One of my last trips before the coronavirus pandemic was a visit to the Austrian city of Mozart and the Sound of Music – Salzburg. It was my third time visiting and once more the city impressed me with its charming streets, amazing viewpoints, beautiful architecture, interesting museums, great restaurants and cute cafes. So I have gathered my seven favourite things to do in Salzburg and am sharing them with you. 🙂
Tip: If you plan on visiting a few museum, check out the Salzburg card. It offers free admission to tourist attractions and museums, free use of public transportation and many additional discounts. The card is available for 24, 48 or 72 hours.
1. Strolling the historical Old Town
The Historic Centre of the City of Salzburg has the UNESCO World Heritage status. It surely is an ensemble of picturesque streets, amazing squares and gorgeous historical Baroque buildings. You have to walk along Getreidegasse, admire many beautiful churches and stop at the Petersfriedhof (St. Peter’s Cemetery). Also cross the Salzach river on one of many bridges (my favorite is Mozartsteg) and visit the gorgeous Mirabelle Gardens. These beautiful gardens are famous as one of the filming location for the Sound of Music movie, but they are also a perfect green and flowery oasis in the center of the city.
2. Enjoying the views from the Hohensalzburg Fortress
The majestic Hohensalzburg Fortress is the biggest fully preserved castle in the Central Europe. Its strategic position above the city on the Festungsberg hill offers incredible 360° view of the rooftops of the Old Town, the Salzach river, the wider Salzburg city and also the surrounding mountains. The fortress was built in 1077 by the archbishop Gebhard and later developed by his many successors. Today you can learn about its history in many museums that have home inside the fortress walls. You can reach the fortress from the city by taking one of many walking paths or enjoy the ride with the Festungsbahn funicular.
3. Learning about art and history in Salzburg’s museums
Salzburg is a city full of history and art, so it is to no surprise that it is a home to many museums and galleries. To learn some history about the city we visited Salzburg Residenz Palace, the Fortress Museum and Altes Zeugshaus. To get to know the famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart we explored the Mozart’s Birthplace. And for a dose of art from the 20th and 21st century we entered the interesting elevator which brought us from the Old City to the Museum of Modern Art Salzburg Mönchsberg. The terrace of the museum is also a great place for some city views, which are beautiful also in the nighttime.
4. Avoiding getting wet at the Trick Fountains at the Schloss Hellbrunn
The Hellbrunn Palace was built in the early 17th century by Salzburg’s prince-archbishop Markus Sittikus as a summer residence in which he would entertain his guests. And with his innovative and unique Trick Fountains the fun was and still is guaranteed. A tour of the Trick Fountains leads among beautiful fountains with water-powered figures and hidden water jets, which surprise the visitors with unexpected water splashes. Because of the weather the visit to the fountains is possible from April to the end of November.
Once you are in the Hellbrunn Palace you can also visit the inside and see the interesting SchauLust exhibition. The walk around its beautiful parks is also a must. If you are a fan of the Sound of Music movie, don’t miss out on the pavilion where Liesl singed her famous “I am 16 going on 17” song.
5. Admiring planes and formula cars at Hangar-7
The Flying Bulls aircraft fleet and a collection of Formula 1 race cars are neatly presented in an incredible architectural ensemble of Hangar-7. The building, which shape reminds of wings, is situated just next to the Salzburg Airport. Once you enter you can admire its interesting architecture, explore among the planes and race cars, enjoy the art exhibition and try out some delicious food at an inside restaurant. I didn’t try it out as I learned that due to their popularity you need reservation in advance.
6. Brewery tour at Stiegl Brauwelt
Stiegl Brauwelt is a perfect place not only to try out some delicious beer but also to get to know the beer making process and the history of this biggest private brewery in Austria. The tour starts in an interactive Stiegl Brewery Cinema and continues with exploring (and tasting) all the ingredients and steps of the beer production. You also get to know the brand Stiegl, they definitely have a rich history as the brewery is operating since 1492. The tour ends in the onsite restaurant and beer garden, with some great Stiegl beer.
7. Eating all the delicious Austrian food
Delicious beef goulash with bread balls, tasty Wiener Schnitzel with cooked potatoes or one of many Austrian sausages are a perfect lunch or dinner choice in Salzburg. But the eating does not stop here. The desserts are equally incredible. You can go for an apple strudel or Sachertorte to one of many traditional cafes. Or grab a chocolate covered pretzels or Mozartkugel to snack on while exploring the city. I still didn’t try the famous Salzburger Nockerl, so I will have to visit the city again. There are also great coffee and/or tea places and of course Salzburg can be heaven for the beer lovers.
Visited: November 2019
I’ve been in Salzburg many times, but must confess I didn’t see most of these atractions.
Certanly asp I must return and look more thoroughly arround using your guide. Thanks.
Salzburg is a great city for multiple visits, so I hope you will be able to travel there again soon and visit some new places. 🙂