Salzburg like a local: The City’s West

For surfer dudes: the Almkanal

The perfect wave doesn’t always have to be in the ocean – believe it or not, you’ll also find one right here in Salzburg! In fact, thanks to a man-made standing wave in the historic Almkanal, a pretty radical surfer scene has managed to develop in the Gneis part of the city. Since 2011, you can hang 10 here virtually year-round. And because the shape of the wave can be adjusted, rookies and pros are all able to have a great time taking on the current.

• Surfing wave on the Almkanal

A journey into the past: Salzburg Open-Air Museum

Salzburg’s biggest museum doesn’t have a roof and it doesn’t have any walls. Or – depending on your perspective – it has lots and lots of them. You see, the Open-Air Museum in Grossgmain greets visitors, big and small, with 100 authentic buildings spanning six centuries. As we ride the historic museum train through the 50 ha of museum grounds, we pass mysterious mills, old farmhouses, traditional barns, magical chapels; and feel a little bit as if we had been transplanted back to a whole other time.

• Salzburg Open Air Museum

Blackjack behind historic walls: Schloss Klessheim

Standing proudly 4 km west of the famous historic district of Salzburg is Klessheim pleasure palace. In former times, it was the exclusive preserve of the aristocracy, passing into the hands of the prince-archbishops after 1700. Today, Schloss Klessheim and its broad grounds are owned by Salzburg Province, while also serving as the home of Casino Salzburg. Right next door, in the so-called “Cavalier House”, high-spirited parties and fairytale weddings are celebrated throughout the year. No wonder: The ambience is simply enchanting!

• Casino Salzburg

Fine dining, design and spectacular aircraft: Hangar-7

Hangar-7 isn’t just some run-of-the-mill aircraft hangar. Here, a museum meets good food and extraordinary architecture. Hangar-7 close to Salzburg Airport has established itself as a Salzburg institution – and not merely because of the famous name behind the concept, Red Bull. In addition to the aircraft flown by the Flying Bulls and Formula One race cars, you will also find an award-winning restaurant at Hangar-7: the Ikarus. Many chefs from different countries have shown off their culinary prowess here. While the two bars at this iconic building serve as gathering spots for fans of the stylish wine and cocktail scene. It’s fair to claim without fear of contradiction: Hangar-7 defines the art of enjoyment!

• Hangar-7: Aviation Museum

Foray through a former barracks: the Panzerhalle  

The site of the former Struberkaserne is now home to a vibrant urban scene. In the Maxglan district of Salzburg, the Panzerhalle has developed a model that brings together businesses, co-working spaces, shops and “watering holes” under one roof. The heart of the Panzerhalle is the market hall. Between brick walls and exposed concrete, a café sits peacefully next to a bakery, a wine bar close to a breakfast bar, while a vegetarian concept happily coexists with a butcher’s shop. This is an exciting example of variety being the spice of life, with guests reaping the benefits. On the first floor, hair salons and beauty shops primp and preen their customers. Colorful and diverse: the Panzerhalle epitomizes “new and exciting”.

There you have them, our secret tips for the “Wild West” of Salzburg. So, which do you think is about to become your favorite place?