Family-Friendly Adventures in Salzburg!

Salzburg Cathedral (Dom zu Salzburg)

Why Visit?

Morning Visit to Salzburg Cathedral

Start your family adventure at the heart of Salzburg with a visit to the breathtaking Salzburg Cathedral, a baroque masterpiece from 1628, though its roots trace back to 774. Easily accessible by foot from the Old City or by public transport (bus lines 270, 150, 140 stop nearby), the cathedral offers a first glimpse into the city"s rich history.

Arriving at Salzburg Cathedral

The cathedral opens at 8 AM. Upon arrival, marvel at its majestic twin towers and impressive facade. Entry is free, but a donation is appreciated. Make sure to grab an audio guide for an interactive experience that keeps the kids engaged with fascinating stories about the architecture and history of this iconic church.

Inside the Cathedral

Explore the stunning interior, which includes the baptismal font where the famous composer Mozart was baptized. The cathedral"s vast dome, adorned with frescoes, is another highlight not to miss.

Cathedral Museum and Towers

For a small fee, you can access the Cathedral Museum, which offers a collection of sacred art and artifacts, and climb up to the towers. The view from the top over Salzburg is breathtaking and a perfect spot for memorable family photos!

Lunch and Relaxation at Residenzplatz

After exploring the cathedral, head to the adjacent Residenzplatz, a large square surrounded by historic buildings and perfect for a leisurely lunch. Enjoy traditional Austrian dishes at one of the local cafes or pack a picnic to enjoy in the square.

Afternoon Stroll and Playtime

Conclude your visit with a stroll through the nearby Mirabell Gardens. The kids can play in the hedge maze and explore the dwarf garden, while adults enjoy the beautifully landscaped baroque layouts and statues.

End of Day

Wrap up your day with a relaxing walk along the Salzach River, just minutes from the cathedral, providing a serene ending to a day packed with history, culture, and fun.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

St. Peter"s Abbey (Stift Sankt Peter)

Why Visit?

Welcome to a captivating family day at St. Peter"s Abbey (Stift Sankt Peter) in Salzburg, a place brimming with history and charm. Start your adventure in the heart of Salzburg’s Old Town, easily accessible by public transport or on foot from most parts of the city.

Morning: Explore St. Peter’s Abbey

Begin your tour at St. Peter’s Abbey, one of the oldest monasteries in the German-speaking world, founded in 696 AD. As you wander through this historical gem, marvel at the stunning architecture and the beautiful frescoes that adorn the walls of the church. Don"t miss the Abbey’s library, home to ancient manuscripts, some of which were penned by the monks who have lived here over the centuries.

Lunch: St. Peter’s Stiftskulinarium

After exploring, enjoy a meal at St. Peter’s Stiftskulinarium located within the abbey complex. It claims to be Europe’s oldest restaurant, dating back to 803 AD. The cozy booths and historic ambiance provide a perfect setting for a family meal.

Afternoon: St. Peter’s Cemetery and Catacombs

Post-lunch, step outside to St. Peter’s Cemetery, one of the oldest cemeteries in the world and a site that inspired scenes in “The Sound of Music”. The kids will love exploring the intricate gravestones and chapels. Make sure to visit the catacombs carved out of the Monchsberg rock; climb the steps for a fascinating tour and a fantastic view of the city.

Evening: Festung Hohensalzburg

Conclude your day with a funicular ride up to Festung Hohensalzburg, the mighty fortress that looms over the city. It’s a short and scenic walk from St. Peter’s Abbey. Here, you can dive into more history and enjoy panoramic views of Salzburg below.

This itinerary offers a blend of culture, history, and scenic beauty, perfect for a family outing in Salzburg!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Mirabell Palace and Gardens (Schloss Mirabell und Mirabellgarten)

Why Visit?

### Day at Mirabell Palace and Gardens in Salzburg

Morning: Arrival and Exploration at Mirabell Palace

Getting There: Located in the heart of Salzburg, Mirabell Palace is easily accessible by public transportation. Take bus lines 1, 2, 3, 5, or 6 to the “Mirabellplatz” stop. For those driving, parking is available at the Mirabell-Congress Garage.

Start Your Tour: Begin your day early at Mirabell Palace, a magnificent Baroque building. Start at the grand Marble Hall, one of the most beautiful wedding halls in the world and a frequent concert venue. Fun fact: the Marble Hall was once the palace’s banquet hall!

Activities: Join the free guided tour available every Wednesday at 14:00 to learn about the palace"s rich history, including its construction in 1606 by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich. The hallways are lined with mythological statues that can be a fun “find the character” game for kids.

Late Morning: Mirabell Gardens

Exploration: Step out to the Mirabell Gardens, famous for their geometrically-arranged gardens and mythological statues. Families can enjoy a scavenger hunt discovering figures from Greek mythology and spotting locations featured in “The Sound of Music.”

Playtime: Visit the Dwarf Garden where kids can see quirky dwarf statues, or let them play at the large playground near the Orangerie.

Afternoon: Picnic and Relaxation

Picnic Lunch: Pack a picnic to enjoy in the gardens. The Rose Garden is a perfect spot, offering beautiful views and a serene setting.

Relax and Enjoy: Spend the rest of your afternoon enjoying the lush greenery. Capture family photos with the stunning backdrop of the Pegasus Fountain and the Hohensalzburg Fortress.

Departure: As the day winds down, take a leisurely stroll back through the gardens, maybe catching an impromptu classical music performance by local artists near the palace. Head back to the bus stop or your parked car satisfied with a day well spent exploring one of Salzburg’s treasures.

*Make sure to check the local weather and bring appropriate attire to enhance this delightful experience.*

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Salzburg Old Town (Salzburger Altstadt)

Why Visit?

Morning:

Start your day in Salzburg Old Town by visiting the stunning Mirabell Palace and Gardens. Easily accessible by public transport (bus lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, stop: Mirabellplatz), this is a great spot to let kids explore the beautifully manicured gardens and pose with statues and fountains featured in "The Sound of Music". Don’t miss the Dwarf Garden, where charming dwarf statues are sure to amuse the little ones!

Mid-Morning

Take a leisurely 10-minute walk across the Staatsbrücke (State Bridge) to reach the heart of the Old Town. Here, you can climb up to the medieval Hohensalzburg Fortress by funicular railway from the Festungsgasse. The ride itself is thrilling for kids, and the panoramic views from the top are breathtaking. Learn about the fortress’s history through interactive exhibits that are both kid-friendly and informative.

Lunch

Enjoy a meal at one of the charming cafes in Old Town, such as Café Tomaselli near Alter Markt, a historic café that Mozart frequented, offering delicious pastries and a cozy atmosphere.

Afternoon

Post-lunch, stroll through the bustling Getreidegasse, Salzburg’s famous shopping street. Its narrow lanes and traditional signboards are fascinating. Make sure to visit Mozart’s Birthplace at No. 9, where you can see memorabilia from the composer’s early life, including his childhood violin.

Late Afternoon

Wrap up your day at the Salzburg Museum in Neue Residenz to dive deeper into the city"s art and culture. Engaging multimedia displays make the history of Salzburg approachable and exciting for children.

Throughout the day, enjoy Salzburg’s compact size which makes it perfect for walking, and the frequent city benches are great for breaks. Add an extra layer of fun by spotting locations from "The Sound of Music" or by enjoying a local treat like a Mozartkugel, a famous local chocolate. Make your day in Salzburg Old Town both educational and unforgettable for the whole family!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Hangar-7

Why Visit?

Family Day Out at Hangar-7, Salzburg

Morning: Arrival and Exploration

Begin your family adventure at Hangar-7, a unique aviation museum located at Salzburg Airport. You can easily reach Hangar-7 via public transport (bus lines 2, 10 or 27 from Salzburg city center) or by car with ample parking available.

Start your visit by marveling at the impressive collection of historical aircraft and Formula 1 race cars. The architecture itself is a spectacle, with its transparent dome made from 1,754 glass panels providing an open, airy feel. It"s not just an aviation museum; it’s an experience in contemporary architecture and design excellence.

Lunch: Carpe Diem Lounge - Café

Around noon, take a break at the Carpe Diem Lounge - Café inside Hangar-7. Enjoy light snacks or a full meal while the kids can enjoy the aviation-themed surroundings. The view of aircraft and mountains in the backdrop adds to the dining experience.

Afternoon: Art and More

Post-lunch, explore the art exhibitions within Hangar-7 which frequently feature contemporary art and photography related to aviation and technology. These exhibits change regularly, so there"s always something new to discover.

For a truly engaging experience, check out the Flying Bulls aircraft collection up close, where meticulously restored airplanes and helicopters are on display. Children will be fascinated by the shiny Douglas DC-6B or the Bo 105s helicopter.

Evening: Wrap Up at the Outdoor Lounge

As the day winds down, relax at the Outdoor Lounge, where families can enjoy the scenic views of the airport activity against the backdrop of the Austrian Alps. It"s a perfect spot to discuss the day"s adventures and plan your next visit.

Interesting Fact

Did you know Hangar-7 is not just a museum but also a multifunctional building with a restaurant, two bars, and a café that attracts gastronomy enthusiasts from around the world?

This itinerary promises a memorable family day out where education meets excitement at Hangar-7!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.