How long does it take to walk through Nonntal?

A typical self-guided walk through Nonntal takes between 90 and 120 minutes. The distance is approximately 2.5 kilometers, depending on how long you spend at the Unipark architecture and the Krauthügel meadows.

Is Nonntal worth visiting in Salzburg?

Yes, Nonntal is highly recommended for those who want to see a different side of Salzburg. It offers a blend of modern university life, quiet historic streets, and beautiful green spaces like the Hellbrunner Allee, providing a break from the crowded Altstadt.

Can I see the Hohensalzburg Fortress from Nonntal?

Absolutely, Nonntal offers some of the most dramatic views of the Hohensalzburg Fortress. The view from the Krauthügel meadow and the roof of the Unipark provides a unique southern perspective of the castle walls.

Is the Nonntal walking route accessible for strollers?

Yes, this neighborhood stroll is almost entirely flat and uses well-maintained sidewalks and gravel paths. It is one of the most accessible areas in Salzburg for families with strollers or those who prefer easy walking.

What is the Krauthügel in Salzburg?

The Krauthügel is a historic urban meadow located between Nonnberg Abbey and the Leopoldskron district. It is famous for hosting large-scale contemporary art projects and offering a peaceful walking path with views of the fortress.

Where can I find modern architecture in Salzburg?

The Unipark Nonntal is the best place to see modern architecture in Salzburg. Designed by Storch/Müller, the glass-and-steel university building is a stark, beautiful contrast to the city's medieval and Baroque heritage.

Best time of day for a Nonntal neighborhood stroll?

Mid-afternoon is the best time, as you can experience the lively student atmosphere at the university and catch the 'golden hour' light hitting the fortress from the Krauthügel meadow.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step away from the familiar Baroque crowds of the Old Town and discover Nonntal, Salzburg’s most vibrant and eclectic neighborhood. This self-guided walk invites you to explore a district where historical tradition meets contemporary innovation. Nonntal has long been a place of transition; once the site of medieval hospices and artisan workshops, it is now the city's creative heart, home to modern university campuses, cutting-edge art galleries, and peaceful green corridors. This neighborhood stroll offers a unique perspective on the city, showcasing how Salzburg balances its UNESCO World Heritage status with a living, breathing culture of modern art and academic energy. As you navigate this walking route, you will encounter the striking red-brick facade of the Salzburg Art Association and the sleek, award-winning architecture of the Unipark Nonntal. The path leads you through the narrow, charming Petersbrunnstraße, where the shadow of the Hohensalzburg Fortress looms overhead, and into the open expanses of the Krauthügel, an urban meadow that frequently hosts large-scale contemporary art installations. Unlike a standard walking tour Salzburg visitors often experience, this route emphasizes the 'Local’s Salzburg,' focusing on the textures of daily life, the evolution of local architecture, and the hidden gems that many travelers overlook. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, an art lover, or simply looking for a quiet escape from the main tourist trail, this audio walk provides the context needed to appreciate Nonntal’s layered history. From the Baroque elegance of St. Erhard’s Church to the majestic chestnut-lined Hellbrunner Allee, you will see how the city transforms from a dense urban center into a sprawling landscape of palaces and meadows. Discover Salzburg at your own pace, stopping to soak in the views of the fortress or enjoying a coffee at a student-filled café along the way. This self-guided adventure is the perfect way to experience the creative soul of Austria’s most musical city. **Note:** This area is known for its ever-changing character. Street art, pop-up venues, and temporary exhibitions may differ from what's described. That's part of the adventure - you might discover something entirely new!

Highlights

The iconic red-brick Künstlerhaus, home to contemporary art exhibitions

Modern architectural marvels at the Unipark Nonntal campus

The charming, historic atmosphere of Petersbrunnstraße

The stunning Baroque interior of St. Erhard’s Church

Open-air art installations on the Krauthügel meadow

The beginning of the scenic, tree-lined Hellbrunner Allee

Tour Stops (6)

Salzburg Art Association (Künstlerhaus)

Welcome to the Künstlerhaus, the historic headquarters of the Salzburg Art Association. Built in 1885, this striking red-brick building stands out against the city's typical white and pastel stone. It was originally established to provide local artists with a space to create and exhibit, and it remains a vital hub for contemporary art today. As you stand before its ornate facade, consider how this building served as a bridge between the traditional arts of the 19th century and the avant-garde movements that followed. The Association hosts rotating exhibitions that often challenge the 'Mozart-city' stereotype. Since exhibitions change frequently, the interior is always a surprise, offering everything from digital media to experimental sculpture. It is a testament to Salzburg's enduring commitment to a living, evolving art scene rather than just preserving the past.

Unipark Nonntal

A few steps away, the scenery shifts dramatically from the 19th century to the 21st. The Unipark Nonntal, part of the University of Salzburg, is a masterpiece of modern architecture designed by the firm Storch/Müller. Completed in 2011, its sleek glass and concrete curves create a light-filled environment for thousands of students. Notice how the building's design incorporates open plazas and 'floating' sections, allowing the landscape of the city to flow through the campus. If the building is open, the roof terrace offers one of the most spectacular, yet least-known, views of the Hohensalzburg Fortress and the surrounding mountains. This site represents the intellectual energy of Nonntal, a district that feels younger and more experimental than the historic center across the river.

Petersbrunnstraße

As you turn into Petersbrunnstraße, you are entering the historic core of 'Old Nonntal.' This street was once the main artery for people entering the city from the south. The architecture here is a mix of grand villas and more modest artisan houses, many of which date back centuries. Look up toward the fortress; from this angle, the massive stone walls of Hohensalzburg feel almost close enough to touch. This area has a distinct village-like atmosphere, characterized by ivy-covered walls and quiet courtyards. Historically, this street was home to the city’s court theater and various small workshops. Today, it remains a prestigious residential address, blending the quiet dignity of the past with the convenience of being just minutes from the city center.

St. Erhard

The Church of St. Erhard is a Baroque jewel that many visitors miss. Built in the late 17th century by the architect Giovanni Gaspare Zuccalli, it served the nearby hospital and the community of Nonnberg Abbey. The exterior is defined by its elegant dome and twin towers, but the interior is where the true artistry lies. Inside, you will find elaborate stucco work and a high altar that exemplifies the theatricality of the Salzburg Baroque style. The church was part of a larger complex that cared for the sick and the poor, reminding us that Nonntal was once a place of social service and sanctuary. Take a moment to appreciate the quiet sanctity here, which offers a stark contrast to the busy academic energy of the nearby university.

Krauthügel Art Project

Leaving the paved streets behind, you enter the Krauthügel, a vast green meadow that sits directly beneath the Nonnberg Abbey and the Fortress. This space is a unique urban lung for Salzburg. Since 2014, it has become a focal point for the 'Art in the Public Space' project. Large-scale sculptures and temporary installations are often placed directly in the grass, creating a dialogue between contemporary creativity and the ancient landscape. Because these installations are temporary, the visual experience of the Krauthügel changes with the seasons and the years. It is a favorite spot for locals to walk, picnic, and reflect. The contrast of modern steel or abstract shapes against the backdrop of a medieval abbey perfectly captures the spirit of Nonntal.

Hellbrunner Allee

Your walk concludes at the beginning of the Hellbrunner Allee, one of the oldest and most beautiful avenues in Europe. Commissioned in 1612 by Prince-Archbishop Markus Sittikus, this straight, three-kilometer path was designed to connect the city with Hellbrunn Palace. Lined with ancient chestnut trees, the Allee is a protected natural monument. As you look down the long, leafy tunnel, you can see the mountains in the distance and several historic 'Schlösser' or small palaces along the sides. This is where Salzburg’s urban fabric dissolves into the countryside. From here, you can choose to continue the long walk to the Trick Fountains of Hellbrunn or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before heading back toward the city center.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Nonntal creative quarter route is ideal for art lovers. It connects the historic Künstlerhaus with the modern Krauthügel art installations, offering a mix of 19th-century and contemporary works away from the traditional tourist spots.