Salzburg —
Mozart and the Alps

Mozart's city and one of Europe's finest small cities.

Salzburg is compact, thoroughly picturesque and absolutely saturated in Mozart — and that is intentional. The city wears its most famous son's legacy with enormous pride and enormous charm. Mozart was born here in 1756 and his presence is felt everywhere — his birthplace on Getreidegasse, the Mozarteum concert hall, the Mozart Residence. The museums dedicated to Mozart's life are genuinely fascinating and give you a real sense of the prodigy who grew up in these streets.

But Salzburg is much more than Mozart. The old town — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — is one of the finest in Central Europe. A dense tangle of baroque architecture, narrow lanes, ornate churches and beautiful squares all presided over by the Hohensalzburg Fortress sitting magnificently on the hill above. The fortress is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Europe and the views from the top across the city and the Alps beyond are simply stunning.

The setting alone would make Salzburg worth visiting — the city sits in a valley with the Alps rising dramatically on all sides, giving it a natural grandeur that even the most jaded traveller finds hard to ignore. Stand in any square in the old town and the mountains are visible. Add the architecture, the culture, the music and the food and you have one of the most rewarding city breaks in Europe.

What to see in Salzburg

Mozart's Birthplace (Getreidegasse 9) — the apartment where Wolfgang was born in 1756. Popular but worthwhile. Hohensalzburg Fortress — take the cable car or walk up. Medieval perfection with extraordinary views. Salzburg Cathedral — baroque masterpiece in the old town. Mirabell Palace — beautiful formal gardens and palace, a short walk from the old town. Getreidegasse — the most famous shopping street in Salzburg, narrow and picturesque. Domplatz — the cathedral square, the heart of the old town.

Practical information

Getting there: Salzburg has a small airport but is easily reached by train from Vienna (2.5 hours) or Munich (2 hours). Public transport: The old town is compact and walkable. A single ticket costs €3.20. Where to stay: Within the old town is magical but pricey. Across the Salzach River (the Neustadt district) is cheaper with good restaurants and quieter. Best time to visit: Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). Winters are cold but picturesque. Summers are warm but crowded with tourists.

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