How long does it take to walk through Salzburg's religious sites?

It typically takes 90 to 120 minutes to complete this route. The total walking distance is approximately 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles), but you will want extra time to admire the interiors of the six major churches.

Is the Salzburg Cathedral free to enter?

As of recently, Salzburg Cathedral requires a small entry fee (Dom-Erhaltungsbeitrag) for tourists, which goes toward the preservation of the building. Most other churches on this route remain free to enter.

Can I see the Sound of Music convent on this walk?

Yes, Stift Nonnberg is the second stop on this walking route. While the interior cloister is private, you can visit the abbey church and the gates where the famous 'Maria' scenes were filmed.

Is this walking route difficult?

The route is generally easy and flat, with the exception of the short, steep walk up to Nonnberg Abbey. Most of the path follows the paved pedestrian zones of the Old Town.

What is the best time to visit the churches in Salzburg?

The best time is early morning, around 9:00 AM. This allows you to see the interiors before the midday crowds arrive and ensures you don't clash with the afternoon mass schedules.

Are the catacombs at St. Peter's included?

This route passes through St. Peter's Cemetery where the catacombs are located. While the cemetery is free, there is a small separate fee if you choose to climb into the early Christian hermitages in the rock face.

Can I do this walk in the evening?

While the exteriors are beautifully lit, most church interiors close between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM. To see the art and architecture described, a daytime walk is recommended.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Salzburg is often called the 'Rome of the North,' a title earned by its skyline of copper domes and the profound spiritual influence of its prince-archbishops. This self-guided walk invites you to step away from the bustling shopping streets and into the serene, incense-scented interiors of the city's most significant religious sites. On this neighborhood stroll through the Altstadt, you will encounter a architectural timeline spanning over a millennium, from the Romanesque roots of ancient abbeys to the high-Baroque theatricality of the university district. This walking route is designed for those who appreciate the intersection of art, history, and quiet contemplation. You will explore the legendary Salzburg Cathedral, where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was baptized, and wander through the evocative St. Peter's Cemetery, often cited as one of the most beautiful burial grounds in the world. Beyond the famous landmarks, this audio walk takes you to the heights of Nonnberg Abbey—the oldest continuously inhabited convent in the German-speaking world—and the 'Holy Stairs' of the Kajetanerkirche. What makes this journey special is the ability to discover these spaces at your own pace. Unlike a standard walking tour Salzburg offers through rigid groups, this independent experience allows you to linger under the masterfully painted domes or sit for a moment in a sun-drenched cloister. Whether you are a fan of 'The Sound of Music' seeking the real-life inspirations for the film or an architecture enthusiast tracking the influence of Italian masters on Austrian soil, this route provides a deep, immersive look at the sacred soul of the city. As you navigate the cobblestone paths between these six monumental sites, you will see how Salzburg's identity was forged in stone, gold, and silence.

Highlights

The baptismal font used for Mozart in Salzburg Cathedral

The oldest continuously inhabited convent at Stift Nonnberg

St. Peter's Abbey and its ancient, atmospheric cemetery

The 'Holy Stairs' and Italianate Baroque of Kajetanerkirche

The unique Romanesque-Gothic fusion of Franziskanerkirche

Fischer von Erlach's Baroque masterpiece, the Kollegienkirche

Tour Stops (6)

Kajetanerkirche

Start your self-guided adventure at the Kajetanerkirche, a hidden gem of the Salzburg Baroque. Dedicated to Saint Cajetan, this church was completed in 1700 and served as part of a hospital run by the Theatine Order. As you step inside, notice the soft, light-filled interior and the impressive dome. The church is most famous for its 'Scala Santa' or Holy Stairs—a replica of the stairs in Rome that Jesus is said to have climbed. Pilgrims traditionally ascend these 28 marble steps on their knees. The architecture here is heavily influenced by Italian styles, reflecting the cosmopolitan ambitions of Salzburg's prince-archbishops during the 17th century.

Stift Nonnberg

Walk up the scenic path to Stift Nonnberg, a site of immense historical weight. Founded around 714 by Saint Rupert, this is the oldest female convent in the German-speaking world to have existed without interruption. While it gained global fame as the convent where the real Maria Kutschera (of 'The Sound of Music') was a postulant, its true value lies in its Romanesque and Gothic architectural layers. The church interior features stunning 12th-century frescoes and a late-Gothic winged altar. The atmosphere here is one of profound stillness, offering a panoramic view over the rooftops of the Altstadt from the abbey gates.

Salzburg Cathedral

Descending back into the heart of the city, you arrive at the Dom zu Salzburg. This is the city's most iconic landmark, a masterpiece of the early Baroque. The current structure, finished in 1628, was the first Italian-style cathedral built north of the Alps. Look for the massive bronze doors representing Faith, Hope, and Charity. Inside, the light pouring from the dome illuminates the spot where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was baptized in 1756. The cathedral's acoustic properties are legendary, supporting five separate organ galleries. Take a moment to appreciate the sheer scale of the nave, designed to reflect the absolute power of the prince-archbishops.

St. Peter's Abbey

Just a short stroll from the Cathedral is St. Peter's Abbey, the oldest monastery in the German-speaking world, founded in 696. The complex is a village within the city, featuring a bakery, a library, and the famous St. Peter's Stiftskulinarium. The abbey church is a Romanesque basilica later 'Baroquized' with ornate stucco and paintings. However, the highlight for many is the cemetery (Petersfriedhof). Nestled against the base of the Mönchsberg mountain, the graves are adorned with intricate wrought-iron crosses and vibrant flowers. It serves as the final resting place for Mozart's sister, Nannerl, and the architect Santino Solari.

Franziskanerkirche

The Franciscan Church offers a fascinating contrast to the nearby Cathedral. While the Cathedral is grand and theatrical, the Franziskanerkirche feels intimate and ancient. It is one of the oldest churches in Salzburg, and its architecture is a rare blend of styles: a dark, heavy Romanesque nave that opens into a soaring, light-filled Gothic choir. Look up at the star-vaulted ceiling and the high altar by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach, which incorporates a 15th-century Madonna by Michael Pacher. The slender, tall proportions of the choir create a sense of verticality that distinguishes it from the broader Baroque structures nearby.

Kollegienkirche

Conclude your walking route at the Kollegienkirche, or Collegiate Church, located on Universitätsplatz. This is the crowning achievement of the great Baroque architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach. Completed in 1707, it served as the church for the Benedictine University. Unlike the colorful interiors of other local churches, the Kollegienkirche is strikingly white and minimalist, emphasizing form and light over ornament. The convex facade and the massive dome create a sense of movement. This space is frequently used for art installations and concerts during the Salzburg Festival, bridging the gap between historical devotion and modern culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided walk through the Altstadt is ideal, as it allows you to focus on the transition from Romanesque to Baroque styles at your own pace. This specific route covers the Cathedral and Kollegienkirche, which are the city's architectural highlights.