State of Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg

Salzburg is a Baroque city of domes and squares below a hilltop fortress, the birthplace of Mozart and the setting of The Sound of Music.

Salzburg: Salzburg Old Town Walking Tour, Mozart, Mirabell Gardens
Featured walk: Salzburg Old Town Walking Tour, Mozart, Mirabell Gardens · Photo supplied by Viator

The city on foot

Salzburg grew rich as the seat of powerful prince-archbishops. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The old town lies between the Salzach river and the Mönchsberg cliff, with the Mirabell Gardens across the river.

What makes Salzburg distinctive

  • Hohensalzburg Fortress
  • Mozart's birthplace
  • The Mirabell Gardens
  • Sound of Music locations

Walking tours in Salzburg

Hand-picked guided walks in Salzburg, each rated highly by travellers. Ratings and photos are from Viator; select a tour to see dates, prices and full details, and to book.

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By theme: History walks in Salzburg

Compare with other cities: Food tours · History walks

More walking tours on GetYourGuide

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Main sights

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Neighbourhoods worth wandering

  • Altstadt

    The old town.

  • Neustadt

    Across the river, with Mirabell.

  • Nonntal

    A quiet quarter below the fortress.

Free self-guided walk

Mirabell to the cathedral

A free self-guided walk in Salzburg, from the Mirabell Gardens across the river to Getreidegasse, Mozart's birthplace and the cathedral.

1.2 km · 5 stops · map and directions

See the walk

Best areas to explore on foot

  1. Salzach riverbanks

    Paths on both sides.

  2. Mönchsberg

    Woodland paths along the cliff top.

  3. Mirabell Gardens

    Free formal gardens.

Practical walking notes

  • Terrain

    Flat old town; steep up to the fortress.

  • Rain

    Salzburg is known for drizzle; carry an umbrella.

  • Card

    The Salzburg Card covers most sights and transport.

When to visit

  • Summer

    The Salzburg Festival; busy.

  • Advent

    Christmas markets.

  • Spring and autumn

    Quieter.

Getting there and getting around

Arriving

  • By rail

    Trains reach Vienna in about 2.5 hours and Munich in under 2.

  • By air

    Salzburg Airport is about 15 minutes away.

Local transport

  • Buses

    Trolleybuses cover the city.

  • On foot

    The old town is compact.

Questions travellers ask about Salzburg

How many days do I need?

One or two days.

Can I walk to the fortress?

Yes, about 20 minutes uphill, or take the funicular.

Where was The Sound of Music filmed?

Several places in and around the city, including the Mirabell Gardens.

Vienna: Guided Walking Tour of Vienna City Center Highlights
Vienna

Vienna

Palaces, music and coffee houses

Discover the city
Vienna: Guided Walking Tour of Vienna City Center Highlights
Country overview

Austria

An imperial capital of music and coffee houses

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Sources and review date

This guide was last updated on 2026-10-28. Opening hours, fares and services change; please confirm details with official sources before travelling.