Salzburg isn’t just about Mozart and fairy-tale castles; it’s also a fantastic city to learn how to cook authentic Austrian dishes. This is especially true because of its rich culinary traditions, stunning baking ingredients, and warm, welcoming kitchens. Whether you want to master the art of apple strudel, learn festive holiday baking, or dive into unique regional specialties, Salzburg’s cooking classes offer something for every food lover. We’re particularly fans of the class that combines making ** Salzburger Nockerl** with goulash, which combines a sweet and savory experience in a lively setting (see more here). Or, if Christmas is your season, the Christmas Cookies and Apple Strudel class offers a delightful holiday atmosphere with sweet treats and a hearty lunch.
Salzburg’s cooking classes provide much more than just recipes; they’re about experiencing local food culture firsthand. Small-group settings, expert guidance, and opportunities to take home your creations make these classes stand out. Now, let’s explore the top options to help you pick the perfect culinary adventure.
1. Austrian Apple Strudel Cooking Class including Lunch in Salzburg
This class is a wonderful introduction for anyone eager to learn how to make Austria’s most famous dessert, apple strudel, alongside the iconic Salzburger Nockerl soufflé. During the 1.5-hour experience, you’ll roll pastry, learn pastry techniques, and mix ingredients under the guidance of a professional chef. But what makes this class special is the small size — limited to just five people — which ensures personalized attention and an interactive experience. After baking your creations, you’ll sit down for a hearty bowl of goulash soup, a perfect warm-up before enjoying your desserts.
What’s more, guests frequently praise the chef’s clear instructions and warm approach. One reviewer called Johann “amazing,” noting the class’s fun atmosphere and the chance to meet others. The focus on handling pastry and the hands-on approach makes this class ideal for beginners or those wanting to deepen their baking skills. The cost of around $67.20 per person offers excellent value, especially since you get to eat your own desserts plus the soup.
Bottom line: For a small, hands-on experience with expert guidance and a delicious meal, this class is hard to beat. It’s perfect for curious cooks who want to learn authentic techniques in a relaxed environment.
2. Salzburg Christmas Cookies and Apple Strudel Cooking Lesson
If your Salzburg trip coincides with the holiday season, this class brings the festive spirit directly into your kitchen. Over approximately 1.5 hours, you’ll learn how to craft traditional Austrian apple strudel from scratch and make Vanilla Kipferl cookies, a classic Christmas treat. The atmosphere is lively and merry, with fellow participants sharing in the holiday cheer. The class emphasizes holiday baking techniques and includes a delicious hot goulash soup for lunch. Plus, you get to take home extra cookies — a perfect souvenir.
This class earns top marks for its organization and festive ambiance, with reviews highlighting how “Brilliant and fun” it is. Participants appreciate the instructor Leonardo’s approachable style, which makes everyone feel comfortable, regardless of skill level. The price of about $67.45 per person is reasonable considering the lively experience and the chance to learn two recipes plus enjoy a meal.
Bottom line: This class is best suited for visitors wanting a festive, interactive experience that combines holiday baking with authentic Austrian cuisine. Ideal for families or Christmas lovers.
3. Cookies and Apple Strudel Cooking Class Including Lunch
Located in Upper Austria, this class offers a fun, relaxed environment to learn how to make Austria’s most popular cookies and apple strudel. With a focus on hands-on cooking and self-creation, it’s perfect for families or anyone who wants to get their hands flour-covered. In about 1.5 hours, you’ll cook, taste, and learn about Austrian food in a cozy setting built into the cliff, which adds to the charm.
Guests praise the friendly atmosphere and the instructor Agnes, who explained how making apple strudel was “so quick and easy.” They also enjoyed the delicious goulash soup and the chance to sample cookie dough — a highlight for many. The class receives rave reviews for its informal style and interactive approach, making it ideal for beginners or those traveling with children. The price of around $66 per person provides excellent value for a memorable, hands-on cooking experience.
Bottom line: Fun and approachable, this class is great for families seeking a relaxed environment where you can cook, eat, and learn Austrian culinary secrets.
4. Apple Strudel & Pretzel Cooking Class incl. Dinner & Music
This class offers a lively evening combining hands-on baking with live music, making it a standout experience in Salzburg. Over about two hours, you’ll learn how to make apple strudel and pretzels under the guidance of a professional chef. The guided process covers practical tips for baking at home, and you’ll enjoy your freshly baked goods along with a hearty goulash stew.
What sets this apart is the live music performance, which enhances the relaxed, festive atmosphere. Visitors rave about how much fun they had, describing it as “outstanding” and “delicious,” with some calling it a highlight of their trip. The class costs around $91.73 per person, which includes dinner, instruction, and entertainment.
Bottom line: This option is perfect if you want a cheerful, memorable evening that combines culinary skills with a vibrant social setting and live music.
5. Salzburg: Dinner Cooking Class and Music
For those who want more than just hands-on baking, this class combines interactive cooking with live classical music during dinner. Over two hours, you will prepare Austrian pretzels, apple strudel, and more, then enjoy your tasty dishes while listening to a performance featuring pieces from Mozart and the Sound of Music. The guide emphasizes practical tips for recreating these dishes at home and offers a cozy environment for learning and socializing.
Reviews highlight the entertainment value and the enjoyment of cooking and music combined. The $90 per person price includes all food, instruction, and entertainment, making it a well-rounded cultural experience. It’s suited for travelers who want an immersive evening that blends culinary and musical delights.
Bottom line: Ideal for classical music fans and those wanting a lively, comprehensive Salzburg experience in one evening.
6. Original Sound of Music Tour & Edelweiss Cooking Class
This tour is perfect for fans of the film and the charming region of Mondsee. It combines the famous Sound of Music tour with a hands-on Edelweiss cooking class where you’ll bake your own apple strudel in about 1.5 hours. The experience includes a traditional goulash lunch (with options for vegetarians/vegans) and visits iconic film locations like the Mondsee church.
Guests love the extended 6-hour itinerary that offers a full immersion into Salzburg’s film history and culinary traditions. The guide shares stories of Julie Andrews and the movie behind-the-scenes, making it a fun, cinematic experience. The $142 cost reflects the full day of activities, including transportation and meals.
Bottom line: Best suited for Sound of Music fans and those looking for a full-day cultural and culinary outing.
7. Private Artisanal Charcuterie “Marende” Cooking Class with a Chef
For a truly personalized experience, this private class centers on making a traditional Austrian “marende”, a rustic charcuterie platter featuring cured meats and cheeses. Led by a professional chef in a modern show kitchen, you’ll learn how to cut and arrange these ingredients beautifully while sipping wine selected by a sommelier. It’s perfect for food lovers who want a deep dive into regional Alpine fare.
Though more expensive at $267.62 per person, the private setting allows for unrestricted questions and tailored instruction. Guests enjoy the rustic, hands-on approach and the chance to learn professional techniques with top-quality equipment. Reviewers mention the friendliness of the chef and the exclusive feel of the experience.
Bottom line: Best for serious foodies or special occasions where personalized, in-depth instruction matters most.
$267.62 per person
How to Choose the Right Cooking Class in Salzburg
When picking a Salzburg cooking class, consider your budget, available time, and interests. For a quick, hands-on baking experience with a local chef, the Austrian Apple Strudel Cooking Class offers excellent value. If you’re visiting during the holidays, the Christmas Cookies and Apple Strudel provides a festive, interactive atmosphere. For a romantic or musical evening, the Apple Strudel & Pretzel Dinner with Music combines culinary skills with live entertainment.
For those who want a full-day experience, the Original Sound of Music Tour & Edelweiss Cooking Class immerses you in film history and regional cooking. Families with kids may prefer the Cookies and Apple Strudel Class for its relaxed, friendly environment.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons like Christmas or summer festivals, when classes tend to fill quickly. Check the class duration, inclusions, and reviews to find the experience that best matches your culinary curiosity and travel plans.
Salzburg’s cooking classes offer a delicious way to connect with local culture, learn new skills, and enjoy great food. Whether you want to craft a perfect apple strudel, explore Christmas baking, or combine culinary delights with music or film, there’s an option on this list for you. Consider your interests and schedule, and don’t hesitate to book early — these experiences sell out quickly, especially during holidays and peak travel seasons. Happy cooking!