At the northern edge of the Alps lies Salzburg, a city with a truly unique charm.
Known as the “World Stage,” Salzburg has long been the epicenter of renowned music festivals and is the birthplace of Mozart.
The city enjoys a high quality of life thanks to its strong industries, commerce, and vibrant array of cultural and tourist activities.
Its name, meaning “salt city,” originates from its salt mines, and in the 7th century, a tax was levied on boats passing along the river carrying this mineral.
Salzburg is often described as the most Italian city in the north, with architecture resembling Italian styles.
In addition, its historic center was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
If you have more than a day for this trip, consider taking this half-day tour to Hallstatt, a beautiful lakeside town. This is one of the most popular destinations among tourists and a unique opportunity to see this stunning location near Salzburg.
Another option is this half-day excursion to Berchtesgaden in the Bavarian Alps, a romantic journey where the landscape is the main attraction.
What to see in Salzburg?
Salzburg draws many visitors due to its natural beauty, cultural richness, and its walkable historic center filled with fascinating buildings.
The busiest months for visitors are July and August, due to the Salzburg Festival. December is also popular for its festive Christmas markets.
Being located at the northern end of the Alps, Salzburg sees a lot of rain, so visitors are advised to dress appropriately.
Here are the main points of interest:
Hohensalzburg Fortress
The Hohensalzburg Fortress is considered one of the most powerful and best-preserved structures in Central Europe.
From its heights, visitors can enjoy views of Salzburg and the Salzach River.
Construction of the Fortress began in the early 11th century, initially featuring only a courtyard and a wooden wall.
The fortress’s main purpose was to protect against enemies.
Starting around 1100, the fortress was gradually expanded, with stone walls and towers added over time.
However, it wasn’t until the 15th century, under Prince Leonhard von Keutschach, that the fortress took on the form we know today.
Thanks to revenue from the salt mines, the prince was able to adorn his castle with significant and costly decorations.
Over time, it was modernized according to the needs of its inhabitants.
Hellbrunn Palace
The Hellbrunn Palace is located south of Salzburg and was primarily built to entertain the city’s prince-archbishop.
This palace is renowned for its leisure areas and the fountains on the west side of the main façade.
The gardens include wells, fountains, ponds, statues, sculptures, and five artificial grottos.
Among its most famous features are the Neptune Fountain by H. C. Asper, constructed in the early 17th century, and the Roman Theater, which boasts a marble table and seating that form part of a hidden fountain.
Mozart’s Birthplace
In Salzburg, there is a house where, from 1747 to 1773, the Mozart family lived on the third floor. It was here that the famous Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born on January 27, 1756.
Today, Mozart’s house hosts a museum, showcasing valuable items such as the violin he played as a child.
In 1981, the International Mozart Foundation purchased the house to show how one of history’s greatest composers lived in a typical middle-class Salzburg apartment, complete with original furniture and everyday items.
Mirabell Palace
The Mirabell Palace is located in the historic center of the city, and its gardens are recognized as a cultural heritage site of Salzburg.
It was constructed under the reign of Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau in 1606 as a gift for his mistress, Salome Alt.
In 1612, the prince was arrested, and Salome and her family were expelled from the palace. It was then that the palace was given its name from the Italian “mirabile”, meaning “wonder.”
While visiting, consider attending a Mozart concert at Mirabell Palace for only 39 euros. Reserve in advance through this link. It’s a spectacular concert recommended for anyone touring the palace.
Getreidegasse Street
This pedestrian street, one of the most important in the city’s historic center, dates back to the Roman era, when Salzburg was still known as Iuvavum.
During the reign of Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau, Getreidegasse Street was the only major road connecting Salzburg to Bavaria.
Locks Bridge
The Makartsteg Bridge, also known as the Locks Bridge, was one of the first places where couples left padlocks as symbols of their love.
From this bridge, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the city. It’s also one of the best photo spots in Salzburg.
Salzburg Cathedral
The cathedral is located in the historic center of Salzburg, and its construction took place between 767 and 774 under the guidance of Saint Virgil.
It is 66 meters long and 33 meters wide, making it one of the largest cathedrals in Europe.
Since 842, when it underwent its first restoration, the cathedral has been rebuilt multiple times due to fires.
However, in 1598, Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau ordered its demolition and reconstruction. Finally, in 1614, his successor Markus Sittikus began reconstruction under the design of Santino Solari, who completed it in 1628.
During World War II, the cathedral suffered damage from a bomb that hit the crossing dome, but repairs were completed in 1959.
From June to September, you can enjoy an organ recital every Wednesday and Saturday at 11:15 a.m. The recital lasts approximately one hour.
Universitäts Platz Market
In the city’s historic center, you’ll find the Universitäts Platz Market, a charming marketplace filled with beautifully decorated stalls offering a variety of farm and garden products.
From here, you can reach Alter Markt, a beautiful square that has been the center of life in Salzburg since 1280.
How to Travel from Vienna to Salzburg
Austria is a wonderful country to explore, particularly Vienna and Salzburg, as the connection between these two cities is excellent, despite being 300 km apart.
There are many ways to travel from one city to the other, and the most popular option is by train, allowing you to enjoy Austria’s scenic landscapes.
Let’s show you the best options:
Organized Excursion
The most comfortable way to get to Salzburg is by taking an organized day trip like the one above. You won’t have to worry about transportation, and a guide will provide historical insights about the city throughout the journey.
We did this tour when we visited Vienna, and since we had an extra day, we decided to take a trip to this wonderful city. You can make a reservation here.
Train
Traveling by train is one of the most comfortable and convenient ways to journey between the two cities.
Trains from Vienna to Salzburg start operating from 6 a.m. until just before midnight. The journey takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes.
The “Westbahn” railway between Salzburg and Vienna passes through some of Austria’s most picturesque areas, and you can even catch a view of the baroque Wachau monastery. Since 2009, the train journey between the cities has been priced at 40 euros.
Salzburg’s train station is about a 15-20 minute walk from the city’s historic center.
Rental Car
Traveling by car from Vienna to Salzburg is a very interesting option. The route is almost the same as the Westbahn railway, but with a car, you can stop at some of Austria’s major tourist attractions.
The drive from Salzburg to Vienna gives you the chance to visit places like Linz and its surroundings, as well as Mauthausen, Enns, Wachau Abbey, Melk, and the Wienerwald area on the outskirts of Vienna.
Depending on the number of stops, weather, and traffic conditions, the travel time between the two cities is about 4 hours.
In Vienna, car rental agencies can be found near the Vienna airport, the train station, and the bus terminals.