Old Town Salzburg Walking Tour (Includes Viewpoints) + Map
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Crafting a self-guided walking tour of Old Town Salzburg, in a way, is not a huge task, not just because we have these handy travel apps, but also because Old Town Salzburg is naturally compact and easy to navigate.
The historical landmarks, notable architectural attractions, and even the viewpoints are all within walking distance from each other. Plus, the Hohensalzburg Fortress, sitting atop Festungsberg, is mostly visible from the streets, serving as a handy reference point as you navigate the city.
However, travelers often aren’t aware of all the notable attractions in Salzburg. They tend to spend more time walking and see less than they could.
Even worse, they sometimes miss out on incredible views that are just a quick detour from the streets they’re currently exploring.
As I put myself in the shoes of future travelers who might make the same mistakes, I can’t help but feel a sense of regret. So, to help them (which I think might include you) make the most of their visit, I’ve created this self-guided walking tour of Old Town Salzburg.
Good to know
Exploring Salzburg on foot can take anywhere from half a day to a full day.
So, these walking tours can be easily incorporated into your plans, whether you’re visiting Salzburg for just one day, staying for two days, or planning a 3-day getaway. Even if you’re taking a day trip to Salzburg from Vienna, these plans should fit perfectly.
Actually, I’ve put together three self-guided walking tours, each with a map to visually guide you through the city’s attractions and viewpoints.
If you’re looking to discover as many beautiful sights in Salzburg as possible, including picture-perfect scenery, while simply walking, this guide is for you…
Summary
The walking tours I’m going to share with you will focus on the top sights in Old Town Salzburg, as well as the scenic spots located on the mountains that are accessible from the historic center.
In summary, these attractions include:
- Mirabell Palace,
- Mozart’s Birthplace along Getreidegasse (one of the most beautiful places in Salzburg),
- Salzburg Cathedral,
- Hohensalzburg Fortress,
- Nonnberg Abbey,
- scenic spots and tourist attractions in Mönchsberg, and
- viewpoints and hiking trails in Kapuzinerberg.
Here’s a tip: To truly appreciate Salzburg, I recommend watching the classic movie, The Sound of Music. It’s a beautiful film, which has several filming locations in Salzburg, with a meaningful message that you’re sure to love.
Let’s quickly go over each of the attractions mentioned… (click here to proceed to the maps — skip the summary)
Mirabell Palace & Garden
If you arrive in Salzburg by train, the first place to visit in the Old Town is Mirabell Palace.
Built in the early 1600s, this palace is one of the oldest landmarks in Salzburg. It is famous for its beautiful architecture and lovely gardens.
Full details: 5 Beautiful Reasons to Visit Mirabell Palace & Gardens
Getreidegasse
Some streets in Salzburg are very special, like Getreidegasse, a popular shopping area in Old Town Salzburg.
If you love old buildings, this part of the city will catch your eye. The street has fancy iron signs hanging above you as you walk, making it very interesting.
Don’t forget to look to the sides as you walk down the street. You’ll find paths leading to pretty courtyards and traditional shops.
If you want to see the beauty of Salzburg, check out the Seven Beautiful Things That I Discovered in Salzburg.
Mozart’s Birthplace
Salzburg is a city with a rich history, and music is very important to its culture.
A visit to Salzburg isn’t complete without experiencing its musical heritage, especially Mozart. You can find Mozart-themed concerts in many places in Salzburg, like Mirabell Palace and Hohensalzburg Fortress.
But the best place to learn about Mozart and the city’s musical history is at Mozart’s Birthplace.
Full details: Interesting Exhibits in Mozart’s Birthplace in Salzburg
Salzburg Cathedral
Salzburg Cathedral is the religious heart of the city and an architectural highlight that will take your breath away.
While Salzburg Cathedral may seem similar to other famous churches in Europe, especially if you’ve visited other major cities on the continent, this 17th-century Baroque church has uniqueness you still would love to see.
Full details: A Complete Guide to Salzburg Cathedral (Facts, Info & Tips)
Hohensalzburg Fortress
To me, Hohensalzburg Fortress is the best place to visit in Salzburg’s Old Town.
Sitting high on Festungsberg at 506 meters, this 11th-century fortress stands out in the city’s skyline. It is an important historical and visual landmark in Salzburg and offers many things to discover.
From the history of Salzburg to beautiful views, and from medieval weapons to marionettes, there’s a lot to learn and see at Hohensalzburg Fortress.
Full details: Visiting Hohensalzburg Fortress — All You Need to Know
Nonnberg Abbey
After visiting Hohensalzburg Fortress, why not make a quick detour to Nonnberg Abbey?
Located on Festungsberg beside the fortress, this off-the-beaten-path destination in Salzburg is a great place to find some peace and quiet.
The church and cemetery are free to visit, and as you wander around the abbey, you’ll discover little gems that are sure to pique your interest.
Full details: Visiting Nonnberg Abbey, Salzburg: Expectations, Tips & Info
Mönchsberg
The mountain next to Festungsberg, where Hohensalzburg Fortress and Nonnberg Abbey are, is called Mönchsberg.
It is about 500 meters high and offers great views of the Alps and Salzburg’s Old Town. If you like watching the sunset in Salzburg, Humboldt Terrace and the M32 restaurant on top of Mönchsberg are the best spots.
Full details: A Guide to Mönchsberg, Salzburg (Going There & Things to Do)
Kapuzinerberg
If you have a lot of time in Salzburg, you can add the viewpoints of Old Town Salzburg in Kapuzinerberg to your walking tour
Kapuzinerberg is another mountain in the historic center of Salzburg, next to the Old Town. You can get there through the paths and stairs in Old Town Salzburg, so it’s easy to visit Kapuzinerberg during your walk.
Full details: Visit Kapuzinerberg and See a Panoramic View of Salzburg
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Map of the Old Town’s Landmarks & Attractions
Now that you know what to expect from this self-guided walking tour of Salzburg Old Town, let’s take a closer look at where the highlights are located.
Old Town Salzburg has five must-see attractions: Mirabell Palace, Getreidegasse, Mozart’s Birthplace, Salzburg Cathedral, and Hohensalzburg Fortress.
These popular spots showcase the city’s unique character and treasures. While Nonnberg Abbey isn’t considered a highlight, it’s worth a visit since it’s just a stone’s throw away from the fortress.
Map of the Old Town’s Scenic Spots
In addition to the highlights, specifically, there are seven scenic viewpoints you can visit on your walking tour of Old Town Salzburg.
Three are located in Mönchsberg, two along the Salzach River, and two more in Kapuzinerberg.
The viewpoints facing Old Town Salzburg are especially worth visiting to watch the sunrise or sunset over the city. But don’t worry, they’re just as stunning during midday. The panoramic views make them a great stop on your walking tour.
Walking Tour Route Maps
Now, here are the three maps that feature different walking routes in Old Town Salzburg, designed to cater to different preferences.
Note: You can find the technical details of the route (length, minimum total walking time, elevation gain, and more) in the resources section of this post.
Map #1 “Must-Visit Attractions” in Old Town Salzburg
Map #2 Old Town Salzburg Complete Route
Map #3 Old Town Salzburg Shorter Route
Map Template
If you want to create your own Old Town Salzburg Walking Tour, you can download a blank map and draft your plans.
I’ve emphasized the tourist attractions and the hiking trails in the mountains to help you plot your route in Kapuzinerberg, Mönchsberg, and Festungsberg.
This way, you can customize your tour to suit your interests and preferences.
Guided Walking Tours
If you need help exploring Salzburg on foot, you might consider getting a guide or joining a tour.
You’ll be accompanied by a professional tour guide who can help you make the most of your trip to Salzburg while providing insider tips, such as the best restaurants to eat at and hidden gems to discover.
Here are some you might want to check:
- Great for everyone — 2.5-Hour Walking Tour: Mozart, Old Town & More
- Discover the dark side of Salzburg (unique experience) — Ghost Tour
- Best for travelers who want beautiful photo souvenirs — 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour with a Photographer
- Learn Salzburg’s history as you explore the city — 2.5-Hour Introductory Tour With a Historian
- Walking tour about Mozart in Salzburg — Life of Mozart Private Guided Walking Tour
- Get your personal guide to see Salzburg — Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour
Resources
Here are some maps from Komoot that you can use as a reference to explore the city, if you would like to see more details of the Old Town Salzburg walking tour.
- Komoot — Map With a Route to the “Must-Visit Attractions” in Old Town Salzburg
- Komoot — Map With a Shorter Route to the Highlights and Scenic Spots in Old Town Salzburg
- Komoot — Map With a Complete Route to the Highlights and Scenic Spots in Old Town Salzburg
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