Salzburg in Winter: A Massively Detailed Guide

Visiting beautiful Salzburg in winter is an absolute delight.

As a city that resembles a fairytale village (complete with a looming castle on a hill), a city that appreciates the glitz and beauty of a winter concert, a city that is home to fabulously cozy cafes, and–of course–a city that is home to some of the best Christmas markets in Europe (and therefore the world), winter is undoubtedly a time for Salzburg to shine.

Planning a trip to Salzburg in the winter?

Here’s absolutely everything you need to know, from what to do in Salzburg to what to wear!

The Best Things to Do in Salzburg in Winter

Go crazy for the Christmas markets.

I mean, how could we not start here, right?

We’ve visited dozens of Christmas markets all across Europe, and Salzburg is still home to some of our favorite ones.

With their beautiful layouts, tasty snacks, surprisingly affordable prices, and jaw-droppingly beautiful ornament stands, it’s impossible not to fall in love with Salzburg Christmas markets.

If all that wasn’t enough, Salzburg’s main Christmas market has been spreading festive cheer for more than 500 years, making it one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe!

Attend a gorgeous Mozart concert.

Mozart’s birthplace and home during his upbringing and early years as a composer has certainly not forgotten either him or his music.

With a winter concert, you can appreciate several aspects of Salzburg at once: the beauty of the city, the compositions of Mozart, and, depending on which concert you choose to attend, a traditional Austrian dinner!

This beautiful concert takes place right inside Mirabell Palace!

Or, for an extra-special experience, consider adding attending a dinner concert at Baroque Hall!

Marvel at the beauty of the Altstadt.

Salzburg’s old town is a delight to wander through.

Boasting colorful buildings, charming clock towers, and pastel colors in every direction, it’s undoubtedly a beautiful place.

Add in the views of the Alps that catch your eye as you round several corners, and it’s downright magical.

Want to make the most of your trip to the Altstadt?

Book a walking tour to make sure you see the best sights!

Sip hot chocolate at Cafe Tomaselli.

Hot chocolate in Austria is an unmitigated delight–and when you can sip a cup during a cold winter day in Salzburg while tucked into a corner of Mozart’s favorite cafe, it’s even better.

Cafe Tomaselli’s history with Salzburg’s most famous former resident has made it quite popular, so be prepared for crowds if you visit.

There is no host or hostess, so simply dive into the crowd and hope to find a table!

Also, fair warning, they allow smoking upstairs.

If Cafe Tomaselli is too crowded (either because there’s nowhere to sit or just because the environment isn’t relaxed enough for your taste), you can also consider paying a visit to Cafe Sacher or Cafe Bazar.

Visit the Hohensalzburg Fortress.

Looming impressively over the city, Hohensalzburg Fortress is an unmistakable part of the Salzburg cityscape–and it should come as no surprise that some of the best views of Salzburg are visible from their grounds!

Visiting the fortress can include anything from castle tours to falconry demonstrations, depending on how long you have and how you plan your visit.

If you’d like to save a few Euros on your entrance ticket, consider climbing the 15 minutes or so up to the castle yourself instead of taking the funicular–the views are lovely and the walk is reasonable.

Grab your ticket to visit Hohensalzburg Fortress today!

Tour Mozart’s birthplace and residence.

It can be a bit confusing, but there are two Mozart homes in Salzburg to be aware of: the Mozart birthplace, where he was born and spent his early years, and the Mozart Residence, which is a grander space where the family moved in Mozart’s teens.

I’ll be honest: we toured the residence and found it somewhat interesting, but overpriced.

If you’re not particularly interested in Mozart or classical music, you can probably skip it… though that being said, it makes a great backup option on a bad weather day.

We didn’t visit the birthplace, but it looks a bit more interesting and includes an example of a middle-class apartment in Salzburg in the 18th century, depicted as accurately as possible.

Climb the steps at Imbergstiege (aka the Dark Staircase).

This beautiful staircase isn’t one you’ll likely stumble across without intending to–but it’s a unique spot and it is worth taking the time to check it out.

Plus, the steps will take you up to…

Enjoy views from the gardens near Kapuzinerkloster Monastery.

Your reward for climbing the steps at Imbergstiege are these beautiful gardens.

While the gardens themselves won’t exactly be at their best during a winter trip to Salzburg, the views of Salzburg’s Altstadt and Hohensalzburg Fortress across the river are still magnificent!

We would probably rate this view even slightly higher than the view from the Hohensalzburg Fortress itself, thanks to the fact that the castle is visible from here!

Hunt down filming locations from The Sound of Music.

Much of The Sound of Music was filmed in and around Salzburg, and film locations dot the city!

While some are fairly easy to find independently (like the steps in the Mirabell Gardens where Do-Re-Mi was filmed), others are a bit outside of Salzburg.

If you choose to book a tour, you’ll be able to kill two birds with one stone!

With a tour, you’ll be able to check out filming locations you probably wouldn’t see otherwise (like Nonnberg Abbey and Leopoldskron Palace, which was the exterior of the Trapp home) and also visit stunning locations and viewpoints in the Lake District.

This Sound of Music Tour covers several filming locations in and around Salzburg!

Pay a visit to the Museum of Modern Art.

In addition to an impressive modern art collection, Salzburg’s Museum of Modern Art also plays host to one of the best views of the city from their terrace–and you don’t need to buy a ticket to the museum to enjoy those views.

The best way to reach the Museum of Modern Art is by taking a ride on the Moenchsberg Lift.

Explore the DomQuartier.

More than simply one museum, Salzburg’s DomQuartier is a Baroque marvel that includes several museums and beautiful viewpoints within its walls!

Learn the history of Silent Night.

One of the most famous Christmas carols in the world originated just outside of Salzburg, and there’s no better time than December to learn the local story.

You can also visit the song locations from Silent Night in Austria without traveling far!

Marvel at the Salzburg Cathedral.

The baroque interior of Salzburg’s Cathedral is a marvel, and also a very peaceful place to escape the cold for a few minutes.

If you happen to be visiting Salzburg in December, there’s also a beautiful Salzburg Christmas market that takes place right outside the cathedral.

Where to Stay in Salzburg in Winter

Ideally, you’ll want to stay within walking distance of the Altstadt/Old Town during winter in Salzburg.

When you’re deciding where to stay in Salzburg, remember that closer is better!

While Salzburg’s bus system is incredibly efficient, it’s also pricey at 3 Euros/ticket (or a bit less if you buy in advance or make good use of a 24-hour ticket), and it’s a hassle to worry about catching a bus to head into the center of town.

Also: as I mentioned above, if you’re traveling to Salzburg when the Christmas markets are open, book your hotel ASAP!

We booked only 10 days or so before arriving, and were shocked at the lack of availability–in retrospect, though, that was a silly mistake on our part.

Salzburg has the most magical Christmas markets in Austria in our (biased) opinion and is also an easy addition to a German Christmas market trip, so it’s a popular spot during the holiday season!

Budget

Pension Jahn — If you’re hoping to stay on a budget during your winter Salzburg trip, the easiest way to do so will be to sacrifice a bit on location.

While Pension Jahn is about a 25-minute walk from the Salzburg Cathedral in the heart of the Altstadt, it’s only a manageable 10-minute walk from the Mirabell Palace!

Boasting thousands of solid reviews, Pension Jahn is a very comfortable budget choice in Salzburg.

Check rates & book your stay at Pension Jahn!

Midrange

Star Inn Hotel — Located just a short walk from the Altstadt and in the heart of Salzburg’s tourism center (the Mozart Residence and Mirabell Gardens are practically next door), the Star Inn Hotel is a fantastic option in Salzburg.

Housed in a 15th-century building, the Star Inn Hotel provides a great mix of historical charm and modern amenities–and has the reviews to back it up.

Check rates & book your stay at Star Inn Hotel!

Luxury

Hotel Elefant — Tucked into the heart of Salzburg, Altstadt, you could not find a better location for a trip to Salzburg in winter.

If you’re visiting in December, the main Salzburg Christmas market will be just a 5-minute walk away!

Closely located to Salzburg’s best attractions and home to spacious, modern rooms and a delightful included breakfast, you can’t go wrong at Hotel Elefant.

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Elefant!

The Salzburg Card: Is it Worth the Money?

If you’re planning to visit 3 or more museums (for example, the Mozart Birthplace, Mozart Residence, Hohensalzburg Fortress, and Museum of Modern Art are all included) and take advantage of public transportation while in the city, the Salzburg Card will definitely be worth your money.

The card includes a one-time free admission to most Salzburg museums and attractions, as well as unlimited public transportation for the time the card is valid.

If, however, you’re not interested in going into many museums or/or you don’t plan to use much public transportation, you’ll likely be better off paying a la carte for experiences.

The Salzburg Card is available in 24-hour, 48-hour, and 72-hour increments.

Tips for Visiting Salzburg’s Christmas Markets

Salzburg may not have quite as many Christmas markets as Vienna in winter–but it was home to some of our favorites!

Here’s what you need to know when visiting Salzburg at Christmas!

Mug rental is a thing.

Austrian Christmas markets all have a system of mug rental, which is incredibly fun once you get the hang of it.

Here’s the deal: on your first drink stop at a Christmas market, you’ll be charged a mug rental fee (usually 3-5 Euros).

From there, you can go from stall to stall and have your mug filled with as many drinks as you like.

At the end of your visit, you can then turn in your mug at any of the drink stalls and get your deposit back–or keep the mug as a cute and inexpensive souvenir.

Each market has its own distinct mugs, and they often vary from year to year, so keep an eye out for your favorites (and consider heading home with a couple).

Be sure to visit at least a couple of different markets.

Salzburg’s main Christmas market is absolutely fabulous, but there are smaller Christmas markets to be found all over the city.

We particularly loved the tiny one next to the Mirabell Gardens!

Eating at the Christmas markets is surprisingly affordable by Salzburg standards.

Sure, the prices are high compared to buying groceries–but if you’re looking for a reasonably inexpensive meal out in Salzburg, you’ll do better on price at the Christmas markets than a traditional restaurant.

Check the opening dates before finalizing your trip.

Salzburg’s Christmas markets tend to open in late November, but the date varies from year to year.

Sadly, unlike in some places, they don’t tend to stay open until January–the main Salzburg Christmas market closes promptly after Christmas.

Bring cash, and ideally small bills.

Austria is, like its neighbor Germany, notoriously cash-heavy as compared to much of Europe.

Some stalls do take cards, but not all–better to come with Euros in hand.

Be sure to visit at least once during the day and once at night.

The atmosphere of the Salzburg Christmas markets is wonderful at all times, but they truly come alive at night, when locals head out for a bite to eat (often with their kids and dogs along as well) and musical performances often take place.

That being said, don’t discount a daytime visit, either!

During the day, you’ll have more elbow room, better light for photos, and an easier time shopping.

Not all markets are priced equally.

Unsurprisingly, Salzburg’s main Christmas market is a bit pricier than some of the lesser-known ones.

If you’re looking for something that will be available just about anywhere (like Mozartkugeln, for example), consider picking it up at one of the smaller markets.

Tips for Visiting Salzburg in Winter

Consider the crowds in December.

Due to the legendary Christmas markets, December is a very popular time to visit Salzburg, so come prepared for crowds!

Practically speaking, this means two things: 1) book your lodging as soon as you can commit to dates (more on that in the where to stay section below), and 2) consider visiting Salzburg on at least one weekday.

We spent time in Salzburg both over a weekend and during the week in December, and there’s no doubt that we had more space to spread out (and take photos) at the markets during the week!

Get ready to bundle up.

Salzburg’s winters aren’t the extreme weather you need to prepare for in, say, Finnish Lapland.

If you hail from Wisconsin or Winnipeg, no worries–you’ve got this.

For those of us who come from warmer climates, you may need to do a bit of winter clothes shopping before jetting off to Salzburg during winter–scroll down to the what to wear section of this guide for more details on what to bring!

The short version: lots and lots of layers.

Take advantage of the bus if you need it.

Salzburg’s bus system is a bit pricey at 2.7 Euros/ticket (or less if you buy a pack of five in advance), but it is also extremely clean, efficient, and easy to use–just what you would expect from Austria, right?

If the weather is particularly cold or you get caught in a rainstorm, remember you have the option available and can buy tickets onboard.

Winter Weather in Salzburg

High temperatures average between 3-6 degrees Celsius / 37-42 degrees Fahrenheit.

In other words, it’s quite chilly to those of us who spent most of our lives in warm climates, but winter in Salzburg can be very comfortable as long as you come prepared and dress the part!

Hope for snow, but there aren’t guarantees.

Though Salzburg does tend to get plenty of snow throughout the winter, it may not stick for long.

During our trip to Salzburg in December, we experienced everything from temperatures well below freezing to those that climbed toward 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

While it did snow some at night, it didn’t tend to stick around long during the day.

Remember that the days will be short.

During winter, Salzburg averages around 9 hours of daylight, so be sure to use each of them wisely!

What to Wear During Winter in Salzburg

The key to being comfortable during winter in Salzburg, Austria is simple: lots of layers.

My winter in Salzburg uniform was essentially two pairs of tights (one fleece lined), warm boots, a dress, a light jacket/extra layer, a coat, hat, scarf, and gloves.

Jeremy’s was: jeans or slacks, warm boots, one undershirt/t-shirt, one long-sleeved shirt, a coat, a scarf, and sometimes a hat.

The weather was about average for December in Salzburg when we visited, and we were completely comfortable walking around for hours dressed like that!

As with any destination, though, be sure to check the weather shortly before leaving–you never know when an unexpected heat wave or cold snap could hit.

Be sure to add these items to your winter packing list for Salzburg:

A Fashionable Coat

It’s going to be in basically all your outdoor photos, so make it one you look good in!

Also, look for something lined (for extra warmth), and consider wearing at least two layers underneath it depending on the weather.

I wore something similar to this one and was very comfortable with it in Salzburg.

For men, Jeremy wears one similar to this and loves it.

Scarf, Hat + Gloves

We’ve ended up picking up way too many of these over the years in various destinations where we got cold and had to have something immediately.

The end result is some cool pieces that have a fun story behind them, and some “meh” items that were a bit of a waste and we never wore again after leaving.

Better to bring what you need and shop for souvenirs as you like!

These items are similar to what I wore in Salzburg (I’m especially partial to the hat): cozy hat, scarf, and gloves.

Jeremy was comfortable with something like this: hat and scarf.

Winter Boots

I lost a pair of lovely Italian leather boots shortly before our winter trip to Salzburg, and while I’m still annoyed that I lost them, I’m so glad that the situation compelled me into buying a warmer pair.

I would have been freezing otherwise!

Look for something cozy and designed for winter weather, and ideally at least water-resistant in case of snow or rain.

I have a pair similar to these that I love and keep my feet incredibly warm during a long day of exploring.

Fleece Leggings

There’s just something about fleece-lined leggings that makes everything so much cozier.

I basically live in mine when traveling in cold destinations, so depending on how long you’re visiting Salzburg in winter, you may want to bring a few pairs!

I have some similar to these that I love.

What to Pack for Salzburg in Winter

Travel Adapters for Austria — If you’re coming from outside of Europe, you’ll definitely want to make sure you can plug in your electronics once you arrive!

Travel Insurance — We don’t ever suggest traveling without travel insurance–anything can happen, and this is definitely a case of better safe than sorry.

Reusable Water Bottle — In nearly 40 countries of travel, Austria has some of the best tap water we have ever tasted.

Don’t waste your money (or the planet’s plastic) by buying water on the road, and bring a reusable water bottle with you instead.

If you’re visiting in December, this will come in extra handy at the Christmas markets, where salty snacks abound.

Umbrella — Winter weather in Salzburg isn’t exceptionally rainy, but there’s still a chance of getting hit with a storm or two (we did).

Come prepared with a travel umbrella!

Portable USB Charger — Avoid having your phone die when you’re out exploring, and throw a portable USD charger in your day bag! They also come in particularly handy on long flights.

Purell Hand Sanitizer — Christmas markets, in particular, tend to mean lots of finger foods, eaten outside, often not near a bathroom where you can wash your hands.

Bringing along hand sanitizer will make your life much easier.

Travel Journal — We can testify that travel memories that aren’t written down quickly can often fade–especially the small details that may not seem special now, but will mean a lot more five or ten years down the road.

If you don’t want to commit a lot of time to write each night, I’m a big fan of this One Line a Day Journal that allows you to easily track your experiences over five years. I’m well into my second edition now and still love it!

Money Belt — This is up to you: we no longer use a money belt, but if you’re more comfortable having your passport with you at all times in Austria, you can consider bringing one. We used to use this one and had no complaints.

Read More About Visiting Europe in Winter

Planning a trip to Europe this winter?

You can browse our winter-specific Europe blog posts here, or check out these guides:

• How to Plan a Festive Austria Christmas Market Trip
• Christmas in Bavaria: Itineraries, Market Tips + Travel Guide!
• Your 13-Step Guide to Traveling to Europe for the First Time
• Belgium in Winter: Fun Things to Do + Travel Guide
• 21+ Dreamy, Romantic Cities in Europe for a Couples Getaway