5 good reasons to visit Salzburg in summer

Famed for its picturesque rolling hills and musical heritage, the city of Salzburg is just as beautiful in the summer as it is when buried under a blanket of white snow. Steeped in a colourful history and rooted in music and art, this Austrian hub of culture is ready and waiting to sweep you off your feet. Divided by the Salzach River, the Altstadt is lined with breath-takingly beautiful medieval buildings and cute cafes hidden down cobbled side streets. With so much on offer, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Here are five good reasons to visit Salzburg in summer.

In the heart of the city, the old town captures the historical charm of the area with its statues, shop fronts and cobbled alleyways. Start on Getreidegasse, the main shopping street in the centre of town and the famous site of Mozart’s birthplace. Spend the afternoon exploring trinket shops and breathe in the atmosphere of the vibrant, charming Salzburg. Veer off down rustic, tiny lanes that open out onto hidden squares and get stuck into giant pretzels as you marvel at the centuries-old architecture. Pay a visit to No. 9 “Hagenauer Haus” and wander through the halls of memorabilia in the birthplace of classical music’s Mozart. 

Whether it’s modern or classical, painting or sculpture, Salzburg has a little corner of art to satisfy every taste. Featuring contemporary pieces set in a minimalistic building, Museum der Moderne Monchsberg hosts regular exhibitions and champions all things modern art. Go and take part in a workshop or watch a presentation on local as well as international artists of the contemporary genre. If the modern stuff’s not your thing, head back to the historic district and go hunting for galleries down hidden streets – there’s over fifty of them! Once you’ve finished there, take your pick from a selection of other museums scattered across the city from the Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac to the Kunstlerhaus. Make sure to clear space in your schedule to wander through the DomQuartier. The space stores treasures and collections belonging to the Archdiocese and Province and is a must see when visiting Salzburg in summer. 

One thing’s for sure, this city has music running through its veins. The birthplace of Mozart and the setting for The Sound of Music, Salzburg knows how to strike the right chord. Aside from the obvious claims to fame, the Austrian city’s music scene is a constant hive of activity, especially during the hotter months. Usually held in June, the Whitsun Festival is well worth booking in advance.  Another great one to stick around for is the annual Salzburg Festival. Taking place every summer since its founding in 1920, the festival is one of the biggest classical music festivals in the world and is synonymous with spending the summer holidays in this city. 

Aside from snowy mountain peaks, Salzburg has a lot to offer when it comes to the great outdoors. From secret gardens to luscious leafy river banks, the city is overflowing with green spaces where you can stretch your legs in the heat of the summer sun. If you’re a fan of The Sound of Music, visit Mirabell Palace and Gardens, the setting for the Von Trapp family home. Spend the afternoon marvelling at the Baroque-style architecture and wandering through the perfectly manicured lawns lined with impressive statues of Roman gods. Next, rent some bikes and watch the sun go down over the river as you peddle along its banks.  Looking for something a bit more challenging? Venture back to the Old Town, dust off your hiking boots and head for the hills where a plethora of walking trails can be accessed just minutes from the centre of the city. 

Despite what you might think, food in Salzburg isn’t just schnitzels and apple strudels. This city is a foodie’s paradise with new openings sweeping through the streets at a rate of knots. Go exploring and discover the industrial chic interiors of off-beat restaurants serving both local and international dishes with traditional twists. Grab something to go at the farmers’ market where they sell everything from cured meat, to giant pretzels and cheeses or take a seat in one of the many cafes that line the city’s squares. Whether you’re after a hearty traditional Bavarian staple or something with a little different, you’ll find plenty to write home about when you visit Salzburg.

Planning a visit to Salzburg soon? Make sure to tag us in your photos of things to do in Salzburg during the summertime, using the hashtag #ryanairstories – you might be featured on our social media channels.

Flights to Salzburg

- Lucy Norris