Salzburg 1 day itinerary will help you discover the best places in Salzburg within 24 hours. As a traveler, if your time is limited in the city, you will still be able to cover the best places. This will be possible with the help of a good itinerary.
Salzburg has many wonderful attractions. This includes some of Europe’s best-preserved baroque churches, splendid gardens, medieval fortresses, etc. In just 24 hours, you can’t visit them all, if you have a reasonable Salzburg 1 day itinerary.
In my current blog, I will share all the exciting things you can pursue on your Salzburg 1 day itinerary. I will also provide you with two possible options for your day tour. These will ensure that your day in the city of Mozart is well spent.
Imagine visiting so many pretty places in just one day! All you need to do is follow a practical Salzburg 1 day itinerary and you surely will visit all the desired places here. Do not be upset if you are able to spare just a single day for Salzburg from your overall trip. Instead, plan methodically so that even your single day counts. You’ll see that good planning overrides time constraints.
Salzburg 1 Day Itinerary
Most travelers visiting Salzburg for just one day assume that only minimal sightseeing can be done within that time frame. However, that isn’t completely true.
Whether you want to just visit popular places around or indulge in some super fun stuff depends on you. Trust me, even in just one day, so many unusual but joyful things can be done.
Salzburg 1 Day Itinerary: Exciting Things to Do
In addition to just sightseeing, there are numerous other things that you can do keeping your Salzburg 1 day itinerary intact.
Along with covering the places on your Salzburg 1 day itinerary, if you are able to indulge in even one of the following, your trip will be worth it.
| Pay a short visit to Zwerglgarten |
| Dine at St. Peter’s Stiftskeller |
| Observe Formula 1 race cars at Hangar 7 |
| Take a stroll around Old Town |
| Ride in a horse carriage |
| Buy fresh fruit from the Farmer’s Market |
| Take a cable ride up to Untersberg mountain |
| Savour a locally prepared Sachertorte |
I’ve been able to experience all of the above in my recent visits. Sure, it is not possible to indulge in all of them in just one day. But if you ever re-visit Salzburg for a longer time, I highly insist you do them all.
Pay a short visit to Zwerglgarten
The Zwerglgarten is commonly known as the “Dwarf Garden,” in Salzburg. It is located at the north end of the Mirabell Gardens.
Hence, try covering it along with it. This will easily suit option one of the Salzburg 1 day itinerary recommended by me.
Zwerglgarten essentially consists of disfigured creatures with their goiters and hunchbacks.
A disfigured gnome at Zwerglgarten – commonly known as the “dwarf garden” in Salzburg. This place consists of various other types of hunchback figurines as well. The garden setting fits well with the theme of ancient fairy tales and gnome stories.
Dine at St. Peter’s Stiftskeller
St. Peter’s Stifskeller is the oldest restaurant in all of Central Europe.
This place has 11 distinct dining rooms. The two oldest dining rooms are carved into the stone cliffs under the Hohensalzburg Fortress.
This place presents weekly ‘Mozart dinners.’ Both food and musicians are adorned as belonging to a certain period in Europe’s history.
Observe Formula 1 race cars at Hangar 7
Hangar 7 at Salzburg Airport is a unique building, which is home to the legendary Flying Bulls aircraft fleet and a collection of Formula 1 race cars.
Hangar 7 is a place where technology, art and fine living come together. In addition to the Formula 1 race cars, it houses a flight restaurant, some lounges, a cafe and two bars.
Stunning Formula 1 race cars at Hangar 7. This place is essentially built within the Salzburg Airport. It houses the historical Flying Bulls aircraft fleet and a collection of Formula 1 race cars. Also, it is home to lounges, bars, a cafe, and a flight restaurant.
Take A Stroll Around Old Town
Whether you are following a Salzburg 1 day itinerary or have more time, Old Town in Austria is a place that you cannot miss. After all, it is Salzburg’s unique city centre.
Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, Old Town consists of narrow but beautiful cobblestone streets that merge into famous squares dotted with historic buildings.
These buildings span over several centuries. In fact, the architecture here has influences from the Baroque, Romanesque, Renaissance and Middle Ages.
Ride in a Horse Carriage
While you are in Old Town, you have got to try the lovely Horse carriage ride.
Riding in a horse carriage means that you can see much of Salzburg within a short period of time. Now, this is fantastic if you are in Salzburg for just one day.
Experience this ride. Let the horses hop on cobbled streets and show you around.
The experience of riding a horse carriage is beautiful in Old Town. There cannot be a faster way to explore Salzburg in a day. Furthermore, it teleports you to the olden days. If this doesn’t fit your budget or interests, you can explore on foot.
Buy Fresh Fruit from the Farmer’s Market
If you are somebody who loves fresh fruits for breakfast, do visit Salzburg’s Farmer Market. Make your favourite fruit picks here.
Carry it back to your hotel and start your day with some good minerals and vitamins.
You can also sample local food with the exotic here.
Take a cable ride up to Untersberg mountain
This lovely cable car will carry you to the top of Salzburg City’s most legendary local mountain – Untersberg. Once you reach the top, you will be mesmerized by the majestic view this place offers.
Not to forget, the refreshing snacks on top of the mountain. This ride will take a total of ten minutes.
Taking a cable car up to the Untersberg mountains can be a highlight of your single day Salzburg trip. The ride is lovely and the view from the top is magnificent. This cable car has been treating visitors to wonderful views since as early as 1961.
Savour a locally prepared Sachertorte
Prepared first by Mr Franz Sacher – the Austrian confectioner, the Sachertorte is every traveler’s delight.
The Sachertorte is basically a chocolate gateau with apricot jam filling and chocolate icing.
It is so famous that a lot of people now call it Austria’s national pastry.
Cafe Sacher at the Sacher Hotel in Salzburg is one of the best places to savour the Sachirtorte. Have a cup of coffee along with it if you like.
Popular Places that Can be Covered Comfortable with Salzburg 1 Day Itinerary
The ideal Salzburg 1 day itinerary should cover all the important destinations and eating places within a time span of 24 hours.
By using the word ‘important,’ I also imply the most popular places. Remember that there are numerous places you can explore in Salzburg. However, it is not possible to cover all those places in just one day. Hence, I will share the most sought after sightseeing places in Salzburg only.
Now there are two ways you can go about it –
Salzburg 1 Day Itinerary: Option 1
As per me, option one of the Salzburg 1 day itinerary is for you to explore locations of Old Town. This is because almost all the sightseeing places lie in close proximity to one another.
| Morning
Have an early breakfast and head out to Mirabell Gardens. Spend some time there and move to Mozart’s Residence. It is just a lane away. Next, visit Makartsteg and finally visit Linzergasse. |
| Noon
Take a break and savour lunch at a nearby eating place. There are many good eateries in the vicinity of Linzergasse. After enjoying lunch, head to the Hohensalzburg Fortress. |
| Evening
The last destination of the day one should be the Hellbrunn Palace. Stop by and explore it along with its many intricacies. Have dinner at a good eatery and call it a day. |
Hellbrunn Palace was built about 400 years ago and is now a popular location for national and international events. It’s bright yellow colour really stands out and is widely photographed by travelers. You can also sign up for a guided tour around the palace.
Salzburg 1 Day Itinerary: Option 2
The second option for a Salzburg 1 day itinerary is for you to experience the Sound of Music Tour and Augustiner Braustübl Brewery.
| Morning
Have an early breakfast and head out to experience the brilliant Sound of Music Tour. This will be one of the best things you’ve done in Salzburg. Your entire morning will be spent experiencing this tour. Trust me, it is worth it. |
| Noon
Visit the Augustiner Braustübel Brewery. It’ll make for a fun way to end your day. It is an old Augustinian monastery turned brewery. |
| Evening
Explore the city on foot and indulge in some shopping at Linzergasse. |
Let us now read about all the places mentioned in both my suggested Salzburg 1 day itineraries. The explicit details will help you connect with these places more as a first-timer.
Mirabell Gardens
Situated in the epicentre of the town, Mirabell Gardens should the first place on your Salzburg 1 day itinerary, in case you’re following option one.
These gardens have soul pleasing arrangements of a myriad of flower species in an ocean of colours.
To stand in the exact place where the momentous scenes of “Do-Re-Mi” were shot in Sound of Music makes you nostalgic and want to shake a leg as a tribute.
| Timings
8 am – 6 pm |
| Entrance fees
Free |
The picturesque Mirabell Gardens of Salzburg. The word ‘Mirabell’ is a compilation of two words from the Italian language – Mirabile meaning “admirable” and Bella meaning “beautiful.” These gardens are open through the week and the entrance is free.
Mozart’s Residence
Mozart’s Residence is the next place to visit, as per option one of the Salzburg 1 day itinerary. It is just a lane away from the Mirabell Garden.
Mozart’s residence has been converted into a museum. It displays all the relics used by the great Bard himself. Fans of his work will have a-waltzing time in this shrine.
| Timings
9 am – 5:30 pm |
| Entrance fees
Adults – € 4.00 Children – € 3.50 |
Makartsteg
A little way down the road, you start hearing the sound of flowing water, gently caressing the rocks as it flows over them. This is when you know you’re close to the Makartsteg – the bridge of love.
This should be the third place on Salzburg 1 day itinerary, as per option one.
The bridge on the river Salzach is lively with fresh air and pretty locks. The view from the bridge is beautiful. With mountains visible as far as you can see and a magnificent archaic church to one side, this view is what makes paintings worth millions.
This bridge is on the way to the following attraction and hence, does not set you off your sightseeing schedule as well.
This is Makartsteg – the bridge of love. Each day, hundreds of couples come here, attach locks on the bridge’s fencing and celebrate their unconditional love for each other. The bridge is also home to fantastic city views. Visit for a unique experience.
Linzergasse
Don’t we all love pedestrian streets in beautiful old-world towns? Well, Linzergasse is one such place.
This street is a short walk from the lock bridge. It houses all the best eateries and shopping havens while decorated in Baroque architecture.
Hohensalzburg Fortress
The funicular ride to the Hohensalzburg Fortress is a kickass adventure on the Salzburg 1 day itinerary. This ride is officially known as the Festungsbahn.
Every 10 minutes, it rises from the base right up to the Hohensalzburg Fortress. The time duration is just 54 seconds.
Once you reach the top, the Fortress has a view so beautiful that you can’t help but want to stop time to admire it.
It will give you a sense of serenity. A mild wind blowing, along with the view, is just the lullaby you need to teleport into a world with no problems.
| Timings
9:30 am – 5 pm |
| Entrance fees
€11.90 (All-inclusive) |
Hohensalzburg Fortress has a view so beautiful that you can’t help but want to stop time to admire it. It is the largest fully-preserved castle in Central Europe, and that’s a matter of sheer pride for Austrians. You’ll see that this fort is a true eye-catcher.
Hellbrunn Palace
This palace has mischievous secrets that are waiting to be discovered.
The fountains of the palace may seem like an architectural jewel at first, but this is just a facade. There is so much more to explore. The gardens alone spawn a few acres.
| Timings
9 am – 4:30 pm (However, the closing time can be different for different seasons) |
| Entrance fees
Adults – € 12.50 Child – € 5.50 each |
Sound of Music Tour
The Sound of Music Tour can be experienced if you opt for option two of the Salzburg 1 day itinerary. This will turn out to be a once in a lifetime experience especially if you are a fan of the movie.
In fact, all the Sound of Music fans should opt for the 2nd Salzburg 1 day itinerary.
On this tour, original shooting locations can be visited. The tour can be undertaken via bus, bicycle or even by foot.
One of the filming locations of the classic movie – Sound of Music was the Pegasus Fountain at Salzburg. In the actual film, the characters of Maria and the Von Trapp children sing “Do, Re, Mi” while dancing around this fountain. Being here is an epic feeling.
Augustiner Braustübl Brewery
Finish your Salzburg 1 day itinerary (if following option 2) by visiting the Augustiner Braustübl Brewery and sipping some beer.
The place is unique in so far as it allows you to bring your own food. The only condition is that drinks should be from here.
The beer is available either for half a litre or a whole litre. This is how the system works here – you take a mug from the shelf. Then, you rinse it under the tap.
You finally pay and they fill your beer mug.
Travel Tips for Visiting Salzburg for 24 Hours
The following two travel tips will help you stay well in Salzburg for a day.
| Use luggage lockers
If you’re visiting Salzburg for just the day and have the night train to take, there are tons of luggage lockers at the Salzburg train station. They are all different sizes with automated locks and you can store your luggage for up to 24 hours here. |
| Wear comfortable footwear
A lot of the travel sights are at walking distance from each other. The roads are very inviting, owing to the spectacular architecture and food stalls popping up everywhere. But you will have to walk. Hence, wear comfortable shoes. |
A good traveler is somebody who spends more on exploration and less on housekeeping. At least this is what I believe. While you are in Salzburg or anywhere in Europe for that matter, make sure you opt for budget stays.
Austria is not just home to wonderful beer, but also some delicious food. This is Kaiserschmarrn – a popular meal or dessert in Austria. It is a light, fluffy, and caramelised pancake, topped with fruits, almonds, raisins, and fruit compotes or sauces.
Budget Accommodation Places Fitting your Salzburg 1 Day Itinerary
If you are in Salzburg for just one day, save money on your place of stay. Use it for traveling in and around the city.
There is no dearth of good budget hotels and hostels in Salzburg.
Personally, I recommend the following two places.
| Eduard-Heinrich-Haus, Hostel
YoHo International Youth Hostel |
Both these places are nominal, comfortable and safe. The in-house service is good and the owners are friendly.
Before I end my blog, I would like to share some travel information snippets with you. These will help you understand Salzburg as a travel destination.
Since Salzburg is geographically located at the base of the magnificent Alps, the entire locale is enchanting. This holds true not just for first time visitors but even travelers who have been here before. One can simply not get enough of this view.
Important Travel Information on Salzburg
Here are some essential aspects to know about Salzburg as a travel destination.
| Location
Central Europe. |
| Currency
Euro 1 Euro = 1.14 USD 1 Euro = 79.87 INR |
| Official language
German (However, most people can speak English) |
| Accessibility
All year-round. |
| The best time to visit
July – August (for connoisseurs of the fine arts) September – October (ideal weather) December – January (for experiencing the delightful Christmas markets) |
| Speciality
Do not leave Salzburg without trying the Apple Strudel. |
| Important events (2019)
There are a number of cultural activities happening in Salzburg all year round. Some of the most renowned ones are: Winterfest: 28 Nov 2018-6 Jan 2019 Mozart Week: 24 Jan-3 Feb Salzburg Easter Festival: 13-22 April Salzburg Whitsun Festival: 7-10 June Salzburg Festival: 20 July-31 August Jazz & The City: 17-20 Oct |
| Must carry items
Just your tickets and camera are fine. |
This is Salzburg at the height of the winter season. Although the best time to visit here in terms of weather is from September to October, December and January are great if you have a particular affinity for low temperatures and snowfall.
I hope my current blog has helped you in choosing and implementing a reasonable Salzburg 1 day itinerary for your trip.
Remember, you can see more than you expect and experience more than you imagine. All you need to do is remain passionate about exploring Salzburg. That is it.
You will be surprised by how much you are able to explore this picturesque city.
Happy wayfaring.