Austria’s secret beer capital

You obviously know the year 1492 for its significance in the discovery of the New World. For Salzburg residents, the year has a more tasty meaning: In 1492 Stiegl Bier opened the first brewery in town. Since then Salzburg has developed not only a taste for beer, but also a vibrant beer culture. Stiegl Bier is still around, as are three more breweries in the city.

Beer gardens and pubs dot the cityscape. One of the local favorites is the Augustiner Bräustübl – a cathedral like hall, dating back to the 17th century, with Austria’s largest beer garden as its backyard. Grab a beer stein and have it filled with the in-house Augustiner brew. Do as the locals do and have it with peppery radishes, Pretzels, all kinds of sausages, ribs and cured fish. Since most breweries only offer community tables, this is also the perfect place to mingle and get the inside scoop of the city from the locals.