TRAVELSCAPES  08.26

Salzburg Austria

Salzburg is a breathtaking Austrian city famous for its baroque architecture, musical heritage, and Alpine scenery. Must-see highlights include the medieval Hohensalzburg Fortress, the striking Salzburg Cathedral, and Mirabell Palace, alongside exploring the historic Altstadt (Old Town) and Getreidegasse—famous as Mozart’s birthplace.

Top Historical & Cultural Attractions

• Hohensalzburg Fortress (Festung Hohensalzburg): Looming over the city, this 11th-century castle is one of the largest in Europe. You can walk up or take the funicular for panoramic views of the city and Alps.

• Salzburg Cathedral (Dom zu Salzburg): An awe-inspiring 17th-century Baroque cathedral where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was baptized.

• Mozart’s Birthplace (Mozart’s Geburtshaus): Located on the bustling Getreidegasse, this bright yellow house is now a museum displaying original instruments and memorabilia. Take a Salzburg Old Town walking tour while you are in the region.

• Eagle’s Nest close to Salzburg is well worth a visit. On a clear day, the panoramic views of the Bavarian Alps and the valley below are spectacular. The journey itself—taking a specialized bus up a precipitous mountain road and riding the original brass-paneled elevator through the mountain rock—is an incredible feat of 1930s engineering.

• St. Peter’s Abbey & Cemetery (Stift Sankt Peter): The oldest continuously active monastery in the German-speaking world. The cemetery’s ancient catacombs are highly atmospheric and famous for their connection to The Sound of Music.

Adventurous Activities

• White Water Rafting on the Salzach River. Head down the Salzach River, fed by the glacier regions of the Großglockner. Taking you from Eschenau to Schwarzach, this moderate difficulty white water rafting tour will get the adrenaline flowing.

The Sound of Music

• Mirabell Palace & Gardens (Schloss Mirabell): Features flawlessly manicured Baroque gardens where Maria and the children sang “Do-Re-Mi”. Attend a Palace Concert at the Marble Hall of Mirabell Palace.

• Nonnberg Abbey (Stift Nonnberg): The actual working Benedictine convent that inspired the movie. You can walk up for stunning views and listen to the nuns chanting.

Gardens & Nature

• Hellbrunn Palace & Trick Fountains (Schloss Hellbrunn): A 17th-century pleasure palace located just south of the center. It is famous for its Renaissance water games, hidden grottoes, and mechanical fountains.

• Untersberg Mountain: Take the Untersberg Cable Car to the 1,973-meter summit for breathtaking alpine views. It’s a great spot for light hiking or skiing.

Local Favorites

• Augustiner Bräustübl: Founded in 1621, this is Austria’s largest beer garden. Grab a traditional earthenware stein straight from the wooden barrels and enjoy hearty local food at the indoor market stalls.

• Embark on a Cycling Adventure to discover the picturesque countryside and charming historic lanes surrounding Salzburg. A fabulous way to enjoy so many spectacular views of this Austrian gem.

Places to Stay

• Hotel Gerl – Urban Soul Meets Alpine Vibes. Just two minutes from the A1 motorway and 15 minutes from Salzburg city center, the 4-star Hotel Gerl is located in Wals – in a quiet yet easily accessible location. The airport is a five-minute drive away. The rooms are relaxed, cozy, and stylishly furnished. Reasonably priced.