Things to do in Salzburg

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Salzburg is renowned internationally as the city of music and as such throughout the year the air is filled with the melodies and sounds from every genres of music and besides the music there are a number of other festivals and events that celebrate the historic and cultural heritage of this fabulous destination. From Mozart week in January to the Christmas Market in December the cities calendar is packed with over four thousand events every year so there will undoubtedly be something taking place during your visit.

You should check at the local tourist information centres before you travel or as soon as you arrive to see what is taking place during your short break. Even if the events are not to your usual taste they may well be worth attending simply to enjoy the experience and to get a deeper understanding of what makes this fabulous city what it is today.

Top Salzburg events

January
Mozart Week - Celebrating the work of Mozart through performances by international orchestras and individual artists, this festival denotes the inspiration of the artist that was born and raised in the city.

March
White Trail - Every year in Lammertal, just outside of Salzburg, competitors come from all over to attempt the 6km White Trail Race. The event is open to anyone who is willing to give snowshoeing a try and also attracts a number of spectators to the race itself and the party afterwards.

April
Salzburg Easter Festival - Opera and orchestral performers from all over Europe come to perform at this 10 day event in the Grosses Festspielhaus. Times and available ticket entry will vary depending on the performers so you should check in advance if there is something you particularly want to see.

May
Whitsun Baroque Festival - Held at the Haus fur Mozart, this music event celebrates the Baroque heritage of the city through opera and classical music attributable to the era.

Werfen Ice Caves - Open from May through to October every year, you can visit these stunning caves that are the largest ice caves in the world travelling some 42km into the mountain. It is only the first kilometre that you can explore.

June
Classical Music - If you enjoy classical music then this is the event for you. Attend the dinners, dances and performances that celebrate this stunning music. This also includes renditions from the ‘Sound of Music’.

July
Salzburg Festival - One of the main items on the events calendar this famous music festival attracts visitors from all over during the months of July and August.

August
Hay Art Festival - Celebrating the end of the harvest, local Annaberg hosts a hay parade with displays pulled by horses and tractors.

September
Rupertikirday - This fete takes place in Cathedral Square to honour the city’s patron Saint Rupert. Carousels, street entertainers and performers bring the streets to life and stalls offer arts and crafts, along with delicious local delicacies.

October
Salzburg Jazz Autumn Festival - Since 1996 this event features all the very best of this enjoyable genre of music. International and local artists perform and concerts, films and exhibitions all focused on Jazz take place around the city.

December
Salzburg Christmas Market - The Christkindlmarkt is filled with a number of stalls and entertainment all lifting the spirits during the festive season. Stock up on gifts and decorations or indulge in the seasonal goodies on offer.