10 Things to Do and See in Salzburg

Salzburg is a city that fascinates and enchants like few others. Set on the banks of the Salzach River, framed by beautiful mountains and just a few kilometers from the paradise of Salzkammergut, Salzburg feels like a fairy tale city, beautiful and magical.

From the heights of Mönchsberg, the Hohensalzburg Fortress rises above the rooftops and spires of the historic center (Altstadt), a small architectural gem enriched with squares, palaces, and churches that sparkle with Baroque elegance, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

Three prince-bishops, art lovers and fans of Italy, transformed the small town into the splendid city it is today between the 16th and 17th centuries. Strolling through the cobblestone streets of the center, the ancient Austrian city reveals all its treasures: historical buildings like the impressive Cathedral; magnificent monuments like Mirabell Palace with its beautiful garden, the sumptuous bishop's palace; picturesque streets with wrought-iron signs; wonderful patisseries and elegant cafés.

Salzburg is also known as the city of music, particularly as the birthplace of Mozart, who is the main feature of the famous Salzburg Festival, an event that attracts music, theater, and opera enthusiasts from all over the world.

The city offers thousands of events throughout the year - the Easter Festival, Advent Singing, Mozart Week, just to mention a few - and is rich in cultural institutions (theaters, concert halls, galleries, museums).

Salzburg is also one of the favorite destinations for those who love Christmas markets. Christmas carols, the enticing aroma of roasted almonds, the festively decorated squares provide great emotions and charm visitors, enveloping them in a joyful atmosphere rich in tradition. On this page, we recommend the 10 most important things to do and see in Salzburg.

1

In 1612, Archbishop-Prince Marcus Sitticus commissioned architect Santino Solari to build an Italian-style summer residence at the foot of Hellbrunn Mountain, on the outskirts of Salzburg. It took just a few years to create a splendid suburban villa surrounded by a large park, still considered one of the most beautiful Renaissance buildings north of the Alps and a must-see today.

The rich water springs of the mountain, ingeniously utilized, gave a unique and original character to the sumptuous residence, making it a magical place of spectacular fountains, mysterious caves, mechanical games, and charming gardens, where peace and nature blend with pleasure to create fun.

For over four centuries, Hellbrunn Palace has been famous mainly for the Wasserspiele (water games) of the palace gardens, designed by the archbishop, who loved to subject his guests to continuous games and tricks involving devious jets of water to "cheer up" their stay.

The palace was also the site of grand parties, celebrations, and all kinds of cultural events, while the "Stone Theatre" (the oldest open-air theater in Europe), strongly desired by Sitticus, an avid lover of music and theater, mainly hosted pastoral performances.

During the guided tour, among one surprising water game and another, the following must be seen: the hydraulic theater (1749-52) where about two hundred characters move thanks to the power of water to the sound of an organ in a three-story Baroque palace; the Neptune cave or rain cave (!) adorned with a mosaic of gravel and shells; the Festivities Hall and the Octagon Hall with walls and ceiling decorated with perspective frescoes and trompe-l'oeil by Donato Mascagni (1615).

2

The Salzburg Cathedral is the most important sacred building in the city. The impressive octagonal dome, twin towers, and elegant marble façade from Untersberg, adorned with statues of bishops and saints, characterize this monumental construction.

Founded in 767 by Bishop Virgil in honor of Saints Rupert and Virgil (the patrons of the region), the cathedral has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, expanded and modified.

Its current form, dating to the first half of the 17th century, is the work of Italian architect Santino Solari, who made it the first sacred building of early Baroque style north of the Alps.

Severely damaged by bombs during World War II, the church returned to its splendor in 1959 thanks to restoration work that restored the dome and part of the presbytery destroyed under the bombardments of '44.

The grand interior, accessible through three bronze portals symbolizing faith, hope, and charity, features a single nave flanked by 4 side chapels adorned with stuccos and paintings.

Beautiful is the polychrome decoration of the dome with scenes from the life and Passion of Christ, and the Resurrection Altarpiece by Mascagni on the main altar.

Do not miss the splendid main organ surrounded by cherubs with musical instruments and the Romanesque baptismal font (1321) where Mozart was baptized.

In the crypt, the tombs of archbishops-princes and the remains of pre-existing buildings can be found. Every year since 1920, at the opening of the Salzburg Festival, the cathedral serves as the backdrop for the theatrical drama "Jedermann," while during the Christmas season, it becomes a picturesque stage for Advent carols.

3

From the heights of Mönchsberg, the mighty fortress of Hohensalzburg has dominated the Altstadt, the oldest part of the city, since 1077.

In addition to being one of the most famous emblems of Salzburg, this medieval military complex is also one of the largest and best-preserved fortresses in Europe.

Built in the 11th century by Archbishop Gebhart during the conflict between the Papacy and the Empire over the prerogative of ordaining bishops, the defensive bastion was later expanded by Archbishop Leonhard von Keutschach, the last feudal lord of the city, between the 15th and 16th centuries as a testament to the power of the prince-bishops of Salzburg.

Thus, the arsenal, granary, warehouses, and church that rose beside the central palace (enlarged and beautified) and the large crenellated towers turned the fortress into a small town where ecclesiastical princes resided.

A defensive bastion at first, barracks and prison later, today the fortress is home to two museums (the Marionette Museum and the Fortress Museum) and hosts important events such as Fortress Concerts and the Sommerakademie, an art academy held in summer.

The most interesting areas of the fortress include the Prince's Rooms, among which stands out the late Gothic "Goldene Stube," the Golden Room, adorned with carved, polychrome and gilded wood and an exquisitely decorated ancient majolica stove, and the "Goldene Saal," the Golden Hall, which has a ceiling decoration that imitates the starry sky.

Do not miss, inside the Trompeterturm (Trumpeter's Tower), the 16th-century organ known as the "Salzburger Stier" (Salzburg Bull) because its initial and final notes imitate the bellowing of a bull, once used to announce the opening and closing of the fortress gates. The view from the panoramic terrace (Reckturm) over the old town and the Alps is extraordinary.

4

The Residence is one of the most important historical buildings in the city, symbolizing the power of the archbishop-princes of Salzburg.

The palace was constructed between 1596 and 1619 by Prince Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau on the site of the ancient episcopal residence of the 11th century and was expanded in 1788-92.

The grand building served as the urban residence and representative seat of the powerful archbishops until the beginning of the 19th century when Salzburg became part of the Habsburg Empire.

The sumptuous halls (Prunkräume - gala rooms) of the Baroque residence overlooking the beautiful Residenzplatz reveal to visitors small and large treasures such as paintings, monumental stoves, statues, crystal chandeliers, tapestries, and frescoes.

Particularly interesting: the Hall of the Carabiniers, named after the archbishops' princely bodyguards, a vast hall (about 600 square meters) with a ceiling decorated with frescoes, now used as a concert hall;

the Hall of the Knights with paintings by J.M. Rottmayr;

the Hall of Audiences with an inlaid astronomical clock;

the Conference Room where young Mozart held many concerts.

On the third floor of the Residence, there is the Gallery with a collection of European paintings from the 16th to 19th century. The collection contains Dutch works from the 1600s, Italian, Austrian, and French Baroque pieces, and especially Austrian paintings from the 19th century.

5

Salzburg is the birthplace of Mozart, the greatest genius of classical music of all time. Although the composer did not love his hometown, he is and remains its most famous citizen, and his presence can be felt everywhere.

A square and a bridge have been renamed in his honor, the Mozarteum, one of Europe's most important music academies, bears his name, cafes and restaurants carry his name, exquisite chocolate balls filled with marzipan (the famous "Mozartkugeln", or "Mozart Balls") celebrate him, and souvenir shops are filled with gadgets featuring his image.

At No. 9 Getreidegasse, in the heart of the city, stands the house where Mozart was born on January 19, 1756, and where he lived for the first 17 years of his life.

The building was transformed into a museum in 1880, housing portraits and memorabilia from the family, official documents, personal effects, and some of the instruments used by the composer (clavichord, grand piano, viola, concert violin, and the small violin played by young Amadeus).

At Makartplatz 8, you will find the apartment where the Mozart family moved in 1773 and where Amadeus lived until 1780, the year he moved to Vienna.

The museum exhibition focuses on the life and works of the great musician who composed "Die Entführung aus dem Serail" K. 384, "Le nozze di Figaro" K. 492, and "Don Giovanni" K. 527 among others within these walls.

6

If you are looking for a city where the Christmas atmosphere is truly magical, where sparkling lights and decorations give it special charm, and where hundreds of stalls invade the historic center with their scents and flavors, then Salzburg is your ideal destination.

Every year during Advent, the Austrian town dresses up for the holidays: thrilling live choirs, concerts, shows, and especially, the traditional Christmas markets that brighten up streets and squares for about a month, attracting thousands of visitors from around the world.

The Salzburger Christkindlmarkt (Christ Child Market), which extends over Residenzplatz and Cathedral Square, is one of the oldest and one of the largest and most beautiful markets in Europe.

The characteristic wooden houses not only offer countless shopping opportunities (local crafts, toys, Christmas decorations, figurines for nativity scenes), but are also the occasion to taste typical sweets and traditional dishes, warming up with typical "Jagatee" (black tea with "obstler" or rum) or a steaming cup of mulled wine.

Also, all the other markets scattered throughout the city and nearby offer moments of great joy and wonder.

Do not miss: the enchanting Christmas market in the courtyard of Hohensalzburg Fortress, which offers a stunning view of the illuminated city, the one held in front of Hellbrunn Palace, whose façade transforms into a giant Advent calendar for the occasion, and finally, the small but very popular market in Mirabell Square filled with inviting stalls.

7

For six weeks a year, Mozart's city becomes the protagonist of one of the most prestigious cultural events in Europe: the Salzburg Festival, a music festival with a rich program of concerts, theatrical performances, and operas, staged in various locations around the city (theaters, squares, concert halls, parks).

Every summer, between July and August, Salzburg transforms into the most important international stage where great musicians, conductors, singers, actors, and directors perform in this unique cultural and entertainment event.

The foundations of the Festival were laid in 1920 by writer Hugo von Hofmannsthal, theater director Max Reinhardt, and composer Richard Strauss, which saw the birth of the Festival in August of that year with the staging of the play "Jedermann" in Cathedral Square.

In subsequent years, the event was enriched with high-quality concerts and operas that increased its fame and popularity.

After a shutdown during World War II, in 1948 the Festival regained its glory, thanks to the efforts of Herbert von Karajan, making it even more international.

Recent editions of the Festival have been more "daring", characterized by an open policy aimed at expanding and modernizing the program to attract younger and more diverse audiences.

Tradition and innovation are thus the ingredients for the success of the acclaimed Festival that makes Salzburg the capital of music.

8

In 1606, Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau built a castle for his mistress Salome Alt, with whom he had 15 children. Following Wolf Dietrich's death, the castle was renamed Mirabell at the behest of Archbishop Markus Sitticus who succeeded him.

Completely rebuilt in Baroque style between 1721-27, it was destroyed by fire in 1818, and the palace was reconstructed in a more sober style by Peter de Nobile, the court architect and head of the Viennese school of architecture.

Today, the sumptuous building houses the offices of the mayor and the city council of Salzburg. From its prestigious past, only a few remnants, fortunately, escaped the fire: the grand staircase and the Marble Hall.

The monumental staircase designed by Lukas von Hildebrandt with cherubs adorning the impressive marble balustrade is one of the greatest treasures of the palace. The sculptures in the niches are, instead, masterpieces by the famous Georg Raphael Donner and are among the most beautiful in European Baroque.

The sumptuous Marmorsaal, an elegantly decorated former ballroom with colored stuccos and gilding, is now one of the most beautiful wedding halls in the world, as well as an excellent concert hall. However, the gardens in the French style surrounding the palace make it famous, as they appeared in the film "The Sound of Music."

Designed in 1690, the gardens boast beautiful tree-lined avenues, meticulously maintained flower beds, statues, and fountains decorated with sculptures. Do not miss the whimsical stone gnomes symbolizing various trades that populate the so-called Gnome Garden, and the Heckentheater (hedge theater) built around 1717, where the tall hedges served as the stage's wings behind which actors waited to enter.

9

Traditional Austrian and Bavarian cuisine significantly influenced Salzburg's gastronomy, with hearty and substantial dishes that satisfy even the most discerning palates.

A meal usually begins with a soup made from vegetables and/or meat, followed by a meat dish such as Fleischknödel (meatballs) or Bierfleisch (beer-braised beef), or the classic boiled sausage with mustard.

In autumn, game is commonly eaten, especially duck, pheasant, and venison, cooked in various ways. There are also recipes featuring locally caught fresh fish (trout).

Sweet tooths need not worry; the typical desserts are truly delightful!

You must try the Kaiserschmarrn, a type of pancake served with powdered sugar and apple and/or plum sauce; the Bierkuchen, a cake made with beer, raisins, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, and hazelnuts.

Don't miss the famous Apfelstrudel (apple strudel) and the Salzburger Nockerl, a soufflé with a strange three-pointed shape covered in powdered sugar.

Among the beverages, beer reigns supreme. The most popular in the city are: lager "Märzen", the "Bockbier", a very strong beer with about 10% alcohol, and the "Dunkles Hefeweizen", which has a fruity flavor. Popular among the youth, Red Bull was invented by Dietrich Mateschitz, who lives in Salzburg.

10

Salzburg offers a good tourist offer that, however, is insufficient in two periods of the year: at Christmas when the markets occupy every city space and the city is overwhelmed by tourists from all nations;

in summer, with the extraordinary Salzburg Festival, one of the most important cultural events in Europe. Excluding these two periods, the city can easily accommodate visitors, though not always at cheap prices. Tourist hospitality is of excellent quality, in line with Austrian tradition. A 3-star hotel in the center starts at around 80 euros per night for a double room.