Salzburg

Nestled between the northern foothills of the Alps and the German border, you’ll find the picturesque and historically important city of Salzburg.

The city’s name literally translates to ‘salt castle’ which derives from the salt barges which would transport salt into the city on the River Salzach in the 8th century. Yet it’s not just its name which provides insight into its history, for this city is one of the best-preserved cities, north of the Alps and one of the largest fully preserved medieval castles in Europe, Hohensalzburg Fortress, sits high above the city commanding the attention of every visitor.

Salzburg is also known for its excellent gothic and baroque architecture, such as Hellbrunn Palace as well as the imposing domed Salzburg Cathedral, which acts as the city’s centrepiece.

To some however, one house holds greater sacredness. That is the birthplace of Wolfgang Mozart, found under the golden archways of traditional shop signs amongst the old character houses of Getreidegasse, the busy shopping street in the old town.

A couple of centuries after the birth of Mozart, the city also gained further international fame thanks to the musical Von Trapp Family, which inspired the 1965 film, The Sound of Music which was set in the city with several scenes being filmed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the 17th century Mirabell Palace and Gardens found north of the River Salzach.

So beautiful and pristine, the entirety of this city feels almost like an extension of palatial grounds, or the imaginings of a fairy-tale. The backdrop of the city is the mountains of Monchsberg and Kapuzinerberg, which infuse greenery into every part of the city so you’ll never feel too far from nature.

Filled with culture and history and at one with the nature that surrounds it, Salzburg is certainly the jewel of Austria.