Things to do in Salzburg State

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Mirabell Palace featuring a garden, flowers and a city

Salzburg State Attractions

They say that the best things come in small packages, and this endearing city is no exception to the rule. From amazing tourist attractions to thrilling activities, there are loads of fun things to do in Salzburg State.

Find out what makes Salzburg State tick with some of the very best tours & day trips. Check out our top {394 fun activities in Salzburg State fun activities in Salzburg State}, and book with confidence knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

Salzburg State must see attractions

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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Mirabell Palace and Gardens showing heritage architecture, a statue or sculpture and a fountain

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 which includes a cascade, forests 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 showing interior views, heritage elements and a church or cathedral

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 tranquil scenes, forest scenes and a lake or waterhole

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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Festung Hohensalzburg featuring landscape views

6. 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 featuring music and interior views

7. Hellbrunn Palace

The Hellbrunn Palace (Schloss Hellbrunn) draws visitors from around the world for its beautiful gardens dotted with intricate and surprising Trick Fountains. Children and adults alike will marvel at this amusing water display.
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Hellbrunn Palace showing heritage architecture, a square or plaza and chateau or palace

What to do in Salzburg State

Free Things to Do in Salzburg

Leave your purse in the hotel room. It's possible to have fun in Salzburg without surrendering a cent.

Friedhof St. Sebastian - If you plan to explore the region's history through its landmarks, jot this one down on your sightseeing list.

Mozartplatz Square - Amble down the streets and take in the atmosphere of this vibrant local haunt.

Mozart Monument - If you want to see a few of the more important or unique places in the community, this is a good place to start.

St. Sebastian's Church - Get an insight into the local beliefs at this holy site.

Kapuzinerberg Hill - Get set for vistas that'll leave you amazed at this natural landscape.

Mirabell Gardens - Whether you can distinguish your bamboo from begonias, you won't struggle to find beauty in this gorgeous display.

Things to Do in Salzburg State with Kids

Salzburg State is a wonderful place for a family getaway. Take the little ones along and enjoy these top family friendly experiences together:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Salzburg State? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Salzburg State on a sunny day?
When the weather is good, these outdoor experiences are hard to pass up:


What should I not miss in Salzburg State?
If you’re eager to experience the best of this destination, slot these attractions into your itinerary:

  • Mirabell Palace and Gardens
  • Salzburg Cathedral
  • Fortress Hohensalzburg
  • Mozart’s Birthplace

Are there cheap things to do in Salzburg State?
Treat yourself to a Salzburg Private Tour: Sound of Music City Exploration Game and put the cash you save toward more great experiences.
What can you do in Salzburg State for free?
You’ll hardly have time to fetch your wallet out of your bag with so many great free attractions:

  • Salzburg Cathedral
  • St. Francis Church
  • Salzburg Christmas Market
  • Lake Zell

Discover the most popular places to visit in Salzburg State

Image for Mirabell Palace and Gardens

Mirabell Palace and Gardens

4.5/5(278 reviews)

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

Mirabell Palace and Gardens
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Upper Krimml Waterfall

5/5(4 reviews)

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

Upper Krimml Waterfall
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Salzburg Cathedral

4.5/5(331 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.

Salzburg Cathedral
Image for Lake Zell

Lake Zell

4.5/5(22 reviews)

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

Lake Zell
Image for Fortress Hohensalzburg

Fortress Hohensalzburg

4.5/5(262 reviews)

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

Fortress Hohensalzburg
Image for Mozart's Birthplace

Mozart's Birthplace

4.5/5(283 reviews)

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

Mozart's Birthplace
Image for Hellbrunn Palace

Hellbrunn Palace

4.5/5(158 reviews)

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

Hellbrunn Palace
Image for Mirabell Gardens

Mirabell Gardens

4.5/5(20 reviews)

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

Mirabell Gardens
Image for Old City Hall

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.

Old City Hall

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Salzburg State

Mirabell Palace featuring a garden, flowers and a city

City Centre Salzburg

4.5/5(418 area reviews)

Visit the baroque masterpieces, glorious gardens, ornate churches and theaters that line the streets on the right bank of the Salzbach river.

City Centre Salzburg
Altstadt featuring a lake or waterhole and heritage architecture

Altstadt Salzburg

5/5(129 area reviews)

The birthplace of Mozart, a pair of elegant plazas and a range of religious sights make this an outstanding destination in the heart of Salzburg.

Altstadt Salzburg
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Elisabeth-Vorstadt

4/5(173 area reviews)

Historic 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.

Elisabeth-Vorstadt
Salzburg featuring landscape views, tranquil scenes and a small town or village

Schallmoos

4/5(36 area reviews)

Get to know Schallmoos by checking out its shopping, restaurants, and historic sites. Consider a visit to nearby sights like Linzer Gasse or Mirabell Palace and Gardens during your time in the area.

Schallmoos
We spotted this driving to the Untersbergbahn/ cable car South of Salzburg. Great view of the Howensalzburg Fortress with trees below it.

Nonntal

4.5/5(13 area reviews)

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

Nonntal
Leopoldskron Palace which includes heritage architecture, a lake or waterhole and bird life

Riedenburg

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

Riedenburg

Popular day trips from Salzburg State

Kapuzinerberg featuring heritage elements, a city and heritage architecture

Salzburg

Berchtesgaden

Berchtesgaden

Sankt Wolfgang im Salzkammergut showing heritage elements and a lake or waterhole

Sankt Wolfgang im Salzkammergut

Bad Gastein showing snow and night scenes

Bad Gastein

Photo by Yasmin

Hof bei Salzburg

Photo by Christoph Stieber

Bad Reichenhall

Photo by travelbug

Anif

Gastein Valley which includes mountains, a suspension bridge or treetop walkway and landscape views

Bad Hofgastein