Salzburg, Austria: Travel Guide to Mozart's City and the Hills of The Sound of Music

Salzburg is a Baroque jewel set on the banks of the Salzach River, crowned by a mighty medieval fortress and framed by Alpine peaks. It's the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the setting of the beloved film The Sound of Music and home to one of the world's most prestigious music festivals. With its UNESCO-listed old town, elegant palaces and easy access to lakes and mountains, Salzburg is one of Austria's most enchanting destinations.

Top 5 Must-Visit Attractions in Salzburg

1. Old Town, Getreidegasse and Mozart's Birthplace

Salzburg's Old Town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, thanks to its remarkable Baroque architecture, much of it commissioned by the powerful prince-archbishops who ruled the city for centuries. The lively Getreidegasse is the main shopping street, famous for its ornate wrought-iron guild signs hanging above shop doors. At number 9 stands Mozart's Birthplace, where the composer was born in 1756. Today, it's a museum displaying his childhood violin, family portraits and original letters. Across the river, the Mozart Residence shows where the family later lived. Nearby, the grand Salzburg Cathedral, where Mozart was baptised, impresses with its vast dome and Baroque interior.

Booking tip: Mozart's Birthplace gets very crowded at midday. Book a combined ticket for both Mozart museums online, or join a guided Old Town walking tour on GetYourGuide to learn about the city's history and hidden courtyards.

2. Hohensalzburg Fortress

Towering above the city, Hohensalzburg Fortress is one of the largest fully preserved medieval castles in Europe. Construction began in 1077, and the fortress was expanded over the centuries by the prince-archbishops. Visitors can explore the lavishly decorated Princes' Chambers, with their golden ceilings and intricate woodwork, as well as museums about the fortress's history. The ramparts offer some of the best views of Salzburg, the river and the surrounding Alps. The quickest way up is the FestungsBahn, a funicular that has been running since 1892.

Booking tip: Tickets that include the funicular can be booked online through GetYourGuide. In summer, evening concerts are held in the fortress's historic halls; reserve early, as seats are limited.

3. Mirabell Palace and Gardens

Mirabell Palace was built in 1606 by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich for his companion, Salome Alt. Its elegant Marble Hall is one of the most beautiful wedding venues in the world and hosts regular chamber music concerts. The palace's formal Mirabell Gardens, with flower beds, fountains, mythological statues and the dwarf garden, are free to explore and offer a perfect view of the fortress. Fans of The Sound of Music will recognise the gardens from the famous "Do-Re-Mi" scene.

Booking tip: The gardens are free, but concert tickets in the Marble Hall should be booked in advance through GetYourGuide or the concert organisers.

4. Hellbrunn Palace and the Trick Fountains

Just south of the city, Hellbrunn Palace was built in the early 17th century by Prince-Archbishop Markus Sittikus as a summer residence. Its most famous feature is the Trick Fountains, an ingenious water garden designed to surprise and soak unsuspecting guests. Hidden jets spring from stone seats, statues and grottoes, while water-powered automatons and a mechanical theatre bring the gardens to life. The park also contains the gazebo from The Sound of Music.

Booking tip: The Trick Fountains can only be visited on guided tours, which run regularly from spring to autumn. Book online through GetYourGuide and be prepared to get a little wet.

5. The Sound of Music Tour

The 1965 film The Sound of Music made Salzburg famous around the world, and a Sound of Music tour is one of the most popular experiences in the city. Tours visit filming locations such as Mirabell Gardens, Leopoldskron Palace and the gazebo at Hellbrunn, and often continue into the Salzkammergut lake district, including the church in Mondsee where the wedding scene was filmed. Sing-along buses add to the fun.

Booking tip: Tours fill up quickly in summer. Book on GetYourGuide in advance, and choose between bus, bike or private tours depending on your style.

Practical Travel Tips for Salzburg

Getting Around

• On foot: the Old Town is compact and best explored on foot.
• Buses: Salzburg's trolleybus network connects the city centre with the train station and suburbs.
• The Salzburg Card: includes free public transport and free entry to most attractions, including the fortress, Mozart museums and Hellbrunn.
• Trains: Salzburg is about two and a half hours from Vienna and around one and a half hours from Munich.
• Airport: Salzburg W. A. Mozart Airport is just a short bus ride from the city centre.

Local Culinary Specialties

• Salzburger Nockerl: a sweet soufflé shaped like the three hills surrounding the city.
• Mozartkugel: chocolate balls filled with pistachio marzipan and nougat, first created in Salzburg in 1890.
• Kasnocken: cheesy dumplings topped with crispy onions, an Alpine favourite.
• Augustiner Bräu: a historic monastery brewery and beer hall, where you can fill your own stein in a leafy garden.
• Apfelstrudel and coffee: enjoy them in one of Salzburg's traditional cafés.

Best Time to Visit

• Summer (late July–August): the world-famous Salzburg Festival, with opera, concerts and theatre.
• Spring and autumn: pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.
• Advent (late November–December): charming Christmas markets in the Old Town and at the fortress.

Conclusion: Plan Your Trip to Salzburg

Salzburg combines Baroque splendour, Mozart's legacy, film history and Alpine scenery in one unforgettable city. Whether you're exploring Hohensalzburg Fortress, getting splashed at Hellbrunn or singing along on a Sound of Music tour, it offers something magical for every traveller.

Plan ahead: book your fortress tickets, concerts and tours on GetYourGuide, and get ready to discover the city of Mozart.