Salzburg, Austria: Tourist Guide to Mozart's City in the Alps

Salzburg sits on the Salzach River at the edge of the Alps, close to the German border. The name means "Salt Fortress": the city grew rich on salt from the nearby mines, and its prince-archbishops spent that wealth on the Baroque churches, palaces and squares that make the Old Town a UNESCO World Heritage Site (listed in 1996). It is also the birthplace of Mozart and the setting of The Sound of Music. It is small and walkable, about 300 km from Vienna and 150 km from Munich. 2 days covers the highlights, and 3 to 4 days leaves room for day trips in the Salzkammergut.

The Old Town

The historic centre is compact, mostly pedestrian and easy to explore on foot.

• Getreidegasse: The most famous street, lined with narrow medieval buildings and wrought-iron guild signs. Mozart's Birthplace (Getreidegasse 9) is here, now a museum with instruments and family letters. Mozart was born in 1756, and the family lived on the third floor.

• Mozart's Residence: On Makartplatz, where the family moved in 1773. It is less crowded and includes a good audio guide.

• Salzburg Cathedral (Dom): A large Baroque cathedral where Mozart was baptised. Its bronze doors and huge dome stand over Domplatz, where the "Jedermann" play is staged during the summer festival.

• Residenz and Residenzplatz: The prince-archbishops' palace and its grand square, with state rooms and a gallery

• St. Peter's Abbey and Cemetery: A quiet complex of church, catacombs and a peaceful churchyard. Its restaurant, the Stiftskulinarium, claims to be one of the oldest in Europe, with a history reaching back to the 9th century.

• Franciscan Church and Kollegienkirche: Smaller churches that show Gothic and Baroque styles

• Universitätsplatz and Markt: A lively market square with food stalls (best in the morning)

Hohensalzburg Fortress

The fortress has dominated the skyline since 1077 and is one of the largest fully preserved medieval castles in Europe. You can walk up in about 15 to 20 minutes or take the funicular (Festungsbahn).

• Highlights: The State Rooms, the Golden Hall, the Marionette Museum, the Rainer Regiment Museum and the battlements, with 360-degree views over the city and the Alps

• Tip: Go early or late in the day. The courtyard also hosts concerts.

• Combined tickets: Check what's included, as the options change.

Mirabell Palace and Gardens

Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich built Mirabell in 1606 for his mistress, and the gardens are among the most photographed in Austria. The Pegasus Fountain, the rose garden, the dwarf garden and the view of the fortress are the main attractions. Several scenes from The Sound of Music (including "Do-Re-Mi") were filmed here. Inside, the Marble Hall is a popular venue for concerts, and the grand Angel Staircase is open to visitors. Entry to the gardens is free.

The Sound of Music

The 1965 film is still a big reason people visit. Locations include Mirabell Gardens, Nonnberg Abbey (where Maria was a novice), the Residenz fountain, Leopoldskron Palace, Hellbrunn's gazebo and the Mondsee church (used for the wedding). You can join a bus or minibus tour of the filming locations, or a dinner show. Locals know the film less well than visitors do, so don't expect the same enthusiasm outside the tourist scene.

Hellbrunn Palace

About 5 km south of the centre, Hellbrunn was built in the early 17th century by Prince-Archbishop Markus Sittikus as a summer retreat. It is best known for its trick fountains, hidden water jets that surprise guests (you will probably get wet, so dress accordingly). The gardens, the Folklore Museum and the Hellbrunn Zoo are also here. It's easy to reach by bus.

Hills, Views and Hiking

• Mönchsberg: The hill rising from the Old Town, with walking trails and viewpoints, as well as the Museum der Moderne and a lift from the Old Town

• Kapuzinerberg: A wooded hill on the right bank of the river, with paths, a monastery and a hilltop viewpoint

• Untersberg: A mountain on the German border, reached by a cable car in about 10 minutes. It has marked hiking trails and views over the Alps and Salzburg basin, and is best on a clear day. Local legend says Charlemagne sleeps inside the mountain.

• Gaisberg: A mountain just east of the city with a viewpoint and a summer road to the top

Day Trips from Salzburg

• Hallstatt (about 70 km): A postcard village on a lake with an old salt mine, a UNESCO site and very heavy summer crowds. Allow a full day, and arrive early or late if you can.

• Salzkammergut Lake District: Wolfgangsee, St. Gilgen, St. Wolfgang and Mondsee, with lakes, boat trips and hiking

• Eisriesenwelt (about 40 km): The largest ice cave in the world, near Werfen and open in the warmer months. Dress very warmly.

• Hallein Salt Mine (Bad Dürrnberg): A chance to see the salt that built Salzburg, with a miners' slide and underground boat ride

• Berchtesgaden and Königssee (Germany, about 25 km): A deep Alpine lake with boat trips and the Eagle's Nest. Carry your passport.

• Werfen Castle: A castle near the ice caves

Food and Drink

• Salzburger Nockerl: A sweet, fluffy soufflé baked in three peaks, often said to represent the city's hills (Mönchsberg, Kapuzinerberg and Gaisberg). It's meant to be shared, and takes about 20 to 25 minutes to prepare, so order it early.

• Wiener Schnitzel and Tafelspitz: Austrian classics

• Käsespätzle and Kasnocken: Cheese noodles and dumplings

• Mozartkugel: Marzipan and nougat chocolates, invented in Salzburg by the confectioner Paul Fürst

• Apfelstrudel and Sachertorte: At local cafés

• Beer: The Augustiner Bräu Müllner Bräu, a monastery brewery with a large beer garden, is a Salzburg institution. Bring your own food or buy from the stalls.

• Cafés: Café Tomaselli and Café Fürst for a traditional coffee house experience

Festivals and Events

• Salzburg Festival (late July to end of August): One of the world's leading classical music and drama festivals, founded in 1920. Book tickets well in advance.

• Mozart Week (late January): Concerts around Mozart's birthday on 27 January

• Easter Festival and Whitsun Festival: Classical and opera performances

• Salzburg Advent and Christmas markets (mid-November to 26 December): On Domplatz and Residenzplatz, with festive crafts, food and mulled wine. Salzburg is also known for the song "Silent Night", which was first performed in the nearby Oberndorf in 1818.

Evenings and Nightlife

Salzburg is a quieter city at night than Vienna or Munich, but there are plenty of options:

• Concerts: Mozart-themed concerts and dinner concerts at Mirabell, the Fortress and Stiftskeller St. Peter

• Bars and pubs: The Old Town and the Rudolfskai for lively bars, and the riverbank for relaxed drinks

• Beer gardens and taverns: Summer evenings at Augustiner Bräu and other traditional places

• Clubs: A few venues near the centre, mostly on weekends

Best Time to Visit

• April to June: Pleasant weather, blooming gardens and moderate crowds

• July to August: Warm and lively, with the festival, but the most expensive and crowded. Salzburg also has frequent summer showers.

• September to October: Mild weather, autumn colours and fewer visitors. A very good time to go.

• Late November to December: Christmas markets and a festive mood, but cold weather

• January to March: Cold, quieter and cheaper, with Mozart Week and nearby skiing

Getting There

• By air: Salzburg Airport (SZG) is about 4 km from the centre, with a bus (line 2) and taxis. Munich Airport is about 1.5 to 2 hours away by train or bus.

• By train: Salzburg Hauptbahnhof has direct fast trains from Vienna (about 2.5 hours), Munich (about 1.5 hours), Innsbruck and Graz.

• By road: Close to the German border, with good motorways. Parking in the Old Town is limited, so use garages or park-and-ride.

• Local transport: The Old Town is walkable. Buses and trolleybuses cover the rest of the city, and bike rental is popular.

Practical Tips

• Salzburg Card: A sightseeing pass that includes public transport and many attractions. Compare it with your plans.

• Book ahead: For festival performances, Christmas-season dinners and popular concerts

• Sunday closures: Most shops close on Sundays and public holidays

• Weather: Rain is common, so bring an umbrella or a light jacket, even in summer

• Tipping: Around 5 to 10 percent is customary in restaurants

• Currency: Euro. Cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for small places.

• Safety: Very safe, with low crime

• Crowds: The Old Town is busiest between 10 am and 4 pm, so explore early or in the evening

• Prices, hours and event dates change, so check official sources before you go.