Salzburg

Salzburg is a charming Austrian city full of history, culture and nature. Discover where to go, what to see and how to get there from Munich.

The fourth largest city in Austria, Salzburg is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations alongside Vienna.

With spectacular Alpine landscapes, enchanting culture and a location just next to the German border, Salzburg makes for the perfect day trip from Munich.

What to do in Salzburg

The birthplace of Mozart and the filming location for The Sound of Music, Salzburg is home to a wonderful fusion of picturesque historic architecture and breathtakingly beautiful nature. Make sure you don't miss visiting:

  • Hohensalzburg Fortress: constructed in 1077, this is one of Europe's largest and best-preserved castles and one of Salzburg's most iconic monuments. You can either hike or take the Festungsbahn funicular railway up to the peak for panoramic views over the city. Inside, marvel at the Medieval decoration of the princely chambers and grimace at the centuries-old torture instruments on display.
  • Birthplace of Mozart: opened in 1880, the museum located in the house where the world-renowned composer was born has become a place of pilgrimage for music lovers. Explore rooms still preserved as they were and admire instruments played by the artist himself.
  • Salzburg Cathedral: this beautiful Italian Baroque-style cathedral is the city's most important religious building. Despite its long history and a fair share of fires and destruction, many years of restoration means the Cathedral remains as flawlessly magnificent as ever.
  • Hellbrunn Palace: built in 1612 as a summer residence for the Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg, Mark Sittich von Hohenems, Schloss Hellbrunn is an architectural delight set in stunning gardens.
  • Salzburg Museum: the city's museum offers an excellent overview of Salzburg's history, culture, and art, located in the beautifully restored Neue Residenz Palace.

Worth a day trip

If you've got an extra day to spare during your time in Munich, Salzburg is well worth a visit. You'll be captivated by the Medieval, Romanesque and Baroque buildings that line the charming cobbled streets, as well as the stunning mountain scenery surrounding the city.

Many visitors from Munich choose to spend a day in Salzburg, and they don't regret it at all!

How to get to Salzburg

There are several ways to reach Salzburg from Munich:

  • English language guided tour: by far the easiest and most comfortable way to visit Salzburg from Munich is to book a tour that includes transportation and an English-speaking guide. If you want to experience the best of Salzburg, reserve our reduced group full-day bus trip here. Alternatively, we offer a guided tour by bus too.
  • Train: the train journey between Munich and Salzburg takes between an hour and a half and two hours each way, and tickets cost between 18 (US$ 19.60) and 46 (US$ 50) depending on departure time.
  • Rent a car: Salzburg is around a two-hour drive from Munich. Follow this link for great car rental deals.