4-Day Itinerary for Traveling in Salzburg, Austria
Day 1: Arrival & City Center Exploration
Places to Go:
Salzburg Old Town (Altstadt): Start your journey by exploring the charming and historic Salzburg Old Town. Take a stroll along the narrow cobbled streets, admire Baroque architecture, and visit the iconic Hohensalzburg Fortress.
Hohensalzburg Fortress (Festung Hohensalzburg): Climb up to the fortress via Funicular Railway or by walking. Enjoy panoramic views of Salzburg city and the surrounding Alps.
Getreidegasse: This famous pedestrian street is home to Mozart’s Birthplace, one of the oldest houses in the city, and numerous shops and cafes.
Salzburg Cathedral (Dom zu Salzburg): Gothic-style cathedral with an impressive interior and free admission.
Where to Eat:
St. Moikels Keller: Traditional Austrian cuisine in a cozy, cellar setting.
Café Tomaselli: Experience the oldest coffee house in Salzburg with delicious pastries and light meals.
Bratwurstwagen: Try the famous Salzburger Bratwursten from this street food stall in the Old Town.
Where to Stay:
Sheraton Salzburg Hotel - Centrally located with modern amenities and a great view of the city.
Hotel Sacher Salzburg - Famous for its original Sacher-Torte dessert, this luxurious hotel offers historic charm and exceptional service.
Things to Know:
Language: German is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Currency: Euro (€)
Opening Hours: Shops generally open from 9 am - 6 pm, with some closing on Sundays. Museums and attractions vary.
Public Transportation: Salzburg Card offers free access to city buses, trams, and the funicular railway.
Day 2: Mozart & Sound of Music
Places to Go:
Mozart’s Birthplace: Step into Mozart’s childhood home, now a museum dedicated to his life and music.
Hellbrunn Palace: Visit the palace with its famous trick fountains and walk in the beautiful gardens.
Mirabell Palace & Gardens: Admire the intricate Baroque architecture and take pictures by the famous “Dozentengruppe” (Professors’ Group) statues, featured in The Sound of Music.
St. Peter’s Cemetery: A historical cemetery where you can find the graves of Mozart’s family members.
Where to Eat:
Brasserie Møzart: Enjoy international cuisine with a touch of Austrian flavors in this stylish restaurant.
Die Weisses Roessl: Dine in an 18th-century building and savor traditional Austrian dishes.
Café Böheim - A popular spot for coffee, cake, and light meals near Mirabell Palace.
Day 3: Lake District & Mondsee
Places to Go:
Salzach River Cruise: Embark on a scenic river cruise to admire the city from a different perspective.
Salt Mines of Hallein (Salzwelten): Learn about salt mining history and experience an underground adventure.
Lake District (Salzkammergut): Visit beautiful lakes such as Wolfgangsee, St. Gilgen, and the famous Mondsee, where The Sound of Music’s wedding scene was filmed.
St. Gilgen’s Museum of Mozart - Dedicated to Mozart’s relationship with the region.
Where to Eat:
Seeschloss St. Wolfgang: Dine in a historic castle overlooking Lake Wolfgangsee, offering Austrian and international dishes.
Seehotel-Grafrath Mondsee: Enjoy lakeside dining with a variety of dishes at this charming hotel.
Where to Stay (for an overnight in the Lake District):
Hotel Seewelt Wolfgangsee - Offers comfortable accommodations and stunning lake views.
Day 4: Departure
Places to Go (if time allows):
Museum of Modern Art (Museum der Moderne Salzburg): Explore contemporary art from the 20th and 21st centuries in this modern museum.
Augustinerbräu St. Pauli Beer Garden: Savor traditional Austrian food and beer in a lively outdoor setting.
Mozart’s Residence (Mozarts Wohnhaus): Visit Mozart’s last residence in Salzburg, now a museum showcasing his life and works.
Tips:
Salzburg Card: Consider purchasing the Salzburg Card for free admission to numerous attractions, as well as public transportation benefits.
Festival Calendar: Plan your visit around the renowned Salzburg Festival or Mozart Week for a cultural experience like no other.
Dress Comfortably: Be prepared to walk on cobblestone streets and hilly terrain; comfortable shoes are a must!
Tipping Etiquette: Service charges are usually included in the bill, but it is customary to leave extra if you are satisfied with the service.