Salzburg in Winter
The city of Mozart, Christmas markets and UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Salzach flows quietly through the city as Salzburg transforms into a winter wonderland. Hohensalzburg Fortress towers above the rooftops, offering a beautiful walk to the neighbouring Mönchsberg. Fairy lights give the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its festive splendour, and the illuminated windows of the cafés invite you in for cosy warmth and conversation. The Salzburg Christmas market sparkles on Cathedral Square, and somewhere you can hear the sounds of the world-famous Christmas carol ‘Silent Night! Holy Night!’.
Salzburg combines history and the present in a special way. The city of Mozart breathes culture, with every alleyway telling its own story. The city is characterised as the place where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart worked and created his music. Concerts, museums and the annual Mozart Festival keep his legacy alive and make the city a highlight for music fans. Today, many modern influences are setting new accents. The result is a lively mix of tradition and zeitgeist between baroque splendour and clear modernity. This is exactly what makes Salzburg such a unique experience.
Salzburg's most famous dessert, Salzburger Nockerl, is said to represent the three local mountains of Salzburg.
Meet Salzburg in winter
Top highlights
Tours
In the Trapp family's footsteps
The Trapp family is a legendary part of Salzburg's history, and yet, some parts of their story are not well-known. Did you know, for instance, that the family lost their fortune in 1933, prompting Maria von Trapp to dismiss all servants and move the family into their quarters? The family's former lodgings were rented out, and when a guest heard her children singing, he encouraged them to enter a folk music competition. This marked the beginning of the journey that inspired "The Sound of Music," one of the most successful musicals of all time.
"The Sound of Music" has given us timeless classics like "Edelweiss", "Do-Re-Mi", and "My Favourite Things", songs still beloved today. Visitors from around the globe come to see the film's shooting locations in Salzburg, from stunning Rococo-style Leopoldskron Palace to beautiful Mirabell Gardens. Tip: book a "The Sound of Music" tour to immerse yourself in the Trapp family's history.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Located in the heart of Europe, Salzburg is renowned for its unique urban charm, stunning scenery and being the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
The city's prosperity stems from centuries of international salt trade, a resource dubbed "white gold." This allowed the ruling prince-archbishops to create a city often referred to as the "Rome of the North," celebrated for its Italian character, numerous churches and distinct atmosphere.
Top events
Famous personalities
Eating and drinking in Salzburg
Recipes
Unique places to stay
Making cities sustainable
Salzburg and other Austrian cities emphasise the preservation of historic buildings and monuments. This is done not only for cultural reasons, but also contributes to climate protection. How so?
Preserving historic buildings can help save resources. When existing buildings are preserved, fewer new construction projects are necessary.
The preservation of historic buildings can strengthen regional identity and enrich the cultural offering, playing an important socio-cultural role.
Many historic buildings were originally built from natural materials, often sourced in the region. When restoring buildings, efforts are made to use these materials in order to preserve their character.
On an ecological level, fewer new buildings contribute to animals' and plants' habitat protection.
Enjoy all that Salzburg has to offer
The key to unlimited sightseeing in Salzburg is the Salzburg Card, which includes admission to all major attractions, use of public transport and numerous discounts.
Enjoy complimentary entry to popular sites like Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mozart's birthplace and the DomQuartier. The card also includes travel on public transport and discounts on day trips, concerts and leisure activities, making it a convenient and thrifty way to explore Salzburg.