Salzburg in Summer
Holidays in the city of Mozart
The Salzach River flows leisurely through the centre of Salzburg, dividing the city into the romantic, historic Old Town and the bustling New Town, as Hohensalzburg Fortress towers above the rooftops on Festungsberg hill. Close to the centre yet far from the hustle and bustle of the city, Mönchsberg Mountain is a popular nature retreat with spectacular views and an extensive network of walking paths.
Mozart and musical heritage
Concerts, museums, and the annual Mozart Festival make this UNESCO World Heritage city a global centre for outstanding musical performances. After all, Salzburg is inextricably linked with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and his musical work continues to shape the city to this day. You'll encounter Salzburg's most famous son wherever you go: There is Salzburg Cathedral, where Mozart was baptised, Mozart's birthplace in the picturesque Getreidegasse alley and Mozart's residence, where the composer lived for eight years. Events such as Mozart Week and classical concerts are a mainstay in Salzburg's calendar.
The Salzburg Card includes free admission to all sights and museums, free use of public transport and discounts at locations throughout the city.
Meet Salzburg
Top highlights
Activities in and around Salzburg
Traditional and smart
Dirndl dresses, lederhosen and "Joppe" jackets used to be the traditional dress of Salzburg's rural population. Today, the traditional costume ("Tracht") is worn both in the city and countryside to a wide variety of special occasions and traditional events, which is reflected in the numerous traditional costume tailors and shops in Salzburg.
Walk, hike, enjoy
Salzburg is nestled between several mountains, which are ideal for hikes and walks. Whether a leisurely afternoon walk or a challenging day tour, Salzburg's "city mountains" ("Stadtberge") offer a sensational panoramic view of the old town, the Salzach river and the surrounding area.
Gaisberg and Untersberg mountains (the latter of which is accessible by cable car) are popular for multi-day trips with an overnight stay at a mountain hut. Festungsberg hill, as well as the neighbouring Mönchsberg and Kapuzinerberg mountains, are ideal for an easier family walk.
Top events
Famous personalities
In the Trapp family's footsteps
The Trapp family is a legendary part of Salzburg, yet many stories remain unknown. Did you know they lost their fortune in 1933, prompting Maria von Trapp to dismiss the servants and move her family into their quarters? Her former home was rented out, and when a guest heard her children singing, he encouraged them to enter a folk music competition. This moment marked the beginning of the journey that inspired "The Sound of Music," one of the most successful musicals of all time.
"The Sound of Music" has given us timeless classics like "Edelweiss," "Do-Re-Mi," and "My Favourite Things," songs still passed down through generations. Visitors from around the globe trace the film's footsteps in Salzburg, from the stunning Rococo-style Leopoldskron Palace to the beautiful Mirabell Gardens.
A visit to Salzburg becomes a journey through time as you stroll through the city and explore the film's locations. Tip: book a "The Sound of Music" tour to immerse yourself in the Trapp family's history.
Food and drink in Salzburg
Recipes
Unique places to stay
Making cities sustainable
Salzburg and other Austrian cities emphasise the preservation of historic buildings and monuments. This is done not only for cultural reasons, but also contributes to climate protection. How so?
Preserving historic buildings can help save resources. When existing buildings are preserved, fewer new construction projects are necessary.
The preservation of historic buildings can strengthen regional identity and enrich the cultural offering, playing an important socio-cultural role.
Many historic buildings were originally built from natural materials, often sourced in the region. When restoring buildings, efforts are made to use these materials in order to preserve their character.
On an ecological level, fewer new buildings contribute to animals' and plants' habitat protection.