Your Trip to Salzburg, Austria

Described as both architecturally and scenically one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Salzburg perpetually stands in the shadow of its most famous son, Mozart. No matter how you hear this city described, nothing will prepare you for its fascinating atmosphere, especially if you spend most of your time in the Altstadt, on the left bank of the Salzach River, which probably contains more masterpieces of Baroque architecture per hectare than any other city on Earth. The Altstadt is tucked into the space between the cliffs and the left bank of the river; on the other side of the river, the city becomes increasingly modern as it sprawls from the Mirabell Castle and gardens to the shops and offices near the railroad station. Salzburg is nice all year round, although November can be a bit drab. Doubtless, Christmastime is t he most festive time of the year, when snow, holiday music, and the Christmas markets make the town irresistible.


In regards to sightseeing, your personal tastes and available time will dictate your choice of sightseeing activities, but here are a few ideas to get you started:

Hohensalzburg
Some sections of this castle date back to 1077, and the prince-archbishops of Salzburg lived here until the late 15th Century. The Festung (fortress) is 120 meters (400 feet) above the river, so it provides great views of the city.

Domplatz and Cathedral
Salzburg's Dom was built in the 1600s. The style is Italian Renaissance with an overlay of Baroque. Check the cathedral schedule for musical performances; you may be able to enjoy a first-rate choir concert just by attending high mass.

St. Peter's Church and Cemetery
This handsome church dates back to the 12th Century, although the layout and decor were updated during the Baroque era. The graveyard next to the church is also worth a visit, and hourly Catacombs tours are scheduled from May through September.

Mozart -Wohnhaus
The composer's birthplace and childhood home in the Getreidegasse is an obligatory stop for Mozart fans. It's almost certain to be crowded during the high season.

Residenz
The prince-archbishops lived here after they gave up their digs in the Hohensalzburg fortress. You can visit the art gallery, take a guided tour of the State Rooms (in German), or buy a combination ticket for both.

The many museums and galleries are also worth visiting. But remember, you will need a good city map to find them. In case you are pressed for time, stick to the Altstadt. Distances are short, the architecture is unspoiled, and much of the area is a pedestrian zone. You could easily spend an entire day there, visiting small shops and enjoying the various beer halls, restaurants, and pastry shops instead of participating in organized sightseeing.

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