Salzburg’s location near the German border places it in a nearly ideal location for planning a visit when traveling from Munich or surrounding areas in Austria. If you travel via high speed train from Munich, you will find yourself in the home of Mozart in a mere hour and thirty minutes. This gorgeous city is relatively small and lends itself well to a side trip when traveling through Europe. In two days, you can cover the major attractions the city has to offer. Let me help you plan the perfect two days in Salzburg using the travel tips below.
Transportation
Train Travel
I recommend arrival to Salzburg via train into their main station. I utilized OMIO to book our travel tickets and then followed our trains via the Omio app. Here are a few things to keep in mind when utilizing the train system in this part of Europe. On the way to Salzburg from Munich, I booked a ticket in first class that included access to their business class lounge. This lounge is located on the second floor in the Munich station. You will see signs that direct you to the lounge. You can order food and beverage in the lounge for free. Don’t skip a visit to the lounge if you book this class of ticket.
When sitting in first class, there are individual seating areas that have door access and seat about 4-6 people. You can bring all of your luggage into this seating area and there are racks overhead as well. On the return, I booked a ticket in coach. You have the option with both classes to pay additional for a seating assignment. I recommend it. Someone was sitting in our seat on the return, and we had to ask them to move. Otherwise, there were not two seats together. Luggage storage was much more difficult on the return in coach. The racks available for luggage as not nearly as plentiful as I have seen utilizing train service in Spain, France, and England. My bags and stroller were stored in different areas making exit from the train a little more challenging.
Car Rental
Whether you arrive to Salzburg via car or pick up a rental after arrival, I loved having the freedom to explore the area with my own vehicle. I am always hesitant to drive in another country. Probably the most challenging part of having the car was simply navigating out of the busier area of Salzburg after picking up the rental. I utilized Hertz to book our rental. The Hertz location was situated about a two minute walk from the front of the train station. Click here to search for rentals with Discover Cars from the Salzburg Railway Station.
As you will see below, I recommend staying at a hotel that is about 25 minutes outside of Salzburg. This still leaves you in close proximity to Salzburg to enjoy all of the attractions, but it offers the option to travel further outside of the city to some of the smaller towns such as St. Gilgen and Hallstatt. If you book a car and stay outside of Salzburg, I recommend parking in the Parkgarage Linzer Gasse to explore the city. Enter this into google maps for directions. This garage has plenty of parking, is easy to access, and it leaves you within a short walking distance of all the major attractions in the city of Salzburg.
Day Trip
Another travel option is via a private driver utilizing daytrip. This service allows you to hire a driver for transfer between cities with the option to make stops along the way. For example, if you are using daytrip between Munich and Salzburg, you could stop at the charming town of Hallein, Eagles Nest, or Dachau Memorial. Daytrip is located in over 130 countries, and I have loved using it throughout Europe. Their drivers are English speaking, local, and reliable.
Where to Stay
Dependent upon how you would like to structure your visit, here are several options for a luxury stay in Salzburg. The Rosewood Schloss Fuschl is located about 25 minutes outside of Salzburg and has many redeeming features I will discuss below. The other options are in the heart of Salzburg and having a car wouldn’t be necessary to explore the city.
1. Rosewood Schloss Fuschl. This Rosewood property is definitely worth the drive outside of Salzburg for an unforgettable stay. Located on the banks of Lake Fuschl, you will find this former hunting lodge built in 1461. Today, it stands as a luxury property with contemporary rooms designed to perfection. During your stay, there are daily activities that you can participate in at no additional cost. Options that rotate regularly include a private after hours evening at Mozart’s house with short concert, a tour of the incredible wine cellar on property with a tasting, and a tour of the Sporer facility I will discuss below with a tasting. These activities add to an already memorable stay. Explore your booking options by clicking here.
2. Hotel Sacher Salzburg. This hotel is a member of Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts. The 110 rooms are elegant with floral wallpapers and traditional bedspreads. This is also a great location for exploring the city on foot.
3. Hotel Goldener Hirsch, A Luxury Collection Hotel. This Marriott hotel is a little more casual in appearance with an authentic Austrian feel. It is located within walking distance of the majority of the attractions the city offers.
4. Hotel Goldgasse. This small luxury hotel was once a 16th century coppersmith’s workshop. Now it is updated with modern touches but still maintains some traditional appearances, particularly in the restaurant.
Where to Eat & Drink
There is a plethora of amazing food choices in Salzburg extending to St. Gilgen. I have included a number of options below to kickstart your planning.
Cafe Tomaselli. In Salzburg, your visit cannot be complete without a break at Cafe Tomaselli. It is situated in a perfect location for a stop while taking in the sights. The business is still family owned and has been around for hundreds of years. While I only enjoyed beverages and not food, everything within my sights looked amazing. From their wine and coffee to the unique choices like Lobsters Lemon Mint beverage, you will not leave disappointed. They also have bathrooms upstairs along with a baby changing station if needed.
Restaurant Pfefferschiff. If you want an elevated evening, this restaurant is your answer. Pfefferschiff is located just outside of Salzburg. The inside is divided into cozy rooms with charming interiors. The menu is a coursed, tasting menu that includes a vegetarian versus non vegetarian menu in five, seven, or eight courses. There is also an optional wine pairing. The vegetarian meal here was unforgettable with innovative and excellent wine pairings. I have nothing but compliments for this restaurant that is no surprise a part of Michelin guide. I really loved this special experience!
Gasthof zur Post. This restaurant is a short drive from the Rosewood Schloss Fuschl in the town of St. Gilgen. The inside is welcoming and delightful with wood seating areas and Austrian decor. Everything I ordered from this menu was wonderful. From my salmon appetizer (maybe one of the best I have ever had) to the gnocchi with rocket salad, I left very happy with this meal.
Here are some additional considerations outside of Salzburg for food: Haus am Hang (St. Gilgen), Forsthaus Wartenfels (Thalgau), Gausthaus Fuerberg (St. Gilgen), Wirt am Gries (St. Gilgen)
If you would like to remain in Salzburg consider the following: Magazin, Schloss Aigen, Huber’s I’m Fischerwirt, Stiftskulinarium St. Peter, M32 at Museum Der Modern, Gasthof Goldgasse, and Sum Fidelen Affen
Throughout Salzburg’s old town, you will find a number of vendors selling pretzels and also lovely produce. I enjoyed stopping to purchase a pretzel and berries for a snack while wandering around town.
Attractions
One thing to consider prior to your visit is purchasing the Salzburg card. This allows you admission to tourist attractions and museums plus free travel on public transportation. You can click here for more information about the Salzburg Card. For more inspiration and ideas, here is a link to everything included as free admission. The card is available for 24, 48, or 72 hours. It can really provide a great value. Here is a list of places to consider visiting:
1. Hohensalzburg Fortress. This fortress is a focal point in the city perched at the top of Festungsberg mountain. To visit, you will take the funicular to the top. Once you arrive, you will enjoy 360 degree views over the city along with learning more about one of the largest existing castles in Europe dating to the 11th century. Plan to spend at least one to two hours here dependent upon how long you are spending in the city and also interest in the history.
2. Mirabell Palace (and Mirabell Gardens). This beautiful palace and gardens is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. It is in the historic city center with lovely views of the Hohensalzburg Fortress in the distance. Walk through here for a leisurely stroll admiring the beauty of the city. An amazing opportunity for a local experience is partaking in a Mozart Concert at Mirabell Palace.
3. Salzburg Cathedral. If you are going to visit one church in Salzburg, let it be the Cathedral. Here you will find the baptismal font where W. A. Mozart was christened! Another way to make your visit to the cathedral special is listening to an organ concert at midday.
4. Mozart Geburtshaus. Along the famous Getreidegasse, you will find the birthplace of W. A. Mozart in the year 1756. Perhaps not a surprise, this is one of the most visited museums in Austria. Don’t miss a visit here to learn more about the Mozart family.
5. St. Peter’s Abbey. This monastery founded in the 7th century is one of the oldest still in existence in the German speaking region. Directly adjacent, you will find the oldest bakery in Salzburg dating back to the 12th century! Stop inside for wood fired bread to enjoy while walking around the Abbey. There will likely be a short queue, but it is worth the wait.
6. Getreidegasse. This street is in the center of Salzburg’s old town forming the “main drag.” Along it you will find a number of shops and also Mozart’s birthplace. Some places to consider for a stop include Candela for Christmas decorations, Henry Willig (a cheese shop out of Amsterdam with unlimited samples), and Sporer for a drink and to rest your feet.
7. Residenzplatz, Mozartplatz. There are many squares throughout Salzburg showcasing the beauty of the city. As you explore between sights, make sure you walk through these squares to see all the city has to offer.
8. Biogena. This is an Austrian company with their headquarters in Salzburg. As you drive outside of town, you will see their beautifully designed building. Biogena has a storefront on the Getreidegasse. It sells dietary supplements with a focus on high quality ingredients. You are able to order the products online, but I enjoyed a visit to their store to hear more about some of their products.
9. Sporer. If you enjoy liquor and spirits, this is a must visit. They are located on the Getreidegasse in a very small storefront. You will find it packed, particularly in the afternoon, with both locals and visitors. If you stay at the Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, you may have the opportunity to tour their main facility, which also has a store that sells their products. Their “orange punch” is one of their famous liquors served warm in the Christmas markets. I highly recommend a stop here for a unique, local experience.
10. Museum of Modern Art. This museum is perched above much of Salzburg’s old town. Explore its eccentricities and consider having a meal at their restaurant that offers expansive views of the city.
11. Halstatt & St. Gilgen. It is possible to spend one day in Salzburg and add a second day exploring the surrounding area. Without a car, here are two options leaving from Salzburg to see more of Austria. This private tour from Get Your Guide is a very reasonable price and includes time in St. Gilgen, St. Wolfgang, and Halstatt. Another shorter option is a half day trip to Halstatt also from get your guide. The concierge at the Rosewood didn’t deny the beauty of Halstatt but made us aware of crowds due to its more recent popularity. Arriving with a guide or early in the morning could help with possible problems with parking.
12. Sound of music tour. Salzburg is also known for the Sound of Music as many of the scenes from the movie were filmed in and around Salzburg. You can take a sound of music tour that visits the main sights where the movie was filmed including Hellbrunn Palace, St. Gilgen, and Mondsee. If you are a fan of the movie, this might be your perfect trip addition!
In Summary
Salzburg is the perfect addition to your European itinerary whether you are traveling through Austria or Germany. This beautiful city can easily be enjoyed with a two day itinerary. A car rental allows freedom to explore outside the city, but it is certainly not necessary. There are many options for beautiful stays while in Salzburg. The Rosewood Schloss Fuschl is a drive but enjoys incredible scenery due to its position on the lake. Plan ahead for many of the nicer restaurants by having your hotel book a reservation. Finally, the attractions listed above should allow you to see all of the highlights in the city. Consider purchasing the Salzburg card and visit their website to see all of the attractions included with the card. I hope this guide allows you to plan your perfect Salzburg itinerary.