Salzburg Region: Culture, Nature and Culinary Delights

Culture and history in Salzburg

Salzburg’s historic centre preserves an exceptionally rich urban fabric that developed from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. Salzburg has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. The DomQuartier offers insight into the city’s history of rule, art, music and architecture, presenting 1,300 years of Salzburg history. Highlights to explore there include the Cathedral Arch Terrace, with views of the Old Town, and the organ loft, overlooking the cathedral. Mirabell Palace and Mirabell Gardens are also protected historic monuments and form part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Another historical thread leads to Hellbrunn: the pleasure palace was built outside Salzburg between 1613 and 1615 to welcome guests in style and entertain them with its trick fountains. The Salzburg Festival takes place every year in July and August on historic stages in the heart of the Old Town. These attractions offer different points of interest, from city history and architecture to a recurring cultural event.

Museums also cater to a range of interests. The Haus der Natur covers more than 7,000 square metres and features, among other things, an aquarium, a space hall and dinosaurs; it also offers a journey through the human body. Its Science Centre is a fully interactive experience. The Museum der Moderne Salzburg Mönchsberg presents international art treasures from the 20th and 21st centuries across three floors and offers various guided tours and workshops. Those interested in castles can explore the interior of Hohenwerfen Castle only as part of a guided tour. Birds of prey flight demonstrations take place there several times a day; they are subject to seasonal and weather conditions.

Alpine landscapes and nature experiences

The Hohe Tauern National Park encompasses 1,856 square kilometres of alpine natural and cultural landscape and is the largest national park in the Alps. The landscape stretches from around 1,000 metres above sea level to the 3,798-metre summit of the Großglockner. The National Park Worlds complement this perspective with ten themed areas and an approximately ten-minute cinematic journey into the Sulzbachtäler wilderness area.

Other nature experiences each have their own character: the Eisriesenwelt is the world’s largest ice cave. At the Krimml Waterfalls, a four-kilometre waterfall trail leads from the lowest to the highest waterfall. The Großglockner High Alpine Road winds through high-alpine terrain with 36 hairpin bends and has been officially protected as a historic monument since 2015. A day ticket includes free access to 15 exhibitions, seven themed and panoramic hiking trails, and various playgrounds. Check what is included before your trip.

Cycling routes and getting around

Cyclists can choose from options ranging from the urban network to longer routes. Salzburg has more than 180 kilometres of cycle paths; most run along the Salzach River and through the city’s parks and tree-lined avenues. The Ciclovia Alpe Adria cycle route links Salzburg with Grado on the Italian coast over 415 kilometres. The Tauern Cycle Path follows the Salzach and Saalach rivers for just under 300 kilometres to the Hohe Tauern National Park; variants of 270 and 310 kilometres are also offered. These details help you choose a route that suits the distance you want to cover.

The Untersberg Cable Car can also be useful for getting your bearings: the ride takes 8.5 minutes. The valley station in Grödig/St. Leonhard is accessible by public buses 25 and 28, as well as trolleybus line 5. Since 1961, the cable car has been taking hikers, winter sports enthusiasts, nature lovers and panorama seekers up the mountain and back down to the valley. The SalzburgCard offers free or discounted admission to numerous attractions and museums, as well as free use of public transport. Before your trip, check the benefits currently offered and how long they are valid.

Markets and culinary discoveries

Two markets are held in Salzburg on different days of the week: the Grünmarkt in front of the Collegiate Church runs from Monday to Saturday, while the Schranne in front of St Andrew’s Church is held every Thursday morning. A guided tour of the Stiegl-Brauwelt includes a tasting of three different Stiegl beers.

For culinary discoveries in the Salzburg Region, the Via Culinaria features ten culinary trails with selected restaurants, inns, direct sellers and producers. The trail for cheese lovers leads to alpine cheeses, creative cheese specialities and fine classics to taste. Another option is the three-day “Culinary Journey through SalzburgerLand by Public Transport,” a culinary discovery tour using public transport. When planning, you can choose between individual market visits, a themed culinary route and a multi-day trip.

Choose the right focus

Then compare the location of your accommodation with your personal travel plans, rather than treating the entire region as one single base. For current offers or seasonal experiences, it is advisable to check the relevant conditions before your visit.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Sankt Johann im Pongau, Salzburg-Flachgau, Hallein, Zell am See, Tamsweg, Styria, Carinthia, Lower Austria.

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