When in Salzburg
Salzburg has much to offer the visitor with old and new parts of town alike having their own delights to explore. Despite suffering huge bomb damage during World War II, the city has retained much of its antiquated charm and is a big hit with classical music lovers, as it is the birthplace of Mozart.
A walking tour of the Old Town is a must, and the perambulating visitor will find plenty to enjoy in the narrow streets, with historic churches, plazas and fountains springing up everywhere.
Down in the New Town, the better of the two Mozart museums can be found. On Makartplatz, a tour of the Mozart-Wohnhaus, where the family lived from 1773 to 1787, is a wonderful experience. Getting in is expensive but the museum is well done, and has been lovingly restored to its original condition. You will also receive your own private audio guide to keep you informed.
Festung Hohensalzburg in the Old Town is the city's original fortress and offers wonderful views of the city and beyond to the Alps. This 11th century construction has a huge number of rooms and chambers to explore for those prepared to take the 15 minute walk up the hill, (there is also a funicular railway) including torture chambers and state rooms. Below one can see the Benedictine convent of Stift Nonnberg, where the original Maria, responsible for the Sound of Music, taught her children ? blissfully unaware of Graham Norton.
While we are talking of the musical, it must be mentioned that Salzburg caters superbly for Sound of Music enthusiasts, with tours to all the main spots of the film and a number of themed nights.
Back down in the Old Town the Haus Der Natur, or Natural History Museum can be found. There are a huge number of displays, including an impressive array of live exhibits.
Castle lovers should try the Hohenwerfen Fortress, which is some way out of town, spectacularly positioned on a hill in a valley. The castle, which was built in the 16th century, puts on a number of activities, many of which are geared towards children but are enjoyable for older visitors too. The pick of the bunch is surely the 20-minute falconry show.
Salzburg's airport welcomes flights from all over Europe and some from further afield. It is just three miles from the centre of town ? the number 2 bus will get you there.
Eurocity and Intercity trains service the main train station frequently from a number of destinations, while the long distance bus service is better at reaching the smaller destinations within the country.
Salzburg's bus service is good and is an easy way of getting around town, although taxis are plentiful. An option for the visitor who plans to take in a number of museums is the purchase of a Salzburg Card, which allows free access to places of interest and unlimited use of public transport.
Winters are cold in this part of the country and wet. Summers are also often wet and are rarely more than pleasantly warm.
|
Introduction
