Guide to Salzburg

Postcards from Salzburg

Located in the very heart of Europe, Salzburg is a quiet little city known to be the hometown of Mozart, its annual music and drama festival, and The Sound Of Music film.
You don’t get excited watching Julie Andrews dancing and singing on green hills? Listening to Mozart’s symphonies isn’t your cup of tea? No worries, Salzburg will nevertheless be able to enchant you. This is a place where high culture meets total kitsch, were people take pride in their customs and traditions, and you will soon be allured with it’s old-world charm and picturesque setting. The city’s old town was listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 and is full of baroque architecture, narrow cobble-stoned alleyways and bustling small plazas with heaps of cosy cafes, bars and shops.

A stroll through the historical quarter

A fabulous way of getting to know the city is through having a relaxed walk through its old town. The lookout at mount ‘Kapuzinerberg’ serves as an excellent starting point and can be accessed by climbing up a few steep steps, starting at the beginning of the medieval alley ‘Steingasse’. The short climb is absolutely worth it as you will be rewarded with a magnificent view over the whole old town across the Salzach river. Catch your breath while taking some fantastic panoramic shots.

Across the states bridge you will encounter the picturesque shopping street Getreidegasse, nestled in between tall, narrow houses and romantic passageways. Its old-fashioned wrought-iron signs, designating the trade of each shop in former days, add a unique flair to your shopping experience. If you are keen on visiting Mozart’s Birth place, it’s house number 9.

The Hohensalzburg castle, one of the largest medieval castles in Europe, should be a must-see on your list. Admittedly, you will quite probably encounter swarms of tourists, and have to fight for a spot to take some shots for your album, but strolling around the grounds of this medieval jewel and the astounding views you get of the city, make up for that. Before you start your climb up to the castle (for the lazy ones amongst you there is a newly renovated funicular, too) head to Universitaetsplatz square, to get some of the delicious chocolate-marzipan balls called ‘Mozartkugeln’. At the confectionary store Fürst, located inside the arch leading to square Residenzplatz and the impressive baroque-style Cathedral, you can get the original ones, invented way back in 1890.

If you continue from the Residenzplatz square in front of the cathedral to the Mozartplatz square (there is a little ice-rink opening mid November), you can finish off your tour of the Old Town by wandering through the tiny alleys of the petite quarter ‘Kaiviertel’, and swing by Café 220 Grad (Chiemseegasse 5, one of the best coffee spots in town) for a break from exploring.

Country side break

If you need a change of scenery after all the walking through the city centre, why not head out to Salzburg’s gorgeous countryside? The Lakes and Mountains district is perfect for a day spent outdoors. Whether you decide on lake Fuschlsee, lake Wolfgangsee, or lake Mondsee, you’ll encounter peaceful mountains ranges and crystal blue lakes; perfect locations for strolling through the charming little towns or going for a hike. (For the Sound of Music fans of you – lots of the outdoor scenes of the movie, such as the opening sequence, have been shot in this area!) Can’t get enough of mountains? Mount Untersberg (more than 1800m high) is only a 30 minutes bus drive from the city centre, and provides a superb opportunity to do some serious hiking while you are in Salzburg. If you only want to enjoy the splendid views from the top, there’s also a cable car service available.

The world’s largest system of Ice Caves is located just about 40 km south of Salzburg. These incredible caves close for their winter break on the 26th of October, and don’t open again until May, so check first. If you are here for real snow adventures, check out one of the many skiing regions close to Salzburg, such as Flachau. (Daily free shuttle that brings you from the city centre straight onto the slopes, starting Mid-December)

Local festivities & seasonal events

If you are up for some first-hand experience of authentic Austrian culture, the Bauernherbst-Festival (26th August – 26th October), taking place in various surrounding towns of Salzburg, is an excellent chance to see traditional dancing, singing and handicrafts. Don’t miss out on trying some of the culinary specialities and local ‘Schnapps’! A further possibility to mingle with the locals is ‘Rupertikirtag’ (21st-25th September), celebrating the city’s patron, St. Rupert. A huge beer tent, traditional folk music, amusement park rights and lots of food and drinks await you. ‘Sturm’ is a delicious drink available only for a short time during autumn, make sure you try it there!

Every year in autumn, Mozart’s city turns into a hub for jazz fans. The ‘Jazz and the city’ festival goes first, held from October 12th-16th, boasting more than 100 concerts in venues in the midst of the historical district. And the best part of it? This incredible festival is for free! The renowned Salzburg ‘Jazz-Herbst’ is next, from October 25th until November 6th, with concert highlights featuring international stars of this genre.

As Christmas time approaches, you can experience one of the Alpine regions most unique traditions, the ‘Perchtenlauf’. Originating from pagan heritage, a procession of men dressed up in furs and devilish masks is believed to ban evil spirits. If this one is a bit too scary for you, ditch the Perchtenlauf and have a stroll through one of the charming Christmas markets, offering steaming hot mulled wine in all possible variations, caramelized almonds, gingerbreads cookies and all sorts of Christmas decoration and gifts.

Where to stay

Book your bed at the YOHO International Youth Hostel! See www.famoushostels.com/salzburg-hostel for more info and no booking fee.

– Katharina Rettenbacher