Salzburg Travel Guide - Mozart, Mountains and Sound of Music
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Travel Notes: Destinations: Austria - Salzburg Travel Guide.
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Travel Guide For Visitors to Salzburg
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Salzburg is a UNESCO World Heritage city serving up baroque splendour, world-class music, and Alpine adventures with a side of schnitzel. Share on Facebook
Sound of Music
Think Salzburg is all about Julie Andrews twirling on hilltops? Think again.
Once you read this guide, you'll soon forget all about the do-re-mi's.
Visiting Salzburg - Beyond The Obvious
Nestled between emerald hills and the dramatic peaks of the Austrian Alps, Salzburg punches well above its weight for a city of just 150,000 residents.
Whilst most visitors arrive clutching their Sound of Music tour tickets Salzburg's real magic lies in its effortless blend of high culture and laid-back Alpine charm.
The city that birthed Mozart continues to celebrate musical excellence year-round, whilst its pedestrian-friendly Old Town remains blissfully free from the tourist trap pitfalls that plague other European destinations.
Add to this some of Austria's finest restaurants, easy access to pristine lakes and mountains, and locals who actually seem pleased to see visitors, and you've got yourself a proper winner.
Whether you're a classical music devotee, architecture enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates a good slice of Sachertorte, this compact Austrian gem delivers experiences that'll have you planning your return visit before you've even left.
Getting to Salzburg - Your Transport Options
Flying into Salzburg
Salzburg Airport (SZG) sits just 4km from the city centre, making it possibly Europe's most convenient airport arrival.
Budget carriers including Ryanair and easyJet operate direct flights from London, Manchester, and Edinburgh, with journey times around 2.5 hours.
The airport bus (line 10) runs every 15 minutes and costs €2.70 for the 20-minute journey into town.
Taxis charge around €15-20, whilst car hire desks from all major companies await in arrivals.
Driving to Salzburg
The A1 motorway connects Salzburg to Vienna, whilst the A8 links to Munich.
However, the Old Town operates strict parking restrictions, so consider staying at hotels with parking facilities or using the Park & Ride schemes on the city outskirts.
Train Travel to Salzburg
Rail enthusiasts can reach Salzburg via Munich (1.5 hours) or Vienna (2.5 hours) using Austria's efficient ÖBB network.
The Westbahnhof station is just 10 minutes' walk from the Old Town, making onwards travel refreshingly simple.
Where to Stay in Salzburg - Best Areas and Accommodation
Altstadt (Old Town) - Historic Luxury
For maximum atmosphere, plant yourself in the UNESCO-listed Old Town.
The Hotel Goldener Hirsch (Getreidegasse 37) offers five-star luxury steps from Mozart's birthplace, whilst Hotel am Dom (Goldgasse 17) provides boutique comfort with cathedral views.
Expect to pay €150-400 per night for the privilege of waking up in a baroque masterpiece.
Neustadt (New Town) - Value and Convenience
Cross the Salzach River for better value without sacrificing location.
Hotel Bristol (Makartplatz 4) delivers four-star comfort with Old Town views, whilst Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten (Hubert-Sattler-Gasse 12) offers Alpine elegance at more reasonable rates (€80-200 per night).
Residential Areas - Local Living
For a proper local experience, consider apartments in Maxglan or Parsch.
These residential districts offer excellent public transport links and authentic Austrian neighbourhood vibes, plus you'll find supermarkets and cafés frequented by actual Salzburgers.
Popular Hotels in Salzburg
Top Attractions in Salzburg - Must-See Sights
Hohensalzburg Fortress
Europe's largest fully-preserved castle dominates Salzburg's skyline from its perch 120 metres above the city.
The funicular railway journey up adds to the experience, whilst the views across the Old Town and surrounding Alps justify the entrance fee alone.
The fortress houses museums covering everything from medieval weaponry to marionette puppets, plus the opulent State Rooms where prince-archbishops once held court.
Mirabell Palace and Gardens
Built by a prince-archbishop for his mistress, Mirabell Palace now serves as Salzburg's registry office; making the Marmorsaal possibly the world's most beautiful place to hold a wedding.
The geometric gardens are free to explore and offer postcard-perfect views of the fortress.
Mozart's Birthplace and Residence
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's birthplace at Getreidegasse 9 houses an impressive collection of instruments, letters, and memorabilia.
The queues can be brutal during peak season, so book timed entry tickets online.
His later residence on Makartplatz offers a less crowded but equally fascinating glimpse into the composer's life.
Top tip: Buy the combined ticket for both properties to save a few Euros.
Salzburg Cathedral (Dom)
This Italian baroque masterpiece took 150 years to complete and shows every penny of the investment.
The interior practically drips with marble, gold, and artistic treasures.
Mozart was baptised here, and the 4,000-pipe organ still hosts regular concerts.
Sound of Music Tours - The Real Deal
Yes, we're going there.
Love it or loathe it, The Sound of Music remains Salzburg's biggest tourist draw, despite most locals having never seen the film.
Original Sound of Music Tour runs comfortable coaches to filming locations including the gazebo (now at Hellbrunn Palace), the chapel where Maria and Georg married, and those famous lakeside scenes at Mondsee.
Duration: 4 hours.
Price: €60 adults.
Verdict: Cheesy but genuinely entertaining, even for sceptics.
For a more dignified approach, rent bikes and create your own tour. Many locations sit within easy cycling distance of the city centre.
Salzburg's Food Scene - What and Where to Eat
Coffee and Cake Culture
No Salzburg visit is complete without experiencing proper Austrian coffee culture.
Café Tomaselli (Alter Markt 9) has been serving coffee since 1703, making it one of Europe's oldest coffee houses.
Their Sachertorte rivals Vienna's best, whilst the people-watching opportunities on Alter Markt are priceless.
Fine Dining Options
Restaurant Esszimmer (Müllner Hauptstraße 33) holds a Michelin star and transforms local ingredients into contemporary Austrian cuisine.
The seven-course tasting menu is costly but delivers an unforgettable culinary journey.
Traditional Austrian Cuisine
Gasthof Goldgasse (Goldgasse 10) serves possibly Austria's finest schnitzel in a cosy, wood-panelled setting that's remained unchanged since 1876.
The veal schnitzel arrives the size of a dinner plate and is certainly worth every euro.
Sternbräu (Griesgasse 23) occupies a 14th-century building and specialises in hearty Austrian classics.
Their goulash could feed a small army, whilst the apple strudel provides the perfect finale to any meal.
Day Trips from Salzburg - Alpine Adventures
Eagle's Nest (Kehlsteinhaus)
Hitler's mountain retreat now serves as a restaurant and historical site, accessible via a dramatic bus journey up the mountain and a final lift ride through solid rock.
The views across the Bavarian Alps are spectacular, whilst the historical significance adds weight to the experience.
Season: May to October only.
Getting there: Bus tour from Salzburg or drive to Berchtesgaden.
Duration: Half day.
Hallstatt and the Salzkammergut Lakes
The postcard-perfect village of Hallstatt can be reached in around 75 minutes from Salzburg by car or train-bus combination.
This lakeside gem offers stunning Alpine scenery, salt mine tours, and enough Instagram opportunities to crash your phone's memory.
How to get there: Train to Hallstatt station, then short ferry crossing.
Duration: Full day trip.
Best time: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid coach tour crowds.
Werfen and Eisriesenwelt Ice Caves
The world's largest ice cave system creates an otherworldly underground experience just 40 minutes from Salzburg.
Guided tours lead through glittering ice formations inside the mountain, whilst the cable car journey offers stunning valley views.
What to bring: Warm clothes (it's 0°C inside the caves year-round).
Duration: Half day.
Advance booking: Essential in summer.
When to Visit Salzburg - Seasonal Guide
Summer (June-August)
Peak season brings warm weather, outdoor concerts, and the famous Salzburg Festival.
Hotels charge premium rates, and popular attractions can be crowded, but the Alpine hiking and lake swimming opportunities are unbeatable.
Pros: Best weather, festival season, outdoor activities.
Cons: Crowds, higher prices, booking essential.
Spring and Autumn (April-May, September-October)
Shoulder seasons offer the best balance of pleasant weather, reasonable prices, and manageable crowds.
April brings spring blooms, whilst September delivers crisp days perfect for exploring.
Pros: Good weather, fewer crowds, better value.
Cons: Some mountain attractions may be closed.
Winter (November-March)
Christmas markets transform the Old Town into a festive wonderland, whilst nearby ski resorts offer world-class Alpine skiing.
Hotel prices drop significantly outside the Christmas period.
Pros: Christmas markets, skiing nearby, lower prices.
Cons: Cold weather, shorter days, some attractions closed.
Getting Around Salzburg - Transport Tips
Salzburg's compact Old Town is best explored on foot; most major sights sit within 15 minutes' walk of each other.
Salzburg Card
The Salzburg Card includes public transport, entry to major attractions, and discounts at restaurants and shops.
The 24-hour card pays for itself if you visit three or more attractions.
Best for: First-time visitors planning to see multiple sights.
Skip if: You prefer a slower pace or are staying longer than three days.
Salzburger Verkehrsverbund
The city of Salzburg's excellent public transport system uses buses and trolleybuses.
Practical Information for Salzburg Visitors
Currency and Payments
Austria uses the Euro.
Credit cards are widely accepted, but carry cash for smaller cafés, market stalls, and public transport.
Language
German is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Learning basic German phrases earns appreciative smiles from locals.
Safety
Salzburg is exceptionally safe, with violent crime practically non-existent.
Standard precautions against pickpockets apply in crowded tourist areas.
Tipping
Round up restaurant bills by 5-10% or leave small change.
Tipping isn't obligatory but is appreciated for good service.
Making the Most of a Visit to Salzburg
Salzburg rewards visitors who venture beyond the obvious tourist trail.
Yes, do the Mozart sites and Sound of Music tour if they appeal, but also spend time people-watching in atmospheric squares, sample regional wines in cosy taverns, and perhaps catch a concert in one of the city's magnificent venues.
The city's compact size means you can experience baroque grandeur in the morning, Alpine hiking in the afternoon, and world-class dining in the evening; all without feeling rushed.
Pack comfortable walking shoes, bring your appetite for culture and cuisine, and prepare to discover why this mountain-ringed city has been enchanting visitors for centuries.
Whether you're humming Edelweiss or Eine kleine Nachtmusik as you explore, Salzburg's timeless appeal ensures you'll leave with memories (and photos) to last a lifetime.
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