Cathedral Salzburg | © DomQuartier
Find contemplation & peace
Amid the bustling lanes and streets of this UNESCO-listed city, you will also encounter many oases of absolute peace. Some smaller, some bigger. Particularly the city mountains, on either side of the River Salzach, afford the opportunity to slow down. Numerous pilgrimage paths lead through Salzburg and are the very definition of the maxim “the journey is its own reward”. Peace can also be found in neighboring towns and villages, many of which are themselves pilgrimage destinations.
Left Side of the Old City
The Festungs- and Mönchsberg extend elegantly through the left side of the Salzburg historic district. A walk along and alongside these mountains will lead you past places of unusual natural and spiritual power. Not surprisingly, then, numerous religious orders are based in the heart of the Old City and along this particular route. Simply follow the silence, accepting our invitation to catch your breath and discover the peace you crave.
Route:
Past Nonnberg Convent – along the mountain to the Stupa – continuing to the grounds of the Pallottines – then to the pilgrimage church in Mülln. Alternatively, set out from St. Peter’s and ride the fortress funicular up the mountain.
Tip:
Spend your stay in Salzburg at accommodations provided by the Benedictines or Pallottines!
Right Side of the Old City
St. Sebastian’s Cemetery was built in the style of an Italian "campo santo", providing a final resting place for members of the Mozart family, Paracelsus and Wolf Dietrich, as well as a welcome oasis for those in search of quiet reflection. Just a few steps away is the Kapuzinerberg, home to a Capuchin monastery as well as idyllic forests. A wonderful escape for visitors, right in the heart of the city.
Route:
St. Sebastian’s Cemetery on Linzer Gasse – then to the Capuchin monastery – followed by a walk up the mountain to the Franziskischlössl
Tip:
From the Franziskischlössl, the Bastei-Weg will bring you to a sculpture park at Schloss Arenberg, then via the quiet Steingasse back to your original starting point.
The journey is its own reward: pilgrimages
Pilgrimages are some of the oldest traditions in Christianity. Whilst spiritual self-discovery may not be commanded by today’s church, pilgrimages are actually growing in popularity. Salzburg boasts five pilgrimage churches: Maria Loreto and Mülln Parish Church, as well as the pilgrimage churches just outside the city in Maria Plain, St. Leonhard and Grossgmain. In addition, five different pilgrimage paths invite you to pursue your need for personal contemplation.
