The ancient Austrian city of Salzburg offers tourists a rich excursion program. Fortifications, beautiful Catholic churches, monasteries, museums, palaces, and parks are simply enchanting. Moreover, this city is the birthplace of Mozart, and many places related to the life and work of the legendary composer have been preserved here. For those who have come to Austria for an extended period, there are no questions – it’s possible to get to know all the attractions. But what about those who don’t have much time? What to see in Salzburg in 1 day on your own – make your choice.
How to Get from the Airport to the City Center
It is easy to get from the airport to the city center using public transportation. The most convenient way is to take trolleybus No. 2, which departs from the central exit every 10 minutes. The journey will take no more than half an hour. It’s even more comfortable to take a taxi – especially if you are traveling with a lot of luggage. Of course, you can rent a car directly at the airport.
Nowadays, most tourists book a transfer online. In this case, you will be met at the specified time, and the taxi will be just what you need – for example, with a large trunk. Finally, you can rent a car, drive yourself, and explore Salzburg on your own.
Kapuzinerberg
Kapuzinerberg is not very large. Its height reaches 640 meters, and climbing to the top is not difficult for tourists. You can do this in two ways: from the embankment, a staircase leads up, and from Stefan Zweig Street, a serpentine road. The effort will definitely pay off. At the top, you will see an old monastery belonging to the Capuchin monks. It was built at the end of the 16th century.
You cannot tour the monastery itself: the monks do not allow tourists. You can only visit the church. During Adolf Hitler’s rule, there were plans to close the monastery and build a stadium here. But in 1945, the monks returned to their previous place, and life went on as usual. Also at the top of the mountain, you can see the fortress wall. Nearby stands a house where the famous writer Stefan Zweig once lived.
Hohensalzburg Fortress
This is a very picturesque place, which is why it has been loved by artists. The fortress is located on top of Festungsberg Mountain. There is no other ancient citadel in Europe in such good condition. The main part of the buildings was erected in 1077 by order of Bishop Gebhard. But then there were numerous reconstructions, and the fortress acquired towers and bastions. In the 16th century, additional rooms were built inside where nobles could stay comfortably.
Since many people were constantly on the fortress grounds, supplies and various items had to be delivered here. For this purpose, a funicular was built at the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries. Notably, it was the first in the world. When a rebellion broke out in 1525, and the people attempted to overthrow Prince Matthäus Lang, he managed to take refuge behind the thick fortress walls. During Napoleon’s invasion, the citadel was surrendered without a fight. In the early 20th century, the fortress housed a prison.
Today, tourists come here to enjoy the city panorama and see ancient objects. Here you will find St. George’s Church, the Archbishop’s Palace, various buildings, a fire tower, a prison, and much more. You can admire a 16th-century organ and visit the torture chamber. The Golden Hall, decorated with leather and gold embossing, is very beautiful. You can even see what a medieval bathroom looked like. The fortress also houses a museum with a fine collection of ancient weapons and numerous artifacts from that era. In the summer months, there are always many artists here.
Nonnberg Abbey
One of the oldest attractions in the city. The abbey was founded in the early 8th century by Bishop Rupert, who was later canonized. The monastery was run by the bishop’s sister, Erentrudis, and girls from noble families were accepted here. In the early 15th century, a major fire broke out, and restoration work continued for more than a quarter of a century. After that, even poor girls were allowed to become nuns.
In the early 16th century, the abbey and Hohensalzburg were connected by a funicular, and chapels were built in the 17th century. Today, the abbey is active, but tourists are not allowed unrestricted access. You can only visit the Christmas Church and listen to the nuns singing. There is a good vegetarian restaurant near the abbey. Nonnberg Abbey gained particular popularity after the release of the film “The Sound of Music,” whose plot is connected with this Benedictine monastery.
St. Peter’s Abbey
Another ancient and very interesting abbey, this time a men’s monastery, founded by Bishop Rupert in 696. He is buried here, or rather, his relics are kept here. The monastery is located at the foot of Mönchsberg Mountain. It is a whole complex that includes St. Peter’s Church from the 12th century, buildings from the 17th-18th centuries, and a unique library where even Haydn and Mozart’s scores are kept, as well as a cemetery.
At the entrance to the temple, you can see a statue of St. Rupert with a barrel of salt at his feet, as he is the spiritual patron of Salzburg, the “salt city.” The church’s stucco decorations date back to the 18th century, and the statue of the Virgin Mary dates back to the 15th century. The ancient cemetery is also interesting – noble people have been buried here since the 9th century, and many prominent individuals still find their final resting place here. The grave of Mozart’s sister Nannerl has been preserved.
You can visit the catacombs carved into the rock, where hermit monks lived, were prayed over, and buried. Another interesting place related to the abbey is the Long Gallery, which displays paintings. The abbey also bakes delicious rye bread, and there is a restaurant nearby where you can taste monastery wine and dishes prepared according to recipes passed down through generations. Don’t miss the chance to try ancient Austrian dishes.
Franciscan Church
This ancient church dates back to the 13th century and combines Romanesque and Gothic styles. The statues of the Savior, St. Peter the Apostle, and St. Rupert are beautiful. If you look at the ceiling of the church, you will see that it symbolizes the heavens full of stars. The church’s history is linked to St. Virgil’s Church, which was almost entirely destroyed by order of Frederick Barbarossa in the early 12th century.
The restoration work was overseen by the famous architect Hans von Burghausen. The 15th-century altar has not survived, but the statue of the Virgin Mary with the Child Jesus by Michael Pacher has. The filigree latticework above the new altar and the frescoes decorating the church are noteworthy. The Franciscan Church is only second in beauty to the cathedral.
Archbishop’s Residence
To see the Old and New Residence buildings, you need to go to Residenzplatz. They were built in the 17th century during the city’s Renaissance-style renovation. At one time, the New Residence housed a guesthouse. Initially, Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau ordered the construction, and it was completed under his successor, Markus Sittikus, in the early 18th century.
The Baroque-style interior decoration turned out to be simply luxurious. The ceilings and walls are covered with paintings, there are many stucco decorations and elegant tapestries. Paintings by artists from the 16th-19th centuries are displayed here, and the gallery was opened in 1923. The most valuable painting is a portrait of a woman painted by Rembrandt. Art experts concluded that it depicts the great artist’s mother.
The fountain in front of the residence is very beautiful. It is adorned with a sculptural group – horses and tritons. The Sattler Museum is located in another residence building, where you can see a panorama of the city created in the first quarter of the 19th century. The building also features a clock that was installed in the late 19th century.
Residenzplatz
You can’t miss this square. Here you can imagine what Salzburg looked like in the 16th-17th centuries. The surrounding buildings have retained their medieval charm. If you visit in the summer months, you have a chance to watch the Salzburg Festival. The square’s history is closely linked to the construction of the Old and New Residences. Shortly afterward, the construction of the cathedral began. The houses of noble residents have also been preserved – some of these buildings date back to the early 16th century. And, of course, the most beautiful fountain in Austria, created by Tommaso di Garzano, will also impress you.
Residence Gallery
This is one of the best museums in the country. Here you can see paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, and other great masters: Dutch, Italian, and French. The gallery was supposed to welcome its first visitors in 1919, but the First World War interfered, and it opened four years later. At one time, Austria’s cultural treasures were taken by Napoleon’s troops, and the gallery staff began to collect valuable paintings again.
Initially, they even borrowed them from other museums and private collectors to show the public. After World War II, the gallery reopened in 1952, but only old paintings are still displayed here. There are permanent and several temporary exhibitions – patrons periodically bring various paintings here.
Paul Fürst Monument
Tourists always take pictures next to this unusual monument, also known as the “Mozartkugel.” It represents a large golden ball with confectioner Paul Fürst standing on top. He invented the unique chocolate ball and dedicated it to the great composer – it was the centenary of his death.
The monument to the candy, loved not only by Austrians but by all of Europe, was erected in the mid-20th century on Kapitelplatz. The “Mozart Ball” always attracts a crowd. Despite its remarkably modern appearance, it fits surprisingly harmoniously into the overall look of the ancient square. Paul Fürst is depicted standing full-length, life-size.
Salzburg Cathedral
One of the most famous Catholic cathedrals in the world is located at the intersection of Residenzplatz and Domplatz. It makes a stunning impression. In the 8th century, there was a small church on this site, destroyed by fire in 1167. Three decades later, a new cathedral was built – huge and luxurious. But during World War II, a direct bomb hit destroyed the dome and altar. The cathedral’s exterior was restored by 1959.
By this time, beautiful bronze gates with the dates of consecration were also made. The cathedral can accommodate up to 10,000 worshipers simultaneously. The enormous structure is designed in the Renaissance style. The marble facade is magnificent, and the statues of the apostles Peter and Paul, and saints Virgilius and Rupert – the patrons of Salzburg – are notable.
Inside, you can see the luxurious Baroque decoration, numerous frescoes, and an ancient bronze font where Mozart was baptized. Take the opportunity to hear organ music, which makes an unforgettable impression. The locals love their cathedral and are justifiably proud of it. It feels like the soul really soars to the heavens here.
Salzburg Museum
Here you can get to know the city’s history in the most comprehensive way. It features everything from archaeological finds to interesting documents discovered in modern times. Multimedia equipment makes the tours particularly colorful and memorable.
The museum was founded in 1834 and has been housed in the New Residence of the Archbishops since 2007. On the first floor, you can see temporary exhibitions; on the second floor, you can learn about people who glorified the city with their deeds. Alongside documents and portraits, there are many installations. On the third floor, visitors can trace how the city’s architecture changed, with more and more Baroque buildings appearing.
It’s fascinating to see how a small settlement turned into a real treasure trove, accumulating many architectural masterpieces. The fourth floor displays archaeological finds and medieval artifacts – from primitive stone tools to a Gothic altar. You can see ancient tools, weapons, jewelry, and coins. The museum’s collections are constantly being updated.
Mozart Square
The square named after the great composer is located in the center of the old city, always bustling with people, especially foreign tourists. Of course, you can see a statue of Mozart here. The work of sculptor Ludwig von Schwanthaler has adorned the square since the mid-19th century.
Mozart is depicted in loose clothing with picturesque folds, exuding both grandeur and simplicity. Here is also the Archbishop’s Palace, and those who come to the square hear the beautiful chimes of Mozart and Haydn’s melodies. You can also visit the museum, which features many wonderful paintings.
Mozart’s Birthplace
Grateful residents could not help but establish a museum in house No. 9 on Getreidegasse. This is where Mozart, who later glorified the ancient city, was born in 1756. The family’s apartment was quite small – a bedroom, living room, and study. Children were born and died young; of seven, only two survived – Wolfgang and Maria Anna. The museum opened in 1880.
Here you can see historical rooms, musical instruments, scores, letters, and portraits. The first floor exhibits antique furniture, the second floor hosts rotating exhibitions, and the third floor explains the significance of theater in Mozart’s life. His operas made a tremendous impact on the public – this is reflected in the dioramas. This is a place you cannot miss, so be sure to include it in your program.
House of Nature
The House of Nature is a real magnet for city guests. Children will especially love it here. You can see dinosaurs and other creatures that have long since gone extinct. You can also learn a lot about the universe and even play the role of a pioneer of other worlds. The interactive science center allows you to conduct various experiments. For example, you can generate electricity or build a bridge.
The enormous aquarium is extraordinarily beautiful – here are real coral reefs and numerous tropical fish. And in the cozy zoo, there are snakes and lizards. The corresponding halls display the cultures of distant countries. An engaging exhibition explains the functioning of the human body. In short, you can get to know our planet and its inhabitants better here.
Mirabell Palace and Gardens
The palace is located near the cathedral. It was built in the early 17th century by order of Archbishop von Raitenau for his beloved Salome Alt. The beautiful Salome bore the archbishop 15 children. The palace then passed to von Raitenau’s successor, Markus Sittikus, who gave the magnificent architectural structure its current name. The palace was repeatedly reconstructed and remodeled, acquiring Baroque and Neoclassical features.
The future King of Greece, Otto of Bavaria, was born in this building. Archbishops lived here for many years; today, it houses the magistrate and the mayor. In the palace’s Marble Hall, Mozart gave concerts, and Eva Braun’s (Hitler’s companion) sister got married here. In the 17th century, a garden was laid out around the palace, featuring numerous sculptures of Roman gods and the Dwarf Garden. Newlyweds always come here to take beautiful photographs.
Of course, you won’t be able to see all the aforementioned attractions in one day. But you can see a lot if you book a sightseeing tour, for example. Or you can explore the city on your own by planning a route that includes the most interesting sights for you, with time for lunch and a short rest. Salzburg is a true treasure of Austria, and you will never forget its churches, museums, and old squares.
