This Old Town square, home to two bishops’ palaces, is a popular venue for concerts, sporting events and festivities.

Residenzplatz is a large public square in the center of Salzburg’s Old Town. The two palaces of Residnezplatz are excellent examples of Baroque and Renaissance architecture, and the square itself is an important venue for cultural events. This central meeting place of Salzburg was designed in the late 16th century.

The centerpiece of the square is the illustrious Residenzbrunnen (Residence Fountain). This is Salzburg’s grandest fountain and you may recognize it as a backdrop in scenes from the 1965 movie The Sound of Music. The intricate horse, dolphin and Atlas sculptures are the work of Italian artist Tomasso di Garone. This is a great spot to stop and rest, and join the groups of sightseers taking photos of the famous fountain and surrounding buildings.

Each side of the Residenzplatz is home to historic Salzburg landmarks. On the west side, there’s the Residenz, a regal palace dating back to the 13th century. You can visit some of its 180 rooms on a self-guided audio tour. Mozart played in the Rittersaal, a room which is still used for the Salzburg Palace Concerts. Make sure to check out the Residenz Gallery’s fine collection of European art.

On the east side, next to Mozart Square, you’ll find the New Residence. There are several interesting museums to explore, including the Panorama Museum. Stand on a platform and admire Johann Michael Sattler’s round painting that depicts Salzburg in 1829. It has an 85-foot (26-meter) circumference.

The north side of the square is occupied by a row of houses. There’s also a charming café and bakery here, perfect for a mid-morning break. The square’s southern side leads to Domplatz and Salzburg Cathedral.

A good time to visit Residenzplatz is in December to take advantage of the colorful Christmas market set up around the fountain. Browse stalls filled with alpine and Christmas crafts, and try some mulled wine and local food while enjoying the festive atmosphere. In September, St. Rupert’s Fair celebrates Salzburg’s patron saint. Children are sure to enjoy the carousels and merry-go-rounds.

Located in the Old Town, Residenzplatz is a short walk to many of Salzburg’s main attractions. You can get to the Old Town by bus from Salzburg’s main train station. The nearest bus stops are Mozartsteg/Ruolfskai and Rathaus.

Plan a trip to see Residenzplatz Square

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Motel Zeltweg - Self-Check-in

￥236,912

per person

Oct 10 - Oct 12

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip flight included

Osaka (OSA) to Salzburg (SZG)

8.6/10 Excellent! (22 reviews)

Check in was tricky with just a machine but at the end it worked.

Reviewed on Aug 31, 2025

flexy.motel Spielberg

￥241,034

per person

Oct 10 - Oct 12

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip flight included

Osaka (OSA) to Salzburg (SZG)

9.2/10 Wonderful! (56 reviews)

I had a great stay at Flexy Motel in Spielberg. What impressed me most was how easy everything was. The booking process was simple, and the self-check-in took only a few seconds. I was inside my room almost immediately. The room was comfortable, functional, and very clean. The bathroom was spacious and included a nice bathtub. The portable air conditioner was especially appreciated, as it helped a lot during the hot weather. Everything was well prepared and spotless upon arrival. There was no staff on site, but the entire process was so smooth and well organized that I never needed assistance. The autonomous concept worked perfectly. My only suggestion for improvement would be better facilities for cyclists. The motel is located along popular cycling routes, and I imagine many guests stay here while traveling by bicycle. However, there was only a small bicycle parking area with limited capacity, and I ended up having to lock my bike to a post on the street. Overall, an excellent and convenient place to stay. I would happily stay here again.

Reviewed on Jul 16, 2026