Hotel Elefant is one of the old town’s long-established hotels, set on the Sigmund-Haffner-Gasse, a narrow street that runs between the Rathaus and the Alter Markt, just behind Mozartplatz. The building is centuries old, with thick walls, vaulted passages and stairways that wind between floors, and the hotel has kept that character while updating the rooms. The style is warm and traditional Austrian rather than minimalist, with wooden furniture, soft fabrics and heavy curtains, and the atmosphere is that of a family-run house rather than a large chain property. Guests include couples on a city break, families, music lovers who want to be within walking distance of the concert halls and visitors who simply like staying in the middle of the action. Location is the main selling point: the Getreidegasse, Mozart’s Birthplace, the cathedral and the DomQuartier are all within a few minutes on foot, the funicular up to the fortress is nearby, and the Salzach river is two minutes away. The hotel has a restaurant serving Austrian dishes and is known for a hearty breakfast.
Location and getting around
The old town is largely closed to cars, which means that the streets around the hotel are quiet at night, and everything you want to see is on foot. The main station is around twenty minutes’ walk away or a short bus ride, and the airport is about fifteen minutes by car, with taxis available at the station and on the squares nearby. If you arrive by car, ask the hotel in advance about access and nearby garage parking, as parking in the historic centre is limited and the hotel normally directs guests to a public garage.
Rooms
Expect a mix of room types, from compact doubles to larger rooms and suites, with the style and size varying because of the historic building. Some rooms face the quiet lane, others a courtyard, and a few have views of the rooftops. Air-conditioning and lifts are not guaranteed in every historic hotel, so check the details for your room if these matter to you, and ask for a quiet room if you are a light sleeper, as church bells ring in the old town in the morning.
Who it suits
Couples, music and history lovers, first-time visitors and anyone who prefers a hotel with personality to a modern chain. It is a good choice in Advent, when the Christmas market stalls are a short walk away, and during the Festival, when the central address saves travel time after evening performances.
Good to know
Breakfast may be charged separately depending on your rate, and the city tax is added per person per night. Wi-Fi is normally free, and luggage storage is generally available before check-in and after check-out. Book early for summer, Festival weeks and Advent weekends, when the old town hotels fill up first.
Why stay here
- ✓Historic building in the heart of the old town
- ✓Traditional Austrian restaurant
- ✓Hearty breakfast
- ✓Walk to Mozartplatz and the Getreidegasse
- ✓Quiet pedestrian lane location
- ✓Family-run atmosphere
- ✓Luggage storage
- ✓Nearby garage parking (fee)
Good questions
Where is Hotel Elefant in Salzburg?+
On the Sigmund-Haffner-Gasse in the old town, just behind Mozartplatz. Mozart’s Birthplace, the Getreidegasse and the cathedral are all a few minutes on foot.
Is parking available at Hotel Elefant?+
The old town is largely car-free, so guests normally use a nearby public garage for a fee. Ask the hotel about access and parking before you arrive.
Is Hotel Elefant a good choice for a first visit?+
Yes, the central location puts the main sights, the funicular and the concert venues within walking distance. Book early for the Festival and Advent, when old town hotels sell out first.
