The Mozart City of Salzburg

With the white-capped peaks of the Alps to the south and the green undulating countryside of Bavaria to the north, Salzburg has one of the best backdrops in the world. Combine that with the baroque cityscape that dominates the historic centre, and you have an urban masterpiece.

Baroque city

Despite its long history, Salzburg is first and foremost a baroque city. Just about all of the architecture, fountains, and parks visible today were constructed during the 17th and 18^th centuries. The narrow streets of the old city are the main attractions. Most visitors head straight for the popular Getreidegasse in the historical city centre, and so should you. Usually, the shopping street is chock-full of tourists, so get it done. Some side streets are less crowded, but it is what it is.

Nevertheless, when you are done exploring the old city, find time to venture across the bridge. Not only to visit the Mirabel Palace but also to check out the small streets in this part of Salzburg. Furthermore, the number of tourists falls rapidly as soon as you venture off the beaten path. However, there is no way around the musical superstar of Salzburg, Amadeus Mozart.

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Mozart

Mozart’s birthplace in the Getreidegasse, with the Mozart family’s residence on the third floor, is one of Austria’s most popular tourist attractions. Even though you are not a massive fan of classical music, the Mozart Museum is well worth a visit to get a glimpse of the life of a superstar in 17th-century Austria. The museum contains family portraits, the violin Mozart played as a child, his concert violin, two of his pianos and numerous letters, personal belongings and music. Furthermore, if you like to learn more about Mozart, there is also the “Mozart’s Residence” on the other side of the Salzach River. Mozart’s heritage is a firm part of Salzburg’s history, but the city has much more to offer.

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City of music and culture

Four thousand cultural events take place during the year in Salzburg. Such an abundance of events can almost take the breath away, even from the most avowed cultural lover. You can attend anything from concerts, ballet, and art exhibitions to puppet shows. Nevertheless, it’s a shame about Salzburg without mentioning Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is impossible. Of course, the city offers a much larger repertoire for those interested in classical music than just Mozart. The Salzburg Festival is an annual six-week-long music festival from mid-July to mid-August.

On the other side

The beautiful Baroque city is not just the Getreidegasse and the historic old town. In contrast to the historic city centre, this part is far more relaxed. Step across the Salzach river via the pedestrian bridge “der Makartsteg”, which connects Franz Josef Kai and Elisabethkai, and then leads up to Makartplatz. From there, you have the Mirabell castle with its magnificent garden a few hundred meters to the north, and a few blocks east, you have the pedestrian street Linzergasse. Check out the Holy Trinity Church (Dreifaltigkeitskirche), which you can find at the Markartplatz. In addition, this area also offers a wide variety of dining and hotels.

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Hohensalzburg fortress

We have not forgotten one of the most obvious sights in Salzburg, the Hohensalzburg fortress. Take the funicular from the old town up to the fortress. Guided tours in the fortress give you insight into life during the Middle Ages. Of course, the view from up here is fantastic! Not only over Salzburg, but also north into Germany, and south towards the Alps. Several courtyards within the fortress are almost reminiscent of small villages, especially on market days. Hohensalzburg is therefore worth spending at least a couple of hours on.

Out of season

Mozart’s hometown, Salzburg, is one of Austria’s most visited tourist destinations. However, the historic centre (Altstadt) is overrun in the high season by stampeding tour groups and day trip tourists. Prices are sky-high, service lacks finesse, and you must queue for almost everything. Nonetheless, the city of Mozart is a delightful place to visit. You just have to pick the right time.

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