along the river, especially at dusk when the colorful facades of the houses are reflected in the water, is a must.

Besides the historic Innbrücke Bridge, the more modern Mariahilf Steg and Herzog-Otto-Ufer Bridge are also noteworthy, offering an iconic view of the row of colorful houses lining the bank.

Kristallwelten Swarovski (Swarovski Crystal World)

Less than 20 km from Innsbruck in Wattens, this surreal attraction is located – half museum, half amusement park, entirely dedicated to crystal. The entrance is guarded by a giant grassy head with a waterfall flowing from its mouth.

Inside, you’ll find “Chambers of Wonder” created by world-renowned artists, and outside, a beautiful garden with a crystal tree and a labyrinth. It’s somewhat bizarre, a bit kitschy, but definitely unique. Fun fact: the souvenir shop here is larger than some museums we’ve ever visited.

Rattenberg Glassworks

About 50 km east of Innsbruck lies Rattenberg, Austria’s smallest town and a center of glass production with a rich tradition. The town itself is a medieval gem, but the main draw is the opportunity to watch glass masters at work.

In several glassworks, you can directly see how works of art are born from molten glass, and you can even try blowing your own glass product in some workshops.

Patscherkofel – Innsbruck’s “Home Mountain”

This mountain south of the city (2246 m) is a popular excursion destination for Innsbruck locals. It is accessible by cable car (station accessible by tram 6) and offers a wide range of activities – family-friendly skiing in winter, and hiking along the famous “Zirbenweg” (Stone Pine Path) in summer.

The views are less “wild” than from Nordkette, but all the more pleasant for a relaxing trip. Plus, you’ll avoid tourist crowds, as most guidebooks only briefly mention this mountain. Their loss, your gain!

Jesuitenkirche (Jesuit Church)

This early 17th-century church, also known as Universitätskirche, stands right next to the university. Its simple facade conceals a richly decorated interior, a typical example of Baroque sacred architecture.

What is particularly remarkable – the amazing acoustics. If you’re lucky enough to catch an organ concert, don’t hesitate for a second. If not, it’s still worth sitting down for a while and enjoying the silence and tranquility of this space.

Lanser See

About 8 km southeast of Innsbruck lies this small but charming mountain lake. In summer, it’s an ideal spot for a refreshing swim (the water is surprisingly warm) and picnics, while in winter it transforms into a natural ice rink.

An easy trail leads around the lake, and with views of the surrounding mountains, it’s a perfect escape from the city. It’s easily accessible by bus or bike. While it’s not the most famous attraction, you have a greater chance of finding your own peaceful spot here.

Hunger Tower (Hungerturm)

This medieval tower, towering over the Hötting district, is a remnant of the city’s old defense system. It was used as a prison, hence its grim name. Today, it offers an interesting insight into medieval justice and the penal system.

The tower is not regularly open, but if you’re lucky enough to catch an open day, a unique and slightly morbid experience awaits you. In any case, it’s worth at least walking up to it and admiring it from the outside.

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Where to stay in Innsbruck

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Day Trips from Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a perfect base for excursions into the surrounding area – whether you long for mountains, lakes, or historic towns. Here are the best tips on where to go:

Lake Achensee (Tyrolean “Sea”)

About 40 km northeast of Innsbruck lies Tyrol’s largest lake, Achensee, also known as the “Tyrolean Sea”. You can get there in just 30 minutes by train to Jenbach, from where you transfer to the historic steam cog railway from 1889, which will take you right to the lake shore.

Once there, you’ll find excursion boats cruising the clear waters of the lake between picturesque villages like Pertisau and Achenkirch. In summer, you can enjoy swimming (the water is drinking quality, but the temperature reaches a maximum of around 20 °C), a boat ride, or a walk along the shore – for example, from Pertisau to Gaisalm, a mountain hut accessible only on foot or by boat.

Salzburg – City of Mozart

Although Salzburg is about 170 km away, thanks to a direct Railjet train connection, it’s possible to visit it as a day trip (the journey takes less than 2 hours). World-renowned cultural and architectural gems await you: the Baroque Old Town (UNESCO), the cathedral, Mirabell Palace, and Hohensalzburg Fortress high above the city.

Ideal itinerary: morning departure from Innsbruck, a walk through the Old Town in the morning, a typical Austrian lunch, an afternoon visit to Mozart’s birthplace or a boat trip on the Salzach River, and return by train in the evening. Keep in mind that Salzburg is a very popular destination – it can be crowded during peak season, so it’s worth setting off early in the morning.

South Tyrol and the Dolomites (Italy)

The Italian border is only about a 30-minute drive away (via the Brenner Pass), which opens up possibilities for trips to Italian South Tyrol and the Dolomites. A particularly recommended trip is to the Val Gardena valley, about a 2-hour drive from Innsbruck.

The picturesque town of Ortisei (St. Ulrich) can serve as a starting point – from there, cable cars lead to Seiser Alm or Seceda with views of the iconic peaks of the Dolomites.

Some organized full-day trips from Innsbruck also include the emerald lake Pragser Wildsee (Lago di Braies) and other picturesque locations.

If you don’t have a car, it’s also worth exploring closer Italian towns, such as the medieval town of Vipiteno (Sterzing), which is only about 40 minutes away by train. Don’t forget to bring your passport or ID card – even though border checks usually don’t occur, it’s a legal requirement.

Neuschwanstein Castle and Bavaria

In the opposite direction (northwest) lies the famous fairytale castle Neuschwanstein in Bavaria, about 115 km from Innsbruck. By car, it’s roughly 1.5–2 hours (via the picturesque Fern Pass); by public transport, the journey is more complicated (a train+bus combination).

Important note: Neuschwanstein is extremely popular – buy tour tickets online (for example, on GetYourGuide, where you can also cancel if needed) well in advance, as on-site sales are often sold out.

Plan a full-day trip: leave early, arrive in Hohenschwangau in the morning, then walk (30 minutes) or take a shuttle to the castle. After the tour (which lasts about 30 minutes), don’t forget to visit the Marienbrücke bridge, from where you get the best view of the castle.

Innsbruck FAQs

We had wanted to visit Salzburg, Austria for ages, but somehow it never worked out. This year we set off in our camper van heading for Sicily and finally managed to fit Salzburg in. We expected busy streets and crowds of tourists, but instead we discovered a beautiful, calm Austrian city where we could easily spend several days without ever getting bored.

What actually surprised me was how easily you can walk across the whole of Salzburg. We were travelling with two dogs and our one-year-old son Jonáš, and it turned out to be one of the best stops on our road trip.

By the way, Salzburg is a fantastic base for day trips around the region, including the famous Hallstatt. So if you keep skipping Salzburg, you really shouldn’t. It’s definitely a city you’ll want to return to.

TL;DR

• You can walk the centre: Compact Salzburg is easy to explore on foot, even with a stroller. It’s ideal for a long weekend (or a week if you add day trips) in any season.
• Stay in the centre at Gentle Hide Designhotel, Boutiquehotel am Dom or Hotel Wolf.
• With kids, visit the interactive Toy Museum (suitable from 6 months), the natural-history Haus der Natur with dinosaurs, or Hellbrunn Palace with its trick fountains.
• Don’t-miss sights: Hohensalzburg Fortress (reached by funicular), Salzburg Cathedral, Mozart’s birthplace on Getreidegasse, and the baroque Mirabell Gardens (where the famous “Do-Re-Mi” scene was filmed).
• Taste the real Mozart Balls at Café Konditorei Fürst (only the ones in blue wrappers!), stop by Austria’s oldest café, Café Tomaselli, and treat yourself to Salzburger Nockerl – a fluffy soufflé shaped like the Salzburg mountains.
• Save with the Salzburg Card: For €29/24h you get free entry to most attractions plus unlimited public transport – an investment that quickly pays for itself.

When to visit Salzburg

You can basically visit Salzburg at any time of year. Every season has its own charm. Personally I prefer spring or early autumn, because I don’t like wandering around cities in the heat or in bitter cold — but you know how it goes, even winter can bring perfect weather. If you like to plan around the weather in Salzburg, Austria, spring and early autumn are usually the safest bets.

Getting around Salzburg

Salzburg is wonderful to explore on foot. Because of our camper van we parked outside the centre and took a bus in. The historic centre (Altstadt) is compact and most of the main sights are a fairly short walk from one another. For spots further out you can use:

• Public transport – the “Obus” bus system is eco-friendly (trolleybuses) and pretty reliable. A single ticket costs around €2.50, or €5.70 for a 24-hour pass.
• Bikes – Salzburg is incredibly cyclist-friendly, with over 170 km of bike paths. You’ll find rental shops all over the city, with prices from around €15 a day. Bikes with child seats are available for families too.
• Taxi – Uber works here the usual way, so you can easily grab a ride if you need to. Of course it’s a good bit pricier than public transport or renting a bike.

Where to stay in Salzburg: the best hotels

We’re fairly demanding when it comes to accommodation, and I don’t mean it has to be the most expensive or luxurious — it just has to be worth the price. We love quiet places with a great breakfast (unless we feel like café-hopping), ideally right in the centre (because getting around with a baby is hard work).

Luckily there’s plenty to choose from in Salzburg. My top pick is Gentle Hide Designhotel, right in the centre, or alternatively Boutiquehotel am Dom or Hotel Wolf. We prefer to look for accommodation on Booking.com.

And how long should you stay? One day isn’t enough — I’d recommend at least a long weekend, and if you want to explore the surroundings too, then easily a week.

Salzburg, Austria: sights, highlights and things to do with kids

Now let’s get into what you should see in Salzburg. You should be able to cover it all in 2–3 days.

Hohensalzburg Fortress (the Salzburg Austria castle)

The majestic Hohensalzburg Fortress has towered over the city for more than 900 years and is one of the largest, best-preserved medieval fortresses in Europe. You can reach it either on foot (about a 20-minute, fairly steep walk) or by the FestungsBahn funicular, which whisks you up in under a minute.

Practical tips:

• The funicular runs every 10 minutes, from 9:00 to 17:00 in winter and until 21:00 in summer.
• Fortress admission including the funicular ticket costs around €13.30 for adults, €7.60 for children aged 6–14.
• The fortress is partly stroller-accessible, but there are some parts you simply can’t reach without folding the stroller up.
• There’s a café at the top with a terrace and breathtaking views.

Mirabell Palace and Gardens (Schloss Mirabell)

The baroque Mirabell Palace was built in 1606 by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich for his mistress Salome Alt. It’s surrounded by stunning gardens that rank among the most beautiful in Europe and are free to enter.

This is exactly where the famous scene from The Sound of Music was filmed — the one where Julie Andrews sings “Do-Re-Mi” with the children. You might not know the musical since it’s from 1965, but it won so many awards that it’s well worth watching before your trip to Salzburg.

What you’ll see here:

• The Marble Hall (Marmorsaal) – considered one of the most beautiful wedding halls in the world
• The Angel Staircase (Engelsstiege)
• The Dwarf Garden (Zwergerlgarten) with its 18th-century baroque dwarf statues
• The great fountain surrounded by statues representing the four elements
• The Pegasus Fountain, which offers the iconic view of Hohensalzburg Fortress

Getreidegasse and Mozart’s birthplace

Getreidegasse is Salzburg’s most famous street. You’ll recognise it by the wrought-iron guild signs hanging above the shops. It was at number 9 that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born on 27 January 1756, and today there’s a museum dedicated to his life.

Since we were travelling with one-year-old Jonáš, we did peek inside but decided in the end that he wouldn’t enjoy it. If you head in, I’d love it if you dropped a comment about how you liked it and whether it’s worth it.

What awaits you in Mozart’s birthplace:

• Mozart’s original childhood violin
• Portraits of the Mozart family
• Letters and original scores
• Interactive exhibits on his life and work

There’s a special tour route for older children.

For the record — Mozart later lived with his family in the so-called Mozart Residence (Mozart-Wohnhaus) on Makartplatz, which is also open to the public. This museum is larger and less crowded than the birthplace.

The Old Town (Altstadt)

Salzburg’s old town is one of the best-preserved historic centres in Central Europe and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. It’s a maze of narrow lanes, squares and courtyards.

The most interesting spots in the old town:

• Residenzplatz – the main square with the famous baroque Residenzbrunnen fountain
• Kapitelplatz – a square with a giant chess piece and a fountain
• Domplatz – the square in front of the cathedral, home to the Christmas market
• Alter Markt – with the historic Café Tomaselli
• Judengasse – the former Jewish quarter, full of little shops and cafés
• Steingasse – a medieval lane with charming corners and historic houses

You can roll a stroller through the historic centre with no trouble at all. There are stairs here and there, of course, but we never ran into a problem.

Salzburg Cathedral (Salzburger Dom)

This monumental baroque cathedral is the heart of the old town. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was baptised here and later served as court organist. The interior is dazzling – marble columns, frescoes, five organs and 4,000 pipes.

Good to know:

• The cathedral was completely rebuilt after a fire in 1598
• It has a capacity of 10,000 people
• On Sundays at 10:00 there’s a Mass with musical accompaniment

I recommend popping into the adjoining museum (DomQuartier), where the archbishops’ treasures are on display.

St. Peter’s Abbey and cemetery

St. Peter’s Abbey is the oldest monastery in the German-speaking world, founded back in 696. The complex includes a Romanesque-Gothic church, a stunning library with 100,000 volumes (some over 1,000 years old) and the Petersfriedhof cemetery with catacombs carved into the rock.

Why visit:

• An ossuary with the skulls and bones of ancient monks and nobles
• Europe’s oldest restaurant – St. Peter Stiftskulinarium (founded in 803)
• Crypts and chapels with the tombs of prominent Salzburg families
• Early-morning Mass in the little church accompanied by Gregorian chant (starts at 6:45)
• It’s also one of the spots featured in The Sound of Music.

Schloss Hellbrunn and the Wasserspiele

The summer residence of Prince-Archbishop Markus Sittikus, built in the early 17th century, is best known for its “trick fountains” – an ingenious system of fountains, water-spouting statues and hidden jets designed to surprise and soak visitors.

What awaits you here:

• A guided tour of the Wasserspiele (takes about 40 minutes)
• A water-powered mechanical theatre depicting life in a baroque town
• A sprawling park perfect for picnics and relaxing
• The pavilion where the “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” scene from The Sound of Music was filmed
• Salzburg Zoo

Kids will love it, though be prepared to get wet! I’d recommend bringing a change of clothes, but in summer it’s actually a pleasant way to cool off.

Practical tips:

• Admission is around €13.50 for adults, €6 for children aged 6–18
• You can’t book a tour time slot – tours run one after another
• It’s easy to get here on bus no. 25 from the main train station
• Allow at least 2–3 hours for your visit

Haus der Natur

This natural-history museum will entertain grown-ups and kids alike. Across 7,000 m² you’ll find interactive exhibits on nature, space, the human body and many other themes. There’s also an aquarium, reptile terrariums and a science show. And yes, there are dinosaurs too.

The most interesting exhibits:

• The space hall with a planetarium
• A dinosaur exhibit with life-sized moving models
• An aquarium with a coral reef
• An ice world with penguins and a polar exhibit
• A “Science Center” with experiments kids can try for themselves

Kapuzinerberg and Steingasse

Kapuzinerberg hill, on the right bank of the Salzach River, offers lovely woodland walks and stunning views over the old town. At the top there’s a Capuchin monastery and several viewpoints. The way up begins at Steingasse – the oldest and most charming street in Salzburg, which served as a main trade route back in the Middle Ages.

What you’ll see here:

• Sebastianskirche (St. Sebastian’s Church) at the foot of the hill
• Military fortifications from the Napoleonic Wars
• The Mozart viewpoint with a panoramic outlook
• A Stations of the Cross trail with statues
• Spots where, according to legend, a hermit once lived

The climb is tougher with a stroller, but there are gentler alternative routes. There are several spots on the hill for a picnic and a rest.

Fun fact: Josef Mohr, who wrote the lyrics to the carol “Silent Night, Holy Night”, lived at Steingasse no. 9.

Mönchstein Castle and the Museum of Modern Art

At the top of Mönchsberg hill you’ll find the luxury Schloss Mönchstein hotel and, nearby, the Museum of Modern Art (Museum der Moderne). The views over the city from the top are beautiful, and you can get up there either on foot or by the Mönchsbergaufzug lift.

Why visit:

• The Museum of Modern Art with rotating contemporary exhibitions
• The terrace of the museum café M32 with panoramic views
• A walk along the ramparts with views over the old town
• Unusual angles on Hohensalzburg Fortress

The Mönchsberg lift runs every 10 minutes and costs €2.50 per ride. The museum is open daily except Monday from 10:00 to 18:00, and until 20:00 on Wednesdays.

Red Bull Hangar-7

What disappointed us most was that Red Bull’s Hangar happened to be under renovation. If you’re an F1 fan too, you have to head to Hangar-7 by Salzburg airport. This architecturally unique, wing-shaped building is home to historic aircraft, helicopters and Formula One cars from the Red Bull collection. The futuristic glass-and-steel structure is a work of art in its own right.

What you’ll see here:

• A collection of historic aircraft, including World War II fighters
• Red Bull Racing Formula 1 cars
• Art installations and exhibitions
• The gourmet restaurant Ikarus with internationally acclaimed guest chefs
• The outdoor Flying Bulls Lounge overlooking the runway

Entry to Hangar-7 is free and it’s open daily from 9:00 to 22:00. You can get here on bus no. 10 or 27 from the main train station.

Lukáš and Lucie recommend

Where to stay in Salzburg

4 accommodations — hotels and other lodging options

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Gentle Hide Designhotel

Design hotel located right in the center of Salzburg, recommended as the best choice for accommodation in the historic city center.

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Boutiquehotel am Dom

Boutique hotel in the center of Salzburg, ideal for comfortable accommodation with an excellent location near the main attractions.

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Hotel Wolf

Centrally located hotel in Salzburg, offering comfortable accommodation for visitors to the historic city.

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Explore all available accommodation options in Salzburg and find the best one according to your preferences and budget.

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Toy Museum (Spielzeugmuseum)

If you have little ones, the interactive toy museum will be an absolute hit. It’s suitable even for the tiniest visitors — there’s a whole floor dedicated to them. So as long as your kids can at least crawl, you can head here.

Practical info

• Suitable for children from 6 months
• Open from 9:00 to 17:00
• Family price (2 adults + 2 children) is €10
• Child ticket €2–2.50 depending on the child’s age

Salzburger Marionettentheater

Salzburg’s marionette theatre has a long tradition dating back to 1913 and is known for its intricate puppets and performances. It stages classic operas, fairy tales and, of course, The Sound of Music. UNESCO has recognised this theatre as intangible cultural heritage.

Why visit:

• A one-of-a-kind show – the puppets are handled with such precision that you almost forget you’re watching marionettes
• Enjoyable even if you don’t understand German (performances often have English subtitles or are wordless)
• The chance to take a behind-the-scenes tour of how the puppets are made (on set days)
• Special children’s performances in the afternoons

Tickets range from €26 to €42 depending on the seating category. We recommend booking ahead, especially in high season.

A stroll along the Salzach River

The Salzach River, which flows through Salzburg, offers a lovely promenade on both banks. It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely walk, some people-watching or a picnic. You can cross from one bank to the other over several bridges, the most famous of which is the Makartsteg – the love bridge covered in padlocks.

Things to do by the river:

• Rent a boat and cruise along the river
• Visit one of the cafés with a waterside terrace
• Cycle the bike paths along the banks
• In summer, sunbathe on the grass in Lehener Park

You’ll also find playgrounds here, and in the summer months the occasional street performance.

Stift Nonnberg (Nonnberg Abbey)

Now we’re getting to the lesser-known spots. This Benedictine convent is the oldest in the German-speaking world, founded around 714. This is exactly where director Robert Wise set the story of the novice Maria in The Sound of Music.

The abbey church is open to the public, and at 6:45 in the morning or in the early evening you can listen to the nuns singing Gregorian chant.

Fun fact: The Gothic church has beautiful frescoed vaults and a unique altar. The convent itself is not open to the public, but it’s still worth the climb up for the views and the atmosphere. The best route is up the Nonnbergstiege steps from Kaigasse.

St. Peter’s Catacombs (St. Peter Katakomben)

These catacombs carved into the Mönchsberg are often overlooked by tourists — which is a shame. They’re much older than the cemetery itself and probably served as a refuge for early Christians.

Practical info:

• Admission is €2
• Open daily from 10:00 to 17:00 (until 18:00 from May to September)
• The catacombs aren’t stroller-accessible, but they’re relatively short

Map of points of interest for your phone

Café Tomaselli

This is the oldest café in Austria, in operation since 1700. Mozart himself is said to have often sat here. The interior has kept its historic charm and you can really feel the atmosphere of times gone by. The café is famous for its traditional service – waiters in black suits and ladies in black dresses with white aprons offering cakes from rolling trolleys.

What to try:

• The Mozart almond coffee (Mozartkaffee) – it’s the house speciality
• Homemade strudel served with whipped cream
• Traditional Sachertorte
• Coffee served on a silver tray with its own little caramel and a glass of water

You’ll find the café at Alter Markt 9 and it’s open daily from 7:00 to 19:00.

Untersberg

For an escape from the city and impressive views, head up Untersberg (1,973 m) on the German border. A cable car runs up here and the views over Salzburg and the surrounding Alps are breathtaking.

Tips:

• The cable car runs every 30 minutes
• A return ticket costs about €25 for adults
• There’s a restaurant with a terrace at the top
• In winter there are cross-country ski trails and skiing options
• For fitter hikers there are several marked trails up or down

The cable car ride takes about 10 minutes, and the summit is often shrouded in cloud, so check the weather beforehand.

Franziskanerkirche

This Franciscan church is one of the oldest in Salzburg. It has a Romanesque core and a Gothic nave with striking rib vaulting. This sanctuary is less visited than the dominant cathedral, but it offers a peaceful spot for quiet reflection and admiring the historic architecture.

Good to know:

• The main altar designed by the famous Fischer von Erlach
• The baroque Capella Gabrieli
• Impressive organs and acoustics
• Evening concerts during the festival

The church is open daily from 6:30 to 19:00 and entry is free.

Salzburg is also the birthplace of one of the most famous films in history. Where exactly The Sound of Music was filmed, why the von Trapp movie villa doesn’t actually exist and how the family really escaped, I break all of it down in the article The Sound of Music: filming locations in Salzburg.

Day trip ideas around Salzburg

Salzburg is also a great base for exploring the surrounding area.

Hallstatt

Just an hour and a half from Salzburg lies the hugely popular little town of Hallstatt, considered one of the most photogenic places in Austria. The town sits on the shore of Lake Hallstätter See and is surrounded by high mountains.

Liechtensteinklamm

This impressive gorge is near St. Johann im Pongau, about an hour’s drive from Salzburg. Wooden walkways lead you along the wild Großarler Ache river, between sheer rock walls up to 300 metres high.

Practical info:

• Admission is around €10 for adults
• The gorge is open from April to October, weather permitting
• The walk takes about 1–1.5 hours
• You’ll need sturdy shoes and, in cooler weather, a jacket (it’s chilly in the gorge)
• Access is difficult with very young children and strollers

At the end of the trail a spectacular 50-metre waterfall awaits, giving the whole experience a dramatic finale.

Berchtesgaden and the Eagle’s Nest

Just across the German border, about 30 minutes’ drive from Salzburg, lies Berchtesgaden with its beautiful Königssee lake and Hitler’s former mountain retreat, the so-called Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus). This is a common answer to the question of whether Salzburg is in Germany or Austria — the city is firmly in Austria, but the German border is only minutes away.

Highlights:

• Riding the special buses and the lift carved into the rock up to the Eagle’s Nest (open from May to October)
• A cruise across the emerald-green Königssee, complete with an echo bouncing off the cliffs
• St. Bartholomew’s Church, accessible only by boat
• The Salzbergwerk salt mine with a ride down miners’ slides and a trip across an underground lake
• The Obersalzberg Documentation Centre about the area’s Nazi past

This area combines history, natural beauty and active experiences, making it ideal for a day trip.

Lake Wolfgangsee and Schafberg

You’ll fall in love with Lake Wolfgangsee, about 30 minutes’ drive from Salzburg. It’s relatively quiet even in July, it doesn’t get unbearably hot, and you’ll find gorgeous picturesque villages and mountain scenery.

What to do here:

• Ride the historic cog railway up Schafberg mountain (1,783 m)
• Visit the pilgrimage church in St. Wolfgang with its Gothic altar
• Swim in the lake (in summer the water reaches up to 25 °C)
• Take a boat trip across the lake
• Explore the towns of St. Gilgen (birthplace of Mozart’s mother) and Strobl

What to eat in Salzburg

As vegetarians we couldn’t try all the traditional specialities, but we still tucked into plenty of treats.

Typical dishes

• Salzburger Nockerl – a fluffy sweet soufflé shaped like three snow-capped mountain peaks symbolising Mönchsberg, Kapuzinerberg and Rainberg. The best is at the Bärenwirt restaurant.
• Knödel – dumplings of various kinds, including vegetarian ones filled with spinach (Spinatknödel) or cheese. Perfect as a main course or a side.
• Kasnockén – a special type of small cheese dumpling, often served with caramelised onions. A vegetarian take on traditional Austrian fare.
• Strudel – apple (Apfelstrudel) or quark strudel with whipped cream.
• Pretzels (Brezeln) – soft, salty pretzels that make the perfect snack on the go. You’ll find the best ones at the Original 1. Salzburger Brez’lstand stand on Kapitelplatz.

For meat lovers, Salzburg is a paradise:

• Schnitzel – a thin breaded cutlet, traditionally made from veal
• Tafelspitz – boiled beef in a rich broth
• Backhendl – fried chicken, a speciality of the Bärenwirt restaurant
• Goulash – a soup/sauce with meat, served with dumplings

All over the city you’ll come across Mozart Balls (Mozartkugeln) – chocolate pralines with marzipan and nougat. The original Fürst Mozart Balls come in blue wrappers and are sold at the Café Konditorei Fürst on Brodgasse 13.

They were created in 1890 by confectioner Paul Fürst, and only this shop may use the name “Original Salzburger Mozartkugel”. The “tourist” versions in red wrappers are cheaper, but they can’t match the original when it comes to taste.

Other sweets worth trying:

• Sachertorte – a chocolate cake with apricot jam
• Kaiserschmarrn – a shredded sweet pancake with raisins and plum compote
• Mozart-Bonbons – Mozart-inspired sweets, often with a pistachio flavour
• Sheep’s-milk ice cream from Eisl Eisl – an unusual but very tasty speciality

What to drink

• Mozart Almond Milk – a speciality of Café Tomaselli, a Mozart-inspired almond coffee
• Bier – local beer, especially from the Stiegl brewery or from Augustiner Bräu (the oldest brewery in Austria)
• Sturm – partially fermented wine, sold seasonally in autumn
• Apfelmost – apple cider, often slightly alcoholic
• Almdudler – a non-alcoholic herbal drink, a local favourite

A tip for cheaper admission and skipping the queues

If you’re planning to visit several attractions, it’s worth buying the Salzburg Card, which includes entry to most museums and sights — including Hohensalzburg Fortress, Hellbrunn Palace and the zoo — as well as free public transport.

Salzburg Card benefits:

• The card is available for 24, 48 or 72 hours (€29, €38 or €44 for adults)
• Children aged 6 to 15 pay half price
• It covers over 30 tourist attractions
• You don’t have to queue for tickets
• Free public transport across the whole city

If you’re heading to Salzburg by car, with kids, with a dog, or planning trips into the mountains and surrounding gorges, don’t underestimate even the little details when it comes to preparation. Austria may be safe and easy to reach, but one slip on the wet steps at Hellbrunn, a small injury to your child or a problem with the dog, and the costs can quickly add up. Before every trip we make sure to sort out solid travel insurance that covers not only medical expenses but also liability, accidents and mountain rescue call-outs, which really comes in handy in an alpine region. It’s a small thing you can sort out online in minutes, and it saves you a lot of stress on the road.

Frequently asked questions

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