Salzburg- 7 things that bring the fairy tale of the pretty Austrian city

07.08.2023.

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Salzburg mostly gets attention because of the fabulous ski centres around, being the city of Mozart. This Austrian city is more than a fairy tale and deserves to be. The artistic note makes it even more enchanting and awakes the spirit of the underrated European city. Salzburg is full of greenery which makes it convenient to visit, enjoy and even base yourself longer.

Strolling through its lovely streets feels like fairy tale along the cute shops, restaurants and bars. The charming Salzach river blends with the surrounding hills into the wonderful painting.

Wolfgangsee and Mondsee are the lakes so close to Salzburg, where the breathtaking scenery awaits. Discover 7 magical things that enrich the invitation to come to pretty Salzburg. If you’re around, you shouldn’t skip the fabulous atmosphere of Salzburg.

1. Mirabell Palace & Gardens which are free to visit

The beautiful Mirabell Palace is the heart of Salzburg and threshold to this lovely city. Unveiling the view to the stunning Hohensalzburg castle, it shines in the Baroque style. Popular by the movie Sound of Music, tourist and locals can enjoy some retreat time in the gorgeous gardens.

Though it’s particularly attractive in the Christmas time, Mirabell Palace is delightful in the spring. You can cozily relax in the lovely Gardens on your way to the pretty historic centre.

It’s really enchanting to visit Mirabell Palace staying in the embrace of marble statues and fountains. Especially in the spring, Mirabell Gardens awaken all senses.

Angel Staircase hold the beauty of Mirabell Palace and Marble Hall hosts the marvelous weddings. Almost every evening you can listen to Mozart’s concert here.

Pegasus fountain and Dwarf garden make marvel more alive.

2. Hohensalzburg and its splendid views of Salzburg

Hohensalzburg is the medieval heart of the town and it takes only 20 minutes to climb here. This lovely fortress defines the image of Salzburg and scatters the stunning views. Taking roots in 1077 the castle got today’s appearance from the early 1500s.

Hohensalzburg lies at the southeast corners of Mönchsberg, one of the five hills of the city. The fortress shows the life as it was once and ticket includes the funicular to go down.

In the courtyard of the fortress stays lovely Church of St. George and the historic organ, known as Salzburg Bull. Fortress Museum is quite impressive demonstrating not only the old weapon but Salzburg in the medieval times. It covers the Gothic furniture, ancient coins, arts and crafts, cooking style and games in the Middle Age.

The splendid views of Salzburg are the highlight of this incredible, one of the oldest fortresses in Europe.

3. The charming streets of Salzburg

The lovely streets of Salzburg absolutely have the captivating effect. Bringing the fairy tale closer, the Old historic town is a busy pedestrian area. Entitled as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it blends the soft colours into the pure artistic vibe. Not only lovely shops, bars and restaurants unveils the charm, but the incredible iron shop signs.

One of the cozy squares, the Alter Markt, hosts several prominent buildings such as the Court Farmacy from 13th century. You can admire the St. Florian Fountain while sitting in Caffe Tomaselli, the oldest caffe in Austria.

Besides the beautiful Cathedral, it’s worth seeing the stunning St. Peter’s Church, which takes roots to the ancient 1143.

Residentzplatz

Residentzplatz is one of the livest squares in Salzburg and one of the largest. Discovering its majestic appearance is pretty easy just by strolling through this gorgeous town. Hosting the various concerts, Christmas Market and New Year’s celebration Residentzplatz becomes the vital core of the city.

Salzburg Carillion is the lovely tower covering 35 bells that play Mozart’s tunes three times a day. Its stunning fountain Residenzbrunnen is an incredible artwork of marble. The Baroque style unites the splendid horses, God Atlas and wonderful dolphins.

Just across the amazing fountain you can notice Salzburg Cathedral and the impressive Residenz Palace. It’s the former Palace of the Prince Bishops. From 1596 to 1619 the Palace was erected and now you can admire its exquisite paintings, ornaments and fireplaces.

The Residentzgallery also stretches inside with the notable collection of paintings.

Old Town Hall

The pretty Salzburg at almost every corner will invite you to take photos. The fabulous streets are not empty to witness the beauty but pouring the tower like Old Town Hall delights even more. Its historic role was significant thanks to the bell in the curfew and as a watchtower. Nowadays it only serves the administrative purpose. The City Gallery on the first floor unveils the cultural charm.

4. Mozart’s eternal presence in Salzburg

What gives Salzburg a special note is the fact that Mozart was born here. You don’t have to be fan, but Mozart was an icone that enriched musical world in numerous ways.

The vibrant Getreidgasse represents the heart of Salzburg and it’s full of lovely shops. Souvenirs dedicated to Mozart are almost at every one and Mozart kugeln the most popular to get. You wouldn’t believe how many flavours of the delicious chocolate balls exist in Salzburg.

The yellow building in this shining street is unmissable, it was here that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in 1756. It’s an awesome feeling to absorb the history of Mozart in the exhibition over three floors. The third floor houses his ancient appartment where Mozart spent  his childhood until the 17th. Learning about Mozart’s life means seeing his first violin, portraits, original letters and compositions.

5. Amazing lakes near Salzburg

When speaking of Salzburg, the most obvious reason to visit this stunning city are the fabulous lakes around. Representing a fantasting opportunity for locals to retreat, these places bring lots of tourist and outdoor enthusiasts.

Most of people opt for Hallstatt, but the treasure of the mountainous country cover many gorgeous lakes. If you’re dreaming about the breathtaking views of Alpine scenery, you don’t even have to take the hiking routes. Wolfgangsee is your ultimate choice to be amazed by natural wonder, only 40 minutes by bus from Salzburg. Surrounded by Fuschlsee, Irsee, Attersee and Mondsee this area is a necklace of outstanding charm.

From the pretty St. Gilgen village take the cable car and admire the scenery from Zwolferhorn mountain.

The lake district of Austria or Salzkammergut hides the incredible pearls of 76 lakes. Mondsee holds the main touristic attraction thanks to the movie Sound of music.

Even the popular Zell am See is not too far.

Hiking opportunities

Whether you decide to explore Zwolfernhorn or Schafberg to discover lakes in the horizon, another set of possibilities arise. You can take day trips from Salzburg or base yourself in any of the lake towns.

Actually, taking a hiking route from St. Gilgen is the most obvious choice if you want to hike around Salzburg. Zwolfernhorn mountain bursts with delight taking you in only about 3h up while it’s not too challenging.

Fuschlsee is another popular destination towards St. Gilgen and hiking to Eibensee gives plenty of marvel. With the Drachenwand mountain in the background you’ll reach the highest level of amazement.

Untersberg & Wolfschwangalm Nature Park stretches at the threshold of the city, starting at Grödig/ St. Leonard station. Untersberg is also a natural border between Austria and Germany.

Gaisberg can easily be reached by foot from Salzburg, more closely starting at Gnigl. Most of the trails require 2-3 hours to complete bringing the splendid Alpine panorama.

6. Hills of Salzburg

Being so green as a main advantage, Salzburg is such a cozy city to visit. Surrounded by the melodic hills (just like the Mozart’s music), it brings inspiring moments.

Mönchsberg

Mönchsberg embraces the old town and provides the shine to splendid Hohensalzburg fortress. The entire hike is about an hour and you can reach it either from funicular or Nonnberg stairs. Starting at Müllner Schanze the hike covers the entire mountain.

Kapuzinerberg

Kapuzinerberg stands opposite to the delightful Mönchsberg taking the whole town in the lovely postcard. With the entrance at Steingasse (preferable) or Linzergasse you can stroll in the 2h wonder where nature takes the rule. Passing the monastering you’ll reach the old fortress turned into the restaurant at the top.

7. Hellbrunn Palace

A marvelous Baroque palace deserves your attention, even if it’s located a bit outside of the city centre. Built in only 3 years- from 1612 to 1615- it’s a popular place nowadays due to the trick fountains. Christmas market also gathers lots of people to the special atmosphere.

Hellbrunn Palace was a summer residence of the prince-archbishop of Salzburg Markus Sittikus. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to visit it.

Trick fountains are so fun as the visitors can get a sudden shower by the hidden statue and bench. The Palace is home to the stunning Mechanical Theatre which functions by the jet of water. It contains more than 200 wood craving and a lovely grotto.

Nestled in the lovely garden Hellbrunn Palace will offer you relaxing moments in gazebo from the Sound of Music.

Salzburg in spring

When nature awakens and warmer weather arrives, spring appears as a perfect time to visit Salzburg. Being enchanting anytime, Salzburg becomes even more magical during the blossom time. Though quieter than in winter, Salzburg unveils the true fairy tale atmosphere.

Even April can be unpredictable, but May shines with lots of possibilities to realise your mountain dreams.

I was so happy to marvel the beautiful wisteria that pours secretly in Mirabell Gardens.

Spring is a time of festivals that celebrate blossoms and warmer weather too. It’s the time to discover local markets as agriculture plays an important role in Austria.

The benefits of Salzburg Card

If you want to know Salzburg a bit deeper, you should consider to buy a Salzburg Card. Many of attractions like Hellbrunn Palace, Untersberg Cable Car, Mozart Birthplace and even the river cruise stay within. You will also get a free transport in city centre, being valid for 24, 48 and 72 hours.

To experience the spirit of Salzburg only, you don’t need a Salzburg Card. Hohensalzburg Fortress is your best choice within the Salzburg Card as it covers the delightful views.

Where to stay

Meininger Hostel– with cozy rooms and possibility to cook your own food, it’s an awesome budget choice. It’s located in Gnigl area, close to many supermarkets and about 30 minutes to the city centre by foot.

Altstadthotel Kasererbräu– is a mid-budget hotel in the heart of Salzburg, beautifully decorated in the historical style.

Astoria Hotel– is a 3-star hotel not far from the Old town

H-Hotel Salzburg– lovely and mid-budget hotel near the train station

Hotel Sacher Salzburg– the historic and most luxurious hotel in the city

Final thoughts

Salzburg dwells in the musical sweetness not only because of Mozart, but thanks to the Sound of Music movie. With the picturesque atmosphere and lovely streets, it’s so cozy to enjoy Salzburg. It’s a city to choose not only because of the outdoors possibilities around, but the prettiness it conveys.

I hope you will discover Salzburg to the fullness next time in Austria, not just pass by it.

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