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Introduction
Salzburg, a UNESCO World Heritage site in north-central Austria, is a city of 150,000 people situated along the Salzach River near the northern edge of the Alps. The city combines a rich architectural heritage of medieval and baroque buildings with significant cultural importance as the birthplace of Mozart and home to the world-renowned Salzburg Festival. The historic center features five main squares - Residenzplatz, Domplatz, Mozartplatz, Kapitelplatz, and Alter Markt - and houses notable landmarks including Mozart's Birth House, the DomQuartier (comprising the Cathedral and former Prince-Archbishops' Residence), Hohensalzburg Fortress, and the 17th-century Mirabell Palace and Gardens. The city gained additional fame as the filming location for "The Sound of Music," which celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2025.
Interesting Facts about Salzburg
- Salzburg is renowned as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and is often celebrated for its connection to the famous film "The Sound of Music".
- The historic centre of Salzburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasting stunning baroque architecture and picturesque cobblestone streets.
- The city hosts the Salzburg Festival, one of the world's most significant festivals for opera, music, and drama.
- Salzburg is home to Hohensalzburg Fortress, which offers panoramic views of the city and is one of its most iconic landmarks.
- Mirabell Palace and Gardens, a key location in "The Sound of Music", features beautiful baroque gardens and the quirky Zwerglgarten.
- Visitors can explore the world's largest ice caves in nearby Werfen, accessible via guided tours from May to October.
- Stiftskeller St. Peter, located within St. Peter's Abbey, is rumoured to be Central Europe's oldest restaurant, offering a unique dining experience.
History
Salzburg's history began in Neolithic times, with the first major settlement being the Roman town of Iuvavum established in 15 BC. The modern city was founded in 696 when Saint Rupert established the Benedictine Monastery of St. Peter's. The name 'Salzburg', meaning 'Salt Castle', was first documented in 755 AD and derived from the salt barges on the River Salzach. Construction of the iconic Hohensalzburg Fortress began in 1077, which remains the best-preserved medieval fortress in Central Europe. The city flourished as a powerful prince-bishopric, with its archbishops acknowledged as princes of the Holy Roman Empire in 1278. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Salzburg experienced its golden age under Prince Archbishops Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau, Markus Sittikus, and Paris Lodron, who transformed it into a magnificent Baroque city using wealth from salt trade. In 1492, the still-operating Stiegl brewery was established. The city's most famous son, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, was born in 1756. Following the Napoleonic wars, Salzburg became part of the Austrian Empire in 1816. The Salzburg Festival, now a major cultural event, was founded in 1920. The historic centre of Salzburg was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, recognised as an outstanding example of an ecclesiastical city-state where Italian and German cultures merged.
Main Attractions
Hohensalzburg Fortress
Perched atop Festungsberg Hill, Hohensalzburg Fortress is one of Europe's largest and best-preserved fortresses. Dating back to the 11th century, this imposing structure offers breathtaking views of Salzburg and the surrounding mountains. Take the funicular for an easy ascent and explore the medieval chambers, including the opulent staterooms. The Golden Hall and Golden Chamber, adorned with original 16th-century furnishings, are particularly impressive.
Mirabell Palace and Gardens
Built in the early 17th century, Mirabell Palace and its stunning gardens are a must-visit. The palace houses the famous Marble Hall, considered one of the world's most beautiful wedding venues. However, the true highlight is the meticulously manicured Baroque gardens. Featuring geometric designs, the Pegasus Fountain, and a charming Dwarf Garden, these grounds offer a delightful setting for a leisurely stroll.
Salzburg Old Town
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town is the heart of Salzburg's charm. Wander through its picturesque streets and squares, including:
- Getreidegasse: The most beautiful pedestrian shopping street, known for its unique store signs.
- Residenzplatz: Home to an impressive baroque fountain and the Salzburg Carillon.
- Mozartplatz: Features a statue of the famous composer.
- Alter Markt: Where you'll find the historic Café Tomaselli, Austria's oldest café.
Salzburg Cathedral
This magnificent Baroque cathedral, located in the heart of the Old Town, is a testament to Salzburg's rich history. Admire its impressive facade with twin spires and copper dome. Inside, you'll find the font where Mozart was baptised and five organs, including one he played.
Hellbrunn Palace
Just outside the city centre, Hellbrunn Palace is famous for its trick fountains and beautiful gardens. Built in the early 17th century as a summer retreat, it offers a unique and entertaining experience with its hidden water jets that surprise (and often soak) visitors. The mechanical theatre and the gazebo featured in "The Sound of Music" are also worth seeing.
Sound of Music Tour
Even if you're not a devoted fan of the film, a Sound of Music tour is an excellent way to explore Salzburg and its surroundings. These tours typically include iconic locations from the movie, such as Leopoldskron Palace, Nonnberg Abbey, and the wider Salzburg Lake District Area.
Mozart's Birthplace
While technically a museum, no trip to Salzburg would be complete without visiting the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Located on Getreidegasse, this yellow townhouse is where the musical prodigy was born and spent his early years.
Top Museums
Historical Museums
Mozart's Birthplace
Located at Getreidegasse 9, this museum is housed in the building where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born on January 27, 1756. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the early life of the famous composer and his family.
Hohensalzburg Fortress
Perched atop Festungsberg mountain, this medieval fortress is one of Europe's largest and offers panoramic views of Salzburg. The fortress complex includes several museums:
- Fortress Museum: Exhibits historical artifacts and showcases Salzburg's history under the archbishops.
- Rainer Museum: Displays military artifacts related to the former Salzburg house regiment.
- Princely Chambers: Features opulent rooms like the Golden Chamber and Golden Hall (requires an additional fee).
DomQuartier Salzburg
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a Baroque complex that offers art and cultural history tours. It encompasses parts of the cathedral and St. Peter's monastery, providing a comprehensive look at Salzburg's religious and cultural past.
Art Museums
Museum der Moderne
Located atop Mönchsberg mountain, this striking contemporary museum houses 20th and 21st-century visual art. It's an excellent destination for modern art enthusiasts.
Residenzgalerie
Situated in the Alte Residenz, this gallery showcases European art from the 16th to 19th centuries, including works by renowned artists like Rembrandt.
Science and Nature
Haus der Natur
This hands-on science and nature museum is particularly popular with families. It features exhibits on dinosaurs, alpine crystals, and includes a reptile zoo and aquarium.
Unique Museums
Red Bull Hangar-7
Located at Salzburg Airport, this unique museum showcases a collection of historical airplanes, helicopters, and Formula One racing cars.
Salzburg Toy Museum
Housed in a 16th-century building, this museum offers a delightful journey through the world of toys and includes a children's cinema.
Local Cuisine
Salzburg's culinary scene offers a delightful mix of hearty Alpine fare and refined Austrian classics. The city's signature dish is the Salzburger Nockerl, a sweet soufflé dessert shaped like three peaks representing Salzburg's mountains. For savoury options, visitors should try the Kasnocken, a comforting dish of cheese dumplings with caramelised onions that's particularly beloved in the region. Traditional restaurants, known as Gasthaus, serve classics like Tafelspitz (boiled beef with horseradish) and Bierfleisch (beef cooked in beer sauce). No visit would be complete without sampling the famous Mozartkugeln, exquisite pralines created in 1890 by confectioner Paul Fürst, combining marzipan, pistachios, nougat and chocolate.
Shopping
Salzburg stands as one of Austria's premier shopping destinations, offering an enticing blend of high-end boutiques and traditional establishments. The city's historic Altstadt (Old Town) serves as the main shopping district, with the bustling Getreidegasse being the crown jewel, featuring a mix of international designer stores, traditional family-run shops, and elegant boutiques adorned with ornate guild signs. For a more authentic local experience, the Linzergasse area provides independently-run shops at more reasonable prices, whilst the ultra-modern Europark, Salzburg's largest shopping centre, houses 130 shops under one roof for those seeking a contemporary retail experience. The city is particularly renowned for its traditional artisanal products, including dirndl dresses, lederhosen, local schnapps varieties, and the famous Mozartkugel chocolates.
Nature in and around Salzburg
Salzburg enchants visitors with its remarkable blend of urban charm and pristine natural beauty. The city is nestled between majestic mountains, with the Festungsberg, Mönchsberg, Kapuzinerberg, Gaisberg, and Untersberg offering spectacular hiking trails and panoramic views of the historic district. The elegant River Salzach flows through the Old City, providing delightful spots for summer relaxation. Just outside the city, nature enthusiasts can explore the crystal-clear Lake Fuschl, renowned for its drinking-water quality and peaceful shores, or visit the breathtaking Bluntautal nature reserve with its deep green lakes and mountain reflections. The region boasts impressive waterfalls, including the Golling Waterfall, which can be accessed through a scenic forest walk, whilst the spectacular Salzachöfen Gorge offers thrilling adventures with its flying fox route. The city itself maintains its green character with numerous parks and gardens, with green spaces comprising approximately 60% of Salzburg's total area, including 15 parks, 35,000 trees, and 40 protected landscape areas.
Getting Around
Salzburg boasts an efficient and environmentally friendly public transport system consisting of buses and trolleybuses, with services running every 10-20 minutes during daytime hours. While the city lacks a subway or tram network, the comprehensive bus coverage ensures easy access to all major destinations, including the airport, central station, and city centre. Single-journey tickets cost ?3.00 when purchased from the driver, but savvy travellers can save money by buying tickets in advance from vending machines or tobacco shops (Trafiken) for ?2.40. A 24-hour ticket, which offers excellent value for multiple journeys, costs ?4.70 when purchased in advance or ?6.40 from the driver. For night owls, the city operates special NachtStern and Bustaxi services after midnight, ensuring safe transport during late hours.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Salzburg is during the autumn shoulder season in September and October, when the summer crowds have dispersed and the city returns to its serene state. During these months, you'll experience pleasantly mild temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C, perfect for exploring the baroque architecture and scenic landscapes. The autumn paints the city in vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow, making it particularly appealing for photographers and nature enthusiasts, whilst the comfortable climate allows for enjoyable walks through the historic streets and outdoor cafés. This period also offers moderate accommodation prices and fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months of July and August, when the city becomes overwhelmingly crowded due to the famous Salzburg Festival.