The defining features of the Salzburg Region include the alpine landscape of Hohe Tauern National Park and the historic urban fabric of Salzburg. Here, you can discover nature across great changes in elevation, as well as in caves and at waterfalls; Salzburg offers different perspectives on history, art and architecture.
Alpine Landscapes and Water Worlds
Hohe Tauern National Park covers 1,856 km² and is the largest national park in the Alps. Its alpine natural and cultural landscape ranges from around 1,000 metres above sea level to the 3,798-metre summit of the Großglockner. The National Park Worlds Hohe Tauern presents ten themed worlds, complemented by an approximately ten-minute film journey into the Sulzbachtäler wilderness area.
Ice and water also make their mark: Eisriesenwelt is the largest ice cave in the world. At Krimml Waterfalls, a four-kilometre trail leads from the lowest to the highest waterfall. These offer different nature experiences side by side—from views of high-alpine landscapes to a trail that follows the waterfalls along their full length.
City History and Collections in Salzburg
Salzburg’s historic centre preserves an exceptionally rich urban fabric that developed from the Middle Ages through to the 19th century. Salzburg has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. DomQuartier presents 1,300 years of Salzburg’s history of rule, art, music and architecture. From the cathedral arch terrace, you can look out over the old town; from the organ gallery, into Salzburg Cathedral—two different perspectives on the city and its architecture.
Museum der Moderne Salzburg Mönchsberg displays international art treasures from the 20th and 21st centuries across three levels; it also offers a range of guided tours and workshops. Haus der Natur offers a different approach: its more than 7,000 m² of exhibits include an aquarium, a space hall, dinosaurs and a journey through the human body. Its Science Center is fully interactive.
Castles, Festivals and the High Alpine Road
Hellbrunn was built from 1613 to 1615 as a pleasure palace on the outskirts of Salzburg. It was designed to give guests a festive welcome and entertain them with its trick fountains. Mirabell Palace and Mirabell Gardens are protected monuments and form part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Salzburg Festival takes place every year in July and August on historic stages in the heart of the old town.
You can explore the interiors of Hohenwerfen Castle only as part of a guided tour. Tour availability varies by season and operating conditions. Birds of prey flight demonstrations take place several times a day, but are subject to seasonal and weather conditions. Check the schedule before your visit. The GroĂźglockner 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 admission to 15 exhibitions, seven themed and panoramic hiking trails, and various playgrounds; check what is included before your drive.
Cycling Routes and Culinary Delights
Salzburg’s cycling network extends for more than 180 kilometres; most routes run along the Salzach and through the city’s parks and tree-lined avenues. For longer rides, the 415-kilometre Ciclovia Alpe Adria connects Salzburg with Grado on the Italian coast. The Tauern Cycle Path follows the Salzach and Saalach for just under 300 kilometres, reaching Hohe Tauern National Park. Additional variants of 270 and 310 kilometres along these rivers are also available—a useful distinction when comparing route lengths for your plans.
Culinary discoveries also come in different forms: Via Culinaria comprises ten culinary trails featuring selected restaurants, inns, direct marketers and producers in the Salzburg Region. Along the trail for cheese lovers, you can taste alpine cheeses, creative cheese creations and refined classics. In Salzburg, the Grünmarkt is held from Monday to Saturday in front of Kollegienkirche; the Schranne takes place every Thursday morning in front of Andräkirche. Tours at Stiegl-Brauwelt include tastings of three different Stiegl beers.
Discover more destinations: Tamsweg, Zell Am See, Hallein, Salzburg-Flachgau, Sankt Johann Im Pongau, Upper Austria, Styria, Carinthia.
Return to the main travel overview: Austria.
