Salzburg Landmarks and Sightseeing

(Salzburg, Austria)

The striking landmarks around Salzburg have been strongly influenced by events in history, both old and relatively recent. It is hard to escape the influence that 'The Sound of Music' movie has had on Salzburg since it was filmed here in the early 1960s, with many of the landmarks playing prominent roles in the film and subsequently elevated to the limelight, such as the Leopoldskron Castle (Schloss Leopoldskron) and the Mirabell Castle (Schloss Mirabell).

The Residenzplatz is always a good place for a wander around the city centre and is located just north of Salzburg Cathedral, being dominated by the Residence Palace. Another famous landmark is the Festung Hohensalzburg and each year, this fortress is visited by literally thousands of tourists, who either climb the steep hill (around 15 minutes), or alternatively take the rather less tiring Mönchsberg Lift (Mönchsbergaufzug) or funicular railway (FestungsBahn).

Salzburger Dom (Salzburg Cathedral)

Address: Domplatz, Salzburg, AT-5020, Austria, AT
Tel: +43 0662 804 77950
The Salzburger Dom is the biggest of all the city's many churches, of which there are almost 40 dotted around Salzburg. This grand cathedral dates from the 1620s and stands on the site of a much older church from the 8th century. The Salzburger Dom has become an important local landmark and its three bronze doors are well known to locals, since between them they symbolise faith, hope and charity.
Open hours: daily - 06:30 to 17:00
Admission: free, donations suggested

Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall)

Address: Kranzlmarkt 1, Salzburg, AT-5020, Austria, AT
One of the most important and historic landmarks in central Salzburg, the Altes Rathaus was built at the turn of the 15th century and remains in remarkable condition. The Old Town Hall presides over the Kranzlmarkt, part of the Old Market Square (Alter Markt), and is close to the Getreidegasse. Topped by a tall tower, the Rococo-style facade was added towards the end of the 18th century.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 16:00
Admission: free

Die Residenz (Residence Palace)

Address: Residenzplatz 1, Salzburg, AT-5020, Austria, AT
Tel: +43 0662 804 22690
Together with both the cathedral and the Festung Hohensalzburg, the Residence Palace is amongst the city's most important historical landmarks and dates from the early part of the 12th century, when it was commission by Prince Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau. During the 15th and 16th centuries, much of the Residenz was modelled, although its original character is clearly present. A large part of the palace interior is now open to members of the general public, who are able to explore the lavishly decorated rooms and enjoy some tantalising glimpses of the Old Town through the various windows.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children and families

Festung Hohensalzburg (Hohensalzburg Fortress)

Address: Mönchsberg 34, Salzburg, AT-5020, Austria, AT
Tel: +43 0662 842 43011
This dramatic landmark towers high above the city and is clearly visible from most parts of Salzburg, being perched upon Mount Mönchsberg and built in 1077. Step inside to experience the grandeur within the staterooms, the valuable exhibits within the castle museums, and the rather gruesome attractions within the torture chambers.
Open hours: daily, March to June - 09:00 to 18:00; July to September - 09:00 to 19:00; October to February - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, FestungsBahn fare includes admission to the fortress grounds

Schloss Leopoldskron (Leopoldskron Castle)

Address: Leopoldskronstrasse 56-58, Salzburg, AT-5020, Austria, AT
Tel: +43 0662 839 830
The Schloss Leopoldskron is a breathtaking landmark and this magnificent Baroque-style country house was built more than 250 years ago. Over the year, Leopoldskron Castle has played host to many famous and wealthy visitors. However, the palace is perhaps most famous for appearing in the locally filmed movie, 'The Sound of Music', as the residence of the Von Trapps. Today, the Schloss Leopoldskron is used as a meeting venue and regularly hosts a number of private functions and events.
Open hours: daily, view from exterior only
Admission: free

Schloss Mirabell (Mirabell Castle)

Address: Mirabellplatz, Salzburg, AT-5020, Austria, AT
Tel: +43 0662 807 22334
The Schloss Mirabell is a particularly glorious palace and completed just over 400 years ago for the mistress of the Archbishop Prince Wolf Dietrich, at which time it was actually located just outside of Salzburg and known as the Altenau Palace. Today, visitors come to the Schloss Mirabell not only to marvel at this awesome building, but to enjoy the formally landscaped gardens, which come complete with swathes of springtime bulbs, Greek statues, topiary, and a charming fountain, which famously appeared in 'The Sound of Music'.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 08:00 to 18:00
Admission: free

Schloss und Schlosspark Hellbrunn (Hellbrunn Castle and Park)

Address: Fürstenweg 37, Salzburg, AT-5020, Austria, AT
Tel: +43 0662 820 3720
The popular landmark that is the Schloss Hellbrunn is to be found around 4 km / 2.5 miles to the south of the Old Town centre and this impressive 17th-century Baroque palace features some fun, trick fountains. If you are lucky enough to join a guided tour of the grounds (Schlosspark Hellbrunn), be wary when the tour guide starts the fountain, since you may well get a little wet. You are able to stroll around much of the garden free of charge, although the palace interior does warrant a closer inspection.
Open hours: daily, April and October - 09:00 to 16:30; May, June and September - 09:00 to 17:30; July and August - 09:00 to 22:00
Admission: charge, price includes a guided tour of the palace

St. Blasius Kirche (St. Blasius Church / Gothic Hall)

Address: Bürgerspitalg 2, Salzburg, AT-5013, Austria, AT
St. Blasius Church is located in the very centre of the Old Town and this historical Gothic church is actually the oldest of its kind in the whole of Austria, dating as far back as the early part of the 14th century.

St. Blasius once served the local Civic Hospital and regularly features classical music concerts at lunchtimes, usually with a strong Mozart theme and plenty of refreshments to go around.
Open hours: daily, hours vary
Admission: free