Salzburg is located in the central part of Austria, near the border with Germany. Salzburg is one of the European cities with the most beautiful panoramas, which it owes in part to the many mountain peaks that are always covered in snow…
The city is situated on the banks of the Salzach River, which was once used to transport salt from the surrounding mines, after which the city got its name.
The city center is adorned with numerous churches, which is why Salzburg is also called the Rome of the North. The best time to visit is in May, June, September, and October.
All attractions in Salzburg are close to one another and located in the Old Town. You can visit them all in one day, but at the end of the text I will add a few more options in case you have more time.
Here is my list of the most important places you must visit in Salzburg:
Hohensalzburg Fortress
One of the most famous landmarks of this city is Hohensalzburg Fortress.
It is located at the top of Festungsberg Hill at an altitude of 506 meters, and you can reach it either by funicular or on foot.
The fortress was built in 1077 and is the largest preserved fortress in Europe, which is not surprising since it was never conquered. As the fortress is not accessible for wheelchair users, I didn’t want to climb up just for the view, so I found a better solution—but I’ll talk about that later.
Mirabell Palace and Gardens
The Mirabell Garden is one of the most popular and most beautiful gardens in the world.
Mirabell Palace was built in the early 17th century by order of Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau. He built it for his mistress, with whom he had 15 children.
Visiting the gardens is free.
All parts of the garden are well connected, so you won’t need more than an hour to visit all the main highlights, such as the Pegasus Fountain, the Rose Garden and the Orangery, as well as the grand staircase from the famous “Do-Re-Mi” scene in the 1965 film The Sound of Music.
The garden also features the Dwarf Garden. Of the original 28 stone dwarfs, only 17 remain in Mirabell today.
Mirabell Garden is located in the city center, making it well connected to all the other attractions you may want to visit.
Mozart’s Birthplace
Mozart’s Birthplace is located on the main street, Getreidegasse No. 9, and is easy to find.
Mozart was born here in 1756. His family lived here until he was 15 years old. Today, it houses a museum dedicated to this musical genius, where visitors can learn and experience a lot about his life and work.
If Salzburg has a mascot, it is definitely Mozart. However, apart from his music, very little remains of him. From the few portraits of Mozart, it is difficult to tell what he really looked like, as they are all different. He had a very talented sister, who was constantly amazed at how such beautiful music could come from such an “ugly” head.
Mozart’s Birthplace is not accessible to wheelchair users, but the house where he later lived, which is very close to Mirabell, is.
Residential Square and Main Square
In Salzburg, right in the center of the Old Town, there are several squares with their own landmarks. One of them is Kapitelplatz, where there is a huge chessboard as well as a large golden sphere with a statue of a man on top. This modern work is meant to represent the relationship between man and the world.
I’m not sure if such a modern installation really belongs here, but it hasn’t bothered anyone since 2007, when it was placed, and I couldn’t resist taking a photo with it.
The other square, which is located very close by, is Residenzplatz, where this impressive fountain is situated.
Here are the Old and New Residences, built for the Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg. Both residences are open to visitors.
The Old Residence reflects the life of Salzburg’s former rulers, for whom luxury and a lavish lifestyle were familiar. The New Residence houses the Salzburg Museum, and at its top is a tower from which music is played by 35 bells, three times a day—at 7 a.m., 11 a.m., and 6 p.m.
Walking Through the Old Town
It will lead you to several more squares. Domplatz (Cathedral Square), where the Salzburg Cathedral, built in the 8th century, is located.
It is very striking with its Baroque details and twin towers. It is located in the very heart of the city, and it was here that Mozart was baptized.
Getreidegasse Street – The Main Street of the Old Town
Getreidegasse is the most important street in the Old Town.
Narrow and picturesque, lined with tall houses, it is full of shops and restaurants, as well as interesting passageways—and it is always bustling with people.
Walk Along the Salzach River
Salzburg is crossed by the Salzach River, which separates the Old Town from the New Town.
There are thirteen bridges over the river, and the most famous is the “Love Lock Bridge,” originally called Makartsteg. It was built in 2001 and is known for the padlocks placed there by couples who wanted to “lock in” their love.
In addition, you can also enjoy Salzburg’s landmarks and the beauty of the city by taking a boat cruise on the Salzach River.
Mozart Statue at Mozartplatz in Salzburg
An old saying goes that it is hardest to “be a prophet in your own land.” The same applies to Mozart. Today, Salzburg rides on his fame, and in the city center there is Mozart Square with a statue of the famous composer.
The statue was erected in 1842 in honor of the famous composer and is a favorite photo spot for tourists.
Mönchsberg Viewpoint
This viewpoint is a reminder that Salzburg is more than just Mozart and marzipan.
You can go up to this viewpoint on foot or by elevator, which I, of course, took full advantage of.
Upstairs, in addition to a first-class view, you also have a restaurant.
Some say that the view of Salzburg from here is much more beautiful than from the fortress. Anyone who has been to both places should come forward.
Café Tomaselli
Tomaselli is the oldest café in Austria, and its origins date back to 1700. “Tomaselli must be almost as old as the tradition of coffee drinking in Europe.”
Café Tomaselli is located in the heart of Salzburg’s Old Town, on Alter Markt, and has been run by the Tomaselli family for over 150 years. Mozart, Karajan, and other great figures used to visit it.
Horse Well
The Horse Well was built in 1603 on the site that is today called Herbert-von-Karajan-Platz. Its original purpose was to wash the ceremonial horses of the Prince-Archbishop. There you can find the statue “Horse Tamer” and unique frescoes of horses on the back wall of the well.
For fans of the Hollywood film The Sound of Music, Herbert-von-Karajan-Platz is a must-see. During the carriage ride through Salzburg, Maria and the von Trapp children admire the famous square and the unique Horse Well.
Mozart Balls – The Sweetest Landmark of Salzburg
If this is Mozart’s city, Salzburg certainly won’t let you forget it.
So besides the house where he was born, the cathedral where he was baptized, and the house where he lived, you’ll also find the fantastic Mozart balls.
This chocolate and marzipan delicacy was created by the famous Austrian confectioner Paul Fürst on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Mozart’s death in 1890. You can find them all over the city.
The original Mozart balls in silver-blue wrapping have nothing to do with the red ones that you can buy throughout Austria.
Having tried both, I can confidently say that the original ones are much tastier. This is probably the best souvenir you can take away from Salzburg.
What and where to eat?
In the numerous passages of the old town, everyone will find an option for themselves. What you should try as a traditional dish is the Salzburg Schnitzel, which differs from the Wiener schnitzel because it is stuffed with mushrooms, ham, etc.
You should also try dumplings, which are usually served with soup, stew or meat. Don’t miss the pork ribs either.
What is the most famous dessert in Salzburg that you must try?
Salzburg is famous for Salzburger Nockerl It is a light, airy sweet soufflé that resembles the three hills surrounding Salzburg.
It is usually served with whipped cream and fruit on the side and is a local specialty that you simply must try.
If you’re staying longer, these options are also worth considering:
Visit Hellbrunn Palace and Hangar-7, as well as the small and picturesque St. Peter’s Cemetery, tucked away from everything and full of cobblestone paths. You can enjoy a dinner based on 18th-century recipes accompanied by Mozart’s music, although it’s a slightly more expensive experience.
Try the local beer as well. It was once considered safer to drink beer because the water quality was questionable, so this golden beverage was even given to children.
If you have even more time:
Visit the Eagle’s Nest, which I wrote about here, and also Hallstatt.
Conclusion
This small town in the center of Austria is much more than a shrine for fans of Mozart and the Hollywood hit “My Songs, My Dreams”. Many visit it in one day, but I still think that Salzburg deserves more.
Have you visited Saltsburg?
Did I miss something?
Traveled and enjoyed,
Marko Velickovic
