Tourismus Salzburg GmbH

The City

Salzburg was originally known as Juvavum, a trading stop on one of the Roman Empire’s most important routes. It declined during hard times after the Goths’ attack on Rome, and as the western part of the empire declined, so did Salzburg. All that remained was a small village.

In 696 AD the city was revived. Bishop Rupert was so fond of the area’s beauty that he re-named it Salzburg after the river Salzach and made it an Episcopal See. His successors, the bishops Wolf Dietrich, Markus Sittikusand, and Paris Lodron, were instrumental in creating the Salzburg we know today, especially its majestic Baroque churches, palaces, and castles. Most of the cultural treasures, including the Altstadt (the Old Town) and the Hohensalzburg fortress, are in the western part of the city known as Salzachufer.

One of the world’s most outstanding geniuses, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, was born here in 1756. His place of birth, Hagenauer Haus, still stands to this day.

After World War II, Salzburg became one of Austria’s most important commercial centres as well as one of its largest tourist destinations. One of the major reasons was the 1964 film, "The Sound of Music".

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Tourismus Salzburg GmbH

Do & See

The medieval and baroque area of the city holds the esteemed status of a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, boasting an array of impressive historical landmarks, museums, and other attractions.

Take a stroll along the banks of the River Salzach and immerse yourself in the town's rich history while also catching glimpses of contemporary architecture and the modern world.

Fortress Hohensalzburg perches regally at the top of the 'Festungsberg' and is one of the largest fortified defence systems in Europe. Gazing down to the foot of the Mönchsberg visitors see the festival district and the large festival hall, Felsenreitschule riding school built into the mountainside, and the 'Haus für Mozart'.

The Getreidegasse is a well-known attraction and is one of the most attractive and heavily frequented shopping streets in the world. A stone’s throw away is the Salzburg Cathedral with its imposing dome and magnificent facade made of marble hewn from the Untersberg.

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Dining

Eating and drinking in Salzburg are pleasures of the highest order. The immense variety of options includes beer gardens, traditional coffee houses, award-winning restaurants, bars, and cosy taverns.

There is an incredible range of restaurants and food outlets in the city, so connoisseurs, nibblers, and nightclubbers can all be sure of finding something to suit their tastes.

People eating out have some tough decisions to make in Salzburg as the county boasts a higher density of award-winning restaurants than any other Austrian province. Salzburg is also a pioneer of the organic food revolution. Around 38% of the agricultural operations here are run by certified Bio farmers. This enables the countless simple, down-to-earth restaurants and inns to serve Salzburg specialities that really do come from Salzburg.

Four very special breweries in the city offer delicious and hearty meals as well as snacks in a convivial atmosphere.

Visitors looking for a snack can look into one of the delicatessens in the heart of the Old Town, take a stroll around the Grünmarkt, or try the produce at the farmers’ markets held once a week on the Mirabellplatz and Papagenoplatz squares.

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Cafés

Salzburg is renowned for its vibrant café scene and rich coffee culture. The city boasts a multitude of charming cafés, each with its unique ambience and character. Whether you prefer the historic coffee houses that have stood the test of time or the trendy and modern cafés, Salzburg has something for everyone.

As you sip your cup of coffee, be sure to indulge in the culinary delights that accompany it. Treat yourself to a delectable pastry or sample traditional Austrian desserts like the famous Sacher torte, fluffy Salzburger Nockerl, or the irresistible Apfelstrudel.

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Bars & Nightlife

Salzburg has, surprisingly, a large selection of bars. Just as with the restaurants, the best experience is at one of the traditional bars. In other words, head for Salzburg’s wonderful beer gardens, the Biergarten. Try Augustiner Bräu on Augustinergasse 4, whose beer is still brewed by monks or the Stiegl-Keller at Festungsgasse 10, part of the Stiegl brewery, with postcard-perfect views.

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Shopping

Shopping in Salzburg is an experience in itself. Visitors can choose from boutiques, fashionable flagship stores, shopping centres, and traditional family-owned businesses.

Obviously, Salzburg offers the usual range of designer brands, streetwear and traditional shops. However, for those looking for something a little out-of-the-ordinary there are also fashion accessories with typical alpine flair, as well as traditional 'tracht' styles and lederhosen — and don’t forget to round off the day with a bag or box of delicious chocolate-dipped marzipan Mozartkugels.

Tourismus Salzburg GmbH

Accommodations

Whether you are planning a vacation, a special weekend or a business meeting, rest assured, you will have a great time in Salzburg. The city offers a wide range of accommodation to suit all needs.

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