Salzburg's oldest cemetery sits in a striking setting beneath Hohensalzburg Fortress. Its earliest history is unclear, but it is generally linked to the founding of nearby St. Peter's Abbey in the 7th century. The first documented burials date from the 12th century, and the oldest surviving tombstone is dated 1288.
Updated for 2026: Salzburg stays busy for more of the year now, so come early if you want the cemetery at its quietest. Morning light is best, and the catacombs tend to feel busiest around midday in peak season.
Today, St. Peter's Cemetery is one of Salzburg's most atmospheric sights. Members of Mozart's family and other figures from the city's musical past are buried here, and many of the tombs are works of art in their own right. The cemetery was closed in 1878, but the abbey eventually secured permission for burials to resume in 1930.
Beyond the graves, the cemetery is also known for its catacombs, caves cut into the rock behind it. Their origins go back many centuries, and inside you can visit two small chapels set into the hillside. The climb also rewards you with memorable views over the cemetery and Salzburg's old town.
