What are the 10 Must-See Attractions in Salzburg, Austria?

Located in Austria, Salzburg is a picturesque city steeped in culture, history and music. The city is well-known worldwide because it was the birthplace of the well-known composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. With its magnificent landscape, Baroque architecture and beautiful mountain settings, Salzburg remains one of Europe’s most charming and inspiring cities.

Visitors of Salzburg can explore a vast array of attractions, with museums, art galleries, churches and architectural gems worth exploring. Here are 10 must-see attractions in Salzburg:

1. Salzburg Cathedral

First on the list of must-see attractions in Salzburg is the Salzburg Cathedral. Constructed in the early 17th century, the cathedral is known for its gorgeous Baroque spires that stand at about 10 stories tall. Inside the cathedral, visitors will find a magnificent pipe organ, a high vaulted ceiling and historical artifacts. Every year, many visitors come to view concerts that take place inside the cathedral and marvel at its architectural beauty.

2. Hohensalzburg Fortress

Hohensalzburg Fortress is a magnificent castle that towers above the city of Salzburg. It was once accessible only by a drawbridge but now visitors can take a funicular railway that reaches the fortress’ entrance. Inside the fortress, visitors will find a stunning chapel, a multifaceted museum and amazing views of Salzburg’s old town. It is well worth the trip to visit!

3. Mirabell Palace and Garden

Another must-see attraction in Salzburg is Mirabell Palace and Garden. This stunning Baroque palace and gardens were constructed in 1606 by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich for his mistress and their two children. Inside the palace are beautiful interiors and marble statues, which were designed for Prince-Archbishop Johann Ernst Thun in the 1760s.

Right outside the palace walls is a magnificent French-style garden, where visitors can find a serene rose garden as well as unique topiaries. The garden is also known for its picturesque “Gnome Garden” which includes amusing little figures of dwarves and animals.

4. Getreidegasse Street

This delightful stretch of cobblestone street, Getreidegasse Street, is the best-known street in Salzburg and one of the most historic features of the city. Getreidegasse means “Grain Alley” because in ancient times, merchants traded grain along this street. This street has maintained its charm over centuries with its original architecture from past centuries and is also known for being the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Those who come here can also find attractive shops and cafes along the street.

5. House of Nature Museum

For those who love learning about science, the House of Nature Museum is a must-see attraction in Salzburg. This museum has a great selection of interactive displays, an impressive animal cabinet with over 4,000 specimens and an impressive Planetarium with a state-of-the-art laser projection system that replicates stars in their true brilliance.

6. Kapitelplatz Square

Kapitelplatz Square is a beautiful square located in front of Salzburg Cathedral with stunning fountains that are framed by arches and monuments emphasising its historical importance. This square is also home to different cultural events throughout the year such as open-air stages and beer festivals.

7. Leopoldskron Palace

Located about 18 km from Salzburg’s city center, Leopoldskron Palace makes for an interesting day trip out of the city center. This majestic palace dates back to 1736 and was designed by court building overseer Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt for Leopold II as a summer residence. Throughout its rich history, it has served as home to Empress Maria Theresa, Prince Clemens von Metternich and Max Reinhardt, who transformed it into an impressive baroque theatre in 1920.

8. Museum der Moderne

Rather than visit just one museum in Salzburg, visitors can choose to spend time atMuseum der Moderne, which hosts many different museums under its roof. This museum encompasses a variety of art forms ranging from modern paintings to installations and sculptures. There is also a research center available for those interested in various topics related to art history.

9. Hellbrunn Palace

No visit to Salzburg would be complete without stopping by Hellbrunn Palace. Constructed over four centuries ago by Markus Sittikus von Hohenems, this palace has maintained its Baroque interior as well as its elaborate grounds including a beautiful formal garden with many fountains, ponds and sculptures. Visitors can also explore Hellbrunn’s rocky grottos which have been transformed into grottos used for theatrical performances.

10. Stiegl Brewery World

The Stiegl Brewery World should be included on every visitor’s itinerary while they are in Salzburg. This beer-centric attraction offers brewery tours where guests can learn about beer production from an informative guide and then follow it up with beer tastings at the end! The brewery world also contains interactive exhibits about beer production which are sure to captivate even those who aren’t big beer drinkers.

Salzburg has so much to offer visitors – from its beautiful churches to its numerous monuments, historical landmarks, gorgeous gardens and lively breweries. Tourists who come are sure to find something that interests them among these top 10 must-see attractions!