The Hotel Sacher Salzburg opened in 1866 as the Österreichischer Hof and took the Sacher name in 2000, and it describes itself as the city’s only historic grand hotel. It stands on Schwarzstraße on the right bank of the Salzach, directly across the river from the old town, and many of its 110 individually designed rooms and suites look over the water to the domes and the Hohensalzburg Fortress. Dining is a big part of the experience: the modern Sacher Grill, the traditional Zirbelzimmer, the Sacher Bar and the Café Sacher, where the Original Sacher-Torte is served. The hotel is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, holds one MICHELIN Key and was voted Best Hotel in Central and Southern Europe in the 2026 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. A health club with fitness room, sauna and steam bath is available to guests.
Location and getting around: the Makartsteg footbridge puts you in the old town within a few minutes, and the Mirabell Gardens, the Mozart Residence and the Salzburg Festival halls are all an easy walk. Buses 1, 3, 5 and 6 stop at nearby Makartplatz, the airport is about fifteen minutes away by car and the main station about five. The hotel can arrange private transfers.
Rooms: categories run from deluxe rooms to junior suites, signature suites with views, a presidential suite and the Sacher Sky Suite. Families are well looked after, with 90-square-metre family suites, cribs and extra beds on request, and children up to 16 staying free on an extra bed in a junior suite or above. The Petit Sacher programme adds child-friendly touches and dishes. River-view rooms are the ones to ask for.
Who it suits: couples on a special trip, families who want space and service, and anyone in town for the Festival or the Christmas markets.
Good to know: breakfast is generally charged separately unless your rate includes it, and parking is valet only, in a nearby garage for a daily fee. There is no swimming pool. The hotel is fully accessible, with step-free entry and wheelchair-accessible rooms, and Wi-Fi is free throughout.
Why stay here
- ✓River views of the old town and fortress
- ✓Café Sacher and Original Sacher-Torte
- ✓Sacher Grill and Zirbelzimmer restaurants
- ✓Sacher Bar
- ✓Health club with sauna and steam bath
- ✓24-hour fitness room
- ✓Family suites and Petit Sacher programme
- ✓Valet parking (fee)
Good questions
How far is Hotel Sacher Salzburg from the old town?+
It is on the right bank directly opposite the old town, a few minutes on foot across the Makartsteg footbridge. Mozart’s Birthplace is about ten minutes away.
Does Hotel Sacher Salzburg have a pool?+
No, there is no swimming pool, but the health club has a sauna, steam bath and massages, and the fitness room is open around the clock. Treatments are booked through the hotel.
Is breakfast included at the Sacher?+
Generally not, unless your rate says so; the buffet is charged per person. In-room breakfast is also available.
