Cheap flights to Salzburg
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Quick summary
Country
Austria
Continent
Europe
Airport
SZG
Currency
Euro
Time zone
UTC+1 (UTC+2 during summer time)
Deals already spotted to Salzburg
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Airport and getting into town
An airport close to the centre, a short hop from the German border
Salzburg W. A. Mozart (SZG)
Salzburg airport lies on the west side of the city, about 3 to 4 km from the centre depending on the source. A trolleybus (O-Bus) links the airport with the main station and the centre in roughly twenty minutes; taxis are quicker, depending on traffic. There is no train station at the airport. Many travellers also fly to Munich (MUC) and continue by train: allow about 1 h 30 to 2 h between Munich and Salzburg's main station. Vienna is about 2 h 30 away by train.
Distances and times are approximate, based on Wikipedia (DE) and Wikivoyage (EN); the sources give between 2 and 4 km, so we show a range. Timetables and fares change: check them before you travel.
Salzburg is the capital of the state of the same name, on the Bavarian border and at the foot of the Alps. It has about 158,000 inhabitants, making it Austria's fourth-largest city. It stretches along both banks of the Salzach, between the Mönchsberg and Kapuzinerberg hills; the name refers to salt, whose trade on barges along the river long made the town rich.
It is also the birthplace of Mozart (1756) and of Herbert von Karajan. Many visitors know it from the film The Sound of Music (1965), several scenes of which were shot on site: some organised tours focus on it, but the city is perfectly enjoyable without that thread.
Old town and landmarks
Baroque streets, a fortress and gardens between river and hills
Salzburg's historic centre has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. It is one of the best-preserved city centres north of the Alps: narrow lanes, baroque squares and churches with green domes. You can cover almost all of it on foot. The places below are illustrated; others, such as Getreidegasse, Mozart's birthplace or the Untersberg, are covered in text only.
Hohensalzburg Fortress
Founded in 1077 and extended over the centuries, the fortress dominates the whole city. It is one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe still standing. You can walk up a steep path or take the funicular, then explore the rooms, ramparts and a full panorama over the rooftops and the Alps. At sunset the light on the rock is especially beautiful.
Mirabell Palace
North of the Salzach, Mirabell Palace and its formal gardens are among the most photographed spots in town. Stone statues, fountains and flower beds make a carefully tended setting, usually open to the public during the day; check opening times before you go. Rooms in the palace are also used for concerts and ceremonies.
The Mirabell gardens
Along the axis of the flower beds, the view takes in the cathedral dome and the fortress, which explains why photographers love the spot. The beds are in flower from spring to early autumn; in winter the gardens are bare but still pleasant for a short walk.
The Salzach and its banks
The river separates the old town, on the left bank, from the newer part of the city. Its tree-lined embankments are a place for walking and picnics, with fine views of the church towers. Footbridges connect the two banks within minutes.
Evening panorama
From the heights you can take in the cathedral, the old town rooftops and the river. The Mönchsberg, reached by a lift and by footpaths, is a good viewpoint; photos of the fortress and the city at dusk are mostly taken from the hills.
In the centre, text only
The cathedral (Dom) and the Residenz face each other on Residenzplatz, and house a painting gallery among other things. Getreidegasse, a narrow shopping street, is known for its wrought-iron guild signs. South of the city, Hellbrunn Palace and its trick fountains, a few kilometres from the centre, make a good outing. The Untersberg, less than 16 km from the centre according to Wikipedia (EN), rises to 1,972 m. For fans of the Salzkammergut, Hallstatt is a day trip: the village is very busy in high season, so go early or off-season.
Museums and culture
Mozart's city, between concert halls and museums
Mozart
The birth house (Geburtshaus) at Getreidegasse 9 traces the composer's youth: the family lived there from 1747 to 1773 according to Wikivoyage. The family's second home, the Mozart-Wohnhaus, also displays documents and instruments. The Mozarteum, a music school and concert venue, keeps this legacy alive. We do not give prices; check opening hours before you go.
Salzburg Festival
The Salzburg Festival, founded in 1920, takes place in summer, roughly from late July to late August, and alternates operas, concerts and plays. An Easter Festival, created by Herbert von Karajan in 1967, also exists. These periods are in high demand: accommodation and tickets should be booked well in advance.
Other museums
The Salzburg Museum, on Mozartplatz, tells the story of the city. The Residenzgalerie, in the former residence of the prince-archbishops, shows European paintings from the 16th to the 19th centuries. The fortress also hosts exhibitions. A visitor card (the Salzburg Card) bundles, depending on the offer, entry to several sites and public transport: compare before buying, based on your plans.
Food and drink
Nockerl, Mozart chocolates and monastery beers
Specialities
The signature dessert is Salzburger Nockerl, a large sweet soufflé served hot and often shared: it is made to order and takes about half an hour. Mozartkugeln, chocolates filled with pistachio and marzipan, are the other symbol; check how they are made if you want a craft product. For mains, classic Austrian cooking (schnitzel, dumplings, soups) dominates.
Cafés, markets and beer
Cafés in the old town serve cakes and hot chocolate all day. In winter the Christmas market (Christkindlmarkt) sets up on the squares around the cathedral. The city also has breweries in a monastic tradition, where beer is served by the mug in large halls or shaded gardens; dishes are eaten on site, often in generous portions.
Where to eat
The lanes of the old town, around Getreidegasse and Residenzplatz, have many restaurants, more touristy; streets on the right bank, such as Linzergasse, are a little calmer. Book in the evening in summer and during the festival.
Getting around
On foot, by bike, by trolleybus or by funicular
In town
The old town is largely pedestrian and best seen on foot. A network of city buses, including trolleybuses, serves the rest of the city; tickets are sold at machines or from the driver, and day passes exist. The city visitor card usually includes public transport and the fortress funicular: check what it covers before buying.
By bike
Salzburg has more than 100 km of cycle paths according to Wikivoyage, notably along both banks of the Salzach towards Hallein, Oberndorf or Freilassing. A bike is often quicker than the bus for crossing the city; rental shops are near the centre.
To and from the region
The main station (Hauptbahnhof) has trains to Vienna, Munich, Linz and Zurich, among others. For the lakes and villages of the Salzkammergut, regional buses leave near the station. By car, traffic in the centre is awkward: it is better to leave the vehicle on the outskirts.
Budget and precautions
A medium to high budget, especially during the festival and at Christmas
Price level
Salzburg is a medium to high budget destination compared with the rest of Europe, especially in summer during the festival, at Christmas and on bank-holiday weekends. Accommodation in the old town is the most expensive; places on the right bank or on the outskirts, well served by transport, cost less. We give no figures because we could not confirm them from two independent sources.
Flights
The flight remains the most variable cost. SniperAir monitors prices to SZG and compares them with the route's history, but it does not sell or book tickets. Munich or Vienna are other entry points worth watching in parallel.
Entry rules and precautions
Austria is part of the Schengen area: entry requirements depend on your nationality, so check them on official sites. Also consult the official recommendations of your country of departure. If you head into the mountains (Untersberg, hiking, skiing), check the weather, which changes quickly at altitude, and equip yourself accordingly.
When to go
Mild, rainy summers and cold, festive winters
Winter (December to February)
Cold, with possible snow in town and Christmas markets in December. Days are short, but the snow-covered fortress is very beautiful.
Spring (March to May)
Temperatures rise and the gardens come back to life; showers are frequent, so pack rain gear.
Summer (June to August)
Mild to warm, with thunderstorms and rain: the region is known for its precipitation. This is the festival season and peak crowds.
Autumn (September to November)
Colours on the hills, thinner crowds from October and cool temperatures; a good time for the city and for excursions.
Salzburg's climate ranges from oceanic to continental, with notable rainfall all year, especially in summer, and cold winters. We give no precise temperatures because we could not cross-check them; consult forecasts before you travel. For a stay with fewer crowds and gentler prices, spring and early autumn are good compromises.
By length of stay
What to do in Salzburg depending on how long you stay
The essentials
The old town, the fortress, the Mirabell gardens and a Mozart-related visit, with an evening concert if the calendar allows.
A step further
Hellbrunn, the Salzach banks by bike, one more museum and half a day in the mountains.
Around Salzburg
A trip into the Salzkammergut (lakes, Hallstatt) and possibly a side trip to Munich or Vienna by train.
In pictures
Salzburg in pictures
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions about flights to Salzburg
How do I get from Salzburg airport to the centre?
The airport (SZG) is about 3 to 4 km west of the centre. A trolleybus links it with the centre and the main station in roughly twenty minutes; a taxi is a little faster, depending on traffic.
When is the best time to visit Salzburg?
From spring to early autumn for gardens and walks; summer for the festival (very busy), December for the Christmas markets. Rain is frequent all year.
Is Salzburg expensive?
The budget is medium to high by European standards, especially during the festival and at Christmas. Well-connected accommodation on the outskirts costs less than in the old town.
How long should I stay in Salzburg?
Two days are enough for the old town, the fortress and Mirabell; three or four days let you add Hellbrunn, a museum, walks and an excursion.
How do I get around Salzburg?
On foot in the old town, by trolleybus and bus for the rest, by bike along the Salzach. A funicular climbs to the fortress. The main station connects Vienna and Munich.
What should I eat in Salzburg?
Salzburger Nockerl, a sweet soufflé served hot, Mozartkugeln (chocolate, pistachio, marzipan), classic Austrian cooking and beer from monastery-style breweries.
How much does a flight to Salzburg usually cost?
The price depends mainly on your departure city, the time of year and how far ahead you book. The "opportunities" section above shows real examples of prices SniperAir has already detected to this destination.
How do I get alerted when a flight to Salzburg drops below my budget?
Create an alert profile with your departure airport, Salzburg as the destination and your maximum budget. You are notified automatically as soon as a matching price is detected.
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