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Planning 2 days in Salzburg with kids is surprisingly easy because the city combines castles, music, mountain views, and walkable streets in a way that feels almost storybook-like for families.
As a child, I loved The Sound of Music. I knew every song by heart and dreamt of one day visiting the Alps and experiencing Austrian culture for myself. So when my husband and I planned a trip to Munich, adding nearby Salzburg as a two-day stop was an easy choice. During our time in Salzburg, we were completely swept up in the charm of this storybook city and quickly realized how perfect it would be to bring our kids someday. This 2 Days in Salzburg with Kids Itinerary is based on our experiences and what I’d love to share with my family on a future visit to this wonderful city.
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, or a European adventure with your family, Salzburg is a destination that sings with history, music, and beauty. In this 2 Days in Salzburg with Kids Itinerary, I’m sharing the must-see landmarks and family-friendly experiences that make this Austrian gem ideal for travelers of all ages.
If you are planning a bigger Europe trip with kids, Salzburg pairs really well with cities like Munich, Venice, Rome, and Paris because they all combine history, walkability, and memorable experiences for families.
2 Days in Salzburg with Kids: Quick Planning Snapshot
Best for: Families with elementary-age kids, tweens, and teens
Ideal stay length: 2 days (easy add-on from Munich)
Must-see highlights: Mirabell Gardens, Sound of Music tour, Old Town, Hohensalzburg Fortress
Getting around: Walkable Old Town + funicular
Why kids love it: Castles, gardens, movie locations, funicular rides
Good to know: Salzburg is compact, safe, and very family-friendly
Day 1 of Your 2 Days in Salzburg with Kids: The Sound of Music & Salzburg’s Old Town
Visit the Mirabell Gardens During Your Family Trip to Salzburg
Start your first morning at the Mirabell Gardens, one of Salzburg’s most recognizable areas. If you’re a Sound of Music fan, this is where Maria and the Von Trapp children danced and sang, “Do-Re-Mi!”
The grand white building beside the gardens is Mirabell Palace (Schloss Mirabell), built in the 1600s by the Prince-Archbishop for his beloved. Today it houses government offices and hosts musical performances. Mozart even performed here as a child! Visitors can enter for free, though only part of the palace is open to the public. Don’t miss the grand marble staircase lined with cherub statues, or the breathtaking Marble Hall, open on non-concert days.
Garden Highlights
As you stroll through the manicured paths, look for these Sound of Music “Do-Re-Mi” filming locations and photo-worthy spots:
- The Pegasus Fountain – Symbolizing harmony and balance, the fountain features the mythical winged horse surrounded by figures representing the four classical elements: earth, air, fire, and water. Sound of Music fans will instantly recognize it as the spot where Maria and the children danced in a circle.
- The Grand Staircase – These famous steps are where they skipped up at the end of “Do-Re-Mi.” It’s one of the best family photo spots in the gardens, with the Hohensalzburg Fortress perfectly framed in the background.
- The Rose Garden Archways – Romantic tunnels lined with climbing roses, perfect for a quiet moment while your kids explore. This is where Maria and the children ran in and out of the floral arches in the movie.
- The Vine Tunnel (Pergola Walkway) – A shady green archway of intertwined vines where they raced through the shaded corridor. The little girl in me had fun walking (skipping) through as I retraced their steps.
- The Dwarf Garden (Zwergerlgarten) – A quirky circle of marble dwarf statues carved in the 1600s, each said to represent real Austrians. Every statue has a different expression. I know my kids would have loved guessing what they were doing, or thinking?
The Sound of Music Tour During Your Family Trip to Salzburg
If your family loves The Sound of Music, this tour belongs at the top of Day 1 of your 2 Days in Salzburg with kids. Even if a few travelers in your group haven’t seen the movie, the Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg offers a fun, easy way to explore the city and its breathtaking countryside.
Booking a Sound of Music tour is the easiest way for families to see the major filming locations without worrying about transportation or timing. Most tours include hotel pickup and are designed to keep kids engaged with music, scenery, and short stops, such as Salzburg’s most iconic filming locations and scenic spots families love:
Tour Highlights:
- Leopoldskron Palace: This stunning lakeside mansion was used for the exterior shots of the Von Trapp home. You aren’t able to enter the mansion, but the peaceful, picturesque location is breathtaking to visit. Across the water, you can see reflections of the fortress and kids can spot swans gliding by! Leopoldskron Palace is one of the most relaxing and beautiful stops of your 2 Days in Salzburg with Kids.
- Hellbrunn Palace & Gazebo: Your kids will love that the palace is known for its trick fountains that spray from hidden spots around the gardens surprising the guests! Explore the gardens and step inside the famous glass gazebo of the “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” movie scene. Hellbrunn Palace mixes movie magic, history, and outdoor fun making it ideal for families exploring Salzburg with Kids.
- Nonnberg Abbey: Climb up to Nonnberg Abbey, the oldest continuously running convent in the world. The courtyard of the convent is open to visitors and has an amazing view looking out over the rooftops of Salzburg below. In the movie, this is where Maria was training to be a nun and where the Von Trapps hide at the end of the movie. History lovers and movie fans will enjoy Nonnberg Abbey on their 2 day Salzburg with kids itinerary.
- Mondsee Cathedral: Recognizable as the beautiful church where Maria walked down the long aisle with her veil trailing behind to marry Captain Von Trapp. The gorgeous cathedral is about 30 minutes outside of the city and is a masterpiece of baroque design with soaring ceilings and gold accents. The little town of Mondsee feels straight out of a fairytale, with flower-filled balconies, cobblestone lanes, and cozy cafés perfect for a quick treat before heading back to Salzburg.
If this sounds like your family’s style, this is the exact type of Sound of Music tour most families book.
Stroll Through Salzburg’s Old Town During Your Family Trip to Salzburg
Next, head to Salzburg’s Old Town (Altstadt) for lunch and to explore the historic areas of the city. Everything is within walking distance making this easy for families. Some families also use public transit or guided tours to get around easily.
- Residenzplatz Fountain: Right in the heart of Salzburg’s Old Town, the Residenzplatz Fountain grabs your attention with its dramatic marble horses and splash of baroque flair. The Sound of Music fans might recognize it from the “I Have Confidence” scene, where Maria happily splashes water on her way through the square! Even if your family hasn’t seen the movie, it’s still one of the best photo stops during your 2 Days in Salzburg with Kids. My tip? Take a minute to just stand there, listen to the water, and look up.
- Salzburg Cathedral (Dom zu Salzburg): Just around the corner from the fountain sits the stunning Salzburg Cathedral. The white marble walls glow in the afternoon light, and the ceilings are covered in detailed artwork. Mozart once played the organ here, which amazed me to think about. It’s a peaceful, beautiful stop during your 2 Days in Salzburg with Kids.
This stop reminded me a lot of smaller towns we visited while traveling through Italy. If your family enjoys that mix of history and wandering walkable streets, you might also enjoy our 3 days in Rome with kids itinerary.
- St. Peter’s Monastery & Courtyard: We quite literally stumbled upon St. Peter’s Monastery while wandering the narrow lanes of Salzburg’s Old Town and had no idea what we’d found at first. One turn led us into a quiet stone courtyard tucked beneath the cliffs of Mönchsberg, and suddenly it felt like we’d stepped back in time. The buildings are built right into the rock face of the mountain, which makes the whole place feel hidden and mysterious. Later we learned it’s one of the oldest monasteries in Europe, founded more than 1,300 years ago!
- Mönchsberg Cliff Houses: As we wandered around Old Town, we looked up and did a double take. There were colorful houses built right into the cliffs of Mönchsberg! The walls of the mountain and the walls of the homes practically blend together, making it hard to tell where stone ends and architecture begins. It’s such a unique sight! My kids would’ve loved spotting this. Definitely a cool little find to look for during your 2 Days in Salzburg with Kids.
- Getreidegasse: If you love to shop while traveling, Getreidegasse is your place. This bustling Old Town street is filled with boutiques, cafés, and ornate wrought-iron signs. Even McDonald’s has one! We spent some time ducking in and out of stores, picking up souvenirs, and pretending we weren’t going to buy more chocolate, which we of course did.
Dinner with a View & Salzach River Walk
Dinner:
While in Austria you should experience a traditional beer garden. My husband and I love them! Popular Austrian foods, such as Wiener Schnitzel, Bierbratl, Salzburger Nocker, and pretzels are served. They typically have a friendly, laid-back, “stay as long as you like,” fun atmosphere. Beer gardens are social spots where usually you are seated at long tables with other diners on the opposite end of the table that often leads to conversation.
If you’re looking to experience a beer garden for dinner with a view and a relaxed, family-friendly vibe, I recommend heading to Stieglkeller Beer Garden. Its three-level terrace has an amazing view, tucked just below the Hohensalzburg Fortress, overlooking the town. The atmosphere was lively but never too loud, and even though it’s technically a “beer garden,” it’s very welcoming to families.
Salzach River Walk:
To wrap up your first day of your 2 Days in Salzburg with Kids, after dinner, wander down to the Salzach River promenade for a peaceful evening walk. The path runs right along the water.
Just a few minutes away, cross the Makartsteg Bridge, that connects Salzburg’s Old Town with the newer city side. The bridge is known for its hundreds of colorful love locks left by couples around the world symbolizing their promise to each other. I know my kids would have found seeing the locks pretty cool! From the bridge enjoy the view of the city and the fortress. A perfect ending to your first of your 2 days in Salzburg with kids.
Day 2 of Your 2 Days in Salzburg with Kids: The Fortress, Views & Family Adventures Above the City
Visit Hohensalzburg Fortress (Festung Hohensalzburg) During Your Family Trip to Salzburg
Funicular Ride Up to the Fortress:
The next morning, we set out to explore the fortress we’d admired from below, ready for Day 2 of our 2 Days in Salzburg with Kids. We took the funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of the most fun and scenic ways to begin the day. The ride is short but steep, with incredible views above the rooftops of Old Town. Your kids will love watching the city shrink below as the fortress towers come into view, kind of like heading up to a fairytale castle! The funicular drops you right at the fortress entrance, making it not only fun, but convenient. It’s an adventure all on its own and one of the most memorable moments from our 2 Days in Salzburg with Kids.
Exploring Hohensalzburg Fortress:
Hohensalzburg Fortress is one of the largest and best-preserved medieval castles in Europe. There’s plenty here to fill a whole morning. Wander through the open courtyards, peek into the old chapels, and climb up to the lookout towers for sweeping views of Salzburg and the Alps. Your kids will want to check out the knight’s quarters and cannons to ornate royal rooms decorated in gold leaf.
Hohensalzburg Fortress admission ticket can be purchased on site, but booking ahead can save time during busy travel seasons
If you’re visiting with kids, they’ll love exploring the narrow staircases, spotting the cannons, and pretending to defend the city below. Don’t miss the Marionette Museum, a small but fascinating exhibit showing Salzburg’s famous puppetry tradition (and a fun connection to The Sound of Music).
When you’re ready for a snack break, the fortress also offers a few small cafés and shaded benches. Hohensalzburg Fortress is a highlight of our 2 Days in Salzburg with Kids itinerary.
The Views from the Top:
From the top of Hohensalzburg Fortress, you’ll see all of Salzburg stretched out below: the Salzach River winding through town, the cathedral’s green domes, and the Alps standing proudly in the distance. Even if your kids aren’t into history, they’ll like spotting landmarks they visited the day before, like Mirabell Gardens and the Old Town squares. If you’re lucky enough to visit on a clear day, you can see for miles!
Afternoon Options for your 2 Days in Salzburg with Kids: Mozart, Museums & More Views
After exploring Hohensalzburg Fortress, we walked down to Old Town, about a 15 minute walk. With kids, you may want to ride the funicular back down. Old Town is charming and has some great lunch options for your family.
We actually headed back to Munich at this point, so I added a few options that we didn’t personally do, but that your family may enjoy. Mozart’s Residence, or the Museum of Modern Art are options that many people choose.
Mozart’s Residence (Mozart-Wohnhaus):
Especially if your family is musical, you may want to choose to spend time at Mozart’s Residence. The home where the Mozart family lived for many years, is now a museum. It’s a bright yellow building on Makartplatz Square, just a few minutes’ walk from the Love Locks Bridge. Inside, the museum tells Mozart’s story through family portraits, letters, and even one of the pianos he actually played.
The rooms are easy to explore. Kids can listen to snippets of his famous music at little listening stations and see what Salzburg looked like in Mozart’s time through models and videos.
Optional Evening Experience for Older Kids or Parents
If you’re traveling with older kids, teens, or as a couple, one memorable way to end your time in Salzburg is a Mozart concert at Hohensalzburg Fortress.
The Salzburg: Best of Mozart Fortress Concert and Dinner combines a funicular ride up to the fortress, a traditional Austrian dinner, and a live classical concert featuring Mozart’s most famous works. It’s a unique way to experience Salzburg’s musical heritage in a historic setting overlooking the city lights.
Mönchsberg Lift, Museum of Modern Art, & M32 Café:
If your family prefers art, ride the Mönchsberg Lift up to the Museum of Modern Art (M32 Café). Even if you skip the museum, the lift ride itself is exciting for kids. The café terrace offers some of the best panoramic views of Salzburg. Order a treat, take in the view, and enjoy!
The Final Evening During Your 2 Days in Salzburg with Kids:
After enjoying dinner, Salzburg at night is beautiful. The fortress lights up high above the city. Take one last stroll through Old Town or along the Salzach River promenade. Street musicians often fill the air with violin or piano music. The kids can enjoy spotting the illuminated fortress from different angles, and it’s the perfect, peaceful way to close out your 2 Days in Salzburg with Kids.
Salzburg with Kids FAQ
Is Salzburg good for kids?
Yes. Salzburg is one of those European cities that feels very easy with kids because it is compact, walkable, safe, and full of interesting things to see. Between the castles, gardens, fortress views, funicular rides, and Sound of Music locations, there is enough variety to keep both younger kids and teens engaged.
How many days do you need in Salzburg with kids?
I think 2 days is the perfect amount of time for most families. That gives you enough time to explore Old Town, visit Mirabell Gardens, tour Hohensalzburg Fortress, and fit in a Sound of Music tour without feeling rushed.
Is The Sound of Music tour worth it for families?
Yes, especially if anyone in your family enjoys the movie or likes scenic countryside views. Even people who are not huge Sound of Music fans usually enjoy the mix of mountain scenery, historic stops, and fun filming locations. The tours are also an easy way to see places outside Salzburg without worrying about transportation.
Is Salzburg stroller-friendly?
Mostly yes. Salzburg’s Old Town is fairly flat and easy to walk, but there are some cobblestone streets, inclines, and stairs around the fortress areas. Families with strollers may want to use the funicular instead of walking uphill to Hohensalzburg Fortress.
Final Thoughts on 2 Days in Salzburg with Kids:
Even though our kids weren’t with us on this trip, Salzburg kept reminding me how it would be a great location to explore together someday. From the gardens and fountains to the castles and music, Salzburg was easy, safe, and charming. If you’re dreaming of visiting, use this 2 days in Salzburg with Kids itinerary to help plan your own trip to Austria and see why it’s a great destination for families.
Since we based this trip out of Munich, I also shared more about our experience in what Munich is really like along with nearby day trips like Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich and Eagle’s Nest from Munich.
If you are planning a shorter Munich stay, I also mapped out how we would combine these stops in our 3 days in Munich with kids itinerary.
🎒 Family Travel Essentials We Bring on Every Europe Trip
No matter where we go in Europe — Rome, Venice, Paris, these are the five things that make our travel days smoother, our feet happier, and our bags easier to keep track of. We take all of these on every trip.
🧳 AirTags in Every Suitcase and Backpack
After having a suitcase lost years ago, I always use AirTags now, especially in Europe where you’re juggling trains, taxis, and airports. We put them in every checked bag and backpack for peace of mind.
➡️ Here’s the exact AirTag 4-pack we use.
🔋 Portable Charger (A Must!)
Between Google Maps, taking photos, using translation apps, and long sightseeing days, phones die FAST in Europe. A portable charger is an absolute must. I have had several over the years and this is hands down my favorite.
➡️ This is the portable charger we bring.
🦶 Epsom Salt Foot Gel for Sore Park Feet (Our Secret Weapon)
Every Europe trip has at least one 20,000-step day. We always pack a foot gel for sore legs after cobblestone streets, plus blister bandages for the kids (and honestly, for me).
➡️ Here’s the exact foot gel we pack.
(and yes… we’ve used it more times than I can count!)
🌬️ Mini Handheld Fan
We originally bought this fan for baseball tournaments, but now it goes everywhere with us, especially Europe in the summer. It’s lightweight, powerful, and perfect for long lines, hot trains, and crowded attractions.
➡️ Here’s the exact handheld fan we use.
🔌 Universal Travel Adapter
Europe uses different outlets than the U.S., and you’ll need an adapter for phones, iPads, chargers, hair tools, everything. A multi-country adapter with USB ports is the easiest solution.
📌 Save This Post for Later
Planning a trip to Austria soon? Save this guide on Pinterest so you can find it easily when you’re ready to plan!
If you’re debating taking kids out of school for an international trip, here’s my teacher + mom breakdown of when it’s okay.
✈️ Exploring Europe with kids?
These family itineraries pair perfectly with Salzburg:
• 3 Days in Paris with Kids: A Family-Friendly Itinerary
• 3 Days in Venice with Kids: A Family-Friendly Itinerary
• 3 Days in Rome with Kids: A Family-Friendly Itinerary You’ll All Love
Check out all our European Destinations for more family-friendly travel ideas.
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Our family and attraction photos were captured during our adventures in Salzburg, highlighting top family experiences, local culture, and iconic sights. Select scenic and landmark images courtesy of trusted stock sources and tourism archives.
About the Author
I’m Mel — a teacher, mom, and family travel blogger who loves helping parents plan memorable and affordable trips.
Every itinerary and recommendation on Stack the Miles comes from real adventures we’ve taken with our children,
from Europe and the Caribbean to Disney, Universal, and sports-related travel.
My goal is to share genuine, family-tested travel advice so you can plan with confidence and make unforgettable memories together.
