Top Rated Attractions in Salzburg

Situated just to the south of Schlosspark Hellbrunn, Hellbrunn Zoo contains a variety of animals from all over the world. The main attraction are the wild vultures which are free to fly around but continually return to the zoo to be fed. Another highlight is the cheetahs' feeding time, whereby the cheetahs have to catch a piece of meat being propelled along the ground at a speed of 56.32 kilometers per hour (35 miles per hour). On certain occasions the zoo is open after dawn to allow visitors to observe the nocturnal animals.

The undefeated Hohensalzburg Fortress is the defining feature of Salzburg's skyline, towering high above the Old Town on its lofty perch atop the Mönchsberg. Originally constructed in 1077 by Archbishop Gebhard, the castle was expanded over the years, taking its current form in the year 1500 under the guidance of Archbishop Leonhard von Keutschach. Built to monumental proportions, the castle is one of Europe's largest Medieval structures, its sprawling embrace a cornucopia of Medieval artistic and architectural riches. The State Rooms and Princely Chambers are the most lavishly adorned, closely followed by the Chapel of Archbishop Leonhard von Keutschach. Today, the castle houses the Museum of the Rainer Regiment, the Fortress Museum and the Marionette Museum, and hosts the annual Salzburg Fortress Concerts amid the mount's ancient trees. Multimedia displays and interactive experiences bring the Medieval Era alive at the Hohensalzburg Fortress, historic Salzburg's crowning glory.

The largest private brewery in Austria, Stiegl, has opened an extremely interesting and informative museum centered around the history and development of beer. At Stiegl-Brauwelt, you can marvel at old machinery that was used for the production of beer in former times. After you have learned more about the production and the ingredients of beer, you can settle down in the "Braustube" for a meal and a beer straight from the tap. A more complete picture of Austrian beer culture can hardly be painted. Included in the admission fee are two beers, a pretzel and a small gift. Please check the website for the timings.

DomQuartier Salzburg is a magnificent museum in Salzburg, which is home to over 2,000 intriguing exhibits, and documents the art and architecture over 1,300 years. Formerly the seat of the archbishop, the museum opened in 2014 to public, after a gap of over 200 years. The gallery features certain artifacts from the Archdiocese of Salzburg. The museum offers several kinds of tours, right from thematic tours, general tours, tours for children and more.

In 1610, Santino Solari, the architect of the Salzburger Dom, was appointed to build a pleasure palace on the southern outskirts of the city. The result was this magnificent early baroque building, which is set in an equally magnificent park. The park, a stunning amalgamation of serene woods, verdant hills, and picturesque pathways, is now extremely popular with both tourists and locals. The Wasserspiele Hellbrunn is also located near the site and is a feast for the senses.

The perfect place to come on a rainy day, this museum was founded in 1834 and named after Caroline Auguste, wife of Emperor Franz I. Now shifted to a new and modern location and spanning 3 floors and a basement, the museum highlights the cultural history of Salzburg from the prehistoric era through to the present day. Each floor is dedicated to a particular theme and the basement is used for temporary exhibits.