AustriaSalzburg is a baroque jewel box cradled between two green hills and split by the fast green Salzach, small enough to cross on foot in half an hour yet dense with domes, squares and Mozart. The Altstadt on the left bank is a UNESCO warren of marble churches, arcaded courtyards and the famous wrought-iron shop signs of Getreidegasse, all watched over by the vast Hohensalzburg fortress on its rock. Approach it slowly: ride or climb up to the fortress at opening, then let the day drift through the cathedral square, St Peter's abbey and the Mirabell gardens where The Sound of Music was filmed. Eat the local way, a Bosna sausage from a hole in the wall, apple strudel in a wood-panelled cafe, veal and dumplings in a vaulted Gasthaus, and drink self-poured litres of beer under the chestnut trees at Augustiner. Many shops close on Sundays and churches pause for services, so plan around them. Give yourself time for the surrounding lakes, salt mines and Alps, and Salzburg rewards you twice over.
Day plans
Pick your trip length. The full 1-day plan is free, members unlock the 3 and 7-day plans.
The first cars beat the coach groups; buy the combined ticket, tour the Golden Hall and princes' rooms, then circle the ramparts for the panorama before walking the ramp back down.
The rococo church and cliffside catacombs sit right below the fortress; the catacombs open on the hour, so time your entry and keep voices low as it is a working monastery.
Step inside the free cathedral to see where Mozart was baptised, then pause at the baroque fountain on Residenzplatz; entry to the Dom is by donation.
