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Arrive in Old Town Salzburg, walk the Cobblestone streets, Baroque Churches, Elegant Buildings, Medieval Fortress, Mozart, and hear the tune from the Sound of Music blowing in the wind. Welcome to this magnificent city Salzburg, Austria, but first let’s learn a little history then find the best way to utilize your time while here.
Brief History on Austria
Bishop Rupert for his promise to Christianize Salzburg, Bavaria gave Salzburg to him in 700 A.D. Therefore Salzburg was now an independent city until the early 1800 when Napoleon came in to town. Seems like Salzburg avoided the ravages of war for over 1,200 years due to its formidable fortress. Furthermore World War II happened where most of the city was destroyed by WWII bombs except for the old city. The cultural and architecture makes this an amazing place to visit. Most of all let’s look into the best way to plan your time.
Activities in Old Town Salzburg
Salzburg Museum – Two floor history museum – visit the second floor to see the lavish ceremonial rooms. Then look for the sign to the Panorama Passage where you will see the walls lined with archaeological finds.
Salzburg Panorama – See a circular view realistic painting of the town in 1829..
Mozart’s Birthplace – Mozart born in 1756 composed most of his work here.
Mozart’s Residence – Mozart lived here at 17 yrs old where you will get an insight into Mozart’s life and Music.
Hohensalzburg Fortress (Festung) – Dominating 400 feet above the river this Fortress was built on a rock called the Festung. Over 1,000 years the fortress was never attacked and eventually surrendered to Napoleon in 1800. In addition take the funicular transportation up to the Fortress.
Mirabell Gardens and Palace – Beautiful gardens placed in 1730 and made public in 1850. Here you will see the Statues and Arbor used in the movie “Sound of Music”.
Steingasse Lane – Take a stroll down Steingasse Lane a block in from the river to visit some local pubs
St. Sebastian Cemetery – Mozart’s father Leopold and wife Constanze are buried here yet Mozart is buried in Vienna.
Tours
- Take a Walking Tour through Old Town
- Sound of Music Tour
Hotels Old Town Salzburg
Hotel Bristol – a luxury hotel across the street from Mozart’s birthplace and the exquisite view of Hohensalzburg Fortress in the backdrop.
Gasthaus Stadtalm – budget hotel (hostel) nestled in the forest that overlooks Salzburg. Designed for backpackers and only a 5 minute walk down the Cliff-side stairs into the middle of old town.
Eating Old Town Salzburg
Lots of fun and inexpensive eateries located in Old Town Salzburg. Visit one of the beer gardens or expensive eateries. Make sure to visit the Balkan Grill for lunch located in the tunnel at Getreidegassee 33 across from Eisgrotte for their famous curry dog. Here you buy and go.
Other
In conclusion Salzburg is amazing and a once in a lifetime place to visit . Therefore I always go back to Old Town Salzburg for the curry dogs, street life, antique and clothing shops. In addition, stop by 1AdventureTraveler for more travel destinations and tips.
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We have not made it to Austria, and this just makes us want to go even more! I didn’t realize old town Salzburg was spared from bombing in WW2; I wish we could say that for more places. That does explain why it all looks so authentic. Can’t wait to see it ourselves!
Hi Rob & Ann,
Hope you get a chance to visit Salzburg. It makes it a nice few days away from Venice and the history is amazing! I just love walking the cobblestone streets, and immersing myself in the culture. Of course a little shopping in the antique stores is a must. 🙂
Stephanie (1AdventureTraveler)
Great tips and Info Stephanie! Salzburg is on our list for sure, we’re actually saving it as a weekend to go last minute when we can find a good deal, as it doesn’t take long from the UK. Never heard of the Curry Dogs, but I’m intrigued to know what they taste like!
Hi Garth,
Thanks, I hope you will find Salzburg as magical as I did. I have been there twice and enjoyed Curry Dogs both times. Must check out the “Balkan Grill” for those Curry dogs located in the tunnel at Getreidegassee 33 across from Eisgrotte. Buy and go kind of place. I don’t eat curry but love these. lol.
Check out my review on the Luxury Hotel Bristol across from Mozart’s residence and see the Castle from the window. Salzburg will make a great weekend getaway. Great place to buy down comforters too. Happy Travels.
Stephanie (1AdventureTraveler)
I loved Salzburg when I visited a few years back but it was a very fleeting visit – more like a 2.5 hour stopover! Still, we managed to head up to Hohensalzburg and get some incredible views of the city and mountains! Thanks for sharing
Hi,
Thanks…Salzburg is a great weekend getaway. Wow a 2.5 hr stopover is great. A visit to the Castle is amazing along with the views of the city and mountains. Sometimes they offer free concerts in the square. I was there one year and Lenny Kravitz was giving a free concert the day I was leaving. Looking forward to my next trip. Happy Travels.
Stephanie (1AdventureTraveler)
I have never been to Austria but have heard lots of good things! Salzburg looks so pretty. I love the Sound of Music and would definitely be interested in that tour.
Hi Anisa,
Old Town Salzburg is a beautiful city with wonderful cobblestone streets. I like to visit in winter, less people plus I get to bring out my winter clothes. I have heard lots of people love “The Sound of Music Tour” which they say is a must see. The views from the castle is amazing!
Happy Travels….
Stephanie (1AdventureTraveler)
Salzburg is such a fantastic city and you’ve covered all of its highlights perfectly here. Listening to classical music as you walk through the old town is simply enchanting there. One of Austria’s gems. Nice one!
Hi David,
Thanks….Salzburg is a magical city and a great weekend getaway from Venice. Walking the cobblestone streets brings one back to another time. If you haven’t stayed at the Hotel Bristol there its amazing.
Happy Travels…
Stephanie (1AdventureTraveler
Salzburg looks so pretty doesn’t it! I was here for a few hours as part of a tour on Christmas Eve so it had a light dusting of snow and a grey sky so I would very much like to return – especially looking at your lovely photos and hearing of your time here. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Angie,
Thank you.
How wonderful to be there on Christmas Eve with the light dusting of snow and grey sky. Winter time is my favorite time there but all times of the year is wonderful. Salzburg is a great weekend getaway from Vienna with lovely hotels to stay at including the Hotel Bristol. The Hotel Bristol is across from Mozart’s residence and out your room window is a view of the castle. Breathtaking! I hope you make it back there. I know your like me with a long bucket-list. 🙂
Fun Travels!
Stephanie (1AdventureTraveler)
Lovely to read about the history of Salzburg and the great tips on what to see and do in this amazing city!
Hi Miriam,
Thank you…Salzburg is a magical place with its cobblestone streets and magnification castle. If you get get a weekend away it’s a great place to visit.
Stephanie (1AdventureTraveler)
This looks awesome! I always wanted to visit Salzburg and grab a coffee in the place that really started the sitting around and chatting culture of it. Old Town looks like a blast and maybe someday I’ll get to experience it. Thanks for sharing this wonderful collection of photos and words about it, Stephanie.
Hi,
Thank you for the kind words. I do hope you get a chance to visit this amazing city even as a weekend getaway. Occasionally there are free concerts in the plaza. I missed Lenny Kravitz a few years ago by one day. The castle view of the town and mountains are amazing.
Happy Travels!
Stephanie (1AdventureTraveler)