Destination Guide: Salzburg, Austria

One of the most well-preserved cities in Europe, Salzburg is a mecca of culture, Baroque architecture, musical history, and beautiful gardens. The Austrian city is home to Mozart and the Von Trapps, and while travellers flock to the city in search of the sound of music, Salzburg retains its uniquely Austrian flavour and manages to never feel touristy. Surrounded by scenic mountaintops and bordered by the Salzach river, Salzburg strikes the perfect balance between city and nature, giving it a timeless appeal. 

Where to stay in Salzburg

Hotel Stein

Set on the embankment of the Salzach river, the Hotel Stein is the oldest hotel in Salzburg. Originally founded in 1399, it underwent extensive renovations a few years ago before reopening as a stylish luxury hotel. The Austrian establishment infuses Venetian elements into its decor, with glass pieces and artwork by Venetian glass factory establishment Barovier & Toso and vibrant textiles from Venetian company Rubelli. Suites are comfortable and well decorated, with bold blue furniture, intricate artwork adorning the walls, spacious showers, and plush beds. Its central location offers easy access to both sides of the eminently walkable city.

Price: from $230AUD/night
Address: Giselakai 3, Salzburg, Austria

Explore and book via Hotel Stein.

Hotel Sacher Salzburg

IMAGE: Hotel Sacher Salzburg

Similarly well situated on the banks of the Salzach river is the Hotel Sacher Salzburg. The historic hotel combines historic details with contemporary furnishings, promising unrivalled comfort. The junior and signature suites are defined by their bright, elegant interiors—complete with marble-clad bathrooms with separate showers and bathtubs—and offer expansive views over the river. Regardless of whether you stay here, trying the Sacher torte at the hotel’s Café Sacher is a must.

Price: from $530AUD/night
Address: Schwarzstraße 5/7, Salzburg, Austria

Explore and book via Hotel Sacher.

Hotel Schloss Mönchstein

Slightly less central but infinitely worth it for its expansive grounds and views over the city is the Hotel Schloss Mönchstein. Located close to the river above Mozart’s city, Hotel Schloss Mönchstein is surrounded by its own acreage of parkland; an apt for for a castle that looks like it was plucked out of a fairytale. Rooms and suites are designed in a classic style to complement the heritage features of the building. For something out of the quotidien, opt for the Tower Room which is set over two levels and located in one of the spires of the castle. The Mönchstein Spa boasts a sauna, steam room, and fitness centre facilities that can be used with a day pass, while the outdoor infinity pool is available to all guests. Offering breathtaking views over Salzburg, the Michelin starred The Glass Garden restaurant serves healthy gourmet fare within an innovatively designed space.

Price: from $780AUD/night
Address: Mönchsberg Park 26, Salzburg, Austria

Explore and book via Hotel Schloss Mönchstein.

Where to dine in Salzburg

Seven Senses 

Head to the seventh floor of Salzburg’s Hotel Stein for breakfast at Seven Senses. Set on the bank of the Salzach River, Seven Senses features a stunning panoramic view of the old town of Salzburg. Start the day with Seven Senses’ ‘Classic’ or ‘Healthy’ breakfast, or opt for something from the a la carte menu; the porridge is simple yet delicious, avocado with poached egg is a classic favourite, and the buckwheat pancakes with maple syrup, berries, and cinnamon make for indulgent yet healthy fare. Sip on a cappuccino and enjoy freshly baked bread, pastries, cake, and wildflower honey from the breakfast buffet while taking in the sights of the Salzburg Cathedral, Hohensalzburg Fortress, and St Peter’s Church from above. 

The rooftop restaurant also makes for a viable dinner location. Come evening, the atmosphere is buzzing and vibrant, with locals and travellers alike flocking to Seven Senses for the beautifully executed food, friendly and attentive staff, and an unbeatable view. The fusion menu at Seven Senses changes seasonally, however impeccable dishes like lobster soup, ravioli with burrata, and turbot & wild prawns are always on offer, as are delicious Austrian wine pairings.

Address: Giselakai 3, Salzburg, Austria

Check out Seven Senses.

Augustiner Bräu

For those wanting to experience traditional Austrian cuisine, Augustiner Bräu is a quintessential Salzburg experience. The beer garden and hall has been running since the 17th century and is attached to a monk’s brewery. Enjoy a beer in the garden and sample local food from one of the small market stalls. 

Address: Lindhofstraße 7, Salzburg, Austria

Check out Augustiner Bräu.

Andreas Hofer Weinstube

After exploring the eminently walkable old town, head across the river to Steingasse for dinner at Andreas Hofer Weinstube, a tavern favoured by locals that serves up no-nonsense Austrian cuisine like bread dumplings and schnitzel. 

Address: Steingasse 65, Salzburg, Austria

Check out Andreas Hofer Weinstube.

The Green Garden

IMAGE: Tanisha Angel / Albert Review

It’s not all beer and schnitzel in Salzburg. One of the city’s few vegan and vegetarian eateries, The Green Garden focuses on sustainable cuisine, using organic and locally sourced ingredients where possible. There are sweet offerings like pancakes, raw cakes, french toast, and muesli, as well as savoury topped bread and scrambled eggs. However, the main crowd pleaser is the brunch platter, which can be made either vegan or vegetarian and includes an array of plant-based goodies like vegan donuts, pastries, guacamole, dip, muesli, fruit, avocado, hummus, and falafels.

Address: Nonntaler Hauptstraße 16, Salzburg, Austria

Check out The Green Garden.

Mozartkugel 

While not a conventional dining attraction per se, it would be remiss to talk about Salzburg’s gustatory delights without mentioning mozartkugel. Created in 1890 by Salzburg confectioner Paul Fürst and named after the composer that shares its birth city, mozartkugel is a confectionary that sees pistachio marzipan encased in nougat made from hazelnuts and almonds, before being coated in dark chocolate. Sold around the city, they’re unsurprisingly addictive and make Ferrero Rocher look oh so passé.

What to do in Salzburg

Mirabell Palace and Gardens

It’s a five minute walk from Seven Senses to the Mirabell Gardens; a key location in The Sound of Music. The entrance steps and the Pegasus fountain are where the final scenes of the Do-Re-Mi sequence was filmed. Check out the Marble Hall in the Mirabell Palace and explore the gardens; the gardens are designed in geometric patterns and place an emphasis on mythology, containing statues of Aeneas, Hercules, Paris, and Pluto.

Hohensalzburg Fortress

IMAGE: Tanisha Angel / Albert Review

Take a twenty minute walk from Mirabell Gardens over the Salzach River to the old town. Head up to the Hohensalzburg Fortress; built in 1077, it was one of Europe’s largest castles at the time. Walking up to the fortress is the best way to enjoy the view, however you can also choose to ride the funicular. You can opt to tour some of the rooms and museums in the fortress, however the main perk is the amazing vantage point and view of Salzburg and the neighbouring countryside from the Hohensalzburg Fortress.

Salzburg Cathedral 

IMAGE: Tanisha Angel / Albert Review

Set in the middle of the old town, the Salzburg Cathedral is a stunning example of Baroque architecture. First built in 774, the cathedral has been rebuilt several times since, and served as the location for Mozart’s Baptism in 1756.

Nonnberg Abbey

Famous for its connection to The Sound of Music, Nonnberg Abbey is the oldest female convent in the German speaking region. Nonnberg Abbey is also the location where the real-life Maria lived and taught for two years, and was married to Georg Von Trapp in 1927. The church is the only section open to the public; drop €0.50 into the slot by the front to illuminate the gorgeous frescos. 


Words by T. Angel