The Müllnersteg is a pedestrian bridge at the northern end of the Altstadt, quieter than the Staatsbrücke a few hundred metres to the south. Looking south from the middle of the bridge, the Altstadt skyline composes itself into the image that ends up on every Salzburg calendar: church towers layered against the cliff face of Monchsberg, with Hohensalzburg Fortress above.
The Story
Most visitors approach Salzburg's skyline from the right bank, from viewpoints near Mirabellplatz or the Kapuzinerberg steps. The Müllnersteg offers a different angle: lower, closer, and from the north rather than the east. The fortress is not centred in the frame but sits above the right-hand portion of the view, and the full cliff face of Monchsberg comes into the picture on the left. The composition is fuller and less postcard-predictable than the more famous viewpoints.
The Mülln Church is visible on the left bank side, tucked below the northern end of the Monchsberg cliff. It is one of the older churches in Salzburg, mostly overlooked by visitors who concentrate on the Altstadt core. The approach from this bridge is one of the more natural ways to arrive at it.
The bridge is also the starting point for the Monchsberg ridge walk heading south. Ascending from here, the path crosses the plateau above the Altstadt, passes the Museum der Moderne and several viewpoints, and eventually reaches Hohensalzburg Fortress at the far southern end. The full traverse takes one to two hours and is one of the best walks in the city.
Visiting
The bridge is always open and free. It connects Mülln on the left bank to the right bank embankment; the walk along the right bank south toward the Staatsbrücke is pleasant. The Monchsberg ascent begins on the left bank side, either via stairs or via the Mönchsberg Lift a short walk south. The Mülln Church is immediately to the left on the Altstadt side.