At a Glance

With over 7,000 square meters of exhibition space, the *Haus der Natur* (House of Nature) in Salzburg ranks among Europe’s leading and most popular museums of nature and technology. It brings together classic natural history collections, a modern hands-on science center, expansive aquariums and reptile exhibits, and spectacular dinosaur and space displays—all under one roof.

History and Evolution

The museum was founded in 1924 by zoologist Eduard Paul Tratz with the aim of bringing the wonders of nature closer to the public. Originally housed in former barracks, it has been located at Museumsplatz—in the building of a former Ursuline convent—since the 1950s. Over the decades, the institution has evolved from a traditional display collection into an interactive, experiential museum.

A major milestone was the opening of the multifaceted Science Center in 2009, prompting the museum to officially add the subtitle “Museum of Nature and Technology” to its name.

Key Museum Areas

• Science Center: Hands-on experimentation takes center stage across three floors. Visitors can test physical laws, generate their own energy using turbines, explore the nature of sound waves, or experience movement in space via an elevator simulator on a lifting platform.
• Aquarium & Reptile Zoo: The aquarium features more than 40 impressively designed tanks and is considered one of Central Europe’s finest public aquariums. It showcases tropical coral reefs, piranhas, and river ecosystems. The adjoining reptile zoo is home to around 80 species, including venomous snakes, alligators, and lizards.
• Dinosaur Hall & Earth History: A life-sized, animated *Tyrannosaurus Rex* greets visitors in the prehistoric section. Original fossils and reconstructions trace the formation of the Earth and the age of the dinosaurs.
• Space Hall: From early rocket experiments and lunar landing modules to a replica of a manned space station, this area showcases the history of astronomy and space exploration.
• Humans and Medicine: An interactive journey through the human body illustrates organ functions, the nervous system, and milestones in modern medical technology.

hausdernatur.at

+43 662 84 26 53–0

An exception is December 24th (open until 4 p.m.); The museum is closed on December 25th.

Standard Tickets

• Adults: €16.00
• Children (4 to 15 years): €10.50
• Children under 4 years: Free

Family Tickets

• Family Ticket (2 adults + 2 children): €48.00
• Each additional child (up to 15 years): €9.00
• Salzburg Family Pass: €24.00 (1 parent + 1 child) or €39.00 (2 parents + 1 child)

Concessions (proof required on site)

• Seniors: €15.00
• Students (under 26), school pupils, apprentices & civil/community service personnel: €13.00
• People with disabilities: €9.00 (adults) / €5.00 (children)
• Groups (15 people or more): €15.00 per person (adults) / €9.50 per person (children)

Note: Admission is free once with the Salzburg Card. Concessionary tickets and family tickets are available exclusively at the museum ticket desk.

By Car

As the museum is located on the edge of the pedestrian zone, it is not possible to drive directly up to the entrance. However, nearby parking garages are available:

• Best option: Altstadtgarage Mönchsberg (Garages A + B)
  • Location: Hildmannplatz 1 (built directly into the Mönchsberg rock face).
  • Access: Use the “Haus der Natur” / “Museumsplatz” pedestrian exit within the garage. You step outside directly opposite or next to the museum entrance.
  • Parking discount (“Lochtarif”): Have your parking ticket validated at the Haus der Natur museum ticket counter to benefit from the significantly reduced Old Town parking rate.
• Alternative parking options:
  • Red Cross Car Park (Franz-Josef-Kai): An open-air lot located directly by the Salzach River, approx. a 3–5 minute walk away.

By public transport

• Nearest stops:
  • Mönchsbergaufzug / Museumsplatz: Located practically right in front of the museum.
  • Ferdinand-Hanusch-Platz: The central bus hub for the Old Town (approx. a 2–3 minute walk away).
• From Salzburg Central Station:
  • Trolleybus lines 1, 4, 7, or 8: Travel directly to the Mönchsbergaufzug / Museumsplatz or Ferdinand-Hanusch-Platz stop. The journey takes only about 7 to 10 minutes.
• From Salzburg Airport:
  • Trolleybus line 2 or 10: Travel to the Ferdinand-Hanusch-Platz or Zentrum/Museumsplatz stop (journey time approx. 15–20 minutes).