Salzburg city is a very popular tourist destination among the tourists visiting
Austria, especially famous for its baroque architecture in the Salzburg's "Old
Town" (Altstadt), it was also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
in 1997. Salzburg is geographically located on the banks of the Salzach river
close to the Alps. The famous fortress "Festung Hohensalzburg" was built in 1077
and was later expanded by many rulers. Even though the population of Salzburg
city is of more than 150,000 individuals, this local population gets outnumbered
in the peak tourist season. It is also the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus
Mozart.
As mentioned earlier, the Old Town of Salzburg is a World Heritage Site.
Salzburg is well connected with the rest of the country with rails, it is also
well connected with many towns from Germany and Italy. You can also reach here
by air (Salzburg Airport- SZG), buses or drive in your own car. The famous
Salzburg Music Festival is organized each year in July and August attracting
tourists from all over the world. The best way to get around is by taking the
city busses and then walking around. To save money during your trip, do consider
a Salzburg Card if you are planning to stay for a few days. It includes
free admission to most of city's attractions, public transport and discounts for
tours and events.
Famous tourist attractions of Salzburg are:
1. Salzburger Hellbrunn:
Loaded with natural beauty, it has several clever fountains, castles and beautiful gardens. It also has a children's playground, Stone Opera Theatre and an overall good place for picnic.
2. Hohensalzburg Fortress:
It is located on top of a mountain and is clearly visible from most of the city. From this famous fortress you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Salzburg city and the Alps. There is also a museum of medieval weapons, executioner chamber and even hosts public concerts in the evenings. It is one of the largest castles in Europe.
3. Mozart's birth house:
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born on 27 January 1756 in this famous house and the house also hosts a popular museum devoted to Mozart's family.
4. Schloss Mirabell:
This has a beautiful castle with gardens and the world's most beautiful wedding hall (Marble Hall).
A famous mountain near the city, tourists can take a cable car which takes them over 1300m to the Geiereck peak.
6. Casino of Salzburg:
Slot machines and other games. It is located in the Schloss Klessheim Palace and was once used by Adolf Hitler.
7. Visit the Salt Mines:
There are many salt mine tours available in the city. The name Salzburg itself means "Salt Castle" because once in the 8th century there were barges carrying salt on the Salzach river.
Other famous tourist attractions include:
Salzburg Zoo, Toy Museum, Museum of Modern Art, Museum of Natural History, Anif Castle, St. Sebastian Cemetery , Salzburg Cathedral, Residenz State Rooms, Salzburger Freilichtmuseum GroBgmain (an open-air museum) and Stiftskirche St. Peter.
