Austria is a small nation with a population of nine million residents, considerably less land area than some of its European neighbors, and few major cities. However, the country is a giant in tourism attracting more than thirty million visitors annually. That industry generates almost ten percent of Austria’s GDP and jobs. Travelers admire the diversity of Austria’s attractions which include mountains and lakes for hiking and skiing, a rich culture and history, a modern infrastructure, safe destinations, and quality services. Recently recognized as the “most tourism friendly nation” by the World Economic Forum, Salzburg is one city that contributes to the country’s reputation. 

Salzburg is located on the Salzach River with picturesque views of rolling plains to the north and the mountains of the Alps to the south. The historic center of the city, which includes many Baroque buildings, churches, and the prominent Hohensalzburg Fortress above it was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997 and lauded as a “city of outstanding value to humanity.” The three findings which made Salzburg noteworthy to UNESCO included “the crucial role which the city played in fostering an interchange between the Italian and German cultures, the development and preservation of a European ecclesiastical city-state with a remarkable number of high-quality buildings from periods ranging from the late Middle Ages to the 20th century, and the city’s associations with the arts and with music including its native son Mozart.” The city has hosted one of the world’s most prominent festivals of music and drama called The Salzburg Festival since 1920  each summer. In addition, it has been featured in many movies – most notably “The Sound of Music.” 

Brief Background of Salzburg – The Romans founded a city called Juvavum along the river around 15 AD which served as a center of trade north of the Alps prior to the decline of the Empire. In the eighth century, a bishop and saint named Rupert established a monastery and a convent, and later constructed a cathedral in the area. Meanwhile, the region’s salt mines continued to flourish and the city’s economic power and religious influence in greater Bavaria grew. The city’s leaders built and expanded the impressive Hohensalzburg Fortress starting in the 11th century, and by the late 14th century Salzburg had become an independent state and a member of the Holy Roman Empire. However, these centuries also saw Salzburg face many crises such as the burning parts of the city by Emperor Barbarossa in 1167 AD, thousands of deaths from the plague in 1346 AD, a peasant rebellion that laid siege to the Fortress in 1525 AD, and the tumultuous religious conflicts of the Thirty Years War, and the expulsion of Protestant and Jewish citizens from the city. Eventually escaping domination by Bavaria or the French, Salzburg was incorporated into the Austria-Hungary Empire in 1816 and expanded its business and cultural contacts with other leading cities in the region such as Vienna and Munich. The birth of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in Salzburg in 1756 and his rise as a European cultural icon further enhanced the city’s reputation.

The 20th century initially saw the emergence of an independent Austria after the defeat and dismantling of the Austria-Hungary Empire in World War I. The city’s fortunes changed again, however, when Germany occupied it in 1938 and brought on the devastation of World War II to the city’s residents and property. Notwithstanding Cold War tensions, Austria reemerged as a democratic, independent, and neutral nation in 1955. This enabled Salzburg to begin its climb into a prosperous and popular city of 156,000 residents that attracts more than one million visitors annually. 

Activities and Places to Explore- There are many activities worth exploring in Salzburg, but the following ones should be considered on an initial visit or a day trip:

Walk and Shop on Getreidegasse Street- A good place to start a visit to Salzburg is to take a walk down the main street called the Getreidegasse and get a feel for the Old Town. For over nine hundred years, this street which runs parallel to the Salzach River has been a prominent place for commerce. In years past, the street was full of trading houses, craftsmen, apothecaries, and taverns. However, the street was also a popular place of residence for leading citizens. Its tall, narrow, and colorful townhouses were adorned with beautiful doors and wrought iron signs advertising the various guilds or crafts that operated within.

The street is now a popular place for shopping and enjoying hospitality venues. It features shops for international fashion chains, traditional inns, cafes and restaurants, and souvenir shops with Austrian specialties. While tour groups trek through during the middle of the day, the street takes on a more casual feeling in the morning and late afternoon hours, when it is a perfect place to relax and contemplate the history of the city after seeing the sites. People also enjoy exploring the arched passageways and interior courtyards that run between the buildings. One of them leads to the ornate fountain on the adjoining street that contains large ramps on each end and a deep basin. This was used as a bath for the many horses that entered the city and helped keep the cobblestone areas such as the Getreidegasse clean and fresh. 

Visit the Mozart Landmarks- The people of Salzburg are enthusiastic about music and proud of their connection to the life and legacy of the great composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. After Mozart’s father, a violinist and vice conductor with the court orchestra, settled in the city in 1743 and married, the couple gave birth to Wolfgang in 1756 on the third floor of a house on Getreidegasse. The rest as they say is history as Mozart quickly became a child prodigy performing music for royal families in Europe. In the years that followed, he wrote numerous operas and symphonies that are admired to this day. The bright yellow house and museum where Mozart lived until he was seventeen has artifacts from his life including family portraits and letters, Mozart’s childhood violin, and exhibits that describe his early years and progression as a brilliant artist. Later in life, Mozart moved to a new residence on Market Square which is also open to visitors. 

Ride up to the Hohensalburg Fortress and Take in the Views- The sparkling white buildings and walls of the Hohensalburg Fortress tower over the city and provide striking views of the mountains in the distance and the plains below. The best way to visit the fortress is to take the funicular that was built in 1892 and upgraded over the years. Once you reach the top, spend time walking the ramparts and towers of the fortress. You can see why the place was never conquered by enemy troops. Most important, stop to enjoy a snack or a drink at one or both of the cafes that look out on the front and rear sides of the fortress.

The history of the fortress is also interesting. The first enclosure was built in 1077 AD for the purpose of protecting the city from a conflict brewing between Pope Gregor IV and King Henry IV of Germany, Burgandy, and Bavaria, who later became the Holy Roman Emperor. Over the centuries, it was expanded and used as a military stronghold, prison, and army camp before Emperor Franz Josef opened it for public visits in 1861. Several medieval rulers like Leonhard von Keutchach made the fortress their principal residence and a few of the living areas, halls, and chapels he added can be viewed on tours of the State Apartments and the Fortress. Unfortunately, these adornments do not compare with some of the more ornate structures in the city or the fortress views. 

See the Other Landmarks of Old Town – There are other important buildings to see in the heart of Salzburg. The 17th century Salzburg cathedral has been renovated several times but is famous for its turquoise domes, imposing façade, and Baroque interior. Close by is the Prince-Archbishop’s residence which is another monument to the city’s wealth and religious power. The staterooms of this mansion have lofty ceilings, Italian frescoes, and precious works of art. Both buildings border the popular Chapter Square which has become a lively place for locals and visitors to play chess, enjoy large sculptures, and look up at the Fortress.

Attend the Salzburg Festival-   For over one hundred years, the Salzburg Festival for music and drama has been attracting people to the city. Building on prior celebrations of Mozart’s music held from time to time, a Festival Society was started in 1917 during World War I to organize an annual event and develop first class performance venues. After years of effort, the Festival is a tremendous success. The July 2024 Festival featured 172 performances over 44 days held at 15 different venues around the city including large events at the City’s three major theaters and at the Cathedral Square in front of the Salzburg Cathedral. Over 250,000 people and 1500 artists attended the event. 

Take a Sound of Music Tour-   As a result of Hollywood magic, generations of fans of the movie Sound of Music have been flocking to Salzburg and the surrounding areas to explore the places depicted in the film. While only a few scenes were actually filmed in the area, that doesn’t stop people from taking a tour to visit places associated with the movie or the Von Trapp family like the gardens at the 17th century Scholl Hellbrunn Palace, the Mirabell Gardens and Fountain, the Von Trapp’s house, or the Nonnberg Convent. Others enjoy frolicking in the lively hills surrounding the city and singing the songs with other fans.