Salzburg

Austria

Travel | August 2023

Willkommen


…in Salzburg und den Ausläufern der Österreichischen Alpen.

Nestled in the foothills of the Alps Salzburg is a compact city that is easy to explore in just one day. It’s the perfect blend of history and culture, being home to Mozart, an ancient fortress, and several Sound of Music sites. With one day in Salzburg, explore the old town, enjoy the view from Hohensalzburg, and visit Mozart’s birthplace.

Some Basic Information

ℹ️  TRAIN: Salzburg does have its own airport but I arrived via a train service from Munich, Germany. The service leaves from Munich Central station and arrives in Salzburg Main station. Fares cost roughly €40 return (GB£33).

Salzburg Train

ℹ️  CURRENCY:  Austria uses the Euro (€). Austria is a member of the EU (European Union)​

ℹ️  CREDIT CARDS AND BANKS:  ATMs are common place across the city. You will have no difficulties using your bankers card in cafes, restaurants and shops. The vast majority of market stall street sellers only accept cash.

 ℹ️  WEATHER:  Salzburg can become very cold during the winter months so be prepared to pack something warm. That said, Salzburg suffers from extreme hot Summers with temperatures easily reaching the Mid 30C’s.

 ℹ️  ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Providing you initially landed in a Full Schengen Country member before your trip to Austria then you will not be required to pass any immigration checks when you arrive into Salzburg. That said, I did carry my passport with me in the event I was required to produce it.

Getting to Salzburg

I arrived via a train service from Munich that took roughly 1hr 45minutes on the fast service. It’s pretty straight forward with no stops in-between. I booked my ticket through the Deutsche Bahn website priced at €40 (GB£33).

Bavarian countryside

What to see in Salzburg?

In Salzburg’s old town you can find the most important locations within walking distance. From the Hohensalzburg Fortress or the Mirabell Palace you have the perfect overview. Between the small alleys of the city and the banks of the Salzach river you can enjoy the dreamy old town with its historic buildings.

Hohensalzburg Fortress and the Funicular Railway

This Salzburg landmark also provides a breathtaking view of the city and the surrounding mountains.

At Hohensalzburg Fortress you can not only enjoy the panorama but also explore one of the best preserved medieval castles in Europe. Almost 950 years ago the first foundation stone for the huge castle overlooking the city was laid on the fortress hill.

Panoramic view of the Alps

There are four types of ticket entry to choose from but I chose the basic ticket as it offered enough for what I wanted to do. Basic entry costs €10.80 (GB£9.30) which includes the use of the Funicular railway to ascend the hill, every 10 minutes.

Mozart’s Birthplace

You don’t need to be a classical music boff but I bet you’ve certainly heard a piece by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. You can’t miss his birthplace in the Getreidegasse. The bright yellow façade will give it away.

In the house itself the former apartment and adjoining rooms house a lovingly curated museum with old letters, Mozart’s original children’s violin and, of course, lots of music. Entrance fee is €13.50 (GB£11.65)

Mozart Residence

At Makartplatz, on the other side of the Salzach river, you will find the Mozart family’s residence offering a deeper history into Mozart’s life. Destroyed during the Second World War the house was rebuilt and now houses a multimedia exhibition on the life of Mozart.

Mirabell Palace and Gardens

Think ‘The Sound of Music’ and you’ve made it to Salzburg. The city was used as the backdrop to many scenes in the 1965 film staring Julie Adrews. Very close to the Markartplatz you will find the Mirabell Palace with its beautiful Mirabell Gardens.

The Mirabell Palace is also a popular place for weddings. Couples from all over the world come here to tie the knot. I was lucky enough to witness a wedding taking place.

Of course don’t forget the ‘Do-rei-mi’ steps where the Von Trapp family sang on the stairs. Watch the YouTube clip here

The Getreidegasse & The Old Town of Salzburg

The heart of Salzburg is the old town. Even though it can get crowded in high season I love the pastel coloured houses in the winding alleys. The main street here is Getreidegasse where next to Mozart’s birthplace you can find a lot of stores from lavish to a little less expensive.

The shop fronts all have beautiful metal signs hanging above their threshold.

Street Food

With all this exploring be sure to stop and sample what Austria and Germany are famous for: the salted bread pretzel accompanied by a delicious coffee.

Salzburg Cathedral

Salzburg Cathedral was first built in 774 and then it was completely rebuilt several times. Mozart was baptized here in 1756. This cathedral sits smack in the center of town so it’s impossible to miss.

St. Peters Abbey

St. Peter’s Abbey is a beautiful yet quiet spot to visit in Salzburg. The cemetery is gorgeous, with elaborately decorated gravestones and colourful arrangements of flowers.

If you are a Sound of Music fan, then you may recognise this from the movie. The Trapp family fled through the cemetery hiding here from the Nazi’s before escaping to Switzerland. YouTube clip here.

Residenzplatz Square

This is the largest and most famous in the city. It is bordered by the Salzburg Cathedral, Panorama Museum, the Residenz Gallery, and features a large fountain in the centre of the square. This is also a Sound of Music site.

Conclusion

Salzburg was a day trip from Munich and I took the opportunity to catch the train into Austria seeing as it was so close. If you ever have the option to visit Salzburg then take it. The city is compact, pretty and steeped in history. Give it a go.

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