Overview to Salzburg: Travel Guide and Tourist Information
- Salzburg Information
- Eating & drinking in Salzburg
- Things to do in Salzburg
- Where to stay in Salzburg
- Salzburg street map
Dug into the slopes of rolling hills, Salzburg is an overwhelmingly sensual place; it’s the home of Mozart, a delectable chocolate and the Sound of Music’s Von Trapp singing troupe. What’s more, it’s cultured, comfortable and quintessentially Austrian.
The imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress looms protectively over this compact and self-contained city. Most of the attractions lie on the west side of the Salzburg River, although there's still a belt of notable places hugging the eastern bank.
A funicular railway is available to help you up or down to the fortress if you don’t quite fancy the walk. At the bottom of the hill sits the Kapitel Platz, the eerie catacombs of St. Peter’s Church and the impressive Salzburger Dom, a Renaissance building replete with ceiling frescos.
Set amongst interweaving, romantic streets, Salzburg’s heart is undoubtedly one of the most inviting old quarters in Europe. Negotiating your way from the cathedral to the Museum of Modern Art unveils a series of small but fascinating churches.
What tourist buzz there is here tends to center around the staple Mozart sites. The great composer’s two houses sit either side of the Staatsbrücke Bridge. Both have been turned into comprehensive museums and frequently host recitals of his famous pieces.
The Mozart-Wohnhaus, on the east bank of the city, is the first of a couple of further attractions as you follow the river along. The Mozarteum hosts the University of Music and Arts, and is situated next to the tranquil gardens of the Scholl Mirabell.
With its fresh mountain air and predominantly quiet streets, Salzburg has the feel of a spa town. And there's something decidedly un-urban about this most elegant of cities that has the ability to inspire and invigorate travelers.