Salzburg Activities and Practical Tips
Salzburg at a glance
Salzburg is the capital of the Austrian state of the same name, not of the country. It has about 158,000 residents and a historic centre that fits between the Mönchsberg cliff and the Salzach river. Austria uses the euro, and the figures here come from 2026 price lists.
Quick reference
- Fortress: the funicular to Hohensalzburg takes 54 seconds. A Basic ticket with the funicular is about EUR 15.50 for adults and EUR 6.30 for children. Walking up saves roughly EUR 3.50 for adults. The All Inclusive version costs about EUR 19.20 and adds the Prince’s Chambers.
- Mozart: the Birthplace at Getreidegasse 9 costs EUR 18 and a combined ticket with the Residence on the other river bank is EUR 25.
- Lift: the Mönchsberg lift is EUR 3.40 single and EUR 4.80 return.
- Beer hall: the Augustiner Bräustübl in Mülln has served beer since 1621.
- Gardens: the Mirabell grounds and Marble Hall are free to enter.
What each thing is like
The fortress
Archbishop Gebhard began the fortress in 1077, and later rulers expanded it. The upper courtyards, the museums and the viewing tower give a wide outlook over the roofs. Late in the day a cheaper Panorama ticket (about EUR 12.80) gives access to the tower in timed slots. The funicular has a maintenance closure in early November; the footpath stays open.
Mozart’s two homes
The Birthplace shows his childhood violin and clavichord. The Residence at Makartplatz 8 sits on the right bank of the river and tells the story of the family’s concert tours. Both open daily until about 17:30.
A drink with the locals
At the Bräustübl you pick a stone mug, rinse it at the fountain and fill it at the barrel. The hall seats around 1,400. Take your own cold food if you like, since only drinks must be bought there.
River cruise
The Amadeus Salzburg runs a 40 minute cruise from the Makartsteg pier toward Hellbrunn. Fares change by season, so check when you book.
The Salzburg Card
| Season | 24 hours | 48 hours | 72 hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| High (April to October) | EUR 38 | EUR 45 | EUR 49 |
| Low (November to March) | EUR 35 | EUR 41 | EUR 44 |
Children aged 6 to 15 pay half. The card gives one entry to the fortress, Hellbrunn, Mozart’s Birthplace, DomQuartier, Haus der Natur, the zoo and the lift, plus city transport.
Water
The Salzach through town is a managed river with no rapids. Rafting and swimming are not options there; rafting companies work in gorges 40 to 60 km south.
Read more: Salzburg sightseeing and day trips .
Sources: fortress prices from the operator and Salzburg Card prices . Tours: Salzburg activities on GetYourGuide .