Salzburg for Sports Fans – A Mini-Guide

Salzburg may be best known for its music and cultural offerings, but Austria’s fourth-largest city has many other facets that make it an attractive destination. One of these is sport.

After all, Salzburg is home to FC Salzburg, the country's undisputed top club. A number of sporting events also draw large crowds of visitors every year. Here is what sports fans can experience in the city. 

FC Salzburg

Anyone who has checked the Champions League odds this year knows that FC Salzburg is entering the Round of 16 as a massive underdog against Bayern Munich. However, on home turf, Salzburg is the undisputed number one. The team has dominated the Austrian Bundesliga since the beverage giant Red Bull took over sponsorship in 2005. Consequently, the Red Bull Arena is a landmark that sports fans shouldn't miss. With a capacity of 30,188, it is Austria's second-largest stadium and is located just outside the city in the municipality of Wals-Siezenheim. Built in 2003 and subsequently renovated twice, it is a modern facility featuring amenities such as pitch heating. It is accessible by car as well as via city bus line 1 and the S-Bahn (suburban train). The stadium's interior can also be viewed via a virtual tour on Google Street View.

Salzburg Marathon 

The Salzburg Marathon has taken place every spring since 2004. Thousands of endurance athletes run through Salzburg during this major event. The race begins in the Old Town; participants then run along routes including the Hellbrunner Allee, passing Hellbrunn Palace and Leopoldskron Palace. It is rare for a race to take place against such a stunning backdrop, making the Salzburg Marathon a true highlight for participants. Spectators, too, get their money's worth. The Austrian Marathon Championships are frequently held in conjunction with the event, adding an extra layer of excitement. In addition to the main race, the program includes a half-marathon, a relay marathon, and a junior marathon. Every year, crowds of spectators gather at the finish line near the *Großes Festspielhaus* to welcome the runners. Since both the start and finish lines are located within the city, getting there by public transport is easy.

Salzburg Tennis Open

The Salzburg Open may not be as prestigious as Wimbledon, but as part of the ATP Challenger Tour, it attracts many talented players and is well worth watching for fans. After a ten-year hiatus, the tournament returned in 2021 and is now held in the village of Anif, just south of the city. Matches are played on clay courts at the GM-Sports Resort in front of up to 1,000 spectators; new grandstands and VIP boxes were specially constructed for the event. Those who book early can stay at the on-site 4-star hotel while following the tournament. Alternatively, the venue can be reached by bus from Salzburg city centre in about half an hour.

Most of Salzburg's sporting attractions can be enjoyed in the summer. Options are more limited in winter, as major winter sports events take place higher up in the mountains. Sports fans should therefore visit the city during the warmer months if possible. 

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