Salzburg in summer: the Old Town, the Salzach and the lakes
Summer in the city
- Mirabell Gardens: In summer, the flowerbeds around Mirabell Palace are in full bloom. A lovely place for a stroll.
- Hohensalzburg Fortress: Salzburg’s most famous landmark towers over the city. From the top, you’ll have the best view of the Old Town and a panoramic vista in every direction.
- Getreidegasse: This is where Mozart’s birthplace is located, along with boutiques and cafés.
- Café Tomaselli: This café on the Alter Markt is considered Austria’s oldest coffee house, dating back to 1700. If you need a break, order a coffee and a slice of cake.
- Kapuzinerberg: You can reach the Kapuzinerberg from Linzer Gasse. From there, too, you can look out over the city.
- Salzburg Festival: In 2027, it will run from 16 July to 29 August. The festival of opera, theatre and concerts features around 200 events and attracts some 250,000 visitors each year.
- Electric Love Festival: From 8 to 10 July 2027, the Salzburgring will become a stage for electronic music. Around 200 acts will perform on seven stages, ranging from EDM and techno to hip-hop.
An evening by the Salzach
The Salzach separates the Old Town from the New Town. It’s lovely to take a leisurely stroll along its banks once the heat of the day has subsided. The walk is particularly lovely in the evening, when the city by the water slowly winds down.
Off to Mondsee: Swimming near Salzburg
There’s something for everyone! You can’t swim in the Salzach, but that just means you can look forward all the more to a trip to the surrounding lakes!
- Alpenseebad Mondsee: With a water fun park, water slides and countless other attractions, you’re guaranteed never to get bored here.
- Water sports: Lake Mondsee is renowned for its wide range of water sports. From surfing, sailing and stand-up paddleboarding to kitesurfing, water skiing and wakeboarding – there’s plenty on offer. There’s certainly something for everyone here. There are family- and child-friendly courses available for all water sports.
- Around the lake: Hiking, cycling, horse riding and golf are also excellent activities to enjoy at Lake Mondsee. And for those who prefer a more relaxed pace, simply soak up the sun on the green meadows surrounding the lake.
Tip: For a little refreshment in between, be sure to try the region’s most famous ice cream at Übleis. There may well be a long queue, but it’s well worth the wait!
Summer at Mondsee: Stage, music and lake festival
Mondsee Jedermann: This mystery play has been performed annually in Mondsee since 1922, on three dates in July. The venue is the open-air stage in the Karlsgarten in Mondsee. In the event of bad weather, the performance takes place in the ballroom of Mondsee-Irrsee Castle in the Salzkammergut.
From Salzburg to Mondsee
How far is Mondsee from Salzburg? Salzburg and Mondsee are about 30 kilometres apart. The best way to get there is by bus, car or taxi.
- By bus: Bus route 140 is the direct route from Salzburg to Mondsee by public transport. It runs from Salzburg Bachstraße to the Mondsee bus terminal. Services run hourly, every day. Journey time: approx. 45 minutes, cost: 5–7 euros
- By taxi: You can also travel comfortably from Salzburg to Mondsee by taxi. Journey time: approx. 20 minutes, cost: 65–85 euros
- By car: The journey from Salzburg to Mondsee takes around 20 minutes by car. You can park either in the town or right by the lake, and in some places even for free. There are charging points for electric vehicles at Mondsee.
- By bike: You can also cycle from Salzburg to Mondsee. The route is around 33 kilometres long and takes just under 1 hour and 50 minutes.
For cyclists: the Salzburg 5-Lakes Cycle Route
If you’re in the mood for city life, a bit of exercise and a chance to cool off, Salzburg is just a short trip away from the countryside: heading towards the Salzkammergut and the Salzburg Lake District, you’ll find routes taking you past crystal-clear swimming lakes, meadows and mountain views. The Salzburg 5-Lakes Cycle Route – or a loop around the lakes in the region – is particularly lovely for an active summer’s day: ideal if you want to combine your city break with a refreshing dip by the water. Depending on the route, you’ll cycle through gently rolling hills, take a break by the water’s edge and return to the city in the evening. The official Salzkammergut Cycle Route is designed as a circular route and can be started in Salzburg, amongst other places; the Salzburg Lake District also offers many tours around Lake Wallersee, Lake Mattsee, Lake Grabensee and Lake Obertrumer See.
Motel One Salzburg Mirabell: Combining the city and the lakes
Salzburg is more than just the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. There’s plenty to discover in and around the city. The Motel One Salzburg Mirabell is right in the heart of the city and is a great base from which to explore Salzburg. A stroll along the banks of the Salzach is a must – or you could take a trip to Lake Mondsee.