Nestled within the northernmost boundary of the Alps, Salzburg’s scenic mountain backdrop and slower pace stand in stark contrast to Vienna’s bustling metropolitan life with its endless palaces and museums. It’s surrounded by stunning nature, and its smaller size makes it supremely walkable— a great choice for a one or two day trip. While you’re there, get yourself a Salzburg Card for free or discounted admission to most tourist attractions, as well as free public transportation.
Explore Fortress Hohensalzburg
One of the largest fully-preserved castles in Europe, this tourist icon is a top attraction in Salzburg and offers a 360 degree view over the city. Take the funicular for a few euros (included in the Salzburg Card) or walk the narrow and winding footpath to the entrance gates to explore the royal apartments, fortress museum, and even attend a dinner & concert at the Golden Hall.
See Mozart’s Birthplace
In the heart of Altstadt (old town), Mozart’s birth house still stands as a public museum containing much of his memorabilia, including his fortepiano and other instruments, and is a short detour as you explore Getreidegasse, Salzburg’s famous shopping street. Admission is included with the Salzburg Card.
Take a Cable Car up to Untersberg
Located in the Berchtesgaden Alps, Untersberg (Miracle Mountain) provides a great view of the surrounding area and is just a few minutes outside the city, reachable by cable car or a very steep and strenuous hike for the bold. At the top you’ll find a ski-run, numerous hiking trails, caves, a summit cross, and even a restaurant. Take bus 25 from town to the last stop at St. Leonhard to get to the cable car station, where ascent and descent are included for free with a Salzburg Card.
Dally at Mirabell Garden
Free and open to the public year round, Mirabell Garden is next to Mirabell Palace and is a listed cultural heritage monument. While you can see its Baroque statues and Pegasus Fountain any time, it’s better to visit in late spring or summer, when the flowers are at their peak.
Stroll Through Salzburg Cathedral and St. Peter’s Abbey
While you’re checking out old town, be sure to walk through St. Peter’s Abbey to see the church and one of the word’s oldest cemeteries for free, dating back to roughly 700 CE. There are also catacombs you can visit for free with a Salzburg Card, or a few euros without one. Salzburg Cathedral unfortunately isn’t free, but worth seeing for its impressive Baroque architecture, as it’s a much larger church than the one at St. Peter’s Abbey.
Summary
Nature lovers, Mozart fans and connoisseurs of Baroque architecture will find much to admire in Salzburg, from its quaint old town district with its massive fortress overlooking the city, to its historic churches, palaces, and shopping district containing Mozart’s birth house. Sitting at the northern edge of the Alps, the city is surrounded by mountains and provides immediate access to alpine excursions and gorgeous lakes such as Wolfgangsee. If you’re seeking a city with a slower pace and beautiful natural surroundings, don’t miss Salzburg.