Salzburg Holidays
A symphony of culture and nature
Surrounded by the majesty of the Alps, Salzburg is an ancient city that has seen empires rise and fall. Home to about 150,000 people, it’s a gem of baroque architecture and picturesque gardens, and is the proud birthplace of legendary composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Salzburg's historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a treasure trove of cultural delights, with its grand cathedrals and charming cobblestone streets.
The Hohensalzburg Fortress looms over the city, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the Salzach River. Below, the Mirabell Palace and Gardens is a spectacle of brightly-coloured flowers and quirky sculptures, where you might just find yourself skipping along singing Do-Re-Mi, just as the Von Trapp family did in The Sound of Music. In fact, music fills the air almost everywhere you go in this city, with countless classical concerts, and the renowned Salzburg Festival every summer.
Beyond the city, the Salzkammergut lake district beckons with its crystal-clear lakes and picturesque villages, perfect for relaxation and outdoor adventures. Just over the German border, the Berchtesgaden National Park offers pristine nature trails and the breathtaking Königssee lake.
The Hohensalzburg Fortress looms over the city, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the Salzach River. Below, the Mirabell Palace and Gardens is a spectacle of brightly-coloured flowers and quirky sculptures, where you might just find yourself skipping along singing Do-Re-Mi, just as the Von Trapp family did in The Sound of Music. In fact, music fills the air almost everywhere you go in this city, with countless classical concerts, and the renowned Salzburg Festival every summer.
Beyond the city, the Salzkammergut lake district beckons with its crystal-clear lakes and picturesque villages, perfect for relaxation and outdoor adventures. Just over the German border, the Berchtesgaden National Park offers pristine nature trails and the breathtaking Königssee lake.
Need to know
Language
German
German
Currency
Euro
Euro
Time zone
GMT +1
GMT +1
Flight time
1hr 30mins
1hr 30mins
* Average time from London Gatwick to Salzburg
Explore our map of Salzburg
All resorts in Salzburg
Why book with us?
Your Salzburg questions, answered
To fully experience the city's attractions, a long weekend should do the job. Extend your visit if you want to explore the Salzkammergut region or enjoy the Salzburg Festival.
It takes around an hour and a half to fly from London to Salzburg.
There’s something going on in Salzburg throughout the year. Summer is ideal for festivals and outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking, while winter offers enchanting Christmas markets and some of the best skiing in the world.
Salzburg is famous for its stunning architecture, ancient castles and epic mountain ranges. It was Mozart's birthplace. You can visit his house in the Getreidegasse district, just a short walk from the city centre. It's one of Austria's most famous museums and a must-see for culture lovers. Salzburg is incredibly proud of its musical heritage. You'll often hear classical music playing from speakers dotted around the city. Every summer it hosts the Salzburg Festival, two weeks of live music performances and other cultural events. There's a smaller four-day festival at the end of May.
Griesgasse avenue runs along the Salzach river. This is where you'll find the city's trendiest bars and cocktail lounges. But there are also a few Irish bars and German-style beer halls offering a laid-back experience. Neustadt, or new-town, is Salzburg's real party spot. The bars stay open till late and a handful of house and techno clubs keep the beats pumping until the sun comes up. Leafy Nonntal is an affluent residential area on the city's southside, but it's also a popular student and bohemian hangout. Expect small, quirky bars hosting slam poetry events, jazz nights, and exhibitions from local artists.
Austrian cuisine is unpretentious comfort food. It's perfect for refuelling after long city walking tours or treks through the surrounding countryside. Knodels are chunky dumplings. They're best served with spiced meatballs floating in a thick gravy. Or try the Tiroler grostl. This is a giant stack of pan-fried potato, chopped beef, and spring onion topped with a fried egg. Cut the yolk and let it drizzle over the dish before you tuck in. Kasespatzle is Salzburg's version of mac and cheese. Foodies will love the Martinigansl goose. Roasted chestnuts and dried plums add to the rich, gamey flavours.