Are you dreaming of an extraordinary New Year celebration that is off the charts? Salzburg is the place to be as it offers phenomenal festivities with a vibrant atmosphere. The 31st of December is the day of Saint Sylvester; hence Austrians refer to New Year's Eve as Silvester. Salzburg offers a range of engaging activities for tourists who want to have a pleasing time welcoming the next year. Be it a lush party at renowned restaurants, fireworks over the iconic Fortress Hohensalzburg, listening to the music of Mozart, or exploring the city's top attractions like the Mirabell Palace and Gardens, there is something to please everyone on New Year in Salzburg. Here is our ultimate guide for the best venues to welcome 2025 with a wonderful celebration. Just go through the blog and shortlist your favorite list as the clock is ticking. Hurry up!

6 Iconic Venues to Celebrate New Year in Salzburg

6 Iconic Venues to Celebrate New Year in Salzburg

Salzburg has a great history, cultural heritage, and captivating natural beauty that attracts many tourists any time of the year. However, the best time to visit Salzburg is from June to August. Undoubtedly, it is among the vibrant places to celebrate the New Year in the world as it offers great options for this auspicious occasion. New Year's Eve in Salzburg is all about local traditions, fireworks, music, dancing, and full-on entertainment with a series of classical concerts hosted across the city. Also, the beautiful Austrian city has many activities to explore during New Year's Day including you can visit the Mozart Museums, ice skating at Mozartplatz, and explore the Museum of Modern Art. Experiencing New Year in Salzburg is something you should not miss if you ever get a chance in your life as the city provides jaw-dropping fireworks with fine dining in a beautiful picturesque setting.

  1. Historic Centre of the City of Salzburg
  2. Fortress Hohensalzburg
  3. Mirabell Palace and Gardens
  4. Schloss Hellbrunn
  5. Salzburg Cathedral
  6. DomQuartier Salzburg

1. Historic Centre of the City of Salzburg

Historic Centre of the City of Salzburg
Image is only for reference

New Year's Eve in Salzburg is all about jaw-dropping fireworks, live music festivals, mega concerts, and a large variety of delicious food. You can get all of these in one place at Historic Centre of the City of Salzburg. This iconic place is known by various names including the Altstadt or Old Town. Whether you are looking for a special and exclusive dinner with your partner or a major classical concert to spend the whole night with fun and celebration, Altstadt is the best destination for you. Book the best Salzburg tour packages and wander through the beautiful streets of Altstadt during New Year to make it memorable.

Location: Griesgasse 11 · 5020 Salzburg

Nearby Hotels:

  • MEININGER Hotel Salzburg City Center
  • Holiday Inn Salzburg City, an IHG Hotel
  • Leonardo Hotel Salzburg Airport
  • H+ Hotel Salzburg
  • Stadtalm

Nearby Restaurants:

  • Zwettler's Wirtshaus
  • Zum Zirkelwirt
  • Restaurant Stiegl-Keller
  • Pauli Stubm
  • Sternbräu

Nearby Attractions:

  • Getreidegasse Street
  • Linzer Gasse Platzl
  • Mariensäule
  • Mozartplatz
  • St. Peter's Abbey

2. Fortress Hohensalzburg

Fortress Hohensalzburg

Fortress Hohensalzburg, the emblem of Salzburg city, is among the ideal places in the world to celebrate the New Year with your family and beloved pals. At Fortress Hohensalzburg, there is a major New Year concert in the historic Castle Hall to make this auspicious occasion a memorable one for a lifetime. It is the place where you can enjoy both New Year's Eve and New Year's Day concerts featuring orchestra music of Mozart. Also, you can enjoy a luxurious dinner in an electrifying atmosphere.

Location: Mönchsberg 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

Opening Hours: Sunday to Monday – 9:30 AM to 5 PM

Contact Number: +4366284243011

Nearby Hotels:

  • Altstadthotel Weisse Taube
  • Hotel Kasererbraeu
  • ARCOTEL Castellani Salzburg
  • Altstadthotel Wolf – Salzburg
  • Hotel Goldgasse, an SLH Hotel

Nearby Restaurants:

  • Panoramarestaurant zur Festung Hohensalzburg
  • St. Peter Stiftskulinarium
  • Sto Bene
  • IMLAUER Sky - Bar & Restaurant in Salzburg
  • Cafe-Restaurant Nussbaumer

Nearby Attractions:

  • Mozart's Birthplace
  • Mirabell Palace
  • Salzburg Cathedral
  • Schloss Hellbrunn
  • Haus der Natur
Suggested Read: New Year in Austria: Best Places to Enjoy NY’s Countdown

3. Mirabell Palace and Gardens

Mirabell Palace and Gardens
Image is only for reference

Mirabell Palace and Gardens is a popular and iconic tourist destination in Salzburg for NYE festivities. Here, you can enjoy fireworks displays, live music performances, dancing, a great family dinner, and full-on entertainment until midnight. Also, you can attend Salzburg's New Year concert at the Mirabell Palace, and this is probably something the beautiful country is known for on New Year's Eve.

Location: Mirabellplatz 4, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

Opening Hours: Sunday to Monday – 8 AM to 6 PM

Contact Number: +4366280720

Nearby Hotels:

  • Hotel am Mirabellplatz
  • Hyperion Hotel Salzburg
  • Imlauer Hotel Pitter Salzburg, Salzburg
  • Hotel NH Collection Salzburg City
  • Sheraton Grand Salzburg

Nearby Restaurants:

  • D'ouro Soulfood Bistro
  • Restaurant Mirabell
  • Bärenwirt
  • Lazarte Im Cafe Wernbacher
  • my Indigo Kongresshaus

Nearby Attractions:

  • Mirabellgarten
  • Mozart Memorial
  • Mozart Residence
  • Pegasus Fountain
  • DomQuartier Salzburg
Suggested Read: Destinations to Celebrate a Dazzling New Year in Germany

4. Schloss Hellbrunn

Schloss Hellbrunn
Image is only for reference

If you love exploring cultural museums to learn about the country's history, celebrate New Year in Salzburg at this ideal place. Schloss Hellbrunn is a cultural jewel that offers amazing water features with beautiful scenery, especially on New Year, making it a place for get-togethers.  Experiencing colorful events programs at this charming castle is one of the splendid things to do in Austria to give a great farewell to 2024.

Location: Fürstenweg 37, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

Opening Hours: Sunday to Monday – 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Contact Number: +436628203720

Nearby Hotels:

  • Wyndham Grand Salzburg Conference Centre
  • Best Western Plus Amedia Art Salzburg
  • Restaurant Gasthaus Hinterbrühl
  • PLAZA INN Salzburg City
  • Hotel & Gasthaus Untersberg

Nearby Restaurants:

  • Gassner - House of fine Catering
  • WeiherWirt
  • Levantine taste
  • Restaurant Brunnauer
  • Restaurant Friesacher

Nearby Attractions:

  • Salzburg Zoo Hellbrunn
  • Gilowskyhöhle
  • Stiegl-Brauwelt
  • Krauthügel Art Project
  • Hellbrunner Park
Suggested Read: Rocking Events Happening on New Year in the United Kingdom That are Worth Attending

5. Salzburg Cathedral

Salzburg Cathedral
Image is only for reference

Salzburg Cathedral is one of the most religious places to visit in Austria to start a fresh year with spirituality and positivity. From 27th December, the whole Christmas market starts getting transformed into the NYE market at Salzburg Cathedral, offering you the wonderful opportunity to explore street festivities. As private fireworks are no longer permitted in Salzburg, you can enjoy the official fireworks shows at this popular church during NYE. Also, you can enjoy live music bands of different genres including classical and urban till the early hours of the morning. Just imagine how glamorous it is. Consider visiting Salzburg Cathedral for New Year's celebrations and live to the fullest.

Location: Domplatz 1a, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

Opening Hours:

  • Sunday – 1 PM to 6 PM
  • Monday to Saturday – 9 AM to 6 PM

Contact Number: +4366280476640

Nearby Hotels:

  • Leonardo Boutique Hotel Salzburg Gablerbräu
  • Sarah's Altstadt Oase Salzburg
  • MEININGER Hotel Salzburg City Center
  • Guest house in the seminary Salzburg
  • Altstadt Hotel Stadtkrug

Nearby Restaurants:

  • Restaurant Zum Eulenspiegel
  • Restaurant Blaue Gans Salzburg Gasthaus
  • PitterKeller & PitterGarten
  • The Heart of Joy
  • KOLLER+KOLLER am Waagplatz - Restaurant & Tagesbar

Nearby Attractions:

  • Residenzbrunnen
  • Pegasus Fountain
  • Sitzbank an der Stiege
  • Herbert Von Karajan Statue
  • Museum der Moderne Salzburg
Suggested Read: Restaurants in Austria That Will Take You On An Unforgettable Culinary Journey

6. DomQuartier Salzburg

DomQuartier Salzburg
Image is only for reference

Everyone talks about New Year's Eve i.e. 31st of December, and the great ways to spend the beautiful last night of the year. Have you ever thought about the next day, i.e. New Year's Day? What major things can you do on the 1st of January? Well, we have the answer. The DomQuartier in Salzburg on New Year's Day is one such spot where you can pay your visit and learn about art, music, and architecture. Apart from this, you can take a tour of Salzburg Christkindlmarkt and ice skate around Mozart Square on the first day of the year to have a thrill and fun.

Opening Hours: Sunday to Monday – 10 AM to 6 PM

Location: Residenzplatz 1, Domplatz 1a, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

Contact Number: +4366280422109

Nearby Hotels:

  • Hotel Goldgasse, an SLH Hotel
  • Theater Hotel Salzburg
  • Hotel Elefant
  • YoHo Youth Hostel
  • Hotel Bristol Salzburg

Nearby Restaurants:

  • Yuen Restaurant
  • Szene Lokal
  • Restaurant Triangel
  • Restaurant Meissl & Schadn Salzburg
  • Balkan Grill Walter

Nearby Attractions:

  • Marktbrunnen
  • Imbergstiege
  • Liebesgrotte
  • Richterhöhe
  • Sound of Music Pavilion

As December is approaching, Salzburg is going to turn into a party hub, attracting many tourists to celebrate the New Year festivities. There is a plethora of activities you can explore to welcome the big day in a positive and exciting way. Whether you like looking at beautiful lights and decorations, exploring fireworks and parties, or learning about the local traditions, Salzburg has something for everyone. The New Year in Salzburg starts with a local tradition called, the "Neujahrsschießen", the New Year′s firing. Are you excited to experience the magic of New Year's Eve in Salzburg? Book your trip now with one of the well-curated Austria tour packages and create unforgettable memories in this enchanting city.

New Year in Salzburg - FAQs:

Q1. How to celebrate New Year in Salzburg?

There are many things to do on New Year in Salzburg including:

  • Enjoying fireworks and lush parties
  • Exploring local traditions and cultures
  • Attending NYE concerts at iconic places
  • Enjoying a Gala Dinner with your family
Q2. At what time do New Year’s Eve celebrations start in Salzburg?

New Year’s Eve festivities typically start around 8 PM in Salzburg’s most places. However, you can experience splendid fireworks displays at midnight.

Q3. Is it extravagant to attend NYE events in Salzburg?

It actually depends on your travel plans, duration of your stay, and things you do during NYE. However, some of the NYE events are free, while others require tickets.

Q4. Are shops and restaurants open on New Year’s Day?

Some small shops and restaurants stay closed or operate at reduced hours on New Year’s Day i.e. on 1st of January 2025.

Q5. What is the best place to watch official fireworks in Salzburg?

Some of the best places to enjoy official fireworks in Salzburg are as follows:

  • The Christkindlmarkt
  • Staatsbrücke
  • Hohensalzburg Fortress
  • theStiftung Mozarteum
Q6. Why do Austrians call New Year’s Eve “Silvester”?

Austrians refer to New Year’s Eve i.e. 31st of December as “Silvester” as it is the day of Saint Sylvester, a popular saint who served as Pope from 314 to 335.

Q7. Where can I attend the Salzburg’s New Year concert?

There are many epic venues in Salzburg where you can attend New Year’s concert, including:

  • The Fledermaus at the Salzburg Marionette Theatre
  • New Year's Concert at Hohensalzburg Fortress
  • New Years Concert at the Large Festival Hall
  • The Fledermaus at the Salzburg Marionette Theatre
Q8. What is the average temperature during New Year’s Day in Salzburg?

The average temperature in Salzburg during New Year’s Day 2025 i.e. 1st of January ranges from -4 to 3 degrees Celsius.

Q9. Is visiting Salzburg on NYE expensive?

Not at all. There are some trusted online travel agencies like Myholidays that provide customized and budget-friendly options to spend a great NYE in Salzburg with your beloved pals.

Q10. What are the family-friendly hotels that host NYE events in Salzburg?

There are numerous renowned hotels in Salzburg where you can spend your New Year vacation with your family members. However, we have picked out the best hotels including:

  • Hotel Sacher Salzburg
  • Hotel & Villa Auersperg
  • Radisson Blu Hotel Altstadt
  • Hotel am Mirabellplatz