High on a hill was a lonely goatherd, though why he was high on a hill away from Salzburg is beyond me. 

Salzburg has been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1997 for its “outstanding value to humanity,” and still recognizes its name as the Rome of the North. The city’s architecture marries historic homes from the Middle Ages with Italian-style plazas and has preserved these structures very well. 

Salzburg is a must-see in Austria, and not just for The Sound of Music fans. With stunning architecture, a deep appreciation for music and the arts, and delicious Austrian food and beer, there are plenty of reasons to go for a visit.

But, if you’re booking on a budget you are in luck as there are some pretty cool free things to do in Salzburg. In this post, we’re highlighting five activities you can do in Salzburg for free or at an affordable rate.

5 free things to do in Salzburg

1. Winkler Terrace

While most head to Hohensalzburg for great views of Salzburg, a better (and free!) option would be to walk to Winkler Terrace. You can also take the elevator for €3.60 round trip, but why not enjoy some nature and exquisite views along the way?

The terrace is lower than Hohensalzburg, but from this vantage point you have a better shot of the River Salzach, the fortress, and the city’s Old Town set against the backdrop of the Austrian Alps. 

This location’s views are so epic, The Sound of Music even filmed a scene here for the Do Re Mi montage. 

2. Hellbrunn Park & Allee

This Baroque castle evokes images of fairy tales coming to life with its tranquil setting just south of Salzburg. You will need a ticket for a guided tour of the palace and trick fountains, but visiting the park and discovering this green oasis is free. 

One of the best ways to get there is walking along the 400-year-old Hellbrunner Allee. This mile and a half lane is lined with 621 trees and was built specifically so prince-archbishop Markus Sittikus could drive straight through the countryside from the city. These days, the road is closed to traffic for walkers, runners, and cyclists. 

Discover the gardens at Hellbrunn Park, see the statues, and enjoy a picnic on these timeless grounds. Don’t be surprised if you hear some “sixteen going on seventeen” duets from the gazebo as tourists pretend to be Liesl and Franz – sucks to be the guy playing Franz – as this site was another setting in The Sound of Music.

3. Schloss Mirabell

Skip along like Julie Andrews down the statue-lined walkway to Mirabell Gardens! This free attraction features water features and expertly tended lawns and flowerbeds, and also offers a fantastic view of the city as Mirabell gets its name from the Italian name Mirabell that breaks down into mirabile (admirable) and bella, I think you know that one. 

While Schloss Mirabell dates to 1606, the gardens were completely redone in 1690. Take a stroll through the gardens and see the Pegasus Fountain, the Grand Fountain, the Dwarf Garden, and snap beautiful pictures in the Rose Garden.

After exploring the exterior, make your way inside to see the grand palace to see Marble Hall, one of “the most beautiful wedding halls in the world,” and the Angle Staircase. 

4. St. Peter’s Church and Catacombs

OK, it does cost €1 to visit the catacombs but I think you can stretch your travel budget to cover it! Visiting the church is free and is definitely a must-do in Salzburg as it dates back to 696 – and is yet another film location for The Sound of Music.

Founded in the 7th century, this church has suffered from several fires and has incorporated several architectural updates over the years to include Romanesque, Renaissance, and Rococo styles. Though, it does claim that it has the oldest monastic order in the German-speaking world.  

A tour includes a viewing of the Long Gallery of St. Peter’s Abbey, a long hallway with continuous paintings, as well as St. Peter’s Cemetery, home to Austria’s famous artists and scholars, and Mozart’s sister Nannerl. The catacombs are built into the Monchsberg itself and include the Gertrauden Chapel and the Maximus Chapel.

5. Play in the platzes

Yes, I know platzes isn’t a real word but I don’t know how to make the -platz ending plural. No matter, what the city’s squares are free to visit and definitely worth checking out as you make your way through the list of the best things to do in Salzburg. 

First up is the popular Mozartplatz, home to the statue of – you guessed it: Mozart! This Old Town square is also home to the colorful Church of Saint Michael and is a great spot for people watching or enjoying a horse-drawn carriage ride. 

It’s time for a walk through history as you discover Alter Markt, Salzburg’s old marketplace in the 13th century. Its central location was perfect for the various vegetable and dairy markets, as well as the ideal setting for festivities and dances. The weekly market moved to University Square in 1857. Be sure to check out St. Florian Fountain, dating to 1488, and the smallest house in Salzburg, next to Tomaselli coffeehouse, that only spans four and a half feet wide.

Next up is Residenz Square. This area was actually the site of a Roman Forum, complete with a Pantheon and altar to Jupiter, and has been uncovered over the centuries – some even being excavated in 2008. This square seems to always have a connection to the Romans or Italy as it was redone in 1587 in an Italian style by the Archbishop of Salzburg.

Residenz Square is bound by Saint Michael’s Church, the New Residenz, the Salzburg Cathedral, and the Old Residenz. The focal point of the square is Residenzbrunnen or Horse Fountain, supposedly the largest Baroque fountain outside of Italy, and has a triton that matches Bernini’s Triton Fountain in Rome’s Piazza Barberini. 

Then, we move on to Cathedral Square, right in front of the Salzburg Cathedral (try to contain your surprise). Here you can find the Marian Statue, the Virgin Mary, which was completed in 1771. The square is also used for performances during the Salzburg Festival and is the site for the Salzburg Christkindlmarkt. 

Finally, be sure to visit Kapitelplatz, Chapter Square, a popular spot for locals, events, and beer tents. Two icons in this plaza include the oversized chess board and the Sphaera sculpture with a male figurine on top. The Sound of Music fans will recognize this square as it’s where Maria catches a bus to start her new journey as a governess for the Von Trapp family.

What other free things to do in Salzburg did we miss from the list? Tell us in the comments or over on Twitter!