10 Unique Things to Do in Salzburg, Austria

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Among the European cities I’ve discovered so far, Salzburg is the most unique. It offers a blend of experiences unlike any other: soothing musical performances, beautiful architecture, breathtaking scenery, and more.

Visiting Salzburg feels like stepping into a movie set, not only because the city’s scenes look cinematic, but also because they have been used as actual filming locations. The movie ‘The Sound of Music’, based on the true story of a family from Salzburg, was filmed here.

Even the history of Salzburg is unique, especially compared to other Austrian cities (for example, Innsbruck and Vienna).

The names echoing in the halls and rooms of its heritage sites are those of prince archbishops and musicians, not the Habsburg monarchy. Interestingly, the city’s growth wasn’t primarily driven by gold, but by salt, often referred to as ‘white gold’.

Actually, even if you’re not familiar with everything I’ve just mentioned, the moment you arrive in the city and see the imposing fortress dominating Salzburg’s baroque and mountainous skyline, I’m confident you’ll feel that Salzburg is truly unique. I have a hunch that Salzburg could be the highlight that makes your next European trip extraordinary.

With the unique activities and attractions in Salzburg that I’m about to share, we’re going to make it even more special!

Good to know

Before you check out and engage in the unique activities that I’m going to suggest, though, hear me out: I can’t emphasize enough how unmissable it is to explore Old Town Salzburg. It should be your top priority as much as possible.

Not only is the Old Town home to Salzburg’s most notable attractions like Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mirabell Palace, Mozart’s Birthplace, Nonnberg Abbey, Salzburg Cathedral, and more, but it’s also undoubtedly wander-worthy.

Beautiful, historical, and time-transporting attractions are only a walking distance from each other, including the picture-perfect viewpoints for sunset and sunrise in the city. You’ve got to see how amazing the view is from Monchsberg and Kapuzinerberg!

I believe that by visiting these places of interest I just mentioned, you can already sense how unique Salzburg is.

Uniqueness of Salzburg, Unique things to do in Salzburg, Austria — Uniqueness of Salzburg

1. The Magic Flute at Marionette Theater

One musical show in Salzburg that offers a unique cultural experience is The Magic Flute at the Marionette Theater. This impressive adaptation of Mozart’s famous opera is performed by skilled puppeteers at the world-renowned Salzburg Marionette Theater.

The venue itself is an iconic miniature opera house with a 350-seat Baroque-style auditorium and is recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage site.

What makes this show so special is the incredible craftsmanship behind every detail. From the stage design and puppet costumes to the lighting and sound effects, everything comes together to create a true work of art.

The puppeteers bring the characters to life with their musical talent and precise movements, adding so much emotion and personality that you’ll be amazed. Experiencing this creative take on The Magic Flute at the historic Marionette Theater will make your trip to Salzburg unforgettable. The live performance, filled with singing, dancing, and plenty of surprises, will touch your heart and leave you with one of the most memorable theater experiences you’ve ever had.

So why not add The Magic Flute at the Marionette Theater to your Salzburg itinerary? The show is available in both 1- and 2-hour versions and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Grab your Magic Flute at Marionette Theater Tickets here.

2. Ghost Tour in Salzburg

Want to make your Salzburg trip extra memorable? Join a spooky tour of the city! The Salzburg Ghost Tour is a 1.5-hour experience that takes you through the darker side of the city’s history.

You’ll walk in the footsteps of witches, torturers, and executioners from centuries past, while learning about the Salzburg witch trials, the Zauberer Jackl trials, and the influence of the Catholic Church during that time.

What makes the Salzburg Ghost Tour special is that it gives you a different view of the city. Instead of just admiring the beautiful architecture and scenery, you’ll learn about medieval and modern torture methods and visit original sites like the pillories, torture chambers, and execution grounds.

The tour is also a unique way to dive into the city’s history of superstition, legends, and old sayings. While some of the stories might give you chills, the mix of eerie and funny tales makes it suitable for kids ages 10 and up.

So, if you’re looking for a spooky and fun way to explore Salzburg, the Ghost Tour is definitely worth checking out.

Don’t miss your chance to learn about the city’s darker secrets – grab your tickets here: Salzburg Ghost Tour.

3. Salzburg Art and Culture Discovery

Imagine strolling through the charming streets of Salzburg, soaking in the city’s remarkable art and rich culture with a local guide by your side. That’s exactly what the Art and Culture Walking Tour offers!

On this tour, you’ll get insider tips on the best bars, cafes, and restaurants while also learning about Mozart’s history and his connection to this beautiful city. More importantly, you’ll discover the unique cultural and artistic traits that make Salzburg so special and soak up the city’s lively atmosphere.

As you wander through the streets, you’ll hear about local galleries and museums, as well as street artists and contemporary creatives with ties to Salzburg.

What makes this tour unique is that it’s led by an independent local who is passionate about sharing authentic experiences. They’ll introduce you to the city’s art and culture through their own perspective, giving you a colorful and multi-faceted glimpse into Salzburg’s creative scene.

Interested? Join the Art and Culture Walking Tour with a Local Guide now.

4. Salzburg Photography Walk

One way to make your trip to Salzburg extra special is by fully enjoying the experience without stressing about capturing every moment. You can do this by joining the 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour with a Photographer.

This tour lets you explore the beautiful city of Salzburg with a photographer who will capture your best moments along the way. You can fully enjoy the experience without having to pull out your phone or camera, while still bringing home stunning, professionally shot memories.

During the tour, you’ll visit some of Salzburg’s most scenic spots, starting with a walk through the Mirabell Palace gardens and an introduction to baroque architecture. You’ll then head to Kapuzinerberg mountain for a breathtaking view of the medieval Festung Hohensalzburg fortress. From there, you’ll stroll through Steingasse and Getreidegasse, where Mozart was born, before ending in the historic church district with its striking baroque architecture.

What makes this tour special is the professional photographer who will take high-quality pictures of your experience. You’ll receive at least 25 edited photos via Dropbox on the same day. Pretty cool, right? Absolutely!

Join the 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour with a Photographer through this link.

5. Explore the Christmas Market in Salzburg

Planning a trip to Salzburg during the holiday season? If so, you won’t want to miss the Salzburg City & Christmas Markets Tour with Mulled Wine! This tour takes you to some of the city’s top spots while giving you a taste of its festive pre-Christmas traditions.

What makes this tour special is that it’s more than just sightseeing—it’s an immersive experience that lets you fully embrace the holiday spirit. You’ll visit the Mirabell Christmas Market and the Christkindl Market, where you’ll be welcomed by the festive smells of local food and drinks.

As you stroll through Salzburg’s main sights, your certified and experienced guide will share insights about the city’s history, culture, and music.

And yes, this tour is truly magical—you’ll even get to sing along to Christmas carols with your guide. To top it off, you’ll receive a small gift package at the end as a keepsake from your time in Salzburg.

You can learn more and join the tour here, Salzburg City & Christmas Markets Tour with Mulled Wine.

6. Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride From Salzburg

Another great experience to try when visiting Salzburg in the winter or during the holiday season is the Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride Tour. This 8-hour tour, available in English and German, takes you to Ramsau at the famous Dachstein. There, you’ll get to admire the breathtaking Alpine scenery of the Dachstein Glacier and enjoy a romantic horse-drawn sleigh or carriage ride.

What makes this tour special is that it offers a true winter wonderland experience—far more magical than any modern form of transportation. Imagine gliding through snow-covered scenery (weather permitting) on a horse-drawn sleigh, discovering romantic viewpoints, and enjoying a delicious lunch along the way.

The tour begins with a drive through the Salzach Valley, passing famous ski resorts on the way to Schladming, before continuing to the sunny high Alpine plateau. After a leisurely walk through the charming town, your guide will share tips on the best spots for lunch.

Once you’ve eaten, you’ll hop on a horse-drawn sleigh and ride through the picturesque winter landscape.

The best part? This tour is perfect for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape with your partner or a fun day out with your family, it offers a memorable experience you’ll treasure from your time in Salzburg.

Interested? Join the 8-Hour Tour with Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride now.

7. Sound of Music Tour

The Sound of Music is a beloved classic that has captured the hearts of audiences for generations. Salzburg, with its stunning scenery and beautiful palaces, served as the backdrop for many of the film’s most iconic scenes.

Experiencing something related to the movie during your trip to Salzburg adds a unique and memorable touch to your visit. Looking for a convenient and thorough way to do it? Check out the Original Sound of Music Tour.

This half-day tour takes you through the beautiful city of Salzburg and its scenic countryside, stopping at filming locations from the classic movie. As you travel, you’ll hear songs from the original soundtrack and learn about historical and architectural landmarks along the way.

What makes this tour special is that it brings the beloved movie to life, offering an immersive experience that adds a unique touch to your trip. You’ll visit iconic spots like Leopoldskron Palace, Nonnberg Abbey, Lake Fuschl, St. Gilgen, Mondsee Cathedral, and Mirabell Gardens, while hearing behind-the-scenes stories and fun facts about the film.

The combination of breathtaking scenery, fascinating history, and timeless music makes this tour a standout experience. Plus, it’s led by knowledgeable guides who share their passion for the city and its history, making it truly unforgettable.

So, join the Original Sound of Music Tour now!

8. River Boat Ride in Salzburg

Take a scenic and refreshing journey in Salzburg with the Salzach River Boat Ride Tour. Skip the long walks and enjoy a unique view of this charming city. Glide along the picturesque river and soak in the stunning scenery and natural beauty of the Salzach.

As you cruise along the sparkling waters, you’ll be treated to some amazing sights. You’ll pass through the exclusive residential area in the south of the city, lined with elegant villas that radiate luxury. The riverbanks will impress you with their breathtaking scenery, while the majestic Hagen and Tennen mountains tower in the distance, offering a stunning panoramic view.

The real highlight of this experience is the witty English captain who guides the journey. Not only is the captain incredibly knowledgeable, but their sharp sense of humor will keep you entertained the entire time.

The boat’s atmosphere is lively and welcoming, with friendly staff sharing interesting facts over the ship’s radio, making the ride both fun and informative. If you’re looking for a unique and relaxing way to see Salzburg, the Salzach River Boat Ride Tour is a great choice.

You can reserve your seat here: Boat Ride on the Salzach.

9. Canyoning in Salzkammergut

Canyoning in Salzkammergut is an exciting adventure you can easily experience from Salzburg, combining thrill and stunning natural scenery. It’s the perfect way to add some excitement to your trip and go beyond the usual tourist activities.

What is canyoning, by the way? It’s an adventurous activity where you explore a canyon by jumping down natural chutes, swimming through stunning rock formations, and sliding down nature-made water slides.

It’s a great way to add some excitement to your Salzburg trip, giving you the chance to feel the adrenaline rush of jumping from 6- to 8-meter chutes and diving into crystal-clear pools surrounded by small waterfalls.

With a professional local guide by your side, you can safely enjoy the thrill while taking in the breathtaking scenery.

If you like this experience, join the tour through this link: Canyoning Trip to Salzkammergut.

10. Explore the World’s Largest Ice Caves

If you’re a nature lover, you’ll be thrilled to discover some of the world’s most incredible natural wonders when visiting Salzburg. Just outside the city, you’ll find the Werfen Giant Ice Caves—the largest ice caves in the world.

The Werfen Giant Ice Caves, located 40 km south of Salzburg, offer one of the most unforgettable natural experiences in Austria. Also known as Eisriesenwelt, these caves are a breathtaking underground world filled with natural ice sculptures and formations. The cave system stretches over 42 km into the mountain and is an incredible place to explore.

Visiting the Werfen Giant Ice Caves will make your Salzburg trip truly memorable. You’ll walk through a magical world of ice, see stunning formations, and enjoy beautiful views of the Alps on your way to Eisriesenwelt in the Tennengebirge.

The cave’s dazzling ice palaces and the amazing view from its entrance make the journey absolutely worth it. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss.

If you’re interested in learning more, check out the official website of the Werfen Giant Ice Caves. Keep in mind that even in summer, temperatures inside the cave hover around 0°C, so be sure to dress warmly and wear appropriate shoes.

Alternatively, if you’re traveling with a group, consider joining a tour like this, Private Tour Werfen World’s Largest Ice Caves, for a convenient visit to this gigantic natural marvel.

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Explore Salzburg

While these unique attractions and experiences in Salzburg are exciting, it’s worth remembering that if it’s your first visit, the city’s popular sights and activities are more than enough to make your trip memorable. To get an idea of how to enjoy Salzburg without these special experiences, check out my itineraries below.

One Day Salzburg Travel Plan (Budget Friendly Itinerary)

Salzburg in Two Days: Old Town Plus Day Trip

Three-Day Salzburg Itinerary: Leisurely Old Town Exploration and Day Trip

Old Town Salzburg Walking Tour (Includes Viewpoints) + Map

See All Salzburg Travel Guides Now (FREE)