Self Guided Walks in Salzburg

Self guided walks in Salzburg

Two walks give a good feel for Salzburg without a guide: a loop through the old town and a ridge walk along the Mönchsberg. Neither needs a ticket, apart from the optional lift. Prices below are 2026 figures.

Walk 1: the old town loop

Length: about 3 km. Time: 2 to 2.5 hours at an easy pace.

  • Mirabell Gardens. Begin here for the classic view of the fortress above the hedges and statues.
  • Makartsteg. Cross the river on this footbridge, hung with love locks.
  • Getreidegasse. Follow the shopping street to Mozart’s Birthplace at number 9 (EUR 18 to enter, free with a Salzburg Card).
  • Universitätsplatz. Pass through a courtyard passage to the market square, where the Grünmarkt sells produce.
  • Alter Markt. Look for the old court pharmacy and Café Tomaselli.
  • Residenzplatz. Notice the large Baroque fountain. A memorial in the stones recalls the book burning of 30 April 1938. Stand for a moment and read it.
  • Domplatz. The cathedral is free to enter, with a donation requested.
  • Kapitelplatz. See the golden sphere sculpture and the large chess boards before ending at St. Peter’s cemetery.

Throughout the old town you will notice small brass Stolpersteine set into the pavement. Each marks a person persecuted under the Nazi regime. They are memorials and not attractions, so avoid photographing them for amusement.

Walk 2: the Mönchsberg ridge

Length: about 4 km one way. Time: 1.5 to 2 hours.

Start below the fortress and climb onto the wooded ridge. The path runs past surviving defensive towers and through pines, with the old town visible between the trees. At the far end is the terrace of the Museum der Moderne, which looks over the river and the Kapuzinerberg. Return by the Mönchsberg lift into Gstättengasse (EUR 3.40 single, EUR 4.80 return), or take the stepped paths down to the Augustiner Bräustübl in Mülln for a meal. Sturdy shoes help, especially in leaf fall and frost.

Practical points

  • When: go early. Getreidegasse and Domplatz are calm before 10:00.
  • Surfaces: cobbles are rough for wheels, so prams are easier on the riverside.
  • Weather: covered passages and churches give shelter from rain.
  • Transport: a Salzburg Card covers city buses and trolleybuses, but not regional trains.
  • Water: the Salzach has footpaths along it but is a regulated river, not for swimming or small boats.

If you want a guide

Organised walking tours cover the same ground with commentary and add detail on the prince-archbishops and Mozart’s family. Compare group sizes and languages before booking.

Read more: Salzburg sightseeing and solo activities .

Sources: Salzburg Card prices and lift fares . Guided options: Salzburg walking tours on GetYourGuide .