Arthotel Blaue Gans
Art-forward Old Town boutique. Intellectually stimulating but warm — think Campari in the herb-garden courtyard, jazz drifting in from the terrace, a curated wine archive in a medieval cellar, and a reading room that regulars call their Salzburg flat.
Rooms facing Karajanplatz tend to be slightly quieter and have more of an 'urban Salzburg' feel vs. the merchant-street energy of the Getreidegasse-facing rooms
Why It Matters
Salzburg's oldest inn, in continuous operation since 1350, transformed into one of Austria's most credible art hotels. The building occupies a prime corner directly opposite the Festspielhaus and a few steps from Mozart's birthplace, placing guests at the cultural epicenter of one of Europe's most celebrated festival cities. Recognized by Falstaff Restaurant Guide and Gault&Millau.
The Blaue Gans has been the oldest inn in Salzburg since 1350 — and the building knows it. Medieval stone walls, low door beams, and ancient marble floors run through 34 individually designed rooms, while 300+ original artworks by 60-plus international artists make the corridors feel more gallery than guesthouse. Owner Andreas Gfrerer, running it in the fifth generation, has built something genuinely unusual: a 4-star boutique hotel directly opposite the Festspielhaus on the iconic Getreidegasse, where the breakfast is excellent and the art in your stairwell might be an original Joseph Beuys.
Where You'll Stay
7 room types available
Cityflat
From EUR499 / nightA larger apartment-style suite spread across the building. Great for longer stays or anyone who wants genuine space in the heart of the Old Town. Furnished with the same care as the rest of the hotel — designer pieces, original art, natural materials.
Cityflat Maisonette
From EUR555 / nightA two-level apartment suite — the building's medieval structure creates naturally interesting split-level configurations under old roof beams. Guest reviews specifically mention the attic suite as 'quaint and olde worldly with plenty of space.' The top-end option in the house.
Junior Suite
From EUR299 / nightA more spacious configuration with a distinct living area. Furnished with a mix of designer pieces — think B&B Italia sofas, Moroso chairs, Foscarini lighting — set against medieval walls and parquet floors. Art on every wall.
Large Room
From EUR259 / nightMore breathing room, still defined by the building's centuries-old structure. Old vaulted ceilings, bumpy walls, ancient marble floors — none of it works with off-the-peg furniture, so everything is custom or carefully sourced. Seating area included.
Medium Room
From EUR229 / nightA step up in space from the Small rooms, still shaped by the building's medieval bones. Rooms facing the Getreidegasse have a merchant-street energy; those facing Karajanplatz feel a bit more urbane and quiet. High-quality parquet, natural materials, designer furniture.
Small Room
From EUR179 / nightThe most compact option in the hotel, but 'compact' here means medieval-compact — ancient walls, parquet floors, and individually chosen furniture from labels like Moroso and Fredericia. No two small rooms are identical. Good for solo travelers or couples who plan to spend most of their time out in the city.
Suite
From EUR399 / nightThe highlight category. Full suites in this medieval building are genuinely special — exposed beams, irregular walls, and high-spec finishes coexist. The Master Suite has hosted European heads of state and opera stars including mezzo-soprano Elina Garanca. At these rates, it's remarkable value compared to equivalent rooms elsewhere.
The Property
Eat & Drink
4 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Over 300 works of art by more than 60 Austrian and international artists are installed throughout the hotel — in rooms, corridors, stairwells, the restaurant, and the cellar. Originals from artists including Joseph Beuys, Gilbert & George, and Tobias Rehberger. Guests receive information in the room folder; owner-led tours sometimes available.
The Salzburg Foundation has placed 12 monumental works by internationally acclaimed artists throughout the historic city centre, turning it into an 'art garden.' Artists include Marina Abramovic, Anselm Kiefer, Markus Lüpertz, James Turrell, Jaume Plensa, Tony Cragg, Stefan Balkenhol, and Erwin Wurm. The hotel can organise a guided tour with an art-specialist guide bookable at reception.
A cozy breakout space for guests only, stocked with art books and literature and overlooking the interior herb garden courtyard. The adjacent Maxibar holds wines from selected wineries, special local beers, non-alcoholic drinks, and snacks from the Getreidegasse chocolatier. Coffee and tea are complimentary for hotel guests.
A 12 km running route starting directly in front of the hotel on Getreidegasse, along the Salzach riverbank, through Nonntal, along the university park, and down the tree-tunnel Hellbrunner Allee to Hellbrunn Palace and back. Approx. 90 minutes. Routes provided by reception; a running coach can also be hired.
An 11 km route running downstream along the Salzach, crossing the Müllnersteg bridge to the Salzach lakes, then returning through Mülln and up the Mönchsberg for panoramic views over the city. The steps at Toskaninihof bring you back to the starting point. Approx. 80 minutes.
The hotel offers urban biking guidance and route recommendations for exploring Salzburg and its surroundings by bicycle. Details bookable through reception.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Available throughout the hotel — simply accept terms of use, no password required.
Daily buffet breakfast served 7:00 AM–10:00 AM. €30 per adult, €15 per child. Also available as inclusive rate when booking.
Qualified babysitting services can be arranged; fee may apply.
An illuminated raised-bed herb garden in the interior courtyard growing 20 varieties of herbs, which are used in the hotel restaurant kitchen.
Austrian natural pharmacy brand Saint Charles products provided in all bathrooms.
Digital gift vouchers available for stays, restaurant visits, or monetary value — delivered directly by email.
Assists with transfers, Salzburg Festival tickets, restaurant reservations, art tour bookings, and local recommendations.
Transfers from Salzburg W.A. Mozart Airport (5 km) and train station available with surcharge. Arrange at least 24 hours in advance.
No on-site parking. Public parking garages are nearby; guests note a convenient shortcut through the adjacent museum.
BUILD YOUR ARTHOTEL BLAUE GANS PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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