Snow-covered City of Salzburg | © Salzburgerland Tourismus / Christoph Oberschneider
Winter in Salzburg
When the days grow shorter, Salzburg takes on a character all its own. Illuminated lanes, Baroque squares and the silhouette of Hohensalzburg Fortress set the scene for winter discoveries. Indoors, there is great music, exciting exhibitions and historic rooms to explore. And in between, there is time for a coffee in a traditional coffee house or a leisurely evening in a Salzburg Wirtshaus (traditional inn).
A fairy-tale lead-up to Christmas: traditional Advent meets modern circus arts
Winter in Salzburg begins when the Christmas markets (Christkindlmärkte) open in late November. A special mood settles over the city and casts its spell over visitors and locals alike, year after year. A highlight of the season is the Salzburg Advent Singing, a musical experience full of quiet reflection, tradition and anticipation of Christmas. It has been part of the city’s soul for decades. For an exciting contrast, the Winterfest in the Volksgarten, already famous far beyond Salzburg, offers an escape into the magical world of contemporary circus arts, with adventure and moments of wonder thrown in.
Ringing in the new year with music: a winter trip that stays with you
Few settings could be lovelier for a spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks display than the skyline of Salzburg, a UNESCO World Heritage city. At Altstadtsilvester, the Old Town New Year’s Eve celebration, revellers celebrate with live music around Salzburg Cathedral. Meanwhile, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day concerts in the city’s most beautiful concert halls delight classical music lovers. The top-class programme continues in late January. Around Mozart’s birthday on 27 January, Mozart Week (Mozartwoche), the world’s leading Mozart festival, invites you to discover Mozart’s work all over again.
Sightseeing in winter: discover Salzburg anew
In winter, soft light, lit-up lanes and magnificent architecture give Mozart’s city a distinctive atmosphere. Outside the busy peak season, the historic lanes are often quieter, which is ideal for exploring the Old Town’s winding passageways through buildings (Durchhäuser), its Baroque squares and its small details in peace and quiet. Themed walking tours show you the UNESCO World Heritage site from different perspectives, and museums large and small offer a window onto the past. With the Salzburg Card, you get free admission to all museums and attractions in winter too.
Time for indulgence and spontaneous discoveries
A good winter day in Salzburg doesn’t have to be planned from morning to night. After a museum visit, a slice of cake in a café tastes especially good. Between stops, small shops in the historic lanes tempt you in, and in the evening, regional cooking awaits in cosy Wirtshäuser (traditional inns). These unhurried moments of enjoyment leave room for spontaneous discoveries and turn a city visit into a genuine break. In Salzburg, culture, food and relaxation are often only a few steps apart. If you feel like getting more active, try a pirouette or, at the very least, a few brave laps of the ice at the Eiszauber on Mozartplatz.
Follow @visitsalzburg on Instagram
Find even more inspiration for your next visit to Salzburg on Instagram. Discover seasonal impressions, current tips, special events and some of the city’s most beautiful places throughout the year.
