Salzburg for the Active: 10 unobvious ways to discover the city

Salzburg for the Active: 10 unobvious ways to discover the city

April 11, 2025

Salzburg, known around the world as the birthplace of Mozart and the setting of 'The Sound of Music,' hides much more than its musical heritage. It's a city that can surprise even the most seasoned travelers. In this article, we'll take you on a tour of 10 non-obvious places and activities that will allow you to discover Salzburg from a whole new perspective. From gardens full of secrets to interactive museums to places where history mixes with modernity, Salzburg has much more to offer than you might think at first glance. Get ready for an active adventure that will show you that this Austrian city is not just concerts and monuments, but also a vibrant place where a new adventure awaits at every turn. Whether you're a nature lover, a history enthusiast or simply looking for a new experience, Salzburg has something to surprise and delight you. It's time to discover the unknown face of this fascinating city!

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Active relaxation in the green heart of Salzburg

Start our adventure by discovering the green lungs of Salzburg. The Mirabellgarten, best known for the cinematic frames of 'The Sound of Music,' is not just a place for romantic strolls. It's a space where history meets physical activity. Stretching over 8 hectares, the gardens offer the perfect setting for a morning jog or a yoga session among the baroque sculptures and fountains. For those who like to combine learning with movement, the garden offers thematic educational paths where you can learn about the history and botany of the place while taking an active walk.

Nearby is the Volksgarten Salzburg, a lesser-known but equally fascinating city park. It is an ideal place for families with children, offering not only playgrounds, but also beach volleyball courts or Nordic walking paths. The park is a great starting point for bicycle tours along the Salzach River, with bicycle rentals available on site.

For those looking for a more intense experience, a non-obvious but exciting choice would be to climb the Hohensalzburg Fortress. Instead of using the cable car, take the steep path on foot, which will not only provide a solid dose of cardio, but also offer incredible views of the city with every meter climbed. At the top, not only a historic fortress awaits, but also an interactive museum where you can 'fight' with virtual knights or try your hand at medieval arcade games.

When comparing the three sites, it is worth noting their diversity. Mirabellgarten (rating 4.7) offers more subdued activities in an elegant, historic setting, ideal for those who appreciate tranquility and aesthetics. Volksgarten (rating 4.6) is a more family-oriented and recreational venue, with more open space and sports facilities. Hohensalzburg Fortress (rating 4.6), on the other hand, is for adventurers and history buffs, combining physical exertion with education. All of these sites are free to enter (with the exception of the entrance to the fortress itself), making them attractive options for people of all ages and budgets. Regardless of your choice, each of these places guarantees an active exploration of Salzburg surrounded by nature and history.

Cultural adventure for body and mind

Let's now move on to places that combine culture, science and physical activity in non-obvious ways. DomQuartier Salzburg is a museum complex that at first glance may seem like a typical art gallery. However, this place offers much more than passive viewing of exhibits. Special interactive tours allow you to 'travel back in time'. - You can take on the role of an archbishop or a courtier, performing tasks and solving puzzles related to the building's history. It's not only a history lesson, but also a mental and physical activity as you traverse miles of corridors in search of clues.

Nearby is the Toy Museum Salzburg, which may surprise more than just the little ones. This place is a real paradise for people of all ages, offering not only an exhibition of historical toys, but also interactive stations where you can test your manual skills and creativity. From building intricate structures with blocks to programming simple robots, this is a place where learning meets fun.

For lovers of natural sciences, the Haus der Natur should be a must-see. This is not just a museum, but a true center of scientific discovery. Interactive exhibitions allow you to experiment with the laws of physics, learn the secrets of the human body or explore the secrets of the cosmos. Particularly noteworthy is the section dedicated to local nature, where you can plan active excursions in the Salzburg area, combining the knowledge gained in the museum with practical field experience.

When comparing the three attractions, it's worth noting their unique features. DomQuartier Salzburg (rating 4.6) offers the most 'adult' experience, combining art history with an interactive tour. It's the perfect place for those looking for intellectual stimulation combined with moderate physical activity. Toy Museum Salzburg (rating 4.5) is the most family-oriented offering, where both children and adults can play and learn together. Haus der Natur (rating 4.7) stands out for having the most comprehensive educational offerings, combining various fields of science with hands-on experiences.

In terms of prices, DomQuartier is the most expensive (about €13 for adults), but offers the most comprehensive tour. The Toy Museum has the most affordable prices (about €5 for adults), making it an attractive option for families. Haus der Natur ranks in the middle (about €9 for adults), offering the broadest range of topics. All of these places are open year-round, but it's worth checking opening hours, which can change depending on the season.

An unusual look at culture and tradition

At the end of our tour of Salzburg's non-obvious attractions, let's take a look at places that combine tradition and modernity in surprising ways. Let's start with the Stiegl-Brauwelt, which is more than just a brewing museum. It's an interactive center where you can not only learn about the history of beer production, but also take part in workshops to brew your own beverage. What's more, they offer special 'beer yoga' - yoga sessions combined with beer tasting, a unique form of relaxation and physical activity.

Now let's move on to a place that may surprise even regular visitors to Salzburg - Salzburg Zoo Hellbrunn. This is no ordinary zoo, but a conservation center that offers a 'Night at the Zoo' - a program where you can spend the night in specially prepared tents, observing the night life of animals and participating in guided night tours. This unique experience combines nature education with outdoor adventure.

Finally, visit Getreidegasse Street, Salzburg's famous shopping street. Instead of traditional shopping, we suggest participating in a 'city game' organized by a local cultural association. Participants, equipped with smartphones, solve puzzles related to the street's history, discovering the city's hidden heritage. This is not only fun, but also an active way to learn about Salzburg's culture and history.

When comparing the three attractions, it's worth noting their unique features. Stiegl-Brauwelt (rating 4.5) offers the most 'grown-up' experience, combining brewing tradition with modern forms of relaxation. It's the perfect place for those looking for unusual activities and relaxation. Salzburg Zoo Hellbrunn (rating 4.6) is the most family-oriented offering, where both children and adults can enjoy an unforgettable adventure together in a natural setting. Getreidegasse Street (rating 4.6) stands out as a free attraction that allows you to actively explore the city at your own pace.

In terms of price, the Stiegl-Brauwelt is the most affordable (about €15 for a standard tour), offering additional attractions for a surcharge. Salzburg Zoo Hellbrunn has higher prices, especially for the night program (about €50 per person), but offers a unique experience. Getreidegasse Street is free, making it an attractive option for travelers on a tight budget.

All of these venues are available year-round, but it's worth keeping in mind that some special programs (like 'Night at the Zoo' or 'beer yoga') may be seasonal or require advance reservations. Regardless of your choice, each of these attractions offers a unique perspective on Salzburg's culture and traditions, combining education with physical activity and entertainment.

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