Activities & Entertainment In Salzburg
Tucked up among the Eastern Alps, Salzburg is a hidden treasure on the banks of the Salzach River. Travelers are enthralled with its sophisticated culinary legacy, vibrant music scene, and elegant medieval architecture.
For a picturesque view, ride a boat down the Salzach following the current. Weekends are spent savoring the vibrant outdoor market, full of regional treasures at the Salzachgalerien.
Across the river Salzburg’s Altstadt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals its lovely appeal. The exact control of building in this area guarantees the preservation of its historical authenticity.
The grand Salzburg Cathedral (Salzburger Dom) and the busy Mozartplatz, bearing the name of the beloved composer from the city, reflect Salzburg’s rich past. The magnificent Residenz Palace, once the residence of Salzburg’s monarchs, dominates the great Residenzplatz. Its grand halls house remarkable works by Rembrandt and other European masters.
Wander down Getreidegasse, a charming medieval street dotted with stores offering regional mementos and luxury goods. Visiting Mozart’s birthplace, the Mozarts Geburtshaus, will help you to better understand his life.
The great Mönchsberg mountain frames the Old Town quite dramatically. Accessible by cable car ascent, the magnificent Hohensalzburg Fortress ( Festung Hohensalzburg) is among the most amazing castles in Europe. The highest city summit is Capuzinerberg; cross the river and ascend to amazing panoramic views, particularly at sunset.
Discover the fascinating Hellbrunn Palace (Schloss Hellbrunn) outside Salzburg. Its wacky Trick Fountains and large gardens, where water playfully flows from surprising nook, will thrill guests of all ages.
In the cultural life of Salzburg, music rules. During the esteemed Salzburg Festival (Salzburger Festspiele), really sink in the symphonies of Salzburg native son Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
To fit every taste Salzburg’s restaurant scene presents award-winning eateries, vibrant beer bars, and charming cafés. At Austria’s oldest café, Café Tomaselli, savor the exquisitely made pastries and strudels. Beer drinkers will appreciate the city’s collection of historically important breweries, among which the esteemed Augustiner Brewery stands.
Salzburg is just waiting to greet you with a wonderful mix of cuisine, history, and culture.
Salzburg For Families
Salzburg has a lot of interesting sites and monuments for families with young children not to ignore. Among these places is one the House of Nature. This museum is really fascinating, thus you could easily spend a whole day here. Visitors will find massive dinosaur models, aquariums full of golden fish, and the thrilling Do Experiments Yourself hall among the vast hallways of the residence. Visitors are urged to do their own tests and experiments in the later.
If you enjoy walking, do not overlook including Mirabell Garden into your plans. Close by is also the Dwarf Garden, sometimes known as Zwergelgarten. Garden entrance is totally free. Although the area is perfect for a leisurely walk, the large parks are also suited for cycling. Unquestionably, the most famous aspect of the breathtaking site is the Dwarf Garden, which attracts a lot of visitors to view the small Baroque gnomic sculptures.
Every child will find great fascination in the Salzburg Zoo, a remarkable attraction. Nowadays, the zoo boasts almost 1,200 species from all around the world. One can see many animals including graceful panthers, giraffes, and hippos. One of the first zoos in the world, Salzburg Zoo is set in an amazing surroundings. As they tour the large open-air cages, visitors will have the chance to enjoy the amazing view of the nearby meadows and see Hellbrunn Mountain.
Among the several historic sites in Salzburg that would enthrall adults and young people is the famous Hohensalzburg Castle. Almost every child has a fantasy of visiting a castle once the home of famous warriors. These days, Hohensalzburg is an interesting and well-known museum. The castle now features household items, decorations used hundreds of years ago by town people, and antique weapons and armor.
For both new and seasoned collectors, Salzburg also boasts the must-see Museum of Toys. The old museum houses an enormous and priceless collection of antique toys from all around the world. Children will especially be happy to visit the museum since they will be able to interact with many of the on show objects.
Recently opened on the outskirts of the city, Salzburger Freilichtmuseum Großgmain is an other remarkable outdoor museum. Apart from a range of domesticated animals, the museum is meant to look like an old farm. Visitors to this fascinating museum will be able to tour the agricultural worker cottages and learn about the way of life of people who lived millennia past. One also finds a real antique school. Naturally, no trip is complete without coming across domesticated animals; kids will enjoy touching and feeding them. The unusual agricultural museum provides exciting tours and entertainment events for adults and kids all through the summer.
Salzburg’s surrounding suburbs present a range of interesting places for leisure and entertainment. For example, Volksgarten features an outstanding aqua park with several slides and swimming pools. Children of all ages will find fit this water park. Winter visitors to Salzburg should also check this lovely area. One of the most amazing and large skating rinks in the city is located in Volksgarten; it opens during the winter. Salzburg is a perfect location for family vacations because of its several entertainment choices and rich historical background.
Salzburg Festivals
The amiability and responsiveness of the locals are well-known. They are always open for guiding visitors and having a conversation with them. Only the elderly Salzburg citizens could be wary of guests; but, once they hear a few words in their mother tongue, they will surely grow sympathetic to foreigners. The great respect the local people has for historical customs helps crafts and antique events to remain rather popular.
The St. Rupert’s Fair is a unique celebration. During the event, you could also see many residents and visitors wearing exquisite vintage clothing. Every person living in the city has an original holiday wardrobe. Men wear cylinders and weaves tail coats; women wear beautiful gowns and headgear from many centuries past. Those who have not yet had the chance to get such festive clothing are kindly invited to attend special seminars, where they could quickly order the most unusual clothing.
Usually, all important events take place at the main squares of the city. While local chefs create mouthwatering cuisine, craftsmen sell their goods for five days. Children are also urged to engage in several rides and other activities. For a long time, Mozart has been rather iconic for the city. Many different museums and galleries center him most of the time. Restaurants and theaters, which provide amazing evenings, host the lifetime creations of this great person. One could come across several monuments to the eminent composer while touring the city. Actually, almost every street has interesting signs.
Globally known as the birthplace of classical music, Salzburg hosts concerts in concert halls and music venues at many festivals all year long featuring works of eminent composers. Comprising five weeks from July to August, the most eminent and longest event is the Summer Salzburg Festival. Salzburg honors Mozart, a city born musician, in the months of January and February. Mozartwoche, when orchestras present works from the 20th century in addition to classical masterpieces from the 18th and 19th centuries, takes place in the Great Hall of the Mozarteum. The Days of Culture will be much appreciated in the middle of autumn. Audiences will have two weeks to see the most outstanding opera, ballet, and concert presentations.
The Summer Scene event, held at the start of the summer, centers avant-garde art. The Jazz & The City Festival calls musicians from all around the world in October. Should you want more “acid,” the sizable Electric Love Festival, held outside close to the Salzburgring racetrack, is sure to satisfy your tastes. Renowned DJs including Nicky Romero, Armin van Buren, and Martin Harrick will be performing at the event. For those who enjoy explosive dances, Tanzimpulse Salzburg hosts the Easter Dance Days in the spring. Through energetic theatrical performances, traditional dances, and fitness and physical education, the festival’s varied and large program unites people of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Like all cities, Salzburg changes into a magical place from a fairy tale during the Christmas and New Year celebrations as is custom. especially in view of the Christmas market held during these holidays. Surrounded by architectural gems in the new Baroque style, the Cathedral Square and the Central Square of the Old Town, two magnificent historical squares in the middle of the city, will be brilliantly embellished for 36 days. The smell of toasted almonds, baked apples, and punch envelops the Salzburger Christkindlmarkt. Among the many sophisticated and classic delicacies available are smoked salmon and potatoes with sauce as well as sweet liqueurs.
Sports Facilities in Salzburg
For sports aficionados, Salzburg City presents a broad choice. Salzburg presents a wealth of outdoor pursuits ranging from swimming to rock climbing and hiking.
Golf course Römergolf
Just a few minutes from Salzburg, this spot provides an amazing perspective of soft hills and verdant surroundings. Situated close to Salzburg on a lake with a breathtaking view of the northern Alps are the two golf courses (9 + 18 holes). The surroundings of this golf club define it not only in terms of look. Everybody is welcome here, regardless of their level of experience—from amateur to professional, from occasional to regular game. Both members and visitors could value the laid-back and revitalizing ambiance. The facilities and services are first-rate: a large practice area, a nice clubhouse with restaurant and patio, a well-equipped pro-shop, overnight lodging close to the golf course, even a travel agency.
Golf course Eugendorf
The Eugendorf Golf Course is brand-new and breathtakingly beautiful 18-hole championship course in the Salzburg Alps foothills. An experience for beginners and a challenge for professionals in golf.
Only the most elite American courses usually offer the distinctive Golf & Cart service. A very sophisticated environment is created by the clubhouse, which houses the ancient English gentlemen’s club, the golf museum, and the excellent cuisine.
Sportzentrum Mitte
Serving as a mass and school sports center, the Sport Center Mitte incorporates a fortification viewpoint. Apart from the indoor one, the sports center is well-equipped with a flexible outdoor facility including artificial turf pitches, natural grass fields, beach volleyball courts, an athletics facility, and much more.
A multi-purpose room, a fitness room, a judo hall, a table tennis hall, a gymnasium, a conference room, and a unionLAB constitute indoor facilities.
Among the outdoor facilities are four beach volleyball courts, a jogging track, a long jump facility, a high jump facility, and a natural grass field including a grandstand.
The sports and exercise area offers free access to calisthenics, balance facilities, a boulder wall (12.5 meters in length and up to 4 meters in height).
Sport-Oase-Salzburg
The indoor mini-golf course is 18 holes, eighteen AMF bowling lanes, a pool billiards area, a big screen for sporting events, and a Kinderland children section.
June-August:
Bowling: Wednesday-Sunday from 2 pm
Kinderland: Wednesday-Sunday 2 pm-7 pm
September-May:
Bowling: daily from 1 pm
Kinderland: daily 1 pm-7 pm
Reitzentrum Doktorbau
14 riding horses, a 20×40 indoor riding arena, a 23×63 outdoor riding arena, a 300 m racing track, box stables, and 1–3 hour excursions.
Eberlingasse 5
5020 Salzburg
Tennisclub TC-ASKOE Maxglan
One can find four outdoor courts and three indoor courts. Tennis coach, tennis club, contests, restaurant.
Tennisanlage des ASKö Salzburg
Eichetstraße 29-31
5020 Salzburg
Tennis courts - Salzburger Tennis-Club
Eleven courts total—eight outdoor sand courts and three indoor sand courts—offer tennis racket rentals and training.
Ignaz-Rieder-Kai 3
5020 Salzburg
Climbing Hall Salzburg
This climbing and bouldering center is the number one attraction in Salzburg for aspiring rock climbers.
More than 2500 m2 of climbing and boulder space consists in safety machines, a shop, climbing classes, an outdoor climbing area, and a unique children’s section with animal-shaped handles.
Kletterhalle Salzburg, denkundstein Sportkletter GmbH
Wasserfeldstraße 23
5020 Salzburg
Tel. +43699 11212001
Eisarena - Ice rink
Situated in the Volksgarten, the 3,600-m2 Eisarena provides a winter sports and entertainment venue suitable for the whole family.
Apart from the home of the EC Red Bull Salzburg ice hockey team, the synthetic ice rink is a sought-after venue for leisure sports aficionados. The arena can host 3,200 people and has two 60 by 30 meter ice rinks—one indoors and one outdoor.
Public skating, ice hockey, figure skating, stock sports, short track, and formation skating are just a few of the several ice sports events the Eisarena presents. The property also provides sports equipment rental, skate sharpening, and skate rentals. One can rent the arena from mid-April until the start of August.
Two one-way ice tracks and two laps of 400 and 300 m2 comprise the ice-skating circuit of the Volksgartenbad outdoor pool. Connected to the roofed open-air area, this circuit offers extra 1400 m2 of winter sports fun.
Bowling Universum
There are 17 bowling lanes, 4 billiard tables, darts, video games, and other activities.
Bowling Universum
Fürbergstraße 27
5020 Salzburg
Müllner Schanze Climbing Area
Engage in physical exercise and discover the most fascinating feature of Salzburg’s old district: the Müllner Schanze climbing center is quite remarkable. Twelve rock climbing paths spanning from 1 to 6+ turn this rockface into an adventure playground.
The paths cross varied degrees of steepness in rock formations, thus a variety of hand- and footholds is needed. Climbers have to carry their own gear. Other choices include slacklining, a rope pyramid (5.35 meters high, a climbing net built from 237 meters of rope), a ropes course, bouldering—no rope needed since you are in close proximity to the ground to descend if necessary.
Bicycle, public transit, and foot work make the Müllner Schanze Climbing Center easily reachable; car access is not possible.
Bathing & Beaches in Salzburg
Freibad Leopoldskron
53,000 square meters makes the bathing area. The five pools’ combined water surface area comes at 3,200 m2.
An attractive children’s section, islands, fountains, a 72-meter-long water slide, a 14-meter-long broad slide guarantees the perfect bathing experience. Visually striking is the leisure complex known as “Lepi”. It boasts a big green area, table tennis, mini golf, billiards, and beach volleyball court.
May through mid-September; daily from 9:00 a.m. Until 7:00 p.m.
Opening at 9:00 a.m. by 12:00 p.m. on Sundays and public holidays should bad weather strike.
Paracelsus Bad & Kurhaus
Modern Paracelsus Bad & Kurhaus is located in Salzburg on the outskirts of the internationally famous Mirabell Gardens. With its outstanding sauna facilities and varied range of family-friendly events, Salzburg’s swimming pool is most modern. One especially noteworthy feature is a sauna on the upper terrace with amazing views of Salzburg’s old district.
Paracelsus Bad & Kurhaus offers leisure swimmers, families, and recreational athletes bathing delight and recreation. A lap pool, family and kiddie pool with a small slide, a water-climbing wall, tube slide, bubble-jet loungers, and a lazy river draw visitors to the swimming pool.
The large sauna area consists in an organic and herbal sauna, a steam bath, an infrared chamber, and several ways of relaxation. The outdoor terrace of the facility is most noteworthy since it provides visitors with amazing views of the old neighborhood and is open all year long.
The public Kurhaus has two stories with scattered treatment rooms. Processed locally into mud baths and mud wraps, leopoldskron peat is a natural resource taken from the ground more than 200 years. It is applied rather widely in treatments. Paracelsus Bad & Kurhaus has contemporary facilities including physiotherapy, massages, exercise programmes, sub-aqua, and electrotherapy.
Paracelsus Bad & Kurhaus invites visitors to enjoy their well crafted and varied gastronomic experience. On the lower level of this creative new building, Kitchen in the Park is also reachable without a ticket. While the pool restaurant stresses quick, healthy cuisine, the sauna restaurant gives great personal service top priority.
Salachsee lake - Liefering
The northern Salzburg leisure facilities near the Liefering bathing pond provide a perfect setting for swimming, sports, and relaxation.
Among the three Salzach ponds, the bathing pond is the smallest with a surface area of 22,000 m2 and a maximum depth of three meters. It eats just from groundwater. Along with plenty of changing rooms and cool showers, the large sunbathing sections of the lake provide enough of space for leisure.
Apart from two food and beverage stands, a water fountain is accessible for rehydration.
Comprising a total area of 90,000 m2, the Liefering district of Salzburg provides a range of leisure pursuits:
- beach volleyball
- basketball
- football
- children’s playground with climbing nets, swings etc.
Aqua Salza - Golling Spa
The northern Salzburg leisure facilities near the Liefering bathing pond provide a perfect setting for swimming, sports, and relaxation.
Among the three Salzach ponds, the bathing pond is the smallest with a surface area of 22,000 m2 and a maximum depth of three meters. It eats just from groundwater. Along with plenty of changing rooms and cool showers, the large sunbathing sections of the lake provide enough of space for leisure.
Apart from two food and beverage stands, a water fountain is accessible for rehydration.
Comprising a total area of 90,000 m2, the Liefering district of Salzburg provides a range of leisure pursuits:
- beach volleyball
- basketball
- football
- children’s playground with climbing nets, swings etc.
Aqua Salza - Golling Spa
The entrance and ticket booth of the Alpenstraße outdoor pool and the AYA-Bad indoor pool is shared.
Ground area in total: 20.291 square meters. The water covers 750 square meters overall.
The swimming pool has width of sixteen meters and length of twenty-five meters. The pool used by non-swimmers measures sixteen meters in width and nineteen meters in length. The youngsters’ pool is roughly. Water temperature: 50 m2, 22–24°C.
Water-sand playground, snack bar, drinking fountain, beach volleyball court, slackline.
Freibad Volksgarten
Area of basis: 12,825 square meters. The water covers 1,460 square meters overall.
Two swimming pools are accessible: one is meant for the very young and has a small slide and an awning, while the other is meant for youngsters.
Apart from a beach volleyball court, the pool’s expansion part features extra shower and toilet facilities.
Table tennis courts and a kids playground finish the amenities.