Salzburg

Just across the Austrian border, this UNESCO World Heritage city is famous as the birthplace of Mozart and the setting for The Sound of Music. Its baroque architecture, fortress overlooking the Salzach River, and gemütlich atmosphere make it a beloved day trip.

Things to do

• Hohensalzburg Fortress — Perched 500 meters above the city, this 11th-century hilltop fortress offers panoramic views of Salzburg and the Alps, accessible by funicular railway.
• Mozart's Birthplace — Visit the yellow townhouse at Getreidegasse 9 where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in 1756, now a museum displaying his instruments and manuscripts.
• Mirabell Palace and Gardens — This opulent baroque palace features the famous Pegasus Fountain and manicured gardens, and serves as a filming location for The Sound of Music.
• Salzburg Cathedral — A masterpiece of baroque architecture built in 1628, this dome-topped cathedral dominates Domplatz and impresses visitors with its stunning interior frescoes and organ.
• Getreidegasse Shopping Street — This charming narrow medieval lane lined with traditional shops, cafés, and wrought-iron signs is the atmospheric heart of Salzburg's Old Town.
• Sound of Music Tour — Guided excursion visiting filming locations from the classic film, including the gazebo and Villa Trapp family residence.
• St. Peter's Cemetery — Austria's oldest monastery cemetery features baroque gravesites nestled against a cliff face, offering quiet contemplation beneath the fortress.

Food to try

• Salzburger Nockerl — Three fluffy sweet soufflé dumplings dusted with powdered sugar, served with plum compote, this is the city's signature dessert symbolizing the three hills of Salzburg.
• Bosna — A spicy grilled sausage seasoned with caraway and mustard, typically eaten standing at outdoor stalls and essential to the Salzburg street food experience.
• Erdäpfelpuffer — Crispy potato pancakes served with applesauce or herb cream, a hearty local specialty found in traditional gasthouses.
• Kasnocken — Cheese-filled egg noodle dumplings baked with breadcrumbs and onions, this rich dish exemplifies Salzburg's alpine comfort food tradition.
• Apfelstrudel mit Vanillesoße — Warm apple strudel served with vanilla cream sauce, a classic Austrian pastry that pairs perfectly with coffee in any Salzburg café.

Local customs & good to know

• Greet with handshakes and formal titles — Use Herr or Frau with surnames until invited to do otherwise, and greet shopkeepers with Guten Tag when entering stores, as informality is considered impolite.
• Respect the gemütlich pace — Salzburgers value relaxation and lingering conversation, so allow extra time for meals and interactions rather than rushing through experiences.
• Visit during festival season if possible — The Salzburg Festival in summer brings world-class music and theater; if not attending, expect larger crowds and book accommodations well in advance.
• Cash is still preferred — While cards are accepted, many smaller shops and cafés prefer cash payments, so carry euros for seamless transactions throughout the city.