Salzburg Marionette Theater Tours

Opened in 1913, the Salzburg Marionette Theater is one of the world’s oldest marionette theaters and celebrates the city’s long tradition of puppetry. The theater stages a range of productions using a cast of around 500 wooden puppets, from operas and fairy tales to The Sound of Music—the 1959 movie that showcased the city and its puppetry.

The Basics
The Salzburg Marionette Theater operates as an opera house in miniature, hosting regular performances of operas such as Mozart’s Magic Flute in its 350-seat baroque-style auditorium. Other shows include children’s stories, such as Alice in Wonderland and Hansel and Gretel, and The Sound of Music, the musical that featured the theater’s wooden puppets in its “The Lonely Goatherd” sequence.

Visitors can prebook ticket for shows such as The Sound of Music and The Magic Flute, saving valuable time while in the Austrian city.  Some Salzburg Sound of Music tours offer a panoramic drive past the historical venue, while others come with a money-saving Salzburg Card, a sightseeing pass that entitles holders to a discount on tickets. 
 
Things to Know Before You Go

• The Salzburg Marionette Theater is a must-visit for families, puppetry fans, and classical music and movie buffs, and especially lovers of The Sound of Music.
• The theater is wheelchair-accessible. For stroller accessibility, check with the theater itself.
• Most performances are in German, with subtitles in English, French, Japanese, and Spanish displayed near the stage.
• Wine, soda, and snacks can be purchased during intermissions.

 
How to Get There
The Salzburg Marionette Theater is located on Schwarzstrasse, near the Mirabell Garden in Salzburg. The best way to arrive is on foot: From the Old Town, cross the State Bridge, turn left onto Giselakai, and continue onto Schwarzstrasse, where you’ll spot the theater on your right. The nearest bus stop is at Makartplatz.
 
When to Get There
Shows run six days a week during July and August, when tickets are snapped up fast, and less frequently during April, May, June, October, November, December, and January. Matinee performances of shows suitable for children are also available during January, April, May, June, July, August, and December. If you have a ticket, aim to arrive 30 minutes or more before the performance.

Exploring the Salzburg Marionette Theater
Arrive in advance of your chosen show’s start time to explore the exhibitions in the beautiful lobby. Chart the history of the theater and its creators, and view the glass cases of historical memorabilia from famous performances and examples of assorted wooden marionettes—each one carefully hand-crafted.