Baroque architecture, an eclectic old town, picture perfect scenery which includes the stunning Alps and a turquoise hued river, the birthplace of Mozart and the land of the Sound of Music…this is Salzburg for you in a nutshell. A city known for its happening art and culture scene, Salzburg is the fourth largest city in Austria and is located just over 180 miles from the capital city of Vienna. Sharing its border with Germany, Salzburg has a magnificent view of the eastern Alps and can be easily reached from Munich which is just 90 miles away. A perfect day trip from the beer capital of the world, Salzburg is a city that wears many hats and is a great place for the discerning traveller.
Alluring Altstadt
It is key to note that the Salzach river passes through Salzburg and divides the city into the new town (Neustadt) and old town (Altstadt). The latter lies to the left bank of the river while the new town on its right. Connected by bridges and walkways, a stroll along the river itself is a wonderful way to enjoy the scenic views all around. The pristine blue hue of the river against the snow-capped mountains and the gentle gurgling sound of the waters as the river gently makes its way through pebbles and reeds is indeed a sight to behold.
The old town with its innumerable historical buildings replete with spires and domes forms for an insightful visit. The entire region is one of the best-preserved quarters in Northern Europe and has been designated as an UNESCO world heritage site. It is a haven for art and architecture lovers and it is here that one can see fascinating samples of Baroque architecture apart from structures built in the Roman and Renaissance styles. The Hohensalzburg Fortress is one of the key landmarks of the old town and is perched above the Festungsberg mountain at an altitude of just over 500 meters. This 11th century medieval castle occupies an area of 32,000 m² and is one of the largest castle complexes in the continent. Take a guided tour and discover centuries of history hidden in each of the rooms and its museums. The castle also offers a panoramic views of the city from atop.
The majestic Salzburg cathedral below is another significant site in the old town. Situated in the centre of old town, the cathedral is one of the largest early baroque churches and is renowned for being the church where music maestro Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was baptized. Further, visit St. Peter’s Abbey and Cemetery which is one of the oldest monasteries in Austria known for its catacombs and historical cemetery. Apart from historical monuments, the old town is known for its old-world vibe and is full of narrow, winding alleys that host an array of boutique shops, book stores, galleries and cafes. Explore cobblestone alleys like Goldgasse and Steingasse, both of which exude oodles of historical charm. While the former was home to goldsmiths and artists, the latter was home to Joseph Mohr who was the writer of the famous Christmas carol “Silent Night”. Best explored by foot, the old town has several hidden gems indeed.
On a Mozart Trail
The old town is home to one of its most famous addresses, Getreidegasse 9. It was here that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in 1756 and started composing music when he was barely five years old. The house today houses a small museum and has some very important exhibits like portraits, musical certificates and letters belonging to Mozart. From 1773 to 1787, Mozart lived in Mozart-Wohnhaus or the Mozart Residence on Makartplatz Square. This again has been converted to an insightful museum and has several memorabilia including some of his instruments, clothes and even music compositions. Mozart square in the old town is yet another landmark that pays ode to Salzburg’s musical genius. It has a statue of Mozart in the centre which was installed in 1842.
Diverse Attractions
The Mirabell Palace and Garden is yet another popular attraction in the city. While the palace today houses the office of the mayor and municipal administration, the baroque gardens replete with fountains and statues is a major draw with tourists and locals alike. It was here that several scenes of the famous movie The Sound of Music were shot including the famous song Do Re Mei. Advent and Christmas is a wonderful time to visit Salzburg with its vibrant Christmas markets, musical concerts and other events. The markets at the Residenz and Cathedral square are one of the oldest and most beautiful markets in Europe and are known for their vibrance. The city also has some native traditions like the Krampus and Perchten parades that are known to ward off evil spirits. The markets are a great place to soak in the spirit of the festival while shopping for some authentic souvenirs like handcrafted artefacts and authentic Christmas tree ornaments. Do not leave the city before sampling some local fare like their classic apple strudel, Mozartkugel (praline made from marzipan, chocolate etc), Salzburger Nockerl (a souffle like dessert) and Kasnocken (savoury dumplings made from cheese and fried onions).
