Salzburg Winter

Salzburg Travel Guide

Salzburg Fortress Winter

Salzburg Travel Guide

Salzburg is one of the most picturesque places I’ve visited. I was there during the winter for the Christmas Markets & it was really like visiting a snowglobe. I got so lucky and got one beautiful snowy day followed by a sunny day where the the city and montains beyond were covered in a fresh sheet of snow.

Salzburg’s pastel buildings and cobblestone streets were once home to Mozart & are perhaps more famous for being the filming location of the Sound of Music. Salzburg is filled with history, panoramic views, strudel, breweries & more!

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Disclaimer: This article contains some links where I earn commission through booking. There is no extra cost to you, and I only recommend things I’ve used and love or places I’ve stayed and enjoyed!

Backpacks & Bubbly – Top Picks for Drinks With A View

IMLAUER Sky – Bar & Restaurant in Salzburg

I cannot explain how stunning this rooftop was at sunset! I’m such a winter person and winter sunsets are the absolute best. I love all the colors over snowy rooftops and Salzburg was an absolute snowglobe when I was there. You can stpo by for a drink or dinner as well. The food was good, but defintelly make a reservation in advance!

Salzburg Winter

Where to Stay in Salzburg

IMLAUER Hotel Pitter Salzburg

I stayed at IMLAUER Hotel Pitter Salzburg on my most recent trip and highly recommend! It was walking distance to the train (less than ten min) and also walking distance to the Old Town (20ish minutes)

The hotel itself was really nice, my absolute favorite part was the rooftop restaurant and bar. The views were stunning

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Best Things to do in Salzburg

Explore the Picturesque Old Town

Wander along the Salzach river for the absolute best views of the pastel hued houses that are customary in Salzburg Then head to see the highlights of Old Town.

There are 3 main square that make up the Old Town

  • Residenzplatz
  • Domplatz
  • Mozartplatz

Some of the prettiest streets to explore in this area:

  • Getreidegasse (you’ll pass Mozart’s birthplace here)
  • Griesgasse

Find the Most Picturesque Views from Hohensalzburg Fortress

Do not skip this! Take the funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress. The FestungsBahn can be found right in Old Town Salzburg near Domplatz. It’s only 12euro for a round trip with access to the scenic panoramas of the fortress. The ride was only a few minutes. Details here.

There’s a few restaurants/bars at the top for lunch or drinks with a view!

Wander the Mirabell Garden

On the other side of the river from the Old Town you’l find the stunning Mirabellgarden, the gardens of the Mirabell Palace. It’s also free to enter and explore, so you don’t need to plan in advance!

Visit Salzburg’s Best Breweries and Beer Gardens

Salzburg has some great breweries and beer gardens & they’re airy and fun in the summer & cozy and warm in the winter! Visit the massive Augustiner Bräu Mülln for Salzburg’s best beer and head to Sternbräu for Salzburg’s most aesthetic restaurant/beer garden!

See the Sound of Music Filming Locations

If you’re a Sound of Music fan you can find all the filming locations!

  • Residenzplatz Fountain
  • Mirabell Gardens
  • Nonnberg Abbey
  • St. Peter’s Monastery, Cemetery and Catacombs
view from Salzburg Fortress winter
Salzburg Winter

Getting to Salzburg

By Train

Salzburg is connect by train to all other major cities in Austria and other countries in Europe. The train is right in downtown Salzburg and only about a 15 minute walk from the historic city center.

Train times:

  • Vienna –> Salzburg: 2 hour and 30 minutes
  • Innsbruck –> Salzburg: 1 hour and 45 minutes
  • Munich –> Salzburg: 1 hour and 30 minutes
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By Plane

Salzburg also has the second largest airport in Austria. The W.A Mozart Salzburg International Airport is only about 20 minutes from downtown Salzburg & super accessible.

How Many Days to Spend in Salzburg

1-2 Days

Salzburg is stunning, but tiny! You can easily explore Salzburg in a day. If you want a more leisurely pace or want to explore places nearby Salzburg you could stay for another day, but 1 is definitely enough to see the highlights!

view from Salzburg Fortress
Fortress Hohensalzburg Christmas

Safety for Solo Female Travelers in Salzburg

5 out of 5

I felt super safe in Salzburg (and everywhere else I went in Austria) particularly the Old Town (touristy) area of Salzburg. I had no concerns being alone or walking alone at night and felt super comfortable the whole time!

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