This city home to several pretty Christmas markets is an underrated gem in Europe – but many choose its more famous neighbour instead.
Salzburg Christmas markets are scattered around the city with several located among its streets.
Two special highlights are Advent auf der Festung Hohensalzburg, the picturesque hilltop market at the Hohensalzburg Fortress, and the Salzburg Christkindlmarkt on Cathedral Square, which is more traditional and features a sing-a-long choir once per week, reports Travel and Leisure.
As you wander around the market, you can try hot chestnuts and mulled wine or you can browse stalls filled with festive trinkets to buy.
If you’re hoping to squeeze in a quick trip before the markets come to an end, Hohensalzburg is open until 22 December and Christkindlmarkt is open until 1 January 2025.
Another popular market is Salzburger Altstadt, with one visitor writing on Tripadvisor: “We arrived early on the first day of the Christmas market. Salzburg is perfect! So many beautiful buildings and sights.
“That day we had perfect weather with blue skies and sunshine giving a splendid backdrop to the Christmas trees.”
Salzburg is a great place to visit in winter and there are plenty of things for you to do other than visiting its markets.
The city is known for Mozart and the Sound of Music, it is home to incredible scenery and is just over 3 hours away from Vienna.
The fame of the Austrian capital often overshadows Salzburg, but this city and its markets are worth a visit just as much as Vienna.
A must-see in the area is Fortress Hohensalzburg, which is an 11th-century castle overlooking the city from a hill on its outskirts.
One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: “It was very good, we bought all inclusive tickets and it was very worth it. The exhibitions were very nice – definitely a must go when you’re in Salzburg.”
If you enjoy aviation or art, you should visit Hangar-7. This unique building houses the historical Flying Bulls aircraft fleet, a collection of Formula 1 race cars, and art exhibitions.
It has a restaurant called Ikarus, two bars, an outdoor lounge and a café.
One of the Hangar-7 guests wrote on Tripadvisor: “If you’re up for a one-of-a-kind experience in Salzburg, Hangar-7 is it. This place is like nothing else – a mashup of aviation wonders and amazing dining that’s pure magic.
“Walking into Hangar-7 is an experience. It’s like stepping into the future where planes, helicopters, and race cars share the spotlight. Impressive!
