Area Description: Baedeker describes Salzburg, Austria as "both architecturally and scenically one of the most beautiful cities in Europe," while the Michelin Green Guide claims that "an indefinable charm makes Salzburg, over which hovers the shade of its most famous son, Mozart, a city beloved of the Gods." No matter what adjectives you use, Salzburg is one of the prettiest cities you're likely to encounter in your European travels--especially if you spend most of your time in the Altstadt on the left bank of the Salzach River, which probably has more masterpieces of Baroque architecture per hectare than any other city on Earth. The town, which has a population of 145,000, lies beneath the cliffs of the Moenchsberg, a rocky hill that is topped by the massive fortress of the Hohensalzburg. The Altstadt is tucked into the space between the cliffs and the left bank of the river; on the other side of the river, the city becomes inc ... [Read More]

Area Description: Baedeker describes Salzburg, Austria as "both architecturally and scenically one of the most beautiful cities in Europe," while the Michelin Green Guide claims that "an indefinable charm makes Salzburg, over which hovers the shade of its most famous son, Mozart, a city beloved of the Gods." No matter what adjectives you use, Salzburg is one of the prettiest cities you're likely to encounter in your European travels--especially if you spend most of your time in the Altstadt on the left bank of the Salzach River, which probably has more masterpieces of Baroque architecture per hectare than any other city on Earth. The town, which has a population of 145,000, lies beneath the cliffs of the Moenchsberg, a rocky hill that is topped by the massive fortress of the Hohensalzburg. The Altstadt is tucked into the space between the cliffs and the left bank of the river; on the other side of the river, the city becomes increasingly modern as it sprawls from the Mirabell Castle and its gardens to the shops and offices near the railroad station. When to come Salzburg is pleasant at any time of year, although November can be a bit drab. My own favorite time is the Advent season, when snow, holiday music, and the Christmas markets make the town irresistible. TIP: Bring an umbrella. Salzburg is famous for its "string rain," a drenching rain that can occur at any time of year. (Fortunately, Salzburg has enough indoor attractions that you can find plenty to do if the weather turns nasty.) How to reach Salzburg Salzburg is located on the Austrian-German border, about two hours from Munich and three hours from Vienna by train. It has a modern and efficient airport with flights from London Gatwick, Amsterdam, Zuerich, and other major European gateways. If you're driving, you'll probably arrive on the Autobahn from Germany, which may can be clogged by traffic jams on weekends in late summer, at Easter, and during ski season. (TIP: If you're staying in the old town or just visiting for the day, park in the cavelike underground garages that have been blasted out of the Moenchsberg. From the Autobahn, take the Innsbrucker Bundestrasse toward the city until you reach the Neutorstrasse, which leads to the garage entrances by the Neutor.) How much time to spend I recommend spending at least 10 days in Salzburg, or even longer if you'd like to take day trips to the surrounding countryside. Save money with the Salzburg Card Salzburg City Tourist Information offers a Salzburg Card that includes admission to various museums, churches, the zoo, etc. It also entitles the holder to reductions on other local tours and private excursions, and it includes unlimited use of the local transport system. What to see in Salzburg Your personal tastes and available time will dictate your choice of sightseeing activities, but here are a few ideas to get you started: Schloss Klessheim Palace. Near the apartment, just about four kilometres west of Salzburg's town centre, you will find the impressive Schloss Klessheim Palace, a wonderful Baroque gem of the region surrounded by magnificent gardens and pleasure grounds. The best thing about Schloss Klessheim Palace is the fact that it houses Salzburg's only Casino. If you are older than 18, we recommend a visit in the evenings, to enjoy one of the nicest Casino venues in central Europe! Schloss Klessheim Palace was also used for a number of movies, some featuring stars like Jack Lemmon, Toni Curtis and Peter Falk. Near Schloss Klessheim Palace in the palace gardens is a beautiful traditional GOLF course, integrated between very old stock of trees. Golf has here its very own character between quietude, elegance, tradition and nature- simply worthwhile. In 2000 the course was completely re-designed by Robert Trent Jones II. Hohensalzburg. Parts of this castle date back to 1077, and the prince-archbishops of Salzburgs lived here until the late 15th Century. The Festung (fortress) is 120 meters or 400 feet above the river, so it provides great views of the city. Admission tickets and guided tours are available year-round. You can reach the Hohensalzburg via a funicular in the Festungsgasse, on foot from the Kapitelplatz, from the Nonnberg Convent, or from paths along the top of the Moenchsberg (which is accessible via an elevator to the Museum of Modern Art, which you'll find in the Gstaettengasse). Domplatz and Cathedral. Salzburg's Dom was built in the 1600s. The style is Italian Renaissance with an overlay of Baroque. Check the cathedral schedule for musical performances; you may be able to enjoy a first-rate choir concert just be attending a high mass. St. Peter's Church and Cemetery. This handsome church dates back to the 12th Century, although the layout and decor were updated during the Baroque era. The graveyard next to the church is also worth a visit, and hourly Catacombs tours are scheduled from May through September. Mozart-Wohnhaus. The composer's birthplace and childhood home in the Getreidegasse is an obligatory stop for Mozart fans; it's almost certain to be crowded during high season. Residenz. The prince-archbishops lived here after they gave up their digs in the Hohensalzburg fortress. You can visit the art gallery, take a guided tour of the State Rooms (in German), or buy a combination ticket for both. Festspielhaeuser. The Large Festival Hall, Small Festival Hall, and Felsenreitschule (Rocky Riding School) are the primary venues for the Salzburg Festival. Concerts take place in the indoor halls throughout the year. Visit the ticket office for schedules and tours. Trachtenmuseum. The term "Trachten" encompasses the regional costumes worn in many parts of Austria. In Salzburg, Dirndl dresses and men's traditional suits are still popular, and you'll see beautiful examples of the former at local concerts and other events. The Costume Museum in the Grisgasse has examples of Salzburg clothing from the 18th Century to the present day. Spielzeug Museum (im Buergerspital). The Salzburg Toy Museum, located in a former hospital, is small but interesting. It has modern toys for the kids to play with while the grown-ups ooh and aah over antique trains and dolls. Hellbrunn Palace. You can reach this castle by bus #55 from the train station or the eastern edge of the old city; get a map and directions from the Tourist Office. An afternoon outing to Hellbrunn is pleasant in summertime, when you can enjoy the mechanical theatre and trick fountains in the palace gardens. A zoo is next door. TIPS: You'll need a good city map to find your way around; the Michelin Green Guide to Austria has a fairly decent map, and you can obtain a free map from the tourist office.)