In this article, we will look at the best areas to stay in Salzburg for Christmas Markets, how to get to the Christmas Market, and the best hotels in Salzburg for all budget travelers.
Salzburg, Austria, is a magical destination to visit during the Christmas season, known for its charming Christmas markets and picturesque winter scenery.
Some of the best Christmas markets in Salzburg are:
- Christkindlmarkt (Salzburg Christmas Market), main Christmas market in Salzburg, located in historic Old Town (Altstadt).
- Residenzplatz Christmas Market, located in front of the Salzburg Cathedral and offers a stunning backdrop with its baroque architecture and the Hohensalzburg Fortress in the background.
- Advent Magic in Hellbrunn, set in the beautiful Hellbrunn Palace Park.
- Mirabell Palace Market, located at Mirabell Palace and Gardens
The Christmas markets in Salzburg typically open in late November and run until December 26th, allowing you to enjoy the Christmas spirit for nearly a month.
The markets feature beautifully decorated stalls selling handmade crafts, ornaments, and holiday gifts.
You can savor traditional Austrian and regional treats like roasted chestnuts, gingerbread cookies, and mulled wine (Glühwein).
Salzburg, the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, is known for its musical heritage. During the Christmas season, you can enjoy numerous concerts and performances, including traditional Christmas music and classical concerts.
The snow-covered Alps and picturesque landscapes surrounding Salzburg add to the enchanting atmosphere, making it a winter wonderland.
In addition to the markets, Salzburg hosts various advent events and processions. One of the highlights is the traditional “Krampus” parade, where men dressed as Krampus (a horned, folklore figure) roam the streets.
Some hotels and shops in Salzburg create giant, interactive advent calendars on their facades, counting down the days to Christmas. These are a delight to see, and some even have small performances or surprises behind each door.
Where to stay in Salzburg for Christmas Markets?
The best areas to stay in Salzburg for Christmas Markets are Salzburg Old Town (Altstadt), Mirabellplatz, Neustadt, Nonntal, Elisabeth-Vorstadt, Andräviertel, Maxglan, and Schloss Hellbrunn. Salzburg is a relatively small city, you can easily explore Christmas markets no matter where you stay.
In general, Salzburg Old Town (Altstadt), Mirabellplatz/ Neustadt are the best areas to stay in Salzburg for first-time visitors. They are the most central locations in the city, offering easiest access to major attractions and Christmas markets.
If you want a quieter and more local atmosphere, while still having easy access to Salzburg city center, consider staying in Nonntal, Elisabeth-Vorstadt, Maxglan, and Schloss Hellbrunn area. Some of these areas have limited dining and shopping options compared to the Old Town.
When booking your accommodation, be sure to check availability well in advance, especially if you plan to visit during the Christmas season, as this is a popular time for tourists.
Map of the best areas and neighborhoods in Salzburg for Christmas Markets:
How to get to the Salzburg Christmas Market?
If you’re arriving by plane, you’ll land at Salzburg Airport. From the airport, you can take a taxi or use public transportation to reach the city center, which is about a 15-minute drive away.
If you’re arriving by train, you’ll likely arrive at main train station, Salzburg Hauptbahnhof. From the train station, you can walk to the main Christmas Market, around 15-20 minutes away.
Salzburg has an extensive public transportation network, including buses and trams. You can use the Salzburg Verkehrsbetriebe (SVV) public transportation system to get around the city.
The Salzburg Card, available for 24, 48, or 72 hours, provides unlimited access to public transport and discounts at various attractions.
Salzburg’s Old Town is compact and pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot. Many of the city’s attractions, shops, and restaurants are within walking distance of each other.
8 Best areas to stay in Salzburg for Christmas Markets:
1. Salzburg Old Town (Altstadt)
The Old Town (Altstadt) is one of the best areas to stay in Salzburg during the Christmas season. It is the location of Salzburg’s main Christmas markets, such as the Christkindlmarkt at Residenzplatz and the Stern Advent Market at the Domplatz.
Salzburg’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its well-preserved medieval and baroque architecture. Staying in this area allows you to soak in the historic charm of the city while just steps away from iconic Christmas markets.
Salzburg’s Old Town is known for its enchanting atmosphere during the Christmas season. You can expect beautifully decorated streets, horse-drawn carriages, and a sense of holiday joy everywhere you go.
The compact nature of Salzburg’s Old Town makes it easy to explore on foot. You can wander through narrow cobblestone streets, visit charming shops, and enjoy the decorations throughout the area.
Besides the Christmas markets, you’ll have convenient access to Salzburg’s top attractions, including Mozart’s Birthplace, Salzburg Cathedral, St. Peter’s Abbey, and Hohensalzburg Fortress.
The Getreidegasse shopping street in the heart of the Old Town is known for its wrought-iron signs, colorful shop fronts, and historical ambiance. It is also home to the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, which is now a museum.
Many accommodations in Salzburg Old Town offer scenic views of historic buildings, churches, and the Hohensalzburg Fortress, which is beautifully illuminated during the Christmas season.
Best places to stay in Salzburg Old Town for Christmas Markets:
- Luxury ($$$): Hotel Goldener Hirsch, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Salzburg
- Mid-range ($$): Altstadthotel Weisse Taube
- Budget ($): Hotel Elefant Family Business
2. Mirabellplatz
Mirabellplatz is one of the best places to stay in Salzburg for Christmas markets, especially for travelers who want a convenient location to access the Old Town’s Christmas markets while enjoying a slightly quieter atmosphere.
Mirabell Palace, with its stunning gardens and architecture, is one of Salzburg’s major attractions. During the Christmas season, the palace often hosts its own Christmas market, which is known for its festive ambiance and beautiful setting. If you stay in this area, you’ll be within easy walking distance of the palace and its market.
Mirabellplatz is situated just across the Salzach River from Salzburg’s Old Town (Altstadt). You can reach the Christkindlmarkt and Stern Advent Market, with a short walk across the Makartsteg pedestrian bridge.
Mirabellplatz itself is a picturesque square, and you can enjoy views of the Hohensalzburg Fortress and the Salzach River. The Christmas lights and decorations in this area add to its charm.
Best places to stay in Salzburg in Mirabellplatz for Christmas Markets:
- Luxury ($$$): Hotel Bristol Salzburg
- Mid-range ($$): Hotel am Mirabellplatz
- Budget ($): Gästehaus im Priesterseminar Salzburg
3. Neustadt
Neustadt is located just across the Salzach River from the Old Town, offering a quieter and more residential ambiance. If you prefer a peaceful and less touristy environment while still being close to the city center, Neustadt is an excellent choice.
Staying in Neustadt allows you to experience more of the local Salzburg lifestyle. You’ll find neighborhood shops, cafes, and restaurants where you can mingle with residents and sample authentic Austrian cuisine.
Numerous attractions can be found in Neustadt include the 17th century Mirabell Palace, Mozart Residence, Kapuzinerkloster monastery and Paschinger Castle.
Neustadt offers a variety of accommodation options, from hotels to vacation rentals, catering to different budgets and preferences.
Best places to stay in Salzburg in Neustadt for Christmas Markets:
- Luxury ($$$): Hyperion Hotel Salzburg
- Mid-range ($$): Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Salzburg
- Budget ($): numa l Mozart
4. Nonntal
Nonntal is a tranquil and picturesque neighborhood located just south of Salzburg’s Old Town, making it a unique and peaceful place to stay during the Christmas season. It is also within walking distance of the Old Town and its Christmas markets.
Nonntal is home to the Nonnberg Abbey, which dates back to the 8th century and is one of the oldest monasteries in the German-speaking world. Exploring these cultural sites can add depth to your visit.
Nonntal location also offers easy access to the Stift Nonnberg monastery, Salzburger Burgen & Schlösser Betriebsführung castle, Hans Donnenberg Park, Naturdenkmal nature reserve, and the Salzburg University Botanical Gardens.
Best places to stay in Salzburg in Nonntal for Christmas Markets:
- Luxury ($$$): JUFA Hotel Salzburg City
- Mid-range ($$): Hotel Via Roma
- Budget ($): Pension Katrin
5. Elisabeth-Vorstadt
Elisabeth-Vorstadt is a vibrant and diverse district in Salzburg, and staying in this area during the Christmas season offers a different but equally enjoyable experience compared to the more central neighborhoods.
Elisabeth-Vorstadt is located to the west of the Old Town, making it a convenient base for exploring Salzburg’s Christmas markets. You can easily reach the Old Town and its main markets by using public transportation.
Accommodation options in Elisabeth-Vorstadt tend to be more budget-friendly compared to the Old Town, making it a suitable choice for travelers looking to save on lodging expenses.
If you arrive in Salzburg by train, Elisabeth-Vorstadt is close to the Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (main train station). This can be convenient if you plan to use the train for day trips or to explore other parts of Austria.
Best places to stay in Salzburg in Elisabeth-Vorstadt for Christmas Markets:
- Luxury ($$$): Levy’s Rooms & Breakfast
- Mid-range ($$): Hotel Hohenstauffen
- Budget ($): Villa Elisa
6. Andräviertel
Andräviertel is a trendy area located near the Mirabell Palace. It is also known as the Paris of Salzburg. Staying here offers easy access to the Linzergasse street lined with boutiques, hip cafés and ice cream parlors.
You can visit the St. Sebastian’s cemetery, shop at Wolf-Dietrich-Strasse, climb the stairs of Kapuzinerberg and enjoy a wonderful view of the old town.
Best places to stay in Salzburg in Andräviertel for Christmas Markets:
- Luxury ($$$): Sheraton Grand Salzburg
- Mid-range ($$): Hotel Markus Sittikus Salzburg
- Budget ($): master Mirabell
7. Maxglan
Maxglan is a residential neighborhood to the southwest of Salzburg’s historic Old Town, and staying in this area during the Christmas season offers a peaceful and local experience.
Maxglan is home to several historical landmarks, including the Maxglan Church (Maxglankirche), an attractive Baroque church that dates back to the 18th century.
Accommodation options in Maxglan tend to be more budget-friendly compared to the Old Town, making it a good choice for travelers looking to save on lodging expenses.
Best places to stay in Salzburg in Maxglan for Christmas Markets:
- Luxury ($$$): numa I Flute Apartments
- Mid-range ($$): Das Grüne Hotel zur Post – 100 % BIO
- Budget ($): Room 4 & 5 Apartments
8. Schloss Hellbrunn
Staying near Schloss Hellbrunn during the Christmas season in Salzburg can be a unique and enchanting experience. Schloss Hellbrunn is famous for its magical Christmas market, and the surrounding area offers a mix of history and natural beauty.
The highlight of staying near Schloss Hellbrunn during the Christmas season is the Hellbrunn Palace Christmas Market (Hellbrunner Adventzauber). This market is renowned for its stunning setting in the palace courtyard and gardens.
Schloss Hellbrunn is known for its historic significance. You can explore the palace’s interior, including the famous trick fountains, which are open during the Christmas season. The trick fountains are a fun and interactive attraction that adds to the uniqueness of the visit.
Best places to stay in Salzburg in Schloss Hellbrunn for Christmas Markets:
- Luxury ($$$): Hotel Friesacher
- Mid-range ($$): numa I Ivy
- Budget ($): Friesachers Aniferhof
See more: Where to Stay in Salzburg First Time
In conclusion, Altstadt (Old Town), Mirabellplatz, Neustadt, Nonntal, Elisabeth-Vorstadt, Andräviertel, Maxglan, and Schloss Hellbrunn are the best places to stay in Salzburg for christmas markets. These areas offer easy access to major Christmas markets both on foot and by public transportation.