Salzburg Holidays

Q: Does Salzburg have good nightlife?

Griesgasse avenue runs along the Salzach river. This is where you'll find the city's trendiest bars and cocktail lounges. But there are also a few Irish bars and German-style beer halls offering a laid-back experience. Neustadt, or new-town, is Salzburg's real party spot. The bars stay open till late and a handful of house and techno clubs keep the beats pumping until the sun comes up. Leafy Nonntal is an affluent residential area on the city's southside, but it's also a popular student and bohemian hangout. Expect small, quirky bars hosting slam poetry events, jazz nights, and exhibitions from local artists.

Q: How long do I need in Salzburg?

To fully experience the city's attractions, a long weekend should do the job. Extend your visit if you want to explore the Salzkammergut region or enjoy the Salzburg Festival.

Q: How long is the flight to Salzburg?

It takes around an hour and a half to fly from London to Salzburg.

Q: What is Salzburg known for?

Salzburg is famous for its stunning architecture, ancient castles and epic mountain ranges. It was Mozart's birthplace. You can visit his house in the Getreidegasse district, just a short walk from the city centre. It's one of Austria's most famous museums and a must-see for culture lovers. Salzburg is incredibly proud of its musical heritage. You'll often hear classical music playing from speakers dotted around the city. Every summer it hosts the Salzburg Festival, two weeks of live music performances and other cultural events. There's a smaller four-day festival at the end of May.

Q: What's the food like in Salzburg?

Austrian cuisine is unpretentious comfort food. It's perfect for refuelling after long city walking tours or treks through the surrounding countryside. Knodels are chunky dumplings. They're best served with spiced meatballs floating in a thick gravy. Or try the Tiroler grostl. This is a giant stack of pan-fried potato, chopped beef, and spring onion topped with a fried egg. Cut the yolk and let it drizzle over the dish before you tuck in. Kasespatzle is Salzburg's version of mac and cheese. Foodies will love the Martinigansl goose. Roasted chestnuts and dried plums add to the rich, gamey flavours.

Q: When's the best time to visit Salzburg?

There’s something going on in Salzburg throughout the year. Summer is ideal for festivals and outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking, while winter offers enchanting Christmas markets and some of the best skiing in the world.

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A symphony of culture and nature

Surrounded by the majesty of the Alps, Salzburg is an ancient city that has seen empires rise and fall. Home to about 150,000 people, it’s a gem of baroque architecture and picturesque gardens, and is the proud birthplace of legendary composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Salzburg's historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a treasure trove of cultural delights, with its grand cathedrals and charming cobblestone streets.

The Hohensalzburg Fortress looms over the city, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the Salzach River. Below, the Mirabell Palace and Gardens is a spectacle of brightly-coloured flowers and quirky sculptures, where you might just find yourself skipping along singing Do-Re-Mi, just as the Von Trapp family did in The Sound of Music. In fact, music fills the air almost everywhere you go in this city, with countless classical concerts, and the renowned Salzburg Festival every summer.

Beyond the city, the Salzkammergut lake district beckons with its crystal-clear lakes and picturesque villages, perfect for relaxation and outdoor adventures. Just over the German border, the Berchtesgaden National Park offers pristine nature trails and the breathtaking Königssee lake.

Need to know

Language
German

Currency
Euro

Time zone
GMT +1

Flight time
1hr 30mins

* Average time from London Gatwick to Salzburg

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Experience The Sound of Music Tour

For fans of the iconic movie, The Sound of Music tour is an absolute must. Visit key filming locations in and around Salzburg, including the Mirabell Gardens, Hellbrunn Palace, and Nonnberg Abbey, and relive the magic of the Von Trapp family's story.
The glorious outdoors
From the Salzkammergut region to the Berchtesgaden National Park, the natural landscape around Salzburg is nothing short of breathtaking. Picture towering mountain ranges capped with snow, lush Alpine meadows blooming with wildflowers and pastel-hued chocolate box villages, all reflected in the glassy surface of a crystal-clear glacial lake. It’s enough to make you want to sing!
Visit the Hohensalzburg Fortress

How you reach this 11th-century fortress is up to you. There’s a gorgeous hike to the top, or you can ride the funicular railway for a more leisurely experience. Either way, once you’re up there you’ll be treated to stunning views of the city and the Alps, while the fortress itself is home to opulent chambers and historical exhibits that offer a deep dive into medieval Austria.