Winter in Salzburg: Magic and Festivity

Salzburg in winter is a fairytale. Snow-dusted rooftops, festive lights, and the sound of choirs and bells fill the city with magic. Here are our Hirschen highlights that make a winter stay something truly special.

Christmas Markets

The Salzburg Christmas markets are among the most beautiful in Europe. Visit the Christkindlmarkt at Domplatz or the Advent Market at Hellbrunn Palace and enjoy mulled wine, gingerbread, and traditional handicrafts. In Hellbrunn, a petting zoo awaits the children, while open fires offer warmth and a chance to sip hot chocolate. A must on every family’s holiday calendar!

Winter activities

Take advantage of the proximity to the Alps for skiing, snowboarding, or a romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride through the surrounding winter landscapes. From Salzburg’s main train station, the S-Bahn quickly takes you to some of Europe’s most beautiful ski areas, where you can easily rent ski equipment for the day.

Fortress Hohensalzburg in the snow

The fortress is especially impressive in winter. Visit it when it’s snow-covered and enjoy the view over the snowy city. The Christmas market in the castle courtyard is particularly romantic. Afterwards, a winter walk from the fortress across the Mönchsberg to the Mülln district is highly recommended — where you can stop by one of the cozy inns, such as the Bärenwirt or Gasthaus Krimplstätter.

Winterfest in Volksgarten Park

The festival takes place near the Old Town in the Volksgarten and delights visitors with circus performances, music, and acrobatics. In the heated tents, a unique blend of movement, sound, and atmosphere comes to life. Excellent food is also served there. We recommend reserving tickets in advance. Visit the website here:winterfest.at

Peace and quiet in January & February

It’s rare for Salzburg to be as peaceful as it is in the months after Christmas. If you’d like to experience what it feels like when the Old Town isn’t bustling with tourists, take advantage of lower room rates, and easily get a table at popular inns without a reservation, this is the perfect time to visit Salzburg.

Tradition & Music

During the Advent season, traditional Advent singing performances take place at various venues throughout Salzburg — including the Festival Hall and the Andräkirche in front of Mirabell Palace. Listening to the old Christmas carols fills the heart with warmth and heightens the anticipation of Christmas.

Those who are more daring and wish to experience a piece of Salzburg tradition should visit one of the many Krampus and Perchten parades. There, you can watch as costumed “monsters” wearing hand-carved masks parade through towns and cities — occasionally brandishing their birch rods.

Warmth & Cosyness

After an eventful day, the Hirschen Spa awaits: two saunas, an infrared cabin, a yoga area, and a relaxation room invite you to unwind — the perfect complement to a winter holiday in Salzburg.

Advantages to travelling to Salzburg in Winter

Festive spirit: The Christmas season brings a special kind of magic to the city.
Winter landscapes: The snow-covered surroundings invite you to enjoy outdoor adventures.
Cozy moments: After a day outside, warm up in one of the many cafés or at Hotel zum Hirschen and soak in the peaceful winter atmosphere.
A quiet winter: After New Year’s Eve, Salzburg settles into calm — the ideal time to visit for many!