How to Plan a Trip to Salzburg
The complete 2026 guide — flights, hotels, things to do and airport transfers, all in one place. Everything a first-time visitor to Austria needs.
Your 4-step Salzburg plan
Step 1 — Book flights to SZG
W. A. Mozart Airport Airport (SZG) is the main gateway to Salzburg. Compare fares across major airlines and OTAs before locking a date.
See flight deals to SZGStep 2 — Pick a neighborhood
Base yourself in Hohensalzburg Fortress + funicular for the best first-time visit — 1077 hilltop fortress — one of Europe's largest intact medieval castles.
Where to stay in SalzburgStep 3 — Plan your itinerary
Start with Hohensalzburg Fortress + funicular, then build outward. Most first-time visitors need 3-5 days to see the highlights of Salzburg.
Things to do in SalzburgStep 4 — Sort your airport transfer
Bus 2 to Hauptbahnhof is EUR 2.40 and takes 15 min. Pre-book a private transfer for stress-free arrival.
SZG arrival guideBefore you book — visa check
Schengen — visa-free for US, UK, Canada, AU, JP, KR + 60 nationalities (90/180). Single Schengen visa covers all 27 countries.