The Salzach riverside in Salzburg – city, river, freedom, and everything in between.
From a walk to a bike ride, the Salzach riverside is a little piece of freedom right in the middle of the city. The river runs through Salzburg like a green lifeline and invites you to do whatever feels right in the moment. It can be active, or completely quiet.
Because the Salzachufer is both a retreat – and a stage.
What can you do here?
Pretty much anything that slows you down – or the complete opposite. A walk along the river, with views of the fortress, the Mönchsberg or Kapuzinerberg, the Museum der Moderne, and the city skyline – that always works. The left and right sides of the old town are connected by several bridges, including the Marko-Feingold-Steg – one of the most popular pedestrian bridges and photo spots, covered in thousands of love locks that now weigh several extra tons.
If you feel like taking it slow, stretch out in the grass by the riverside, listen to the water, and watch life unfold along the banks. Or hop on one of the river boats offering sightseeing tours from the water. A particularly fun option is the amphibious boat, which travels either through the city streets or on the river – depending on the water level.
Cycling fans will find their happiness along the Salzach Cycle Path: just follow the river and see where it takes you – maybe all the way to Hallein, or even further into the mountains. Or head the other way: from the Mozart city through the quiet Salzach wetlands to the old boatmen’s town of Oberndorf, the birthplace of the world-famous Christmas carol “Silent Night.” And in between? Plenty of coffee stops with a view! There are cafés dotted along the riverside, just waiting for you to linger.
Summer mode on:
When the weather is warm, the riverbank becomes Salzburg’s longest lawn. Shoes off, feet in the water, favorite drink in hand – it doesn’t get more “city vacation” than this. And if you enjoy people-watching, this is the place: musicians, cyclists, students, families, travelers – everyone on their own personal Salzach journey.
And in winter?
Quiet, but never silent. The fortress sparkles above the river, mist dances over the water, and you wander along wrapped in a scarf and your own thoughts. Maybe with a hot coffee in hand, maybe with the dog on a leash, or maybe just with yourself.
Conclusion:
The Salzach riverside can do it all – city and nature, movement and stillness, adventure and relaxation. If you want to experience Salzburg, you have to wander along here. Because nowhere else makes it so easy to simply be.
