12 interesting facts about Salzburg in Austria

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: September 2026 | Do you know these 12 interesting facts about Salzburg? We have visited the beautiful Austrian city several times and have been very impressed. Salzburg offers everything from exciting history and culture to Mozart, impressive buildings and dramatically beautiful nature. Here we have collected 12 interesting facts about Salzburg that you may not have known.

Interesting facts about Salzburg

Salzburg is full of beautiful houses and impressive historical buildings. High mountains surround the city and a shimmering green river runs through the city. Here we have collected some interesting facts about Salzburg. Maybe something you didn't know?

1. Salzburg means approximately ”"salt castle"”

Salzburg's name means roughly "salt castle" and refers to the important salt trade that contributed to the city's wealth for a long time. Salt was transported, among other things, on the Salzach River.

2. A city with a long history

The Romans arrived in Salzburg in 15 BC, by which time the area was already inhabited by the Celts. Traces of humans in the area date back to the Neolithic period, i.e. the Neolithic Age.

3. A 6th century monastery that is still in operation

In Salzburg there is Saint Peter's Monastery, which was founded in the 7th century and is considered the oldest monastery still in existence in the German-speaking world. There is also a unique and very beautiful cemetery, where Mozart's sister is buried, and catacombs that are well worth a visit.

4. Central Europe's largest fully preserved castle

The impressive castle Hohensalzburg, or Festung Hohensalzburg as it is called, is the largest fully preserved castle in Central Europe. It was built in 1077 by Archbishop Gebhard and is one of Salzburg's most popular attractions. You can get to the castle by cable car or by walking, and the top offers a fantastic view of the entire city.

5. Once a self-governing state

For many centuries, Salzburg was the center of an independent prince-bishopric within the Holy Roman Empire. After the Napoleonic Wars, the area changed hands several times, before Salzburg finally became part of Austria in 1816.

6. UNESCO World Heritage List

The old town of Salzburg, Altstadt, was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996. In addition to the fantastic architecture, it is the city's importance for music and culture that contributed to the prestigious listing.

7. Mozart's birthplace

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in Salzburg on January 27, 1756. He showed exceptional musical talent from an early age and began composing at the age of five. In Salzburg you can visit the house where he was born and grew up, at Getreidegasse 9.

8. Recording location for the Sound of Music.

The Trapp family, who are the protagonists of the musical Sound of Musiccame from Salzburg itself. What's more, the film was shot here, and if you're a Sound of Music fan, there are many filming locations to visit, either on your own or on a guided tour.

9. Europe's oldest restaurant

The restaurant Stiftskeller St Peter is considered to be the oldest still operating restaurant in Europe. The tavern is mentioned in documents from the year 803 and Mozart was a regular customer here. Another person who has eaten here is Peter from FREEDOMtravel of course!

10. traditional wrought iron signs on Getreidegasse

Getreidegasse is a nice shopping street with beautiful houses and lots of shops, selling everything from fashion to Mozart balls. The main thing to notice here is that all the shop signs are very beautiful and traditionally designed in wrought iron, even the sign above McDonalds.

11. Garden with dwarfs

Vid Mirabell Gardens In Salzburg there is a garden with dwarfs carved from marble. The dwarf garden was created in the early 18th century and originally consisted of 28 dwarfs in white Untersberg marble. Today, 17 of the original dwarfs have been preserved.

Mirabell Gardens is also worth visiting for the beautiful gardens and for the castle with the special staircase "the Angel Staircase".

12. The world's largest ice cave

Just under an hour south of Salzburg, at Werfen, lies Eisriesenwelt, the world's largest ice cave. The cave system is about 40 kilometers long, but visitors only get to see a small part of it. The guided tour through the cave takes about 70 minutes and involves many stairs, including about 700 steps up. The temperature is around zero degrees even in summer.

More tips and facts about Salzburg

Salzburg offers so much to see and do! Some of our favourite experiences from last summer include a walk in the Mönch mountain area, a visit to the Augustiner Bräu brewery, a Mozart "Candle Light Dinner" and a cable car ride to the top of Untersberg. Read our post from last summer:

READ MORE: Things to do in Salzburg – our best tips

If you want even more travel tips, and to be able to ask questions to other people travelling in Austria, we can also suggest joining the Facebook group "Holidays in Austria".

Where to stay in Salzburg?

We would like to end by recommending the super nice Camping Panorama in Salzburg, where we stayed for three nights this summer. Here we had a fantastic location with the camper, at a high altitude with a view of Salzburg and the mountains. Getting into town by bus was super easy, and the bus was just a short walk away.

If you are not traveling with a camper or caravan, you will find various hotels and other forms of accommodation at Salzburg.info.