Things to do in Salzburg
Though Salzburg is the hometown of Mozart and a classical music lover's delight, it is also a haven for romantics, who will revel in the beauty of its scenery, architecture and lyrical setting. Opulent Baroque castles, concert halls and churches abound and are a feast for the eye and the soul, as are the surrounding hills and mountains.
The most popular and worthwhile tourist attractions in Salzburg include the mighty Hohensalzburg Fortress, the two Mozart museums situated in his birthplace and former residence, the Museum of Modern Art, the Salzburg Museum, the Museum of Natural History, the Salzburg Zoo and the Hellbrunn Palace.
Those planning on doing a lot of sightseeing should look into buying the Salzburg Card, which provides free entry or discounts on attractions, public transport and even concerts and theatre performances. The card can be purchased at info booths in the city and at many hotels.
The central core of Salzburg is easy and pleasant to explore on foot. There are buses and streetcars available, for which a 24-hour pass can be bought that includes the use of the Hohensalzburg Funicular. Taxis are plentiful at visible ranks throughout the city, but they are expensive.
Hohensalzburg Fortress
The 11th-century Hohensalzburg Castle stands on a rocky outcrop approximately 394ft (120m) above the city. Originally built by Archbishop Gebhard to repel attacks from the neighbou…
Hohensalzburg Fortress
The 11th-century Hohensalzburg Castle stands on a rocky outcrop approximately 394ft (120m) above the city. Originally built by Archbishop Gebhard to repel attacks from the neighbouring Bavarians, the present-day fortress was largely rebuilt in the early 16th century with added grand state apartments. Visitors can walk around the courtyard and outskirts of the fortress at no cost unless they take the guided tour. The tour finishes at two small museums displaying a selection of weapons, uniforms and armour, together with villainous instruments of torture. The castle can be reached by funicular or by a walking path.
Website www.salzburg-burgen.at
St Peter's Abbey
Founded in the seventh century by Rupert, patron saint of Salzburg, Austria, and salt miners, St Peter's is the oldest monastery in the German-speaking world and the spiritual hear…
St Peter's Abbey
Founded in the seventh century by Rupert, patron saint of Salzburg, Austria, and salt miners, St Peter's is the oldest monastery in the German-speaking world and the spiritual heart of the city of Salzburg. It is historically known the world over for monk-led writing classes that produced students with exceptional skill in literature, printing and penmanship, and still houses the oldest library in Austria. Visitors can look forward to its simple Baroque-style exterior, and an interior made up of swirling oceanic shapes on the ceiling, golden vines along the walls, and frescos of various biblical scenes along the nave.
Website www.stift-stpeter.at
Mozart's Birthplace
Perhaps the most gifted composer in the history of classical music, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in 1756 at his family's home in Getreidegasse. The house has since been convert…
Mozart's Birthplace
Perhaps the most gifted composer in the history of classical music, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in 1756 at his family's home in Getreidegasse. The house has since been converted into a museum displaying exhibits that include the violin played by Mozart as a child, his concert violin and clavichord, a pianoforte and various portraits. The museum was first opened in 1880 by the International Mozart Foundation and is now said to be one of the most frequently visited museums in the world. Tours of the museum are available but need to be arranged in advance. A basic tour of the exhibition takes about an hour. The museum provides a fascinating introduction to the Mozart family, as well as detailing their early life.
Website www.mozarteum.at
Salzkammergut Lakes
The Salzkammergut is a lake area is an alpine wonderland of towering peaks, pristine lakes and deeply carved valleys. Spanning Upper Austria, Salzburg and Styria, it was formerly h…
Salzkammergut Lakes
The Salzkammergut is a lake area is an alpine wonderland of towering peaks, pristine lakes and deeply carved valleys. Spanning Upper Austria, Salzburg and Styria, it was formerly home to the salt mines of the Habsburg Empire. The many lakes and mountains in the region lend themselves to a variety of activities such as water sports, golf, cycling and hiking, as well as relaxing at the beautiful shore and hillside retreats. Visitors should take some time out to enjoy the local kaiserschmarrn (sugared pancakes with raisins), lebkuchen (gingerbread) and krapfen (doughnuts), and the spectacular scenery in one of Austria's most lovely regions. Parts of the region have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the towns of Hallstatt, Obertraun, Gosau and Bad Goisern.
Schloss Klessheim Palace
Dating as far back as the 17th century, Schloss Klessheim Palace was used by Adolf Hitler during World War II and today serves as a casino with an elegant atmosphere and beautiful …
Schloss Klessheim Palace
Dating as far back as the 17th century, Schloss Klessheim Palace was used by Adolf Hitler during World War II and today serves as a casino with an elegant atmosphere and beautiful gardens. The palace also featured in the 1965 film The Great Race starring Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis and Peter Falk. The casino holds some historical interest because of the association with Hitler during the war, and the eagles displayed at the palace entrance are reminiscent of the Third Reich. However, the main appeal is the chance to gamble and party the night away in style!
Website https://www.salzburg.info/en/sights/fortress-palaces/klessheim-palace
Swarovski Crystal World
Guarded by a water-spouting giant, Swarovski Crystal World is one of the most popular attractions in Tirol. The museum is underground, featuring 14 interconnected rooms with an ecl…
Swarovski Crystal World
Guarded by a water-spouting giant, Swarovski Crystal World is one of the most popular attractions in Tirol. The museum is underground, featuring 14 interconnected rooms with an eclectic multimedia gallery showcasing dazzling work by Picasso, Andy Warhol, Dali and Marc Chagall, all featuring the distinctive glint of the famous Austrian crystals. Another popular sight is the largest crystal in the world, located in the first room. Just a 15-minute drive from Innsbruck and less than two hours drive from Salzburg, Swarovski is a popular excursion from both cities. The Swarovski Crystal World gift shop has an equally sparkling array of souvenirs available at lower prices than in town, with the opportunity for a tax rebate for foreign visitors.
Website kristallwelten.swarovski.com