Winter in Salzburg

Salzburg
The White Mozart City

Salzburg is one of the most renowned cultural cities in the world. The Baroque city captivates both as a backdrop and as a stage for high-profile cultural events.

The Salzach flows quietly through the city as Salzburg turns into a glowing winter wonderland. The Hohensalzburg Fortress towers above the rooftops on the steep cliffs of Festungsberg. The illuminated windows of cafés and restaurants invite you to escape the cold with hot chocolate or mulled wine in a cosy atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle. In the cathedral square, the Christmas market fills the air with the sounds of "Silent Night! Holy Night!", the famous carol that originated in Salzburg as a message of peace.

Mozart and the Musical Heritage of Salzburg

Salzburg is inextricably linked with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, whose birthplace and musical legacy have left a lasting mark on the city. Concerts, museums, and the annual Mozart Festival keep his spirit alive, making Salzburg a must-visit destination for music lovers.

Architecture and Culture in Harmony

The ideal blend of tradition and modernity gives Salzburg its unique charm. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city maintains its historical character while embracing contemporary architectural designs. This creates a vibrant place that seamlessly merges the past and present, enchanting visitors from around the world.

Salzburg Christmas market on the Dom- and Residenzplatz
Winter
The city of salzburg during the christmas time
Christmas market in Hellbrunn
Salzburg in winter, night view
Salzburg in winter
City Facts
Population:approx. 157,997 (as of 2024)
Capital:of the province of SalzburgerLand
Area:65.68 km²
Elevation:424 m
Viewpoints:Kapuzinerberg, Mönchsberg and Gaisberg

The delightful dessert, Salzburger Nockerl, is said to represent the three local mountains of Salzburg.

Salzburg from All Perspectives

Mirabell Gardens Salzburg in Winter
Salzburg city view winter
Salzburg Christkindlmarkt, Domplatz (cathedral square)
Salzburg City - View of the Hohensalzburg Fortress
Salzburg, Music spiral in Hellbrunn Palace
Salzburger Nockerl
Advent in Salzburg, Getreidegasse
Salzburg Christmas Museum on the Mozartplatz

Top highlights

Tours

The Leopoldskron Palace in Salzburg
Musical "The Sound of Music" am Salzburger Landestheater
Schloss Hellbrunn mit Fürstentisch in Salzburg
The Sound of Music, Salzburg Marionette Theater
garden of Mirabell palace
Herbert von Karajan square in Salzburg

On the Trail of the Trapp Family

Sound of Music

The Trapp family is a legendary part of Salzburg, yet many stories remain unknown. Did you know they lost their fortune in 1933, prompting Maria von Trapp to dismiss the servants and move her family into their quarters? Her former home was rented out, and when a guest heard her children singing, he encouraged them to enter a folk music competition. This moment 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 passed down through generations. Visitors from around the globe trace the film's footsteps in Salzburg, from the stunning Rococo-style Leopoldskron Palace to the beautiful Mirabell Gardens.

A visit to Salzburg becomes a journey through time as you stroll through the city and explore the film's locations. Tip: Book a "The Sound of Music" tour to immerse yourself in the Trapp family's history.

Salzburg Mirabellgarten

Historic Center

UNESCO World Heritage Site Salzburg

Salzburg, located in the heart of Europe, is renowned worldwide for its unique urban charm, stunning scenery, and the fact that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born here in 1756.

The city's wealth and prosperity stem from centuries of international salt trade, known as "white gold." This income allowed the prince-archbishops to create a city often referred to as the "Rome of the North," celebrated for its Italian character, numerous sacred buildings, and distinct atmosphere.

Hohenwerfen Fortress

Sights in SalzburgerLand

Top events

Famous personalities

TOM Almhütte - Gericht Rachkuchi von Vitus Winkler

Experience Culinary Delights in SalzburgerLand!

Eating and Drinking in Salzburg

Recipes

Unique places to stay

Salzburg, old town

Climate Protection Info

Monument Protection: A Synonym for Sustainability

Why is the Preservation of Historic Buildings an Outstanding Initiative for Climate Protection in Austria?

  • Preserving historic buildings helps save resources by maintaining existing structures, thus preventing the need for new construction projects on green spaces.

  • Monument protection plays a vital socio-cultural role by helping preserve historic buildings, strengthening regional identity, and enriching the cultural landscape.

  • Many historic buildings were originally constructed from natural materials, often sourced locally. Restoration efforts focus on using these materials to maintain their originality.

  • Protecting the existence of animal and plant species and their habitats is essential. Monument protection also serves as a valuable ecological approach.

Salzburg Cathedral - interior view
Salzburg City - View of the Hohensalzburg Fortress
Salzburger Stier fortress Hohensalzburg
Residence Palace, Carabinieri Hall
shopping street Getreidegasse Salzburg city

Enjoy Salzburg in a Relaxed Way

Salzburg Card

The key to unlimited sightseeing in Salzburg lies in the Salzburg Card, which offers free admission to all major attractions, access to public transport, and numerous discounts - all for little money.

With the Salzburg Card, visitors can fully immerse themselves in the city. Enjoy complimentary entry to popular sites like Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mozart's birthplace, and the DomQuartier. The card also includes free travel on public transport, making it a convenient and economical way to explore Salzburg. Additional discounts on excursions, concerts, and leisure activities make the Salzburg Card an essential companion for any stay.

FAQs

  • Hohensalzburg Fortress

  • Mozart's Birthplace

  • Mirabell Gardens

  • Salzburg Cathedral

  • Getreidegasse

  • Hellbrunn Palace

  • Residence Square

  • Stiegl Brewery World

  • Museum of Modern Art

  • Salzburg Christmas Market

Salzburg offers a delightful mix of outdoor experiences, culture, and a festive atmosphere in winter:

  • Visit the Christmas markets

  • Salzburg Advent Singing

  • Ice skating

  • Tobogganing

  • Winter hikes

  • Hellbrunn Palace

  • Hohensalzburg Fortress

  • Classical city tours

  • Experience cultural highlights such as concerts, operas, and theatre performances at venues like the Mozarteum or the Salzburg State Theatre.

These Advent markets offer a wide range of products, from traditional handicrafts to modern Christmas items, creating an incomparable atmosphere in the lead-up to Christmas.

  • Salzburg Christmas Market on the Dom- and Residenzplatz

  • Advent Magic at Hellbrunn

  • Star Advent Market & Winter Lounge

  • Advent market on Mirabellplatz

  • Stiegl-Brauwelt Advent market

The Salzburg Card provides free admission to all attractions, access to public transportation, and numerous discounts, offering exceptional value for exploring Salzburg.

Two to three days are ideal for a relaxed, culturally rich stay, depending on how thoroughly you wish to experience the sights.

A tour of Hohensalzburg Fortress usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your interests and pace. If you wish to take your time learning about the details and history of the fortress, you can stay a bit longer, especially if you join one of the guided tours, which last between 30 and 75 minutes.

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