If you want to have an exciting trip, and are a bit bored by simply visiting museums and monuments, Salzburg is a good place to go. You will find the cultural aspects mixed with a lot of outdoor activities. If you stay in a hôtel Salzburg in the "Old Town", you will really close from Baroque part of the city. It is actually one of the best-preserved city centres in the German-speaking world, and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
Salzburg Cathedral (Salzburger Dom)
The Salzburg Cathedral (German: Salzburger Dom) is a 17th century Baroque cathedral in the city of Salzburg, dedicated to Saint Rupert of Salzburg. It is the site of Mozart's baptism. The site occupied by the Salzburg Cathedral was probably a sacred place for sacrifices in Celtic as well as Roman times. The first cathedral was built under Saint Vergilius of Salzburg, who might have used foundations by St. Rupert. The first Dom was recorded in 774.
St Peter's Church, Cemetery, and Catacombs
Perhaps most remarkable are the small catacombs carved into the nearby cliffside. Climb up for a couple of small chapels and a nice overlook.
St Francis Church (Franziskanerkirche).
The Franziskanerkirche is located at the end of Siegmund-Haffner-Gasse, corner Franzikanergasse and connected to the Residenz Castle. The origin of the current church is unclear, but probably lies in the time of St. Virgil, who might have used the church for baptisms. There is record of a parish church on the site from 1139, but this building was destroyed in a fire in 1167. The main nave of the current Franziskanerkirche was built in late-Romanesque style in the early 13th century and therefore, it is among the oldest buildings in Salzburg.
The Untersberg
The mountain is perennially popular with tourists due to its proximity to the city of Salzburg, less than 16 km (10 mi) to the north of the mountain and within easy reach by bus. A variety of paths lead to the top, but most people use the cable car that lifts passengers over 1300m to the Geiereck peak. The cable car runs from the 'St Leonhard' station in the town of Gartenau to the station at the Geiereck peak.
Then, if you want to have fun, you can go to the Casino Salzburg (5071 Wals-Siezenheim) which is open daily from 3PM to 3AM and with a free admission. A peculiarity of Salzburg is also its giant chess. It is a board painted onto the ground. You’ll have to wait your turn, but it’s worth it.
Salzburg also organises several city tour and excursions. A number of companies run coach tours in and around Salzburg. By far the most popular of these are dedicated to the locations featured in The Sound of Music.
Panorama Tours: Sound of Music
Every day, leaves at 9:30AM and 2PM with a 4 hours duration.
Entrance: Adults €37, children (4-12) €18. Panorama also offers tours to other locations: the Ice Caves the Bavarian Mountains and to Berchtesgaden.
Salt Mines
There are a few different salts mine tours available in Salzburg's immediate surroundings. A good one is Salzwelten Salzburg in Bad Dürrnberg. Getting there is easy with the Salz Erlebnis Ticket, available at the train station; it covers the local train and a bus transfer (round-trip), admission, and the (required) Salzwelten tour. Put on white coveralls, ride a trolley into the mine, and use the wooden slides to descend into the lower levels. A café and picnic benches are available on-site, as well as a small reconstructed Celtic village that includes a playground.
Open 9AM-5PM Apr-Oct; 10AM-3PM Nov-Dec.
Entrance: Adults €16.50; Students/Juniors €9.90; Children €8.30. Salz Erlebnis Ticket: Adults €22.00; Children €12.70; Families with the ÖBB VORTEILScard €48.80.
Festivals
For almost a century, Salzburg has hosted the world famous Salzburg Festival, with operas, concerts, and theatre plays in different locations throughout the city. It was founded by Hugo von Hoffmansthal, Max Reinhardt and Richard Strauss in 1920. It takes place in July and August; the most famous piece is the "Jedermann" ("Everyman") by Hugo v. Hoffmansthal, being conducted in front of the dome every year.
More recently, festivals also take place during Easter time (with mostly Baroque music), and in autumn (Jazz music).
Salzburg offers much more activities. Do not forget to buy Mozartkugeln (Mozart balls). This is a chocolate candy inspired by the famous composer, Salzburg's most famous son, Mozart. Try the original version at Café Fürst; be aware, though, they are rather expensive, with a small box costing as much as €7. The more widespread Mirabell brand is sold in many tourist shops, but they are also available at most local grocery stores for a lot less.
Moreover, if you plan to stay in a hotel Salzbourg, I strongly recommend you to take a Salzburg card. It is a flexible card which includes:
• Free single admission to all the city's attractions.
• Free use of public transport throughout the city, including fortress funicular, panorama boat & cable car Untersberg.
• Attractive discounts for cultural events.
• Discounts for various tours and excursions.
Fühlen Sie sich und bis bald gut! See you soon!
Leah Penn thinks Salzburg is fantastic. She enjoys browsing her website; www.oh-holidays.com and is interested in everything about Salzburg including the sights, history and culture. She enjoys writing guides about Salzburg, particularly to do with hotels in Salzburg and accommodation in Salzburg.
