Salzburg is a walkable, beautiful city. It has lots to see and just feels polished. Very much enjoying “The Sound of Music,” Salzburg had a certain appeal. So when the opportunity came to visit, I was excited. My husband Chris and I planned to spend the day there as part of our Austrian adventure. I had a small list of my “must sees,” but my goal was just to slow down and take in the history and the scenery the city had to offer.
Salzburg’s history dates back to Roman times. It grew from its wealth which came from nearby salt mines. During the Middle Ages, it was transformed into a center of art, architecture and religion. The city oozes with Baroque architecture, and it’s not only known for its role in “The Sound of Music,” but as being the birthplace of Austria’s famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
The city is different from Innsbruck in that most buildings are white/cream compared to Innsbruck’s colorful buildings, and it is not as bustling as Vienna of course, but it does get crowded, very crowded during peak times.
Things to Do
Wander through Altstadt Salzburg
Start in the Old Town. This is the heart of Salzburg and a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a reason. The area features narrow cobblestone streets, Baroque architecture at every turn, and an abundance of cute little shops, cafes and hidden courtyards. The best thing about it is just walking down random streets and seeing what interesting things you can find.
Visit Hohensalzburg Fortress – Not Free But Worth It
Towering over the city, you can’t miss it. Hohensalzburg Fortress is one of the largest and best-preserved medieval castles in Europe. The views from the top are incredible. To get there, take the funicular up or you can walk if you are feeling adventurous or need to burn off those extra cake calories. Once up there, wander around and linger over the gorgeous city and mountain views. Honestly, taking a break and just sitting and enjoying the views from all sides is well worth it. We purchased the basic ticket for 15.50 Euros. This included the ride up and down on the Fortress Railway to get there as well as the castle area, courtyards, chapel, panorama tour, fortress museum, Rainer Regiment Museum, puppetry museum, and armory.
Walk along the Salzach River
A simple but enjoyable thing to do is walking along the river. On one side, you’ll see views of Old Town. You’ll also see the mountains in the distance and the fortress above. It’s a nice walk to get a feel for the city. After, then cross the Makartsteg which is the pedestrian bridge known for its love locks. From here, you’ll find a fantastic view of Salzburg with the river, fortress and skyline in one view.
Dance into Mirabell Palace and Gardens
This is one of the most photogenic spots i nth city. It features manicured gardens, fountains, statues and a view of the fortress in the background. It’s also a filming location from “The Sound of Music.”
The troll statues in the gardens are also funny. I enjoyed taking photos and seeing each of them during our visit.
And If You Are Into the Sound of Music
The city offers a number of tours where you can see filming locations and learn more about the history. Since we didn’t have a lot of time, we opted to just see the sites we were interested in ourselves.
Visit Mozart’s Birthplace
Yep, Mozart was born here and his legacy is everywhere. You’ll even find special candies called Mozart Balls.
But Mozart’s birthplace is located in Old Town and you can check out the museum that commemorates it. Entrance is 15 Euros (or you can just view it from the outside)
Do Some Shopping
Getreidesgasse is the famous shopping street with traditional wrought-iron shop sings and many historic buildings. You’ll find a mix of local and internationally-recognized brands. It makes for an enjoyable stroll.
Eat Cake
I recommend this a lot in Austria and for good reason. Cafe culture is big here. Slow down and order a tea or coffee with a Sachertorte, Apple Strudel or any other delicious cake that looks yummy.
Pay A Visit to Kollegienkirche – Collegiate Church
This church is gorgeous. It features baroque architecture and the white walls are stunning. I was shocked how small I felt within the space. Admission is free.
Also Visit St. Peter’s Abbey
This is another one you will recognize from “The Sound of Music” when they are making their escape. We enjoyed this one as the church has an impressive history. It was built in 696! If you want to visit the catacombs, those cost 2 Euros. I was expecting more from that and would give it a miss.
Salzburg also has a number of other palaces and museums to visit. For us, our trip was intentional – to see the things on our list and then spend the rest of time wandering the city and taking it all in or finding something unexpected like we did, a big bike race. I highly recommend Salzburg whether you want do it as a daytrip or spend 3-4 days there. I think it has a lot to offer with a rich history and beautiful views.
