10 tips for hot summer days in Salzburg

In summer, everything can happen very quickly in Salzburg. No sooner is the famous Schnürlregen [lit. string rain; a special form of drizzle] over than the temperatures climb to over 30 degrees Celsius. So, what should you do? Drink plenty of water and wear light clothing? By all means. Maybe even escape to an air-conditioned hotel room? We say no. Midsummer temperatures are no reason to miss out on unique travel experiences. Let us take you to charming and refreshing places in Salzburg.

# 1 – Enjoy natural shade in the gardens and parks

Salzburg is green. At 60%, green covers more than half of the town. Parks and gardens of various sizes provide shady places under the dense canopy of trees, especially on hot days. More than 35,000 trees are currently to be found all over the town of Salzburg – 22,000 of which are on public land, and tree enthusiasts will get their money's worth. Apart from birch, oak, lime, chestnut, maple, willow, beech, spruce and ash, there are also rarities such as sequoia, amber tree, ironwood tree, tulip tree and many more. In the tree cadastre of the Town of Salzburg you can find out which species of tree is providing you with much needed shade.

# 2 – Regularly visit one of the drinking water fountains of the town

Sufficient hydration is essential in the heat of summer, and fresh spring water from the Untersberg is available free of charge in the city of Salzburg! 27 of the 50 municipal fountains provide the finest drinking water. Among them are historic fountains, some of which are listed, as well as modern, sensor-controlled cube fountains that help significantly to reduce water consumption. Our tip: it's best to take a water bottle with you and refill it every now and then. This is good for your health and the environment. Find out here, where the nearest drinking fountain is.

# 3 – Take advantage of the fresh breeze atop the city mountains

The Kapuzinerberg, Mönchsberg and Festungsberg mountains shape the urban landscape of Salzburg and offer largely untouched nature in the middle of the city. Some of the hikes up the city mountains can be a sweaty affair in the summer heat, however, once you reach the top, you'll be rewarded with fantastic views and relaxing walks through the shady city forests. 100 to 200 meters above the roofs of the town, the chances of a fresh breeze are good. Also, if you're very quiet and keep your eyes open, you might spot some Salzburg wildlife – the world's only urban colony of chamois lives on the Kapuzinerberg.

# 4 - Refresh yourself in the style of the prince archbishops

More than 400 years ago, Prince Archbishop Markus Sittikus had the Wasserspiele trick fountains at Hellbrunn built for his own entertainment and to play practical jokes on his guests. Water is the central design element here: water-powered figures, water-spewing deer, spraying and splashing from everywhere. Even for the most vigilant visitors, there is hardly an escape from the cool water – ideal on hot summer days! Besides, you will discover a unique cultural jewel.

# 5 - Experience surprising water features in the heart of the old town

Contemporary urban planners probably drew upon the ideas of the prince archbishops in their designs. The new splash fountain at Kajetanerplatz offers fun and refreshment with 120 ground nozzles and vertical water jets of up to 2.5 meters. Visitors are encouraged to stroll through them! On the right side of the Old Town, the splash fountains at Platzl and Stefan-Zweig-Platz and the little stream with colourful balls in Richard-Mayr-Gasse provides welcome relief from hot weather.

# 6 - Take a look inside historic buildings

The magnificent historic buildings in the old town are not only a sight to behold, but also house a multitude of art treasures. Churches and museums are often considered classic places for bad weather, yet they are genuine miracles of natural air-conditioning. The tour of the DomQuartier takes you through the baroque heart of Salzburg and offers insights into 1300 years of Salzburg's ruling history. And the historic walls of Salzburg Cathedral, the Residence and the Archabbey of St. Peter keep the air pleasantly cool even in the height of summer.

# 7 - Relax under old chestnut trees in one of the beer gardens

It is delightful to relax under the large chestnut trees in a traditional beer garden. These natural sources of shade were planted thanks to the brewers, who were interested only in keeping their beer cool. Until the 19th century, brewing was not allowed in summer, and to keep beer stocks cool during summer, cellars were built and filled with natural ice blocks in winter. In order to further protect the cellar and entrance from sunlight, the brewers planted chestnut trees, which provided shade with their sprawling crowns, but were no threat to the cellars thanks to their shallow roots.

# 8 - Explore Salzburg's caves

The Stone Theatre in Hellbrunn is not a cave in the full sense of the word, but as you move among the rocks of this 400-year-old natural stage, you will immediately feet the temperature drop. More natural and mysterious is the Hexenloch [lit. witches' cave] in the Aigner Park, which is said to have served as a secret meeting place for the Illuminati. Access can be a bit slippery, but inside the small grotto you will be met with wonderfully cool air and a small waterfall.

# 9 - Pay a visit to one of the outdoor swimming pools or lakes

The outdoor swimming pools in the town of Salzburg and the Lieferinger Badesee lake provide welcome refreshment a short distance away. Volksgartenbad, Freibad Leopoldskron or AYA-Bad also offer the necessary infrastructure for pleasant relaxation. Although the Lieferinger Badesee was artificially created in the 1940s, it is fed exclusively by groundwater and not heated. Therefore, it can still be quite fresh early in the summer. The surrounding recreational area offers everything from food and drink to sports facilities and everything you need for a day at the lake.

# 10 - Venture out into even cooler waters

Flowing waters promise even cooler temperatures. Since the 12th century, the Almkanal has carried mountain water over a total length of 18 km from the Königsseeache in Grödig to the Old Town. While the Almkanal still powers the mill wheel at St. Peter's Abbey Bakery and helps to cool the Festival Hall, it is of great importance to Salzburg's population above all as a local recreation area. Young people meet here on hot summer days to swim or surf on the Almwelle wave. Caution: The water is very cold even in the middle of summer and the current is strong. Thus, we recommend only experienced swimmers take the plunge into the cool water!