Austria, Europe

Salzburg in September

Settled weather, quieter old town, and lake and mountain trips still open. The sweet spot.

BestMild, highs near 66F (19C), drier

Hohensalzburg Fortress above Salzburg — SalzburgPhoto: Ignaz Wiradi, CC BY-SA 3.0

The straight answer

September is one of the best months of the year to visit Salzburg. Settled weather, quieter old town, and lake and mountain trips still open. The sweet spot.

Weather: Mild, highs near 66F (19C), drier
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What September is like in Salzburg

September is Salzburg's sweet spot. Highs are about 66F (19C), the weather is drier and more settled than summer, and the old town quiets down once the festival ends. The lakes, cable cars, Hellbrunn's fountains, and the ice cave are all still open. Prices ease to mid-range and hotels are easier to find.

It suits nearly everyone, especially couples, hikers, and families who can travel outside school terms. It is the best month to mix the old town with mountain and lake days. If you want fall color and even lower prices, October is a good second choice, though some lifts close for maintenance.

Make the most of September

What is especially good about Salzburg this month.

Settled hiking weather

Dry, mild days are ideal for mountain trails and the Untersberg cable car.

A calmer old town

Festival crowds are gone, and the Getreidegasse and Mirabell Gardens are much easier to enjoy.

Last good lake days

Early September still has warm afternoons for a boat ride or a lakeside lunch.

What to pack for September

Light layers and a sweater
Hiking shoes
A light rain jacket
A warm layer for the ice cave

Our timing tip

Book lake and mountain day trips for weekdays, when the roads and boats are least busy.

Book Salzburg for September.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Salzburg
Opens a hotel search for Salzburg in September, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for September
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Salzburg
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Salzburg
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Salzburg for September. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Salzburg

Full guide

Hohensalzburg Fortress

One of the largest medieval castles in Europe, reached by funicular. Go early or late afternoon.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Mozart's Birthplace

On the Getreidegasse, the busiest street in town. Visit at opening to avoid the crush.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

DomQuartier

One ticket for the prince-archbishops' Residenz state rooms, the Cathedral galleries, and the museum of St. Peter's Abbey.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Hellbrunn Palace and the trick fountains

Water games that soak visitors, open in the warmer months, roughly April to early November.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Untersberg cable car

Rises to about 1,800 meters for Alpine views over Salzburg. Closed for maintenance in some spring and fall weeks.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Eisriesenwelt ice cave

The world's largest ice cave, near Werfen. Open roughly May to October; dress warmly.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Walk the Getreidegasse and visit Mozart's Birthplace before 10am, when tour groups arrive.
Stay a few nights instead of day-tripping from Munich or Vienna; the old town is at its best in the evening.
Go to the Christmas markets on weekday afternoons, not weekend evenings.
For the Salzburg Festival, book tickets as soon as sales open and reserve hotels at the same time, or stay in a nearby town with a train link.

Know before you go

Hellbrunn's trick fountains and the Eisriesenwelt ice cave are seasonal, closed in winter.
Mountain cable cars like the Untersberg close for maintenance for a few weeks in spring and fall.
Shops close on Sundays and public holidays, though museums and restaurants stay open.
Christmas markets usually close on December 24 or 26; the city is quiet on Christmas Day.

Salzburg in September, quick answers

Is September a good time to visit Salzburg?

September is one of the best months of the year to visit Salzburg. Settled weather, quieter old town, and lake and mountain trips still open. The sweet spot.

What is the weather like in Salzburg in September?

Mild, highs near 66F (19C), drier.

Is Salzburg crowded in September?

Crowds in Salzburg are moderate in September; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.