Winter in Salzburg is a beautiful time to visit the city, set against the backdrop of the snowy Austrian Alps. You can enjoy year-round staples like Mozart’s house and the stunning Mirabell Palace, while spending the evenings sipping mulled wine at the city’s annual Christmas market.
Read on for everything you need to know to plan your 2024 winter trip to Salzburg, including details about the Christmas market, hotel and restaurant recommendations, and more.
Winter in Salzburg: 2024 Salzburg Christmas Market
The Salzburg Christkindlmarkt is one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world. Its origins date back to the late 15th century. Located in Salzburg’s historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, this Christkindlmarkt feels like you’re stepping back in time. I loved drinking Glühwein, German mulled wine, while visiting the Christmas market. Booths include sellers who have ornaments, traditional Austrian folk art, sweets and desserts, food, Christmas decor, gifts, and more.
What are the dates of the Salzburg Christmas Market 2024?
One of the great things about the Salzburg Christmas Market is that it opens earlier than many European Christmas markets, giving you a longer window to visit. This year, the dates run from Thursday, November 21, 2024, through January 1, 2025. Check out the Visit Salzburg website for more info and to confirm dates and hours.
Winter in Salzburg: More Things to Do
Stroll the Getreidegasse
This pedestrian-only street is in the heart of Salzburg’s historic Old Town. Here, shops, restaurants, hotels and famous landmarks line a narrow, winding road. Can’t-miss stops include Mozart’s birthplace (No. 9 Getreidegasse) and Restaurant Meissl & Schadn for authentic Austrian fare (No. 50 Getreidegasse.)
Visit a Medieval Castle and Fortress
Hohensalzburg Fortress is the largest fully preserved castle in Central Europe. It’s a steep hike from the historic city center, or you can take a funicular. In addition to the castle and museum, the location offers beautiful, 360-degree views of Salzburg the surrounding Austrian Alps.
Take a Day Trip to Hallstatt
My favorite day trip from Salzburg is the beautiful village of Hallstatt. Hallstatt is only about an hour away from Salzburg; you can find my full guide on taking this day trip here.
Winter in Salzburg: Where to Eat
One of my favorite places for traditional Austrian food is Meissl & Schadn, a beautiful restaurant in Salzburg’s Old Town. This restaurant originally opened in Vienna in 1896, and relocated to Salzburg in 2021. They’re located right on Salzburg’s famous Getreidegasse at No. 50 Getreidegasse.
One dish not to miss is a Salzburger Nockerl, a sweet soufflé served with raspberry sauce. The dessert is traditionally made with three meringue-like peaks, patterned after three local mountains. Not that hungry? Meissl & Schadn also serves a single peak, like the one above. (It’s still enough for 3-4 people!)
Where to Stay in Salzburg
If you’re visiting Salzburg for the Christmas market, you’ll want to stay close to the historic city center so the market is within walking distance. Here are a few hotel ideas:
Hotel Goldener Hirsch, often called the oldest luxury hotel in the world (est. 1407.) I loved the traditional Austrian decor and warm but luxurious atmosphere. You can find my full review here or check current rates here.
Another elegant option is the gorgeous Hotel Sacher Salzburg: a historic, privately owned hotel dating back to 1886.
Both hotels are a quick 5-8 minute walk to the Christmas market.
What to Pack for Winter in Salzburg
Comfortable shoes! You’ll most likely be doing a lot of walking, often on uneven cobblestones. I also brought a winter coat, hat, scarf and gloves for the Christmas market. Another consideration: If you plan to visit in November, it can be rainy; consider packing a raincoat and umbrella.
In Conclusion
You can find more information on winter in Salzburg on Salzburg’s tourism website here.
Love to travel? You might enjoy my guides to Italy, France and Belgium, or visit my Instagram for more travel inspiration.
