Known worldwide as the birthplace of the famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and as the setting for the iconic film ‘The Sound of Music’ in 1964 (starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer), the picturesque, oh-so wonderful city of Salzburg is one of Europe’s most appealing cities with irresistible variety of architectural, historical and cultural attractions, including 14th and 15th century Baroque houses, elegant churches and majestic spires, over 4,000 cultural events annually, add to this chic hotels, fine restaurants and sub-alpine scenery and more. Translated into ‘Salt Castle’ due to the sublime surroundings and the breathtaking fortress glimmering above the city, Salzburg is a travelers’ paradise combining a magnificent past with a lively present!
The plentiful tourist attractions in Salzburg offer something for everyone, mostly being especially popular with family holidaymakers. Follow the article to get acquainted with the range of points of interest you should not miss out during your visit to Salzburg.
Hohensalzburg Fortress
Take time out to visit Hohensalzburg – Central Europe’s largest intact fortress and Salzburg’s prime attraction boasting of spectacular views of the city and the surrounding hillsides. Perched high in the middle of town and reached by funicular from the edge of town, this fully-preserved medieval fortress, meaning ‘High Salzburg,’ features fascinating halls and serves as a museum housing European paintings dating back to the 16th century. The castle hosts many events year-round. Even from afar the visitor is able to appreciate the might and magic of this splendid edifice.
The Geburtshaus
The Geburtshaus or Mozart’s Birthplace is another ‘star’ attraction in Salzburg related to Mozart. Situated in Getreidegasse, the city’s most vibrant shopping street, is the apartment, where the composer was born, and which since 1880 has been turned into a museum, focusing on the composer’s time in Vienna. The museum showcases numerous exhibits like Mozart’s children’s violin, his clavichord, documents, letters and portraits of the musician and several exhibits detailing Salzburg in the time of Mozart. On the third floor of the museum visitors will find a room called Mozart Online, well-equipped with 4 high-powered computers, where you can sit at leisure and scroll through Mozart’s manuscripts, while listening to music and discovering new things about his life.
Salzburger Spielzeugmuseum (Salzburg Toy Museum)
This family-friendly museum is an attraction with a difference. Founded in 1978, the museum hosts a fascinating array of toys and craft from baroque times to the present, including historical musical instruments, ancient dolls, optical toys and photography equipment. There is also a Toy Shop offering a wide assortment of gifts available for any budget. Visitors can take advantage of the regular children programs, whereby toys from different materials can be built.
Schloss Hellbrunn (Hellbrunn Palace)
Surrounded by a giant Park, the Trick Fountains and the Salzburg Zoo (all well-worth a visit), the Hellbrunn Palace lies at the Gateway to the city of Salzburg. Built between 1613 and 1615, by Santino Solari – the architect of the Salzburger Dom, the palace is a rectangular court with 2 pavilions on the front corner and really fascinating and fantastically decorated rooms that will make you think… hmm. There is an interesting thing to know about the palace: the gardens conceal a mass of fountains, which can turn on at any time and completely saturate those who are anywhere near them. So be careful, while visiting this wonderful place. Admission is €8.50 for adults, €6.50 for students and €3.80 for children.
Where to Eat?
To get to know Salzburg, you should take time. Walk over the beautiful tree-lined streets and discover the city’s best dining options, from top gourmet restaurants to fast food spots. And depending on where you choose, you can find very reasonable prices.
If you are looking for a high-class venue, Goldener Hirsch is a perfect choice. Located in a rustic vaulted room and part of the Goldener Hirsch Hotel, the restaurant is where, everybody from conductors, divas to pianists enjoy a fine dinner during the famous Salzburg Festival. Another great choice is the StieglBräu Restaurant, ideal for an evening meal and for every kind of celebration. Old-fashioned, traditional home-style Austrian food and a variety of drinks is served here, from Wiener Schnitzel to delicious deserts to excellent Stiegl beer.
Looking for a cheap and tasty bite to eat while walking around the city? No problem, Balkan Grill Walter will satisfy all your needs. Tucked back off Getreidegasse, in the historic center of Salzburg, the restaurant serves different kinds of Bosna, something you should definitely try. Other recommended options include Café Bazar, K&K Restaurant Am Waagplatz, featuring 8 restaurants, each with its own character; Magazine, offering exquisite creations, like crispy octopus with chanterelles and leek ragout and others.
Those who want to prepare their own food while holidaying in the Mozart City, can find several great markets selling lots of fresh local ingredients. Two of the most popular include the Universitätsplaz and the one close to Mirabellplatz, selling meat, fish, fruits, vegetables and more.
Where to Stay?
Salzburg is blessed with a range of accommodation to suit any need and preference. Located in the heart of the city, the four-star Hotel Europa Salzburg is a pet-, family- and business-friendly property, offering personal service, comfortable accommodation and high standards amenities. The bright and elegantly-designed rooms boast of nice views, private bathrooms with shower and bathtub, cable, pay and web television, wireless internet access, mini bar and air conditioning. The hotel’s Panorama Restaurant on the 15th floor serves comprehensive breakfast buffet. There is also an in-house ticket service organizing theater tickets as well as guided tours in and around Salzburg.
Sheraton Salzburg Hotel is a five-star luxury getaway found adjacent to the magnificent Mirabell Garden, offering comfortable surroundings and friendly service. The hotel features a modern, fully-equipped health club with fitness center, sauna and steam bath, where you can fully relax and rejuvenate your body and mind. Among the hotel services shoe polishing service, shuttle service from and/or to the airport and 24-hour room service are of special importance.
Of a classic luxury category, the 5 star Vital-Hotel Kobenzl enjoys one of the world’s most blissful locations with amazing views of the city and the surrounding Alps. An excellent selection of culinary delights awaits you at the hotel. Guests can also enjoy a swimming pool with palm trees, Turkish steam baths, great conference facilities and a sunny patio. The hotel is a true oasis of tranquility sure to create colorful memories to remember for a long time.