I always wanted to go to Austria for a long weekend getaway and Salzburg was a good place to break out of the routine. Salzburg offered all the culture, adventure, and relaxation the town had with its rich musical history and breathtaking mountain landscapes. For those planning their own visit, here is a quick recap of our trip, with tips and highlights for anyone.
Arrival and Accommodation
Fly into Salzburg from Gatwick, arrange an Alamo Rentals car yourself, and it was a breeze. A short 40-minute drive by the city center led us to get off the Salzach River to arrive at Villa Sissi, a charming boutique hotel.
We received a warm welcome at Villa Sissi. The lovely host, Elizabeth, sheathed a beaming smile and offered us a choice of rooms. She posted a full Salzburg map, circled with recommendations for everything from tourist hotspots to hidden gems.
Exploring Salzburg: Mozart’s Legacy
Salzburg is synonymous with Mozart, the city’s famous son, and Fortress Hohensalzburg. Mozart’s legacy lives in every corner, but the fortress looms above and all around.
Mozart’s Birthplace
One man’s influence is everywhere from Mozart statues, museums, and all things chocolate. We visited his birth house in the city center, the latest three-story building chronicling some of the composer’s early life. Ironically, Mozart himself hated Salzburg and could not wait to get away to Vienna (where he ultimately ended up before his tragically premature death at 35).
The museum gives you a small look into his life, but the opportunity was missed, given that Mozart’s music is not playing in the museum’s background. I was a paying visitor, and I could not help wondering if his masterpieces would have served as both an inspiration and a fitting cohesive end to the space if they had been softly playing.
Mozart Chocolates
Mozart is part of the city’s obsession with chocolates, but we cannot believe that Mozart once had anything to do with confectionery in the 18th century. These are fun so that you can get even more lost in Mozart’s mania.
Fortress Hohensalzburg
The Hohensalzburg Fortress is a must-see landmark. It stands high above the city, with stunning views and fascinating history. The fortress was built to be impregnable, but as it grew over centuries, adding walls and defenses, it became increasingly harder to breach. When Napoleon arrived, the keys were given over without objection. The mightiest fortresses could be taken without a struggle.
The fortress is very large for one to see in one day. Surprisingly, the food presented there was much better than I expected, making it a good place to go at midday for a meal.
Hiking and Day Trips
Salzburg is the perfect base for all things outdoor adventures. The surrounding area has abundant trails, should you be a hiking enthusiast.
Dachstein Hike
The somber history of the Dachstein hike: it is a beautiful trail. It is known for a 1954 disaster where 13 people lost their lives.
Altaussee Lake
Our favorite hike was around Altaussee Lake. Circling on foot takes about two hours, and it is a very serene place. We stopped along the way at Jagdhaussee Wiese, famous for its starring role in the James Bond film Spectre. The fish were caught in their lake, and wild mushrooms were foraged from the surrounding forest.
Shopping and Dining in Salzburg
Salzburg’s shopping scene is not too exciting, but it is standard with some good Austrian fashion brands. It is situated on the Eastern Highway of Austria. Shopping was not the highlight of our trip, and my partner found some best swimwear bargains at Palmers.
It was a delight to dine there. You cannot go far without seeing Austrian sausages at every corner. Remember to take cash with you because many places still take cash over cards.
Happy hour cocktails can be found at several bars, and Stiegl beer is the local favorite for drinks. Prices were incredibly cheap, so going out at night was never a hard task, and you could always manage it without worrying you broke the bank.
Weather and Practical Tips
Salzburg is warm and humid, with rare rain in July. Comfortable shoes are best for exploring the city and its hiking trails.
Final Words
It takes four days to see Salzburg and explore its surrounding countryside. With Hohensalzburg Fortress’s rich, historic past and Altaussee Lake’s more serene beauty, Salzburg has something for everyone.
We will be based in Salzburg and use it to explore more of Austria’s excellent hiking trails. We might next visit Herenhof Castle, featured in Where Eagles Dare and Regale Floren, the local guide.
Salzburg is small, but its charm, history, and proximity to natural wonders certainly merit an unwanted memory. If you are planning your own trip, I recommend you go for the mix of culture and adventure and do not forget to taste the sausages!
Jackson Reed is an avid traveler and adventure seeker, sharing tips and stories from around the globe to inspire your next journey.
