Pipe organs of Salzburg Cathedral, Musical instruments in Salzburg Cathedral, Austria

The pipe organs of Salzburg Cathedral comprise seven independent instruments: the main organ on the west gallery, built in 1988 by Metzler with 58 stops on three manuals and pedal, and five instruments on the pier galleries of the crossing, plus a portable chest organ. All have mechanical key and stop actions.

The cathedral's first large organ was built 75 years after the building opened and served only a ceremonial role, sounding when the archbishop entered or left through the west door. It was replaced by the present main organ, built by Hansueli Metzler of Dietikon, Switzerland, blessed on 1 June 1988, with 58 stops on three manuals and pedal. Five instruments on the crossing piers followed after 1990, restoring the arrangement of music-making used in the cathedral until 1859.

The organs are central to worship and music-making in the cathedral, where religious services and concerts have taken place for centuries. Visitors experience classical music in a sacred setting, where the instruments form an essential part of both prayer and celebration.

Visitors can join guided tours to learn how the organs work and hear regular concerts performed by musicians throughout the year. The best way to experience these instruments in action is to attend during a service or concert.

The 1988 main organ has 58 stops on three manuals and pedal, built by Hansueli Metzler of Dietikon, Switzerland, after a first contact in 1981 led nowhere. It was blessed on 1 June 1988 and cleaned and checked by Metzler in 2018.