Things to do in Salzburg State

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Salzburg State

Mirabell Palace featuring a castle, a park and flowers

Top places to visit

1. Mirabell Palace and Gardens

Mirabell Palace offers a romantic history as well as an excellent example of baroque architecture. In 1606, Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau, the Prince Archbishop of Salzburg, had this splendid palace built for his mistress Salome Alt. Another prince archbishop had the palace redesigned by prominent baroque architect Johann Lukas von Hilterbrandt in the 1700s. Today, it’s the official seat of Salzburg’s mayor and is famous for its pristine gardens.

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See one of the most beautiful wedding venues in the world at this magnificent palace, originally built as a grand gesture of love.

2. Upper Krimml Waterfall

Falling from a dizzying 1,246 feet (380 meters) high, the Krimml Waterfalls are truly spectacular. Not only are they the highest in Austria, but one of the highest in all of Europe. Enjoy a day hiking the 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) trail to the very top of the falls and experience the powerful cascades and abounding beauty of the Hohe Tauern National Park in which they sit.

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Krimmler Waterfalls featuring forests, a cascade and a river or creek

3. Salzburg Cathedral

The Salzburg Cathedral (Salzburger Dom) is famous for its long and dramatic history. Mozart was baptised here and later became the cathedral’s organist.

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Salzburg Cathedral featuring religious elements, heritage elements and interior views

4. Lake Zell

Lake Zell is a scenic basin of freshwater in the shadow of the glorious snow-capped mountains of the Austrian Alps. Hike varied routes to see flowers and herbs, a glacier and stupendous views. Swim in the cool water of the lake on a summer afternoon or ski on the surrounding slopes in winter.

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Lake Zell showing landscape views, tranquil scenes and forest scenes

5. Fortress Hohensalzburg

Just a short cable car ride from the city you’ll find the impressive Festung Hohensalzburg, a name which translates to “High Salzburg Fortress.” Visit this walled castle to browse art exhibitions and museums and shop at the outdoor market. If you’re lucky there may be a concert on during your visit. This is a great family outing for an afternoon.

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Hohensalzburg Castle featuring landscape views

6. Saalbach-Hinterglemm Ski Resort

Enjoy an action-packed vacation of year-round sporting activities at Saalbach-Hinterglemm Ski Resort. The resort sits in the Glemm Valley, which is part of the Austrian Alps. It’s encompassed by three striking mountain ranges, including the majestic Kitzbühler Alps. Make the most of the resort’s excellent facilities as you enjoy the various activities offered by the winter Ski Circus. Return in summer to hike, bike and swim amid a breathtaking landscape of alpine pastures, rugged peaks and fields of wildflowers.

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Saalbach-Hinterglemm Ski Resort featuring snow, mist or fog and snow skiing

7. Mozart's Birthplace

Mozart’s Birthplace (Mozarts Geburthaus) is the childhood home of one of the world’s most famous and prodigious composers, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Following his birth in 1756, Mozart lived here with his family until 1773. Mozart’s Birthplace became a museum in 1880 and has acquired numerous original artifacts from the composer’s widow and children. It presents a fascinating insight into the upbringing, life and talent of a musical genius.

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Mozart\'s Birthplace showing music and interior views

Popular places to visit

Mirabell Palace and Gardens

4.5/5(107 reviews)

See one of the most beautiful wedding venues in the world at this magnificent palace, originally built as a grand gesture of love.

Upper Krimml Waterfall

5/5(2 reviews)

Hike through the pristine alpine scenery of the Hohe Tauern National Park to see the impressive torrent of Austria’s highest waterfall.

Salzburg Cathedral

4.5/5(90 reviews)

Step back in time to the eighth century at one of Salzburg’s most important historic sites and one of Europe’s most beautiful churches.

Lake Zell

5/5(18 reviews)

Explore the enchanting lakeside villages, sunbathe on a lido and hike alongside the icy water that lies between Alpine mountains.

Fortress Hohensalzburg

4.5/5(83 reviews)

Hop on a cable car and climb up to this mountaintop fortress, one of the biggest medieval castles in Europe.

Mozart's Birthplace

4/5(64 reviews)

Learn about the life, family and work of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart via exhibitions in the rooms of the house where he was born.

Hellbrunn Palace

4.5/5(49 reviews)

This palace, originally a summer residence for the archbishops of Salzburg, is famous for the whimsical water games of the Trick Fountains.

Mirabell Gardens

Explore the great outdoors at Mirabell Gardens, a lovely green space in Salzburg. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this romantic area.

Old City Hall

Find the heart of the city in Salzburg’s 14th-century town hall, featuring a beautiful Rococo façade, magnificent original clocktower and refurbished interior.

Areas of Salzburg State

Mirabell Palace and Gardens showing a city, a castle and flowers

City Centre Salzburg

4.5/5(128 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Mirabell Palace and Gardens to Mirabell Gardens – discover City Centre Salzburg, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Altstadt Salzburg

5/5(35 area reviews)

Historical sites, museums and live music highlight some of the noteworthy features of Altstadt Salzburg. Make a stop by Mozartplatz Square or Residenzplatz Square while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Elisabeth-Vorstadt

4/5(81 area reviews)

Historical sites, shopping and restaurants are some highlights of Elisabeth-Vorstadt. You might stop by Mirabell Palace and Gardens or Mirabell Gardens while you're in the area.

Schallmoos

3.5/5(10 area reviews)

Schallmoos is well liked for many features, particularly its shopping, restaurants and historical sites. Though there may not be top sights in Schallmoos, consider stopping by Linzer Gasse or Mirabell Palace and Gardens, located nearby.

Nonntal

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Nonntal is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Nonnberg Abbey and Domkirche.

Leopoldskron Palace which includes heritage elements, heritage architecture and bird life

Riedenburg

Unique features of Riedenburg include the shopping and historical sites. Make a stop by Leopoldskron Palace or Stiegl's World of Brewing while you're exploring the area.