Salzburg
Austria
Backpacking Salzburg
Information on Salzburg, sights to see, nightlife, activities and more.
Tucked into the Austrian Alps by the German border, the city of Salzburg may be small, but it has plenty to offer backpackers. Strolling through Salzburg's Altstadt (Old Town), a UNESCO World Heritage site, will transport you back in time about 250 years. Salzburg offers incredible views everywhere you look. Climb up to the Hohensalzburg Fortress for a panoramic photo op of the city. Stroll through Altstadt and Neustadt (New Town) and marvel at the intricate architecture hidden around every corner. Visiting the historical and artistic monuments are a meaningful way to take in the city's cultural heritage. The city also hosts about 4000 artistic and cultural events throughout the year, so there's always something new to experience. Salzburg looks like the setting of fairy tales and legends, with unmatched history, culture, natural beauty and magnificent architecture to back it up. To get the best weather we recommend visiting Salzburg from May-September and in December for the amazing Christmas markets.
Must See
Hohensalzburg Fortress - Dating back to 1077, Hohensalzburg Fortress is the main landmark of Salzburg and built atop a cliff overlooking the city. Initially built by the archbishop to show off the power of the Catholic Church and protect the town from attacks, the fortress only ever served as a residence and dungeon. Because the fortress was never conquered or even attacked, it's now one of the largest fully-preserved castle complexes in Europe.
Residenzplatz -Right in the heart of Old Town, you’ll find Residenzplatz. This large square is one of the city’s most popular places to visit! Designed in the late 16th century, Residenzplatz contains many iconic Salzburg tourist attractions. If you’re planning to be around in December, the Residenzplatz is host to cheerful Christmas markets.
Mirabell Palace & Gardens - Mirabell Palace dates back to 1606 when Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich had it built to impress his lover. Since then, the Baroque palace has made an appearance in the classic film The Sound of Music and has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day Trip Activities
Hallstatt - a small secluded village nestled even further into the Alps than Salzburg on Lake Hallstatt. Dating all the way back to the early Iron Age, Hallstatt was once a salt mining center. Situated between mountains and shore, you can be sure that everywhere you look, there's an incredible photo opportunity.
The Eagles Nest - The Eagle's Nest, also known as the Kehlsteinhaus, located at the top of Obersalzberg Mountain was originally built by the Nazi Party as a 50th-birthday gift for Adolf Hitler. During WWII, the building was used for state visits and other government meetings. Since it was never attacked or otherwise affected by the war, the building stands in its original form today.
Untersberg - a mountain in Salzburg that also straddles the German border. Reaching a peak of 1853 meters above sea level, this mountain attracts outdoor enthusiasts and alpine sports lovers during all seasons. The Untersberg provides brilliant views of the city of Salzburg
Nightlife
Salzburg isn’t a big city, but there are plenty of opportunities for a night out. The trendy bars and authentic Irish pubs are all within safe, easy walking distance. We recommend checking out the beer gardens and taverns where you can drink beer out of 1 liter steins. There are more than 40 hot spots in the city, so make sure you come with enough time with your list of priorities prepared.
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