Set against a backdrop of alpine peaks and split by the Salzach River, Salzburg is one of the loveliest small cities in Europe — the birthplace of Mozart, the setting for *The Sound of Music*, and a baroque jewel whose old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here is what to see.
Mozart’s City
Salzburg and Mozart are inseparable. The house on Getreidegasse where he was born in 1756 is now a museum, and every summer the world-famous Salzburg Festival fills the city with opera and classical music, drawing audiences from around the globe. Even outside festival season, live Mozart concerts are everywhere.
Hohensalzburg Fortress
Crowning the hill above the city, Hohensalzburg is one of the largest and best-preserved medieval fortresses in Europe. Ride the funicular up for a tour of its state rooms and, above all, for the sweeping views over the baroque rooftops to the Alps beyond. Below, the twin-domed Salzburg Cathedral anchors the old town.
Gardens, Palaces and The Sound of Music
Across the river, the manicured Mirabell Palace and its gardens are instantly familiar from *The Sound of Music* — one of many locations fans can track down around the city. On the outskirts, Hellbrunn Palace delights with its ingenious 17th-century trick fountains, a favourite on a warm day.
The Taste of Salzburg
Salzburg’s cafés and taverns serve the best of Austrian cooking: crisp Wiener Schnitzel, hearty Knödel (dumplings), and the city’s own airy dessert, the Salzburger Nockerl. Save room for a slice of cake with coffee — and in December, the old town’s Christkindlmarkt is one of the most atmospheric Christmas markets in Austria.
FAQ
How many days do you need in Salzburg?
Two days covers the old town, the fortress and Mirabell; a third lets you add a Sound of Music tour or a trip to the nearby Salzkammergut lakes.
When is the best time to visit?
Summer for the festival and warm weather; December for the Christmas markets. Spring and autumn are quieter and just as pretty.
What is the nearest airport?
Salzburg (SZG) is just outside the city; Munich (MUC), about 1.5 hours away, offers more connections.
