I am so glad you’re here as we continue our journey through the Christmas markets along the Danube. After waking up in the port of Passau, Germany, with its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture lit up for the season, I had a day exploring Salzburg, Austria that I have to tell you about. If you’re researching a Danube Christmas market cruise with AmaWaterways, this excursion is one I recommend without hesitation.
When you’re planning and booking a river cruise with AmaWaterways, one of the things I love most is the variety of excursions in Passau. You can stay local for the markets, hop on a guided bike tour, or take the full-day excursion I chose: a trip across the border into Salzburg, Austria.
Because Salzburg is across the Austrian border, bring your passport along. The bus ride runs about ninety minutes, and I’ll be honest with you, try to stay awake for it. The rolling hills and the approaching Alps make the miles go by faster than you’d expect.
What to pack for this excursion: your passport, and your most comfortable, sturdy walking shoes. Once you arrive in Salzburg, the walking tour of the Old Town covers real distance, and cobblestones are not forgiving in the wrong shoes.
Salzburg is often called the “Rome of the North” because of its Italian-inspired architecture. Walking through the narrow, cobblestone streets of the Altstadt (Old Town), it felt like stepping back into the 17th century. Here’s what makes this city worth the detour from your Danube cruise:
The Power of the Prince-Archbishops. For centuries, Salzburg wasn’t part of Austria at all. It was an independent city-state ruled by Prince-Archbishops, men who held both religious and political power and grew wealthy from the local salt mines, the “white gold” of the region. The name Salzburg literally translates to “Salt Castle.” That wealth paid for the Italian architects who built the grand squares and fountains still standing today.
Mozart’s Heritage. You can’t talk about Salzburg without Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. We walked past No. 9 Getreidegasse, the bright yellow house where he was born in 1756. Standing there, imagining a child prodigy composing his first pieces in the rooms upstairs, is a genuine “wait, this is real” moment. The street is also known for its wrought-iron guild signs, originally designed so people who couldn’t read could still find the right shop.
The Salzburg Cathedral (Salzburger Dom). This Baroque cathedral, with its turquoise dome and twin spires, was the first Italian-style church built north of the Alps. It’s also where Mozart was baptized. The bronze font used for his baptism is still there.
The Hohensalzburg Fortress. High above the city sits this fortress, built in 1077 and never conquered in its history. One of the largest medieval castles in Europe, it stands watch over the Christmas markets below, and it’s worth looking up at while you’re holding a cup of warm cider.
The Salzburg Christmas market sits right against the backdrop of the Alps and the Hohensalzburg Fortress. While you’re browsing the stalls, look for the white cookies called Springerle or Vanillekipferl. They’re delicate and buttery, and I ate two on the spot before buying a few more to bring home to my husband.
We headed back to the ship in time for dinner, and the evening didn’t stop there. AmaWaterways arranged for opera singers to perform in the lounge. We gathered with our drinks, traded stories about the day, and let ourselves be serenaded. It’s one of my favorite ways any excursion day has ended on this river.
Do I need a passport for the Salzburg day trip from Passau?
Yes. Since Salzburg is in Austria and Passau is in Germany, you’ll cross an international border, so bring your passport along on this excursion.
How long is the bus ride from Passau to Salzburg?
About ninety minutes each way, with views of rolling hills and the approaching Alps along the route.
What should I wear for the Salzburg Old Town walking tour?
Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes are a must. The Old Town tour covers real distance on cobblestone streets, and dress in layers since you’ll be outdoors for a good portion of the day.
Which cruise line runs Christmas market excursions to Salzburg from Passau?
AmaWaterways includes this full-day Salzburg excursion as one of several options in Passau, alongside staying local for the markets or a guided bike tour.
Want to hear more about this cruise? Follow along to my next stop in Regensburg.
I’d be happy to help you plan your own Christmas market river cruise, whether that’s an individual itinerary or a spot in one of my group trips. If you’d like to talk through the right fit for you, click below for a complimentary consultation.
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