THINGS TO DO IN SALZBURG WITH KIDS
We travelled to Salzburg with a 7 month old baby George in June, as part of our month long European Road trip. The inspiration behind the Sound of Music, the Austrian City is a medieval masterpiece. Turrets, wide courtyards and splendid views of the Alps, there is nothing to dislike (maybe the prices!)
The home of legendary composer Mozart, you can enjoy strolls around the cultured streets, make your way up the spiralled path to the top of the Hohensalzburg Fortress. Safe, clean and popular. Wear comfy shoes and enjoy this beautiful City with your family.
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BOOKING YOUR TRIP
BEST TIME TO VISIT SALZBURG?
The best time to visit Salzburg is between May and August, you can make the most of the comfortable weather and explore. July tends to be the hottest month so it’s best to avoid flights at that time of year if you hate heat! Statistically August, has the most rainfall. You will find restaurants less crowded and reduced hotel rates, as well as cheaper flights in May, early June, September, and October.
From mid-July through to August the city is jam-packed with visitors coming to the Salzburg Festival. Established in 1920, you will find a collection of traditional and contemporary international artists. The Christmas season is becoming more and more popular with tourists due to the scenic quality of the City. They have been having Christmas markets here since the 1500’s!
BEST TIME TO BOOK FLIGHTS TO SALZBURG?
There are multiple factors that influence the price of a flight so comparing airlines, departure airports and times can help keep costs down. November is the cheapest month to book,with flights ranging from £45 to £50pp. August is the most expensive month, with flights costing on average £550. We recommend using Skyscanner as a starting place and then searching other providers to see if you can beat their price.
Wednesday is the most economical day to take a flight to Salzburg. To get the best value, try booking a flight in the morning . Generally the prices will increase for flights in the evening as these tend to have higher demand. If you’re visiting during a festival, make sure to book as early as you possibly can to avoid paying over the odds.
HOW LONG IS THE FLIGHT?
Average flight from London to Salzburg: 1 hour 55 minutes.
CURRENCY
The official currency of Salzburg is the Euro. You can pay for things using a credit card or visa card but you will be charged additional fees. Exchange rates vary, so be sure to check prior to your trip.The Bank of England has an extensive list that is updated every day. If you intend on using your credit charge or debit card, you may incur charges for payments and cash withdrawals. We often use the Post Office for our exchange or use ATM’s in our destinations.
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SALZBURG AIRPORT (SZG)
The majority of travellers will arrive at Salzburg Airport (SZG), also known as W. A. Mozart Airport, which is located 2.5 miles (4km) from the city centre. The train is the quickest transport from the airport to the city with a journey taking around 15-20 minutes. There is also a bus service, taxis as well as car rental companies.
VISAS
If you hold a British Citizen passport, you don’t need a visa to enter Austria. If you’re planning a stay of longer than 3 months, see our Living in Austria guide and contact the Austrian Embassy if you have further questions. The rules on travel will stay the same until 31 December 2020.
If you are a single parent, or travelling with a child who is not your own, you will need documentary evidence of parental responsibility and a letter of consent for flights.
ACCOMMODATION
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CAR HIRE
We drove our own converted camper van from the UK to Switzerland and found the roads in excellent condition, well sign posted and easy to understand. There are specific rules that you must abide by when driving through Europe, it is up to you to find out what applies to your vehicle as you move across borders. Your drivers license must be valid and up to date, along with your car insurance.
If driving your own car from the UK you must have GB stickers displayed on the vehicle. You could be fined if you are found to be driving without the following items, a reflective jacket or vest; warning triangle and correct tyres. You will also need to adjusting your headlights for continental driving.
Depending on where you’re planning to drive in Europe, you may need to display an emissions sticker or badge on your windscreen. And you may be required to purchase a Vignette and display it on your windscreen also.
In Salzburg you must purchase and display the sticker. For vehicles up to the weight of 3.5 tonne costs are: One-year toll sticker: € 91.10; Two-month toll sticker: € 27.40 and Ten-day toll sticker: € 9.40.
SHOP OUR RECOMMENDED TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
THINGS TO DO
FORTRESS HOHENSALZBURG CASTLE
The historic fortress sits on top of the Festungsberg Hill and has been a major power hive for the rulers of Salzburg since the 1000’s. The castle has undergone many transformations, additions and expansions including a Cable Car leading from the bottom of the hill that allows easy access for tourists. Or you can enjoy the long windy walk up and stop off at the bars, cafes and restaurants on your way up.
Inside, there are many rooms and wings to explore containing various artefacts and traditional decor; a large Aerophon (Organ) sits in the powder room, while the Golden Hall contains many marble pillars and the Chapel is decorated with Stuccos and Ornate busts. Well worth the walk!
£8 | Skip the Queue Tickets
SALZBURG OLD TOWN
Salzburg Old town is often referred to as the Altstadt, is one of the largest UNESCO World Heritage sights by area. The architecture is a wonderful blend medieval and baroque buildings that are surrounded by the old town walls. Wide enough for a pram and mostly flat, there are big open spaces for children to run and crawl (in George’s case!). It is a lovely place to walk through or take a seat and watch the world go by.
With beautifully designed squares and quaint little side-streets leading off to forgotten corners, it is the best way to start your visit. You could easily spend a day getting lost in the streets, admiring the sights, having a coffee or maybe doing some shopping.
£76 | Mozart Concert & River Cruise For 2
MIRABELL PALACE AND GARDENS
Mirabell Palace was built in 1606 by prince-archbishop Wolf Dietrich for his beloved Salome Alt. Today, it serves as the backdrop for the most romantic weddings you could possibly imagine. If you enjoy maintained Gardens and being in the outdoors, the palace is a brilliant place to visit.
As well as the striking Marble Hall which is a venue for Palace Concerts, the Palace also has a wondrous set of gardens that can be explored at your leisure. The garden gives great views to Salzburg Cathedral and has a symmetrical design with emphasis on mythology including the Pegasus Fountain and lots of other fountains, hedges, and themed gardens.
Mirabell Gardens is one of the most important shooting locations from the famous Hollywood musical “The Sound of Music”. In the film, Maria and the children dance around the Pegasus Fountain in front of the palace, singing the song “Do Re Mi”. At the end of the scene, the Trapp family stand on the steps in front of the Rose Hill and sing the song’s final bars. At the same time, viewers are enchanted by unique views across Mirabell Gardens towards the fortress.
£45 | Best Selling Sound of Music Tour
MOZART’S RESIDENCE
Wherever you go in Salzburg, the influence and fame of Mozart is apparent. Born in a small house, the family eventually moved to what is now known as “Mozarts Wohnhaus” in Makartplatz. The building was reconstructed as closely as possible to the original design after its destruction during World War II and is now open as a museum.
This fantastic museum contains biographies of the family members together with displays of their day to day life and how they would have lived. For any Mozart fan this museum is a must. There is a great cafe just before the house with an outdoor seating area, we had a coffee and Mozart cake before heading to his house.
£10| General Admission Ticket
SCHLOSS HELLBRUNN
Located in the southern district of Salzburg, Hellbrunn Castle or Palace is surrounded by a beautiful park and also has the Salzburg Zoo close by. Created in the 1600’s as a residential villa much like Mirabell Palace, Hellbrunn has a lively yellow rendering and its front façade is fully symmetrical.
The main attraction of Hellbrunn Palace however is the gardens and fountains. Here you will find seats with holes in that spurt water on the unsuspecting guest when you sit down! A great open space, accessible with a pram and a great place of toddlers and children to enjoy.
£12 | General Admission Ticket
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REDBULL HANGAR 7
From F1 cars, helicopters, motorbikes, and their starter project, ‘The Flying Bulls.’ And that isn’t even all of it! Throw in a couple of restaurants, a second hangar, a DJ booth in the ceiling and a private runway and you’ve arrived at Redbull Hangar 7!
We visited with 7 month old George and Daddy was in his element. Read our free Travel Guide to Redbull Hangar 7, less than an hours drive from Salzburg and free to enter. Well worth a visit.
Redbull Hangar 7 | FREE TRAVEL GUIDE
SALZBURG CATHEDRAL
Salzburg Cathedral is located in an enclosed square and is referred to as a fine example of a Baroque Cathedral. Located nest to St Peter’s Abbey, it is a lovely area of the historic City to visit. The interior is fairly simplistic, and has many columns, knaves, a beautiful organ and detailed frescos in the dome.
This Cathedral has been demolished and rebuilt several times from its initial creation in 774 and now stands as a striking piece of architecture; the front facade has dual bell towers and outside sits the Marian Column in the middle of the “Domplatz”. Although a relatively simple design, it is still striking while its interior is magnificent.
£20 | Recommended Walking Tour
ST PETER’S ABBEY
The Abbey dedicated to St. Peter, was originally constructed over old Christian remains in 696 by Saint Rupert and has stood in some form ever since. Over the years the architecture has changed to suit the fashions of the eras, and it now has a combination of Romanesque and Renaissance styles.
A very decorated and ornate religious building, the Abbey also has Catacombs that are open to the public, an impressive cemetery and an extremely big gallery which includes many large paintings. Along with an extensive library with over 100,00 volumes, accessible by tour only.
€ 2.00 | General Admission
GETREIDEGASSE
This famous and popular street runs for a stretch in the old town and is a standout destination for shopping. Many passageways and courtyards spring from the main street and create excellent areas to explore. The narrow street has many buildings packed together that stretch far back and have beautiful designs and quaint little windows.
Lined on both sides with shops selling traditional goods, chocolate and cafes, be prepared to part with your money. Austria and Switzerland were the most expensive places we visited.
Travelling with a Baby? Read our helpful travel tips for Flying with A Baby and How To Bottle Feed Abroad.
THE SOUND OF MUSIC MUSEUM
Discover the true story of the famous Trapp Family at the Sound of Music World Museum. See how the film compares to real history as you marvel at incredible documents and artifacts. Enjoy an exhibition that is interesting for movie and history fans. Discover how after the “Anschluss” (annexation) in 1938, the family planned their emigration from Nazi Austria.
This exhibition reports the Trapps’ migration until they gained a foothold in the USA. The cinematic reality in Robert Wise’s movie ‘The Sound of Music’ is contrasted to the reception, the filming reality, and Austria’s history at that time in 10 ways. Right from the beginning, the exhibition has been designed so that not only fans of ‘The Sound of Music’ will be interested.
£7 | Skip the Queue
SPIELZEUGMUSEUM TOY MUSEUM
For children and adults, the Toy Museum is a source of entertainment for half a day. Divided into two sections, the ‘museum’ section contains various historical displays of old toys and games. Whereas, the second section offers a variety of interactive rides and activities. A marble run, a mini race-circuit, and an imitation shop, where children learn how an old shop looked and worked.
Located close to Mozartplatz and Mirabell Palace, this fantastical place will provide hours of fun and wonder for children and adults alike. With seasonal and special themed activities too, you can be guaranteed to always find something different and entertaining in this brilliant museum.
€ 5.00 | General Admission
MOZART’S BIRTHPLACE
As one of the most visited museums in the world, the birthplace of this legendary Classical Composer is a must see sight in Salzburg. The sight is easily accessible as it is in the Old Town, and a full tour of the displays etc should take around an hour. Pram friendly, just be wary of other tourists not noticing!
The museum contains everything Mozart, from details of his childhood life, to musical instruments he owned and composed his famous symphonies with. It’s informative, well set out and you gain a lot of information about Salzburg’s most famous export.
£10 | General Admission
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