History of Salzburg in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 18, 2025

Salzburg, Austria, is the country's fourth-largest city with a population of 156,852 in 2020. It is located on the Salzach River near the German border, nestled at the base of the Alps.

1918: Part of German Austria

In 1918, following World War I and the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Salzburg became part of the new German Austria.

1919: First Austrian Republic

In 1919, the First Austrian Republic replaced German Austria after the Treaty of Saint-Germain-en-Laye.

1923: Freilassing Name Change

In 1923, Freilassing was known as Salzburghofen.

1935: Population Increase

In 1935, Salzburg's official population significantly increased when the city absorbed adjacent municipalities.

March 1938: The Anschluss

In March 1938, the Anschluss took place, resulting in the occupation and annexation of Austria, including Salzburg, into Nazi Germany. German troops moved into the city, leading to the arrest and deportation of political opponents, Jewish citizens, and other minorities to concentration camps, and the destruction of the synagogue.

May 1945: American Troops Entered Salzburg

On May 5, 1945, American troops entered Salzburg, which became the center of the American-occupied area in Austria. Several displaced persons camps were established.

1950: Population Exceeds 100,000

Around 1950, Salzburg's population passed 100,000 citizens.

1955: Austria Re-established

After World War II, in 1955 Austria signed a treaty re-establishing the country as a democratic and independent nation.

1957: Construction of Salzburg Congress-Center

In 1957, the original Congress-Center of Salzburg was constructed.

1960: Opening of Großes Festspielhaus

In 1960, the Großes Festspielhaus was opened by Clemens Holzmeister.

1964: Construction of "Lepi" Public Baths

In 1964, the "Lepi" public baths in Leopoldskron were built.

1989: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

In 1989, Salzburg appeared in the film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

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1994: UEFA Cup Final

In 1994, the former SV Austria Salzburg reached the UEFA Cup final.

1996: UNESCO World Heritage Site

In 1996, Salzburg's historic center was enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2001: 2001 Congress House and "Makartsteg" Bridge

In 2001, the Congress House and the "Makartsteg" bridge were constructed.

2001: Replacement of Salzburg Congress-Center

In 2001, the Salzburg Congress-Center was replaced by a new building.

April 2005: Red Bull Buys SV Austria Salzburg

In April 2005, Red Bull bought the club SV Austria Salzburg and changed its name to FC Red Bull Salzburg.

2005: Reformed SV Austria Salzburg Founded

In 2005, after Red Bull bought SV Austria Salzburg, some supporters formed a new club with the old name and colors to preserve the traditions of their club. The reformed SV Austria Salzburg was founded.