Kapuzinerberg Hill Tours

Visit Kapuzinerberg mountain for sweeping views, hiking tracks and historical monuments. It’s a great place for a family stroll and a picnic on a summer afternoon. At 2,087 feet (636 meters) high, this is the highest point within the city of Salzburg.

This mountain is rich with history. Settlements found here date back to the Neolithic period. The most important landmark is the Kapuzinerberg Cloister, a monastery built on the site of a former castle known as Trompeterschlössl.

You can reach the cloister and medieval settlements via two pathways: Linzergasse and Imbergstiege. If you choose the Linzergasse, you’ll pass six Way of the Cross stations that depict the Passion of Christ. Keep an eye out for a small Mozart monument, marking the spot where it’s rumored that he composed one of his most ambitious works, The Magic Flute opera. Continue walking to Felix Gate for a spectacular view of Salzburg.

Alternatively, you can take the Imbergstiege, which is a narrow stairway leading from Steingasse, a historical Salzburg trade route. Opposite the cloisters, you’ll find Paschinger Schlössl, a former home of Austrian writer Stefan Zweig, nestled in the trees. There are two notable lookouts beyond this point that offer views of the city and surrounding area. It takes about 20 minutes to reach Bayerische Aussicht (Bavarian Lookout) and another 10 minutes to reach Obere Stadtaussicht (Upper View of Town).

At the top of the mountain, follow the wall from Felix Gate to arrive at Franziskischlössl. Built in 1629 as a battlement, this structure became a tavern in 1849. Stop here for lunch or just a cold drink before returning to the city. The tavern is open in the afternoon from Wednesday to Sunday, with extended hours during the festival season in summer. It’s closed in January.

Kapuzinerberg is situated on the eastern banks of the Salzach River, within walking distance of Salzburg’s main attractions. The Old Town is a short walk across Staatsbrucke or Mozartsteg bridges. Allow an entire morning or afternoon if you plan to walk to the top.