How long does it take to walk the Salzburg Altstadt passages?

This specific route takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes depending on your pace. The distance is relatively short (under 1.5 kilometers), but the narrow alleys and courtyards invite frequent stops for photos and exploration.

Is the Salzburg Altstadt accessible for strollers?

Generally yes, but be prepared for cobblestones. Most of the main passages are accessible, though some historic courtyards may have a single step or very narrow entrances that require careful maneuvering.

Can I see the catacombs at St. Peter's on this walk?

Yes, the route passes directly through the St. Peter's district. While the cemetery is free to enter, there is a small fee to climb the stairs into the rock-cut catacombs, which offer a great view of the square.

What are the 'Durchhäuser' in Salzburg?

These are 'through-houses'—private buildings with public rights-of-way through their ground floors. They were designed as medieval shortcuts and often contain hidden shops, restaurants, and beautiful internal courtyards.

Where is the smallest house in Salzburg located?

You can find it at Alter Markt 10b. It is a tiny, narrow building squeezed between two much larger structures, easily missed if you aren't looking for it during your neighborhood stroll.

Is this walking route suitable for kids?

Yes, children often enjoy the 'secret' feel of the narrow passages and the ancient waterwheel at the St. Peter's bakery. The route is short enough to keep them engaged without too much walking.

When is the best time to explore Salzburg's secret courtyards?

Early morning is best, specifically before 10:00 AM. This is when the city is waking up, the light hits the narrow alleys beautifully, and you can enjoy the quiet atmosphere before the day-trippers arrive.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

1 hr 20 min

Duration

6

Stops

Easy

Difficulty

About This Tour

Salzburg is world-renowned for its grand baroque domes and the melodies of Mozart, but beneath the surface of the Altstadt lies a labyrinth of secrets waiting to be discovered by those who look closer. This neighborhood stroll takes you away from the crowded thoroughfares and into the 'Durchhäuser'—the medieval cut-through houses that form a unique network of passageways and courtyards. These hidden arteries were once vital for merchants and local residents, and today they offer a tranquil escape into the city's storied past. On this self-guided adventure, you will explore the narrowest alleys of the Goldgasse, find quiet respite in the ancient cemetery of St. Peter, and see where the medieval city meets its Roman foundations. Unlike a traditional walking tour Salzburg visitors might expect, this route emphasizes the architectural quirks and local legends that define the city's character. You will start at the historic Waagplatz, once the site of the municipal weighing scales, before navigating the curved Goldgasse, where artisans have worked for centuries. One of the highlights is finding the Schatz-Konditorei, a legendary pastry shop tucked away inside a nondescript building passage, proving that Salzburg’s best treasures are often hidden in plain sight. This walking route also leads you through the Alter Markt to see the smallest house in the city and culminates in the serene Sankt-Peter-Bezirk, one of the oldest monastic sites in the German-speaking world. By following this self-guided walk, you can explore at your own pace, stopping for a coffee in a courtyard or photographing the intricate wrought-iron signs that hang above the narrow lanes. It is an ideal way to experience the authentic atmosphere of the Altstadt without the pressure of a fixed schedule. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, these secret passages provide a new perspective on the UNESCO World Heritage site, revealing a city that is as much about its intimate, hidden corners as it is about its monumental squares.

Highlights

The medieval 'Durchhäuser' (cut-through) passages
Hidden artisans' history in the narrow Goldgasse
Salzburg's smallest house at Alter Markt
The legendary Schatz-Konditorei hidden in a passage
The ancient, atmospheric St. Peter's Cemetery
Roman history beneath the cobblestones of Kaigasse

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour

Tour Stops (6)

1

Waagplatz

Welcome to Waagplatz, one of Salzburg's oldest squares. In the Middle Ages, this was the heart of the city's commerce. The square takes its name from the public scales, or 'Waag', that were once housed here. Every merchant entering the city had to have their goods weighed and taxed here before they could be sold. Look around and you’ll notice the buildings are huddled closely together, a characteristic of medieval urban planning. This square was also once the site of the city’s courthouse and tavern, making it a hub of both legal and social life for centuries. It serves as the perfect starting point to dive into the city's hidden network of alleys.

2

Goldgasse

Step into the Goldgasse, a narrow, curving lane that feels like a journey back in time. This street was historically the home of goldsmiths, silversmiths, and other skilled craftsmen. If you look up, you will see the elaborate wrought-iron guild signs that indicated what was sold in each shop—a tradition from an era when many people were illiterate. The Goldgasse is also famous for its 'Durchhäuser'—look for the doorways that lead through the buildings to other streets. These passages were designed to provide shortcuts through the dense city blocks, and many still house small, independent boutiques and hidden workshops today.

3

Alter Markt

The Alter Markt, or Old Market, has been the center of Salzburg’s civic life since the 13th century. While the grand fountain of St. Florian dominates the center, the real secrets are on the periphery. Look for house number 10b—it is the smallest house in Salzburg, measuring just over one meter wide. It was built in the mid-19th century to fill a tiny gap between two larger buildings. Also located here is the Hofapotheke, a pharmacy with a stunning historic interior that has been serving the city for centuries. This square perfectly illustrates how Salzburg manages to blend grand public spaces with quirky, small-scale architectural details.

4

Schatz-Konditorei

To find the Schatz-Konditorei, you have to look for a passage leading off the main path. This is one of Salzburg’s most beloved traditional pastry shops, and its location inside a 'Durchhaus' makes it feel like a local secret. Founded in 1877, the shop has maintained its historic charm and original recipes. It is the perfect example of how the city’s passageways are not just shortcuts, but vibrant spaces for commerce and social life. The aroma of traditional Austrian cakes often wafts through the corridor, inviting passersby to step out of the flow of traffic and into a quieter, sweeter side of Salzburg history.

5

Sankt-Peter-Bezirk

Enter the St. Peter's district, a place of profound peace and history. This monastery complex is the oldest in the German-speaking world, with roots stretching back to the 7th century. The cemetery here is world-famous, not just for its beauty, but for the 'catacombs' carved directly into the face of the Mönchsberg mountain. These early Christian hermitages overlook the graves of famous Salzburgers, including Mozart's sister, Nannerl. The courtyard of the abbey feels like a city within a city, featuring its own bakery powered by a waterwheel that has been grinding grain for over 800 years. It is a masterclass in atmospheric historic preservation.

6

Kaigasse

Our final stop is Kaigasse, a street that follows the curve of the Festungsberg mountain toward the castle. This area was once the heart of the Roman settlement of Juvavum. If you look closely at some of the building foundations, you are seeing stones that have been in place for nearly two millennia. During the Middle Ages, this was a prestigious address for cathedral canons and wealthy citizens. Today, it remains a charming thoroughfare filled with historic inns and quiet side-courts. It marks the transition from the bustling market center to the quieter residential quarters of the Old Town, concluding our exploration of Salzburg’s hidden layers.

Frequently Asked Questions

The 'Hidden Passageways and Secret Courtyards' route is highly recommended for those seeking a self-guided walk away from the main tourist crowds. It focuses on the medieval 'Durchhäuser' and quiet spots like St. Peter's Cemetery that most visitors overlook.