Salzburg Landmarks and Viewpoints

Landmarks and viewpoints in Salzburg

Salzburg’s old town earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 1996. Its churches, palaces and squares come from the era of the prince-archbishops, and the main sights can be reached on foot within about 15 minutes of each other. Entry figures here are for 2026.

The cathedral and its neighbours

The Dom, on Domplatz, was designed by Santino Solari in the 17th century. It has a 71 metre dome and twin towers, and Mozart was baptised in the Romanesque font. Entry is free, with a donation requested, from 8:00 to 18:00 Monday to Saturday and from 13:00 on Sunday. Next door, the DomQuartier links the Residenz state rooms, the cathedral museum and the museum of St. Peter’s Abbey in one loop. Because the painting wing is closed until about autumn 2027, adult entry is about EUR 12, instead of the full EUR 15. It is open daily except Tuesday from 10:00 to 17:00.

Abbeys

St. Peter’s, founded in 696, is the oldest monastery in the German-speaking world still in use. Its quiet cemetery has wrought-iron grave crosses and the tombs of Michael Haydn and Mozart’s sister Nannerl, and the catacombs in the cliff cost about EUR 2. Above the old town stands Nonnberg Abbey, a Benedictine convent from around 712. The Gothic church and St. John’s Chapel are open; the cloister is private.

Streets and squares

Getreidegasse is the main historic street, with narrow townhouses, passages between courtyards and hanging guild signs. Alter Markt has the Florianibrunnen. Kapitelplatz has a 9 metre golden sphere sculpture and oversized chess boards. Mirabell Palace and gardens are free to enter and include the Marble Hall.

Viewpoints

  • Hohensalzburg Fortress gives the broadest panorama of the city.
  • The Museum der Moderne terrace on the Mönchsberg looks across the river and the Kapuzinerberg.
  • Both can be reached by lift or funicular: see the fortress ticket page for current prices.

Remembrance in the city

A memorial in the cobbles of Residenzplatz recalls the burning of some 1,200 books on 30 April 1938, including works by Salzburg writer Stefan Zweig. Brass Stolpersteine in the pavements mark homes of persecuted residents. Approach them with quiet respect.

Just over the border

For visitors interested in 20th century history, the Dokumentation Obersalzberg in Berchtesgaden presents the Nazi leadership’s mountain base and the bunker system under it. It opens daily from 9:00 to 17:00, costs EUR 4.50 and shuts from 16 to 24 November 2026. The Kehlsteinhaus above it burned on 23 and 24 October 2026 and is closed.

Cards and costs

A Salzburg Card of 24 hours costs EUR 38 in high season and EUR 35 in low season, and gives one entry to the fortress, Mozart’s Birthplace, DomQuartier and Hellbrunn.

Read more: Salzburg walking tours and attraction tours .

Sources: DomQuartier prices and Obersalzberg information . For a guide, try Salzburg city tours on Viator .