Surely it’s wonderful to find a museum you didn’t know existed? We scouted out a variety of attractions during our stay in the city and selected five different options that show something unexpected in one way or another.

Toy Museum

A toy museum that offers more than just an exhibition of toys hidden behind glass panes. Here you can play with the available gadgets. Shelves with stuffed animals, trains, and other delights are there for them to explore and play with. There are play corners and well-sized rooms where you can let your imagination run wild. The animal grabbers are the ones that stand behind glass and are only for viewing. This is probably where you’ll get nostalgic if you’re a bit older. Toys that “we” played with when we were little and forgot bring old memories to life. 
If you come here with children, you can spend the whole day without problems. 

From quirky exhibits to dark history, Salzburg always surprises its visitors. If you want to explore more cultural highlights and unique travel experiences across the country, don’t miss our comprehensive Austria travel guides

Address: Bürgerspitalgasse 2.

Puppet Museum

Unlike the toy museum, only “look but don’t touch” applies. In fact, it is said to be so strict that you are not even allowed to touch the marionettes for sale in the museum shop. Wooden marionettes from all over the world are displayed in the small museum, which does not take long to visit. This is a short stop, but still worth seeing, as the craftsmanship of the puppets is impressive. Given that the museum also costs nothing to visit, there is no reason to miss it. The dolls can be described with words such as beautiful, terrifying, fascinating, and scary. The funniest thing is that it is the same dolls that are described in different ways. However, most people agree on one thing – this is a unique exhibition that you don’t see every day.

Salzburg’s quirky museums offer a great break from the usual tourist trails. However, you can’t leave the city without experiencing its most famous cinematic history—read our guide to the ultimate Sound of Music recording locations in Salzburg

Address: Mönchsberg 34.

Salzburg Christmas Museum

A museum dedicated only to Christmas. On the ground floor, there is a shop that sells everything related to Christmas, and on the upper floor, there is a museum that shows Austria’s Christmas celebrations throughout history. It is a private collection of Christmas baubles and ornaments on display, and for anyone who loves Christmas, this is a paradise. Advent calendars through the ages, Christmas tree balls from the past, and decorations that go back a long way are on display. A fun detail is that the store is open all year round with the same assortment, so you can get in the Christmas spirit no matter what time of year you come. A small pat on the back, however, for the high prices inside the store. Probably because it is more expensive to shop in the small shops that belong to the museum, but here it goes quickly. 

If you love visiting museums that are far from ordinary, you will love our urban adventures in Germany. Check out our experience of exploring a museum in total darkness at Dialoghaus Hamburg.

Address: Mozartplatz 2.

Panorama Museum

Although there are a few different paintings and works of art here, the big draw is their panoramic painting of Salzburg. It was created by Johann Michael Sattler and shows how the city looked in 1829. The painting stretches 360 degrees (hence the name) and is incredibly detailed and well done. All chimneys and windows that are depicted and that remain today are accurately reproduced. This is a masterpiece that will likely be appreciated even if you have no burning interest in either art or history. Perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day, as it is cool and pleasant inside the museum. 

After spending a day exploring the historic and unusual indoor sights of the city, it’s time to head out into the crisp alpine air. For a magical winter experience nearby, read about our horse-drawn sleigh ride in Gastein Valley.

Address: Residenzplatz 9.

Welt der Gifte

It is a combination of poison and zoo all in one. Welt der Gifte focuses on poisonous reptiles and poisons of various kinds. They say they are the country’s smallest zoo, and that may be true. A visit here is not only exciting but also very educational. Here you will learn more about how poison has been used throughout the ages and why certain plants are poisonous. It can be visited with the advantage of the whole family, with the exception of those who have a possible phobia of snakes. The only downside is that you have to book a guided tour or event to be guaranteed a spot. On the other hand, it is also the way that you take lessons from here with you and don’t wander around the premises.

Address: Metzgerstraße 54A.

FAQ: About Salzburg odd museums