Urban Escape: Ascent to the Mönchsberg
The fastest route to this destination
Urban Escape: Ascent to the Mönchsberg
Historical hike from the old town with panoramic views of Salzburg!
This walk is perfect for getting a quick and breathtaking overview of Salzburg and offers a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the crowded Old Town and relax in nature. Ideal for newcomers, tourists, and families; however, strollers are not recommended due to the stairs.
Standing in the heart of the Old Town, you’ll feel surrounded by magnificent buildings such as the Residence, the Franciscan Church, the Rupertinum, and, of course, the Cathedral. Even after the first climb up the stairs, every walker is rewarded with a breathtaking view of the city’s rooftops. A closer look at the Cathedral dome reveals a slight distortion to the west. After the Cathedral was last destroyed by an air raid in 1944, its reconstruction took into account a fire escape located within the dome.
On the Mönchsberg, numerous benches and tranquil meadows offer opportunities to relax and enjoy the view of the city, Hohensalzburg Fortress, and the Untersberg mountain. While the deciduous trees provide shade in summer, the hike is just as rewarding in winter, as you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Salzburg covered in snow under favorable weather conditions. Regardless of the season, the route is even more captivating when hiked during the golden hour at sunrise or sunset.
Direct directions and details at: www.salzburg-erfahren.at
moderate
0h 45min
2.13 km
Family-friendly
A to B
City of Salzburg
Seasons
Directions
After a short walk from the Rathaus (City Hall) bus stop to Cathedral Square, the route begins at the striking Marian Column. From here, we pass through the monastery's archway to the Rupertinum, where we turn left into the Toscanini Courtyard and begin our ascent using the staircase carved into the mountainside. The path, which then leads us to the right, transforms after a few meters into a staircase, with each step offering increasingly expansive panoramic views of Salzburg. At the top, we pass a small playground and a historic fortification, the Mönchsberg Civic Guard. It's well worth taking a break here and enjoying the beautiful viewing platforms on both sides of the mountain! From here, we continue along the path through a small underpass, past the old wall, towards the Museum of Modern Art. Once there, another breathtaking view of Mozart's city awaits, along with the option to take the elevator back down for €3.40 (as of March 2026). After leaving the elevator, there are several options to complete the route: following Grießgasse, you have the option of taking the bus back to the main train station at Ferdinand-Hanusch-Platz; alternatively, the Marko-Feingold-Steg leads to the left to Makartplatz; or you can make the route a circular walk and continue along the Salzach river until you turn right towards the Kollegienkirche.
Information & contact
Salzburg Verkehr
Image Credit: Simon Klein
By public transport
- From Salzburg Central Station, take bus line 3 (Salzburg South) or line 6 (Parsch) for 5 stops to Salzburg City Hall.
- From there, walk to the Old Town via the Old Market and Cathedral Square to the Marian Column.
Timetable information and downloads: Online at www.salzburg-verkehr.at or on your smartphone via the free Salzburg Verkehr app for Android and iOS.
Safety information
Although the stairs to the Mönchsberg are cleared all year round and the paths are intensively maintained, sturdy footwear is still recommended during the winter months.Route profile
All content has been researched by the editorial team to the best of their knowledge. However, the editorial team of Salzburger Verkehrsverbund GmbH cannot guarantee the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information provided. We kindly ask you to verify the details when planning your trip, as opening hours, admission prices, or other information may change. Any liability claims against the editorial team or Salzburger Verkehrsverbund GmbH relating to material or non-material damages arising from the use of the information provided, or from the use of incorrect or incomplete information, are generally excluded.
