How to Spend a Long Weekend in Salzburg

I had my first taste of Austria during a day visit to Zugspitze whilst travelling in Munich, and it was this travel faux pas that made me want to visit Salzburg on purpose. Needless to say, a long weekend in Salzburg was wonderful, and here’s how I spent my time.

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Friday, Day One, Chocolate Cake.

An early morning flight meant I arrived into Salzburg at 9.30am and raring to go. I purchased the Salzburg Card in the airport (don’t leave without getting one!) and set out to find the bus stop.

I boarded the #10 OBUS (that’s actually more like a tram) heading towards Sam and got off at Salzburg Turnerstraße – right outside my hotel. I did the business, checked in, dropped off the luggage and off I went back to the centre.

My first stop was cake and a coffee, and there was no where else I was going to go than the world famous Sacher Cafe, via the Makartsteg Bridge.

The Sacher Torte is allegedly the world’s most famous chocolate cake, created in 1832 for the Prince. While it was created in Vienna, you can still get your hands on a slice of the Original Sacher-Torte in Salzburg’s Café Sacher. I paired mine with a Kate Verkehrt (1/3 black coffee, 2/3 hot milk – basically a latte)

Following the sugar rush, I was on the right side to take a visit to the Mirabell Palace and Gardens, and shortly after Mozart’s Residence (Mozart-Wohnhaus).

I headed back across the Salzach to stroll along Getreidegasse, stopping for a visit at Mozart’s Birthplace. I stopped for a quick bite at the Balkan Grill Walter for a “Bosna” before making my way to the City Cruise (free with the Salzburg card). Following the 45 minute cruise, I had a traditional Austrian dinner at Sternbräu. And that concluded day one!

Balkan Grill in Salzburg Austria

Balkan Grill

Saturday, Day Two, Sightseeing

After an undisturbed night sleep, I was up and at them ready for my vantage point breakfast. The day started with breakfast at M32 , a restaurant on the Mönchsberg mountain that was accessed by the Monchberg lift. Next door to the restaurant is the Museum der Moderne, this was a little odd and honestly, I could’ve skipped it. Next I headed to the Salzburg Museum, but unfortunately I didn’t do our prior research and ask for tickets to the Panorama Museum too!

By now, the breakfast had been walked off so it was time for a little pit stop at Café Konditorei Fürst for a taste of the Salzburg Mozartkugel – and of course coffee. This gave me the sustenance to see the Dom Quartier, Salzburg Cathedral and the Famous Graves and Catacombes of Petersfriedhof.

I lunched at the infamous Cafe Tomaselli, settling for a refreshing cold drink, sandwich and of course a cake. I landed a spot on the terrace, which was great for people watching and listening to the marching bands passing by.

After lunch, it was time for the Hohensalzburg Fortress accessed by the Cable Railway. There is the option to walk, but I wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re feeling seriously fit. I’d recommend getting an audio guide, I didn’t and it’s not so easy to find interested in mundane objects when you’re not sure of their significance.

On the way down, I googled a nearby local restaurant and settled for a wiener-schnitzel to finish the day.

Breakfast Views at M32

Breakfast Views at M32

Sunday, Day Three, Hallstatt

This was part of the trip I was so excited for, to finally see that fairytale village that popped up at every corner – Hallstatt.

It was surprisingly simple to get to the village, despite having to take two buses. You can read the article here on how I reached the village from Salzburg.

Unfortunately the cable car to the sky walk and salt mines was out of action during my visit, so I spent my time wandering around the lake and lunching by the water. Here’s four things to do during your visit.

On returning to Salzburg, I bagged a reservation at the  Hohensalzrburg Fortress restaurant expecting to be dining in the panorama restaurant. I was not. I was outside in the patio which, yes the views were nice but the dinner was average and I wouldn’t recommend it.

A little tired from the travelling, I retired to my hotel (and spent the next few hours using the WiFi).

Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt, Austria

Monday, Day Four, Untersberg

The final day was a little limited on time due to catching a flight back later that day, but more than enough time to visit the Untersberg. This had been recommended to me, so I was particularly excited as I love a good vantage point!

Like everything else in Salzburg, reaching the Untersberg Cable Car from the City Centre was an absolute breeze! I caught the #25 from Mirabellplatz to Grödig Untersbergbahn, the bus stops directly outside of the cable car station.

Your Salzburg card covers both your public transport and your cable car ticket, so it’s really worth picking one up. In fact, my card expired an hour after I went up but that didn’t matter, I was still able to come down when I was ready at no extra cost. I did have to pay for the bus going back though.

The views at the top will leave you in awe, and don’t be afraid to get your hike on and explore a little bit. I actually spent a fair few hours at the top just taking in the scenery, and stopping for a coffee.

But all good things must come to an end and soon it was time to catch the bus back to the centre, and then ride the #10 OBUS to Salzburg Airport.

Untersberg in Salzburg

Untersberg

Salzburg is such a small city that, there’s really no reason why you can’t fit most things in. A little better planning on my part meant that I could’ve stopped at the Hellbrunn palace that was accessible along the same #25 bus route, so it’s worth considering this if you’re visiting Untersberg.

There are many more things to see besides the attractions and sights I visited, but these are the attractions I’d recommend not to miss out on.

Don’t forget to pick up your Salzburg Card and save yourself over €100!

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