How to make the most of Salzburg when it's raining

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Strolling the palace gardens listening to Mozart, wandering the beautiful baroque streets, or skipping over the Alps singing “The Hills Are Alive.” All things that may come to mind when you think of Salzburg.

But then you get there, and it’s pouring. Grey rolling clouds cover the fortress spires, heavy drops bounce off a tide of umbrellas, and puddles pool through the cobbled city.

It happens. And even though the last thing you want to do is leave your hotel, there’s still a city to explore. There’s plenty to do in Salzburg when it’s raining. Just make sure you pack a coat!

Tip: Get the Salzburg Card. I got a 24-hour pass for €27 in low season (€30 in high season). It includes the below and all other attractions, free travel on buses and trams, and discounted events. Individual tickets are expensive, so even if you only see a couple of sites, you’ll get your money’s worth.

5 things to do in Salzburg when it's raining

1. Ride the funicular to Hohensalzburg Fortress

You can’t miss the striking 11th-century castle perched on a rugged mountain, cutting through Salzburg’s skyline and towering over the city.

Ride the Festungsbahn funicular, which takes you to the summit in minutes. Here you will get wet, but it’s worth it for views of the blue-spired city, snaking green river, and alpine backdrop.

Then, take shelter inside the castle. The self-guided tour takes you on a maze-like spiral through the rooms of the fascinating fortress.

Listening to classical music is a must in Salzburg, and what better way to enjoy it than in the castle chambers? You can see the city at night serenaded by Mozart. (And they do a dinner and concert option too.)

2. Travel back in time to spooky St. Peter's Catacombs

Tucked behind St Peter’s Abbey is a narrow stairway hidden in the cemetery grounds. As you climb, the temperature drops and your footsteps echo through the eerie silence.

The chilling catacombs have been around since the construction of St. Peter’s Abbey in the 7th century. Explore the historic tombs and peer through tiny stone-carved windows at the Abbey and cemetery. (Made even creepier by the lashing rain).

Aside from the ticket checker, there wasn’t a soul around, but I kept looking over my shoulder. I didn’t feel completely alone in the ancient caves.

3. Get your art fix at the Museum der Moderne

Nothing beats an art gallery on a rainy day, and it’s easy to spend an hour or so in the Museum der Moderne. The exhibitions are split into two buildings across the city.

The first sits high on the Mönchsberg mountain plateau. Take a lift to the top, where the gallery is perched, and head to the terrace for the best views of Hohensalzburg Fortress. The second is in the Rupertinum in the old town, near the Residenzplatz.

4. And your history fix at Mozart's birthplace

Take an audio-guided tour around the bright yellow townhouse where Mozart was born in 1756 (and his family lived for 26 years). If you’re an avid Mozart or classical music fan, this is the place for you. But even if you’re not, it’s a good pick for something to do in Salzburg when it’s raining.

5. Warm up in a cosy bar

So you’ve made the most of a rainy day in Salzburg. Now, you need a well-earned rest. Luckily, there’s no shortage of bars to escape the rain-washed streets. My top three are:

Augustiner Bräu
So technically not a bar, but this huge beer hall and brewery is a must-see.

Voted the best thing to do in Salzburg by Tripadvisor, Augustiner Bräu has been brewing since 1621. Come for good, cheap Austrian beer and simple food stalls (selling mainly bread and meat).

You choose a half or litre stein from the stacked shelves, rinse it in the water fountain to cool it down, then pay at the counter (cash only). The staff fill your stein directly from massive wooden beer barrels, and then you find a seat in one of the packed beer halls.

The Salzburg Whiskey Museum

Even if you don’t like whiskey, you’ll like The Salzburg Whiskey Museum. Hidden in an alley behind the river, this quirky, cosy bar is a welcome sight for soaked feet.

The barwoman was amazing: knew her stuff and recommended the first whiskey I ever tried that I actually liked. The decor is cool too – ceiling murals and random items that all carried a story.

Murphy’s Law

Yeah, it’s an Irish bar, but it’s worth a mention. You might miss this little pub tucked at the bottom of a cliff face, but inside it’s super cosy. The bar staff and locals were friendly, and you’ll feel welcome if you’re travelling alone. Big shout out to Brian, the chatty bar manager.

Where to stay in Salzburg

There are many hostels around Salzburg, but not all are cheap. This was my first hostel stay in between house sits, so I went for the best value with a good rating. The MEININGER Salzburg City Center.

It was clean, but it’s more of a hotel that also has dorm rooms. It had a family-friendly rather than backpacker vibe. And, it was a bit of a trek into the city – if I visited again, I’d stay more central.

Tip: For a local recommendation, the bar staff at Murphy’s Law suggested Yoho International Youth Hostel.

What to Do in Salzburg When It’s Raining