Winter in Salzburg: Expert’s Guide to 17 Things to do + Top Christmas Markets

There are plenty of awesome activities to explore around Salzburg in winter. I have selected some great options for top organized tour. Check my top picks for you:

1. Stroll Around the Old Town

If you are visiting Salzburg in winter, you will have the chance to see that the lanes and alleys of Salzburg’s Old Town are particularly charming during the Christmas season. In particular, the shops of the Getreidegasse and the Goldgasse are often beautifully decorated.

The Old Town has a lovely atmosphere, surrounded by the Alps and with baroque architecture. The Alstadt is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, with its cute stone streets, cathedrals, and domes, and during winter it’s here that you can also find the most important Christmas Market in Salzburg. 

Some of the iconic monuments of the Salzburg Old Town are  St Peter’s Abbey, cemetery and catacombs, the Nonnberg monastery, and Kapitelplatz which is an art piece with a large golden sphere holding a man on the top, and the Salzburger Dome Cathedral. 

💡INSIDER-TIP: Besides all the history you can also find several cafés, restaurants, and boutiques on the narrow streets decorated with Christmas lights making the evenings look even more inviting to continue exploring. 

2. Check out the DomQuartier

This stunning assortment of Baroque Buildings surround three exquisite courtyards and are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to their heritage and beauty.

In fact, this complex was created over 400 years ago by the prince-archbishops of Salzburg. Today, it is one of the best places to visit in Salzburg in winter since you can explore a variety of museums. Highlights include the former Baroque-style staterooms, the Residenz Gallery (with works from Rubens and Rembrandt), and sweeping panoramas from the terrace about the Cathedral Arches.

However, other fun places to visit include the Cathedral Museum, the Long Gallery, and the Museum of St. Peter’s Abbey. It’s also worth noting that the museum is quite large. Therefore, it will take you between two and three hours to see some of the best things to do in Salzburg in winter.

3. Enjoy a Mozart Concert

When visiting the birthplace of Mozart, you must celebrate this famous composer’s life by attending a winter concert filled with some of his best music.

But, the best part is that booking tickets to this type of concert will allow you to simultaneously enjoy the beauty of the city, the works of Mozart, and amazing local food – should you choose to add an authentic Austrian dinner to your concert experience. So, don’t miss out on this amazing experience when visiting Salzburg in winter.

4. Honensalzburg Fortress

The Hohensalzburg fortress was built in 1077, and it was one of Europe’s largest castles at that time, and it is actually the largest preserved castle in central Europe. This fortress was built to protect the archbishops and the principality from any possible attacks.

This is one of the top attractions during winter in Salzburg, so try to get here early, at the opening time and you will avoid waiting in line and avoid the big crowds. There are 2 ways to get to the fortress – One option is to ride the funicular, and the other is to walk up the steep path that leads to the entrance. 

Once you make it to the fortress, you can find a couple of small museums and rooms that you can tour. But the best part of visiting the fortress is the views from the top, where you have the best views of Salzburg and also, the countryside.

💡INSIDER-TIP: The whole tour takes about 1 hour, and if you choose to walk up to the fortress, the way back is so rewarding because of the views and scenic walk. I recommend to b buy your ticket in advance.

5. Have a Delicious Hot Chocolate at Cafe Tomaselli

Looking for one of the best things to do in Salzburg in winter? Then don’t miss the opportunity to sip on a decadent hot chocolate from Cafe Tomaselli.

Not only did Mozart frequent this enchanting cafe, but there is no better way to warm up on a cold winter day than with a piping hot cup of cocoa.

However, be prepared for a wait since this cafe has become popular due to its association with the famous composer. They also allow people to smoke upstairs. So, you might not want to sit in the part of the restaurant if that might bother you.

💡INSIDER-TIP: Alternatively, you could visit Cafe Sacher instead if the crowds at Cafe Tomaselli are a bit too intense when visiting Salzburg in winter.

6. Residenzplatz – The Main Square in Salzburg

There are many squares in Salzburg, but Residenplatz is the largest and most popular.

It is surrounded by the Salzburg Cathedral, the Panorama Museum, and the Residenz Gallery. Also, it features a large, stunning fountain in the center of the square. Be prepared to face the crowds, though, as a lot of people choose to visit Salzburg in winter. 

7. Dark Staircase at Imbergstiege

If you’re searching for one of the most unique things to do in Salzburg in winter then you need to find this gorgeous staircase. After all, it is centrally located on the right side of the Old Town and is a great place to get some amazing photos since there are several viewing platforms for you to stop at.

In fact, this iconic stairway connects Linzer Gasse in Old Town with the Capuchin monastery. Just be careful since this staircase gets narrow in spots. But, if you don’t mind this then the views are worth it.

Then, once at the top, enjoy some of the best views in Salzburg from the gardens near Kapuzinerkloster Monastery. Yes, the greenery will be a bit lackluster but the panoramas are astounding.

8. Go Ice Skating on Mozart Square During winter in Salzburg

Winter in Salzburg offers so many awesome options for extra activities, including ice skating in Mozart Square. You can rent a pair of skates and enjoy the magical Christmas spirit and snowy weather. 

9. St. Peter’s Abbey

This is a must-visit site during your winter vacation in Salzburg. St. Peter’s Abbey in Salzburg, founded in 696, is the oldest monastery in the German-speaking region. This historic location boasts several significant landmarks, including St. Peter’s abbey church, St. Peter’s cemetery, Austria’s oldest library, and the oldest restaurant in central Europe.

Visitors who love “The Sound of Music” will recognize the cemetery and its catacombs from the film. Additionally, those who appreciate Mozart can enjoy musical and culinary delights at the Mozart Dinner Concerts held at St. Peter’s.

The St. Peter’s Abbey cemetery in Salzburg is one of the oldest and most beautiful in the world, second only to the Nonnberg Abbey cemetery. Additionally, it is the oldest Christian burial ground in Salzburg.

10. Museum der Moderne Salzburg Mönchsberg

If you want to escape the cold when traveling to Salzburg in winter then warm up inside the Museum of Modern Art. To get here, hop aboard the Moenchsberg Lift. Take a minute to enjoy the views from the terrace before heading into the museum.

Once inside, enjoy an astounding collection of international works from the 20th and 21st centuries that are presented to you across four sleek levels.

11. Go on a Romantic Sleight Ride through the Countryside

If you’re looking for a unique winter experience in Salzburg, consider taking a romantic sleigh ride through the countryside. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a charming outing as you travel through the Austrian landscape. Your ride will take you over hills, through woods, and along the lake in a traditional horse carriage, surrounded by the beautiful winter scenery.

This tour takes about 4-hours, and you will be also have the chance to see some Christmas market, spend some time wandering around the magical village of St. Wolfgang, and stroll along the beautiful Lake to take some of the winter atmosphere.

12. Visit the Salzburg Cathedral

The Salzburg Cathedral (German: Salzburger Dom)  was built in 774 and it was completely rebuilt several times, and it is where Mozart was baptized in 1756. It is incredible Baroque architecture, with stunning carved details and murals.

The Cathedral is located in the center of the town so it is impossible to miss, and if you are visiting Salzburg in winter, here is where you can find the largest Christmas Market in Salzburg.

It is surrounded by the Salzburg Cathedral, the Panorama Museum, and the Residenz Gallery. Also, it features a large, stunning fountain in the center of the square. Be prepared to face the crowds, though, as a lot of people choose to visit Salzburg in winter. 

💡INSIDER-TIP: To visit is free, but it is encouraged to give some donations. 

13. Visit the Mozart Birthplace Museum

One of the most famous citizens of Salzburg is Mozart, and you can visit Mozart’s Birthplace Museum. You can tour the house that Wolfgang Amadéus Mozart was born on January 27, 1756, and is today one of the most frequently visited museums in the world.

💡INSIDER-TIP: The house has three stories of exhibitions about all the details of Mozart’s life, and the tour takes approximately one hour and costs $14.00 per person – I recommend booking your tour in advance

14. Go on the Sound of Music Tour

If you are a movie lover you have probably seen and know Salzburg as the city of The Sound of Music movie from 1965. You can take the half-day tour, which starts in the section of Salzkammergut, part of the Austrian Alps, which is a stunning place and also, a UNESCO world heritage site. 

💡INSIDER-TIP: Along the tour, you will have the chance to learn more about Salzburg, some of the famous locations where the movie was filmed, and learn more about the famous Von Trapp family. This tour tends to sell out, so you can guarantee your booking it in advance

15. Go Skiing During Winter in Salzburg

Every winter, thousands of ski enthusiasts travel to Salzburg and other areas in the Alps to explore picturesque valleys with excellent slopes. The skiing season varies slightly from year to year and among different areas, but generally, it peaks between late December and early March.

 You can also snowboard, ride a sled, go cross-country skiing or skating – winter sports are big in Salzburg.

16. Must Eat Lebruchen & Drink Gluhwein at the Salzburg Christmas Market

Another great experience, if you are visiting Salzburg in winter, is to try the traditional Austrian Christmas cookies and pastries, which often become real competition for the best ones in the city. The Christmas Markets and bakeries around the town offer a large variety of them for you to choose from. 

In the chilly weather, nothing beats warming up with Gluhwein, also known as hot, spiced wine sold in the markets and throughout the city in the winter. Lebkuchen and Gluhwein will have you singing Christmas carols in your head as you absorb the magical atmosphere.

💡INSIDER-TIP: If you want to visit some of the top Christmas markets in Salzburg with a local guide, I recommend booking this Salzburg Christmas Market & City Tour.

17. Enjoy Christmas Time in Salzburg in Winter

When I travel to a new place, one of my favorite things to do is to experience the local culture, and Salzburg in winter offers a perfect opportunity. You can go to the Salzburger Adventsingen, a traditional play in which local children sing in local dialects and put on a nativity play. Salzburg has some of the most magical Christmas Markets in Austria.

You can also visit the Nativity Scenes, the stable of Bethlehem that is normally displayed as an Alpine cabin with the Holy Family carved in wood. Or you can check out the Salzburger Heimatwerk, culture and traditions association for events typical for the region.

Check below for the list of the top Christmas Market in Salzburg that I recommend you to visit during your winter vacation in Salzburg.

Visiting Salzburg during wintertime means the opportunity to enjoy the magical Christmas Markets. Salzburg offers amazing places to visit such as medieval castles, museums, cathedrals, and a fortress. But it is during the winter when the city holds the magical Christkindlmarket (Christmas Markets), one of the oldest Advent markets in the world. 

Check the best Salzburg Christmas Markets and make sure if you are visiting Salzburg during winter, you visit a couple of these fairy tale markets.

Salzburg Christmas Market Christkindlmarket Amdoplatz

🎄CHECK DATE & TIME: Official website

📌 LOCATION: On Cathedral and Residenz Square, in Salzburg’s historic city center

🚶HOW TO GET THERE: The Cathedral is located in the center of the town so it is impossible to miss it, and it is the largest Christmas Market in Salzburg.

The  Christkindlmarkt am Domplatz is the largest and most famous Christmas Market in Salzburg has been held at the Cathedral Square since 1974. This famous Christmas Market draws countless visitors from all over the world every Christmas season and is also very popular with the locals. 

The traditional huts blend to create a unique atmosphere, along with special lighting that stretches above the market like romantic stars across the night sky. 

The organizers have also ensured that visitors are treated to a colorful daily events program that includes readings of Christmas stories for children, Krampus parades, guided Christmas tours, choral cand concerts, visits by the “Christ Child”, festive melodies performed from the surrounding towers, and so much more. 

Advent Market in the Hohensalburg Fortress Courtyard

🎄CHECK DATE & TIME: Official website

📌 LOCATION: Fortress Hohensalzburg

🚶HOW TO GET THERE: You will either take a steep but scenic hike or a funicular to get to the market. The view over the city is worth the climb. Buy a ticket to tour the fortress while you’re there, or get a free ticket to spend time at the market and enjoy the castle grounds – If you are interested in a day trip from Vienna to visit the Salzburg Christmas Market, it is a great option to book this tour.

The Advent Market under the linden trees in the castle courtyard is not only the highest Salzburg Christmas Market but also one of the most atmospheric.

The stalls offer a fine selection of Salzburg delicacies, local handicrafts, and gift ideas. In this market, you can find local arts and crafts, very charming gifts and a great lively social interaction, besides great views of the city.

Salzburg Christmas Market at Advent Magic in Hellbrunn

🎄CHECK DATE & TIME: Official website

📌 LOCATION: Hellbrunn Courtyard

🚶HOW TO GET THERE: It is located directly at Hellbrunn Palace, only a few miles from Salzburg’s city centre. The easiest way to reach us by car is via the A1 motorway, exit Salzburg Süd.

The Advent market right outside the city of Salzburg has always been a memorable experience for the young. From mid-November, the facade of the palace with 24 windows turns into a huge Advent calendar.

In front of the Hellbrunn Palace becomes a fairy tale forest with more than 400 conifers, decorated with 13,000 red Christmas baubles and fairy lights, which light up the entire area during nighttime and create a very special atmosphere.

Every Wednesday from 3 p.m., small folk ensembles perform enchanting melodies in the Advent Café! 

Salzburg Christmas Market on Mirabell Square

🎄CHECK DATE & TIME: Official website

📌 LOCATION: Mirabell Square, Goethestraße

🚶HOW TO GET THERE: Salzburg is well-connected by various modes of transportation, including trains and buses. If you’re arriving by air, the Salzburg Airport offers international connections. Once in Salzburg, the market is easily accessible by foot or public transportation.

If you are looking to experience a small Christmas market and avoid the big crowds, this is a perfect option. The Salzburg Christmas Market on Mirabell Square offers a wide selection of delicious food, mulled wine, and many amazing artistically decorated huts with out-of-the-ordinary products.

It is also located at a perfect location for public transportation, as the bus stop and the parking garage are located just directly on the opposite side, and the train station is only a few minutes walks away.

Winter in Salzburg is cold!

The average daytime temperatures are 3°C to 6°C (37°F to 43°F). The temperatures at night drop and it can range from -4°C to -2°C (25°F to 28°).

But don’t let the cold temperatures intimidate you. The city has a fairy tale setting during wintertime, with the snow capping the building and the Alps, and the festive, crisp, and chilly air.

There are always plenty of options to grab a coffee or Gluhwein to help you to keep warm. Keep in mind in the winter in Salzburg, the daylight is reduced with the sunrise around 7:00 am and sunset around 4:00 pm. 

Make sure you pack accordingly! You can click on any of the following item pictures to be taken to their pages and see prices and details. 

Winter in Salzburg is magical and a must place to visit with easy access from many places in Europe. It is only 3 hours driving distance from Vienna, located on the border with Germany, at the foot of the Alps.

Salzburg is the largest city in the area, and it makes a great place to visit and also, a great option for a base if you have more time to explore other places in Austria, such as Hallstatt and Berchtesgaden. 

🧭From Vienna (Austria): 296 km (184 miles) – 3:00 hours

🧭 From Munich (Germany): 144.5 km (90 miles) – 1:30 hour

🧭 From Venice (Italy): 446 km (277 miles) – 4:50 hours

🧭From Prague (Czech Republic): 374 km (232 miles) – 4:16 hours

✈️ FLYING TO SALZBURG:

You can choose to fly direct to Salzburg  W.A. Mozart Airport (SZG), which is only 4km from the city center.

🚍PUBLIC TRANSPORATION TO SALZBURG:

A trip by train is also very popular, and you will arrive at the Hauptbahnhof Station. You don’t need public transportation to explore Salzburg, as the city is very compact and you can explore on foot. But if your hotel is outside the town center, there is a trolley and bus system that serves the city

🚘 RENTAL CAR IN SALZBURG:

You don’t need a car to explore Salzburg, as the city is very compact and you can explore on foot. But if you are driving a rental car, parking in Salzburg is easy, as the town has parking garages located just outside the old town. I parked at the Linzer Gasse Parking Garage and it is just a short walk down a pedestrian street. To rent a car for road trips, get the best deals with this reliable car rental which compares prices across several companies

🎫 SALZBURG VISIT CARD:

If you are planning to visit and explore Salzburg, I recommend buying the Salzburg Card before you start your exploration. It gives you FREE, easy, and fast access to the top things to do in Salzburg, such as the main tourist attractions, museums, and public transport.

There are plenty of great options to eat in Salzburg, and I have listed a couple of recommendations:

🥨 Augustiner Braustuebl – It is one of the best options for dining in Salzburg. Here you can drink locally brewed beer and dine on local cuisine.

🥨 Barenwirt – If you want to try authentic Austrian food, this is the place. Must try the Brathedndl (fried chicken).

🥨 Gasthaus Zwettlers – This is a charming 160-year-old restaurant. The Kaiser Karl (local beer) is available in different types. 

🥨 Johanneskeller – A cozy place in the middle of the old town and affordable with a great atmosphere.

Is Salzburg worth visiting in winter?

Yes! Salzburg in winter is absolutely magical. In fact, the city is filled with amazing things to do that include visiting some of the best Christmas markets in Austria, drinking Glühwein, exploring Mozart’s birthplace, visiting medieval castles, and seeing where The Sound of Music was filmed.

Does Salzburg get snow?

Yes, Salzburg gets snow. In fact, the city usually receives the first snowfall of the season in either late November or early December. Also, be sure to dress warmly since visiting Salzburg in winter means temperatures as low as 20 F well into March. Just be prepared for less popular attractions and experiences to be closed during the off-season.

Is Salzburg nice in December?

Salzburg is amazing in December since you can stop by and visit some of the best Christmas markets in the country. Just be prepared for just 8.5 hours of sunlight, low temperatures, and rain. However, if you visit towards the end of the month then that rain in Salzburg in winter will probably be snow.

Is Salzburg good at Christmas?

Salzburg is amazing at Christmas. Not only is the city is stunning when it sits beneath a fine layer of snow, but the Christmas market is really lovely. Plus, the decorations that town and local stores put up really add the the ambiance of this enchanting place. Just don’t spend Christmas in Salzburg without taking a trip to St. Pete Cemetery, among the most beautiful and oldest cemeteries in the world.

There are incredible destinations to visit in Europe during wintertime, and Salzburg is one of them. Salzburg is a great place to visit all year long, but winter in Salzburg makes it even more special.

From charming streets and cozy cafes to visiting the iconic highlights including castles, and baroque buildings while surrounded by the Alps covered in snow immerses you in a wonderland. 

Salzburg is a very popular destination during the Christmas holiday, so be aware that hotels often charge peak season rates. Visiting Salzburg in winter, especially in December is a busy, but magical experience.

If you have more time during your visit, you can stay in Salzburg and take day trips to Berchtesgaden in Germany and Hallstatt in Austria.

If you are planning a trip to Austria, you may also want to check these other articles:

• Best Christmas Markets in Austria
• 10 Best Things to do in Innsbruck
• Ultimate Guide on how to visit Hallstatt in Winter