Friedhof St. Peter (Petersfriedhof), Salzburg Travel Guide

4.4 (619)

Explore Salzburg's oldest cemetery: a serene sanctuary of history, art, and catacombs at the foot of the majestic Mönchsberg.

Home
Travel Guides
Austria
Salzburg
Friedhof St. Peter (Petersfriedhof)

The Petersfriedhof, or St. Peter's Cemetery, is one of Salzburg's oldest and most captivating cemeteries, dating back to the early Middle Ages. Nestled at the foot of the Mönchsberg mountain, it offers a unique blend of tranquility, history, and cultural heritage, featuring ornate tombstones, catacombs, and notable burials.

A brief summary to Friedhof St. Peter (Petersfriedhof)

Sankt-Peter-Bezirk 1, Salzburg, 5020, AT
Click to display
Click to display

Monday 6:30 am-6 pm
Tuesday 6:30 am-6 pm
Wednesday 6:30 am-6 pm
Thursday 6:30 am-6 pm
Friday 6:30 am-6 pm
Saturday 6:30 am-6 pm
Sunday 6:30 am-6 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Friedhof St. Peter (Petersfriedhof).

Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for a quieter experience and stunning light.
Wear comfortable and grippy shoes, especially if you plan to explore the catacombs, as the stairs are old and steep.
Check out the catacombs for an intriguing glimpse into the past.
Take your time to read the inscriptions on the tombstones and learn about the notable figures buried here.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Mirabell Palace

Salzburg Cathedral

Fortress Hohensalzburg

Mozartplatz

DomQuartier Salzburg

Explore Friedhof St. Peter (Petersfriedhof) on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Friedhof St. Peter (Petersfriedhof), mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

Petersfriedhof is located in the heart of Salzburg's Old Town, making it easily accessible on foot from many central locations. From Residenzplatz, walk south towards the Salzburg Cathedral, then continue east, passing St. Peter's Abbey. The cemetery entrance will be on your left, at the foot of the Mönchsberg. The walk is short and offers picturesque views of the city's historic architecture. No costs are involved.
Public Transport

If arriving at Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (main train station), take a bus to the Rathaus stop. Several bus lines serve this route, including lines 1, 3, 5, 6, 22, 23, and 25. From Rathaus, walk a short distance east, passing St. Peter's Abbey, to reach the cemetery entrance. A single bus fare within Salzburg costs approximately €2.50.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Salzburg, including at the main train station. A taxi ride from Salzburg Hauptbahnhof to Petersfriedhof typically takes only a few minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around €7-€9 for the short trip. Taxis can drop you off directly at the entrance to St. Peter's Abbey, a very short walk from the cemetery.

Discover more about Friedhof St. Peter (Petersfriedhof)

Petersfriedhof, or St. Peter's Cemetery, is a historical burial ground that stands as a testament to Salzburg's rich past. Dating back to around 700 AD, when St. Peter's Abbey was established, it is considered one of the oldest cemeteries in the city, alongside Nonnberg Abbey's burial site. The cemetery offers visitors a unique blend of tranquility and cultural heritage.Enclosed by elegant wrought-iron fences and sheltered by the Mönchsberg, the cemetery features Baroque porticoes housing chapels of Salzburg's old wealthy families. The cemetery is home to the graves of notable figures, including Mozart's sister Nannerl, composer Michael Haydn, and members of Salzburg's noble families. The graves are lovingly tended, decorated with candles, fir branches, and flowers. Pansies are a popular choice, their name meaning "thoughts".Carved into the rock face of the Mönchsberg are the catacombs, believed to have been used by early Christians as places of worship and refuge. Visitors can explore these ancient caves and caverns, ascending steep stone stairs to view rooms with altars, faded murals, and inscriptions. The Maximuskapelle and Gertraudenkapelle are two chapels within the catacombs, the latter consecrated in 1178.Though closed in 1878, new burials were permitted again in 1930. The cemetery gained international recognition when it was featured in "The Sound of Music".