15 Unusual Things to Do in Salzburg Most People Miss

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Salzburg is famous for Mozart, baroque buildings, and The Sound of Music. But if you’ve ever walked down Getreidegasse on a sunny weekend or queued up for the funicular to Fortress Hohensalzburg, you’ll know, it can get very crowded.

What many visitors don’t realise is how quickly Salzburg changes once you take a few steps off the main tourist path. Suddenly, you’re walking down quiet lanes, passing street art, or sitting alone in a peaceful garden with mountain views.

In this post, I’m sharing my favourite unusual things to do in Salzburg. These are the hidden gems and unique experiences that made me fall in love with the city.

Table of Contents

1. Visit the Oldest Dwarf Garden in Europe

A close-up of a weathered stone dwarf statue with a pointy hat and a bearded, expressive face in the Dwarf Garden (Zwergerlgarten) of Mirabell Gardens, Salzburg. The statue stands on a pedestal surrounded by lush green trees and sunlight-dappled pathways. — How cool is that dwarf?

Before I visited Salzburg, I didn’t even know dwarf gardens were a thing. Turns out, they were once quite the trend, and Salzburg’s is believed to be the oldest surviving one in Europe.

Built around 1695, the garden was originally filled with dozens of stone dwarfs. But by 1811, the fashion had faded, and the sculptures were sold off. Since then Salzburg has managed to bring back 17 of the original dwarfs.

They’re displayed in a small garden just next to Mirabell Palace, one of the main attractions in Salzburg. The statues are super weird and honestly some of the most unusual historic sculptures I’ve ever seen.

2. Check Out the Street Art at the Tunnel in Rainerstraße

A series of concrete columns under a road overpass in Salzburg are vibrantly painted with abstract, organic street art in shades of blue, orange, red, and yellow. In the background, a cheerful mural on the tunnel wall features a bird and the words “Be my FRIEND” next to a red heart.

If you’re walking from the main train station to the old town, you’ll pass through the Rainerstraße tunnel, and if you do, keep your eyes open. The walls here are covered in street art.

The tunnel’s concrete columns are wrapped in bright, abstract murals that feel almost coral-like. I also really like the pigeon that says “Be my FRIEND”.

Note: This tunnel is also a place where homeless people seek shelter, especially in colder months. It’s generally safe, but just be aware and respectful as you walk by.

3. Wander Through St. Sebastian’s Cemetery

If St. Peter’s Cemetery feels a bit too crowded during your visit, head to St. Sebastian’s Cemetery instead. It may not have the dramatic cliffside setting, but it more than makes up for it with peace and quiet.

This cemetery is tucked away behind a modest church along Linzer Gasse, and it has a completely different vibe, less ornate, more contemplative. You’ll find beautifully weathered headstones and shady arcades.

It’s a lovely spot to slow down, reflect, and enjoy a lesser-known part of Salzburg’s history, without the crowds.

4. Stroll Down Linzer Gasse

A sunny street scene in Salzburg’s Linzer Gasse shopping area, lined with historic buildings, quaint shops, and people strolling on the pedestrian walkway.

If you find Getreidegasse too packed with tourists and souvenir shops, head across the river to Linzer Gasse. It has a similar charm with beautiful facades and wrought-iron signs, but it feels much more local.

You’ll see Salzburg residents doing their errands, grabbing lunch, or browsing small boutiques. The pace is slower, the shops more independent, and the whole street has a much more relaxed vibe.

Bonus tip: There’s a lovely little vegan café called From Julia right on this street. They serve great coffee and treats, but be sure to check their Instagram before heading over, as they sometimes close when the weather isn’t great.

5. Take Some Pictures with the Giant Gherkins

Large bronze sculptures shaped like gherkins stand upright on a walkway in Salzburg, with a statue of a man and leafy park grounds in the background.

One of the quirkiest photo spots in Salzburg? A group of oversized gherkin sculptures standing in front of the main university building, a very central location, so you can easily see them when you visit Salzburg on a day trip from Vienna.

They’re the work of Austrian artist Erwin Wurm, who’s known for transforming everyday objects into thought-provoking (and often hilarious) art. If you’ve ever been to the sculpture park near Graz, you might have seen his famous fat car.

It’s all about making you look twice at the ordinary, and these absurdly large pickles definitely succeed.

6. Find Your Favourite Sculpture at Würth Sculpture Garden

The Würth Sculpture Garden is located on the grounds of Schloss Arenberg, outside of the city center and it’s one of Salzburg’s most overlooked gems. It’s free to enter and there are hardly any people ther.

The garden features a small but eclectic mix of sculptures. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down and see what catches your eye. There’s no pressure to “get it”, just walk around, enjoy the greenery, and maybe pick a favourite.

7. Relax at Volksgarten

If you’re looking for a quiet green space where locals actually hang out, head to Volksgarten. It’s not as polished as Mirabell Gardens, but that’s exactly what makes it feel more real.

You’ll see people walking their dogs, playing with their kids, lounging on benches, or lying in the grass. There are flowerbeds, big shady trees, and even a small fountain, nothing flashy, just a calm, everyday park vibe.

It’s a great place to recharge between sightseeing stops.

8. Play a Game of Chess at Kapitelplatz

A giant chessboard in Kapitelplatz with people playing in front of the golden Sphaera sculpture, while Hohensalzburg Fortress looms on the hill above.

Right in the middle of Kapitelplatz, just beside the striking golden sphere statue, there’s a giant chess board built into the ground, and it’s not just decorative.

Locals actually use it!

During my last visit, I watched two elderly men deeply focused on their game while a group of kids gathered around to watch. It was one of those spontaneous, unscripted moments that made the square feel alive, not just like a tourist photo op.

You can watch a game or even play one of your own if it’s free.

9. Watch a Show at the Marionette Theater

If you’re looking for a cultural experience with a twist, don’t miss the Salzburger Marionettentheater. This historic puppet theatre has been around since 1913 and offers performances that are surprisingly captivating, even for adults.

The most popular show for tourists is The Sound of Music, performed in English with beautifully crafted marionettes acting out the iconic story.

But if you’re up for something more classical, Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute) is another favourite. It’s performed in German, but English subtitles are available.

Whichever show you choose, watching a full-length opera or musical performed entirely by puppets is definitely one of the most unique things to do in Salzburg.

10. Visit the Christmas Museum (Even in Summer)

A collection of traditional Krampus masks and figurines displayed in a red-lit case at the Salzburg Christmas Museum. The intricate details of the masks capture the folkloric character's eerie and dramatic essence. — Krampus masks

If you’re in Salzburg during the winter holidays, the Christmas Museum feels like a natural stop. But visit in spring or summer, and suddenly it becomes one of the most unusual things to do in the city.

The museum is small, but surprisingly charming. You’ll see everything from historic Advent calendars and decorations dating back generations. There’s even a section about Krampus, the Alpine folklore creature who’s basically Santa’s creepy sidekick.

On its own, it might not be worth the entrance fee, but it’s included in the Salzburg Card, which I recommend anyway. So, it’s a fun and quirky place to cool off and get a dose of festive nostalgia, no matter the season.

11. Go for a Short Hike on Kapuzinerberg

A scenic view of Salzburg’s Old Town framed by leafy tree branches, with pastel-colored buildings, church domes, and the Hohensalzburg Fortress rising above the city under a bright blue sky. — Look at that amazing view!

A peaceful forest trail winds through lush green trees on Kapuzinerberg hill in Salzburg, with dappled sunlight on the rocky path and a glimpse of mountains in the distance. — Look at that amazing view!

Most people head up Kapuzinerberg just far enough to catch the view from the first lookout, and then turn around. But this hill is actually much bigger than it looks, and if you keep walking, you’ll discover one of Salzburg’s most peaceful green spaces.

I followed the trails for ages and saw only a handful of other people. It’s quiet, shaded, and feels completely removed from the busy old town below. At some points, you’d hardly know you were still in a city.

Tip: It’s more of a walk than a hike, but do bring some water, especially on warm days.

12. Sit by the River and Watch the City Flow

It sounds almost too simple to include, but one of my favourite things to do in Salzburg is just to sit by the Salzach River and watch the city move around me.

Whether you’re resting your feet after a busy morning or enjoying a sunny afternoon, the riverside paths offer plenty of benches and grassy spots to stretch out.

With the old town on one side and the hills rising behind it, it’s a postcard-perfect place to just stop and breathe. Sometimes, the best travel memories aren’t from big sights, they’re from little pauses like this.

13. Have a Drink at Red Bull Hangar-7

For something completely different, head to Red Bull Hangar-7 near Salzburg Airport. It’s part aircraft museum, part art space, part high-end bar, and all very sleek and futuristic with glass domes, suspended planes, and polished everything.

Red Bull, in case you didn’t know, is actually an Austrian company, and this hangar is like a personal showroom for its founder, Dietrich Mateschitz. The collection includes historic aircraft, Formula 1 cars, and rotating art exhibits.

Even if you’re not into planes or racing, it’s worth visiting just to have a drink at the stylish bar and take in the unique atmosphere.

14. Ride the Untersbergbahn for Mountain Views

If you want alpine views without a multi-hour hike, hop on the Untersbergbahn. This cable car takes you from the edge of Salzburg straight up to the summit of Untersberg, a massive limestone mountain at the Austrian-German border.

At the top, you’ll feel like you’re deep in the Alps, surrounded by peaks, with panoramic views stretching as far as the eye can see.

It’s quiet, peaceful, and incredibly scenic. Just don’t forget to wear proper footwear and bring something to drink.

15. Take a Day Trip to the Eagle’s Nest

Just across the border in Germany lies one of the most dramatic and historically charged day trips you can take from Salzburg: the Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus).

Perched atop a rocky peak in the Bavarian Alps, this former Nazi retreat now offers stunning 360° views. The location and history make it truly unique.

The site itself is more about the setting than the building, though you can explore inside and even grab a bite at the restaurant. The views from the top are absolutely spectacular, especially on clear days.

Final Thoughts & More Hidden Gems in Austria

Salzburg might be known for its postcard-perfect sights, but some of its most memorable moments happen far from the crowds.

From giant gherkins to hidden cemeteries, from puppet operas to panoramic mountain views, these unusual and cool things to do in Salzburg show a different, more local side of the city.

Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, stepping off the tourist trail can make all the difference. Don’t be afraid to explore a little further, slow down, or follow something that just catches your eye. That’s where the real magic often happens.

Curious about other underrated corners of Austria? Check out my guides to hidden gems in Vienna and unusual things to do in Graz for more offbeat inspiration.