Discover the Magic of Salzburg: Must-Visit Places for an Exciting Experience

Salzburg is a city that is beautifully situated on the calm banks of river Salzach and is a one-stop experience of history, art and nature. Salzburg is often dubbed the Rome of the North with its baroque architecture and strong cultural heritage because of its adorable old town, its breathtaking Alpine scenery and its musical history. Be it following the path of Mozart, wandering through the castles of fairy tales, strolling in the narrow streets with their pastel-colored houses, Salzburg is the place where you can feel that you are traveling back in time, through the marvels and elegance that will forever remain in your memories.

Salzburg is not a destination, it is an experience to all kinds of travelers. To music lovers, it is the birthplace of one of the greatest composers ever. It is a historical paradise to historians who are fascinated with medieval castles and magnificent cathedrals. And to lovers of nature the grand mountains and green parks give a beautiful way-out to peace. This Austrian jewel to Europe has the air of the old-world and a local life that is alive and pervades every page, every street and every sight.

The following list is the list of the places in Salzburg that cannot be miss able and will make your journey in this location really impressive.

1. Hohensalzburg Fortress

Rising on the Festungberg Hill over the city, the Hohensalzburg Fortress is considered to be one of the largest and most preserved castles of medieval Europe. Constructed in 1077, it is a proud history and one of the symbols of the city of Salzburg and its strength. Ride a funicular to the peak or climb the meandering paths to have a sight of the whole city, the Salzach River and the snow-covered Alps. Interior Visit the Fortress Museum, Marionette Museum, and the Golden Hall, all of which have intriguing medieval objects and histories of the Salzburg archbishops. Classical music can also be experienced in the fortress where concerts and events are also held giving one a chance to experience classic music in a magical historical context.

2. Mirabell Palace and Gardens

Mirabell Palace and Gardens is a masterpiece of baroque architecture and it has a grace of elegance and romance. Initially constructed during the 17th century, the palace is used as the seat of government, although its Marble Hall still hosts weddings and classical concerts – including the performances of the music by Mozart. The gardens with sculpted fountains, flowerbeds, and mythological statues are the well known cinematographic subjects of the Sound of Music. When you are walking through the symmetrical walks with the Hohensalzburg Fortress in the background, it seems that you have entered a movie.

3. Mozart’s Birthplace

The Geburtshaus, place of birth of a highly renowned composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, is located at Getreidegasse 9. The museum gives an insight into the life of the young musical genius as viewed in original manuscripts, instruments, portraits and personal belongings. You have an opportunity to visit the same rooms that Mozart lived in and wrote his first compositions. The exhibit not only brings out his genius, but also describes the musical life in 18th century Salzburg, and this makes the exhibit a pilgrimage destination for every lover of classical music.

4. Salzburg Cathedral

The Salzburg Cathedral stands tall in the midst of the Old Town of Salzburg and is grandiose in the baroque style. The cathedral towers over the city skyline with its powerful white exterior, its gilded twin towers and its great green dome. Enter and you will be greeted by marble altars, elaborate frescoes and the air of holy calm. The history of the cathedral can be traced back to 774 and it is Mozart who was baptized there – one heart-wrenching association with the musical history of Salzburg. The crypt and museum are also available to the visitors to discover centuries of religious and artistic artifacts.

5. Hellbrunn Palace and Trick Fountains

Hellbrunn Palace is an amusing masterpiece of baroque architecture constructed by Archbishop Markus Sittikus in the early 17th century as a summer retreat. The greatest attraction is the Trick Fountains (Wasserspiele) – fun-filled water-based tricks found within the gardens. It is quite unusual: visitors may expect to find various types of water jets that appear through benches, grottos, and figures that move and behave interactively, and whimsical sculptures coming into life. The palace has good decorations and gorgeous parklands in addition to the fun, which makes the palace a wonderful family destination. There is also the Hellbrunn Zoo and the notorious Hellbrunn pavilion where the love song I am sixteen going on seventeen was shot.

6. Getreidegasse

The Getreidegasse is the most beautiful shopping street in Salzburg that is a mix of the oldest architecture with the modern excitement. With narrow, ornamented structures with wrought-iron guild signs, this busy street is ideal to have a slow walk. Local boutiques, traditional Austrian restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops made of handmade chocolates, designer clothes, and regional crafts can be found here. The spirit of Getreidegasse is the spirit of Salzburg– something old and new all together. It is also the place where you will discover the birth place of Mozart and that will give your retail therapy a touch of history.

7. Untersberg Mountain

Untersberg Mountain is another piece of heaven that is a few minutes away on a short drive out of the city where the adventurers and dreamers can visit. You can either walk up the scenic trails or you can ride the Untersberg cable car to the top where you will be blessed by spectacular panoramic views of the Alps and Salzburg below. During winter, the destination becomes a snowy haven where one can enjoy skiing, and in summer, the destination can be used when it comes to enjoying paragliding and photography. There are even local legends that Emperor Charlemagne even sleeps in the mountain, this further gives a mystical feeling to this otherwise already awe-inspiring sightseeing site.

8. Salzburg Museum

It is necessary to visit the Salzburg Museum located in the magnificent Neue Residenz to get a glimpse of the fullness of the city. The museum presents the development of the city in terms of art, history and culture, and its past is resurrected with the help of multimedia and interactive exhibitions. From medieval artifacts up to modern art, the collection encompasses centuries of transformation of Salzburg. Go out into the Residenzplatz Square and you will be encircled by baroque fountains and massive structures, which are reminders of the millennial beauty of the city.

The Symphony of Salzburg

Salzburg is a symphony in motion–this landmark, this street, this mountain, vibrating with some notes in a great, symphonic song. Whatever be your musical track of Mozart, your stroll through baroque gardens or your enjoyment of Austria coffee as the bells of the cathedral are ringing, the city will leave an incomparable experience that will never be forgotten.

Salzburg does not simply beckon you into its cultural background, its natural beauty and its music heart, it is requesting you to listen, to feel and to fall in love.