If you are visiting Munich and want to explore beyond the city, a day trip to Salzburg is one of the best experiences in Southern Germany and Austria.
Located just about 1.5–2 hours away, Salzburg offers stunning alpine views, a charming Old Town and famous landmarks. Mozart and The Sound of Music are omnipresent. The best part? You can do it all in one day, easily and affordably.
This guide gives you a simple, step-by-step itinerary to make the most of one perfect day in Salzburg – no stress, no overplanning. And no need for a group tour!
Let’s Go: Train from Munich to Salzburg
You can easily reach Salzburg by train from Munich. Trains are comfortable, clean and safe.
There is at least one train per hour from Munich to Salzburg. Different trains require different tickets. Learn about the differences in my guide on how to travel from Munich to Salzburg by train. If you are planning to use the Bayern Ticket, make sure to read my complete guide to the Bayern Ticket.
Pick a departure time from Munich that is convenient for you. Remember it’s a two-hour trip! So on the weekend, you might want to use the 7:55 AM BRB train that gets you to Salzburg at 9:46 AM. On a weekday, your earliest Bayern Ticket departure time will be 9:55 AM.
On the way, you can read about Salzburg’s main sights (coming soon) on my blog or enjoy the scenery. Shortly before arriving at Salzburg main station, you will cross the river Salzach. On the right-hand side, you can see the Hohensalzburg fortress on the hill. Welcome to Austria.
Overview of Your Day
The total walking time for this itinerary is ~2–3 hours, spread throughout the day. The pace is relaxed, with time for food, photos, and coffee.
Salzburg is a comparatively small city of about 156,000. The old town is very compact, but there is a lot to see. I am presenting a leisurely itinerary where you will see the highlights. If you want to visit one or more museums, you will either have to hurry past the others, or spend more time in Salzburg.
Starting Strong at Mirabell Palace
From Salzburg Hauptbahnhof, head towards the Old Town. You can either walk (approx. 20 minutes) or catch a bus (extra charge) or taxi.
After about 15 minutes of walking, you will reach the first highlight of your day: Mirabell Palace. It’s a stunner, and it’s free! On a weekday, make sure to check out the Marble Hall (Marmorsaal). Then explore the beautiful Baroque gardens (where „Do-Re-Mi“ was filmed) including the main patio with the large fountain and the „Zwergerlgarten“ with its marble gnomes.
Allow about 20 minutes here. When you’re done, continue towards the river. The old town is on the other side of the river.
Explore the Old Town
Once you have crossed the river, you will almost automatically hit Getreidegasse. Getreidegasse (grain alley) nowadays is the main shopping street. On this street sits Mozarts Geburtshaus, i.e. the place where Mozart was born. If you would like to visit, allow about 40-60 minutes.
From the Geburtshaus, it’s just a short walk to the Cathedral, Residenz Square and the surrounding courtyards. The Salzburg Glockenspiel, in the Neue Residenz building next to the Cathedral, plays at 7 AM, 11 AM and 6 PM every day (except for Good Friday and Easter Saturday). In front of the Cathedral itself, can you find the spot from which you can see the angels placing a crown on the statue of Mary?
This area is compact and perfect for walking. Expect narrow streets and historic buildings (with some modern art thrown in) as well as plenty of photo spots.
You can download an audio walking tour to your phone (and listen to it without using data) from the Rick Steves Salzburg website (scroll down to the „Listen“ section).
Lunchtime!
When it comes to food in Salzburg, there are quite a few tourist traps in the old town. So choose wisely. If you want to go anywhere specific, book a table in advance. Most restaurants will be full at lunchtime. Alternatively, arrive after 1:30 PM.
You could also eat lunch at the fortress. ⬇️ There is a restaurant with a panoramic terrace there, as well as a café. They don’t get the best reviews, though.
If this is your first trip to Europe, you might find the service slow. It’s normal here. Relax and enjoy your break.
By now, you will have seen the fortress towering above the city. Gradually make your way there.
Fortress with a View
To visit the iconic Festung Hohensalzburg, walk up or take the funicular (Festungsbahn). Either way, you need a ticket.
The fortress has the best viewpoints in Salzburg, as well as a lot of history. You can see the most important spots in half an hour (Basic Ticket) or spend all day here (All-Inclusive Ticket).
When you are done exploring, head back down into the centre.
Europe’s Oldest Cemetery & Beyond
As you exit the funicular, St. Peter’s cemetery is on your left. Find one of the two gates and wander quietly among the graves – some of which are very old, others very recent.
By now, you have seen the top sights. Time to slow down and enjoy the city. Check out some of the little alleys branching off from Getreidegasse. Browse the market on University Square (Mon-Sat). Find the Felsenreitschule, if you’re a Sound of Music fan. Walk along the Salzach River, cross the famous Makartsteg, perhaps stop at Hotel Sacher to buy some Sachertorte.
This is the perfect way to end your visit. When you’re ready, make your way back to the train station. It’s about a 20-minute walk.
Return to Munich
Plan your return between 5:00 – 7:00 PM. Note that trains run less frequently after 7 PM. Before you make your way to the station, check for updates on DB Navigator or bahn.de.
There is a SPAR supermarket in the Salzburg train station. That’s the cheapest place to get a bottle of water, a snack, or whatever else you fancy. Chilled drinks are stored in an extra room near the cashiers. The store is open on Sundays too, and can get pretty chaotic.
Practical Tips for International Travelers
- Bring your passport (Austria is a different country and there will be passport checks on the reurn journey)
- Currency: Euro, just like in Germany
- Language: German, but English is widely spoken
- Not all places accept cards; some have a minimum spend
- Wear comfortable shoes – you will be walking on cobblestones for much of the day
- Check the weather before your trip
FAQ – Munich to Salzburg Day Trip
Is Salzburg worth a day trip from Munich?
Yes, absolutely. It’s one of the most popular and rewarding day trips in the region. And it’s completely different from Munich.
Do I need to book trains in advance?
No, there are no advance-booking requirements on the route between Munich and Salzburg. If you travel with the Bayern Ticket, you can take flexible regional trains.
Can I really see everything in one day?
Depends. The main highlights are close together and easy to explore. You just won’t be able to linger much. If you would like to take a Sound of Music Tour, it is advisable to spend at least one night in Salzburg, as the tour takes four hours.
Is Salzburg expensive?
It can be slightly more expensive than Munich, especially in tourist areas.
Final Thoughts
A day trip from Munich to Salzburg is the perfect combination of convenience, culture, and scenery.
With a simple train ride, a well-planned itinerary, and the flexibility of the Bayern Ticket, you can explore one of Europe’s most beautiful cities in just one day.