Salzburg Marionette Theater

Salzburg featuring performance art, theatre scenes and interior views
Delight in magnificent marionette renditions of famous operas, ballets and musicals at this century-old institution, suitable for adults and children alike.

The Salzburg Marionette Theatre (Salzburger Marionettentheater) is a local Salzburg institution that has delighted children and adults alike for over a century. This internationally acclaimed theatre company produces a wide repertoire of operas, ballets and other productions and is based in a Baroque-style theatre in Salzburg city.

The company began with Anton Aicher, a local artist who started performing Mozart operas with marionettes in 1913. The theatre company expanded and began touring internationally in the 1920s. Further exposure was gained when the Salzburg Marionette Theatre became the visual inspiration for one of the songs in the film version of The Sound of Music. If you have seen the film, you will no doubt remember the spectacular puppet show used in the song The Lonely Goatherd. In 1971, the theatre moved to its current home in a beautiful former ballroom.

Visit the Salzburg Marionette Theatre to enjoy stunning renditions of operas and ballets by Mozart, Rossini, Tchaikovsky, Offenbach and Strauss. The company also performs a selection of captivating musicals and Shakespearean productions. Marvel at the traditional marionettes, meticulously carved from linden wood and adorned with ornate period costumes.

The theatre is internationally renowned for its detailed stage design and production style and regularly enchants audiences from around the world. See a production with no dialogue, such as The Nutcracker, or watch a play in Italian or German with English subtitles. Enjoy a Salzburg classic and see the theatre’s rendition of The Sound of Music.

Book your tickets to see a production at the Salzburg Marionette Theatre online, by telephone or visit the theatre’s box office. Productions are aimed towards a general audience, but all of the shows, even the operas, are designed to keep children enthralled. Specific performances and short afternoon programmes for children are also available. 

The theatre is located next door to Salzburg Landestheater, nearby the Salzach River and 10-minutes’ walk from Mirabell Palace. A local bus station is located directly outside.

Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 4 activitiesOpens in new tab

Popular places to visit


Top Salzburg Marionette Theater Hotel Deals

Altstadt Hotel Hofwirt Salzburg
Altstadt Hotel Hofwirt Salzburg
3 out of 5
Schallmooser Hauptstr. 1, Salzburg, Salzburg
Altstadt Hotel Hofwirt Salzburg
 Leonardo Boutique Hotel Salzburg Gablerbräu
Leonardo Boutique Hotel Salzburg Gablerbräu
3 out of 5
Richard-Mayr-Gasse 2, Salzburg, Salzburg
Leonardo Boutique Hotel Salzburg Gablerbräu
H+ Hotel Salzburg
H+ Hotel Salzburg
Südtiroler Platz 13, Salzburg, Salzburg
H+ Hotel Salzburg
Hotel am Mirabellplatz
Hotel am Mirabellplatz
4 out of 5
Paris-Lodron-Strasse 1, Salzburg, Salzburg
Hotel am Mirabellplatz
NH Collection Salzburg City
NH Collection Salzburg City
4 out of 5
Franz-Josef-Str. 26, Salzburg, Salzburg
NH Collection Salzburg City
Hotel IMLAUER & Bräu
Hotel IMLAUER & Bräu
4 out of 5
Rainerstraße 12-14, Salzburg
Hotel IMLAUER & Bräu
arte Hotel Salzburg
arte Hotel Salzburg
4 out of 5
Rainerstr. 28, Salzburg
arte Hotel Salzburg
Hotel Sacher Salzburg
Hotel Sacher Salzburg
5 out of 5
Schwarzstrasse 5-7, Salzburg, Salzburg
Hotel Sacher Salzburg
Stadtkrug
Stadtkrug
4 out of 5
Linzer Gasse 20, Salzburg, Salzburg
Stadtkrug
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.