CTW Explores
Salzburg
Country: Austria Language: German Currency: Euro (€)
Salzburg is an alluring, colorful and lively Austrian city set against a mountain backdrop, creating a picture perfect scene. Any Sound of Music fan will know that the hills are alive, being the home of filming for many of the iconic scenes. Read our post on the Sound of Music Guide of Salzburg for detailed filming locations! Salzburg certainly has plenty more to offer for those not interested in the von Trapp family, with its rich history, breathtaking natural scenery and overwhelming charm. As the home to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the brilliant and influential composer, the city has influence engraved into its streets. While in Salzburg, enjoy a cold Austrian beer, shop for souvenirs at the many local craft shops, and feel moved by the fact that you are roaming the same streets as Mozart and Julie Andrews.
CTW Must See
Hohensalzburg Castle
Sitting atop a hill in Salzburg is Hohensalzburg Castle. The name translates to ‘High Salzburg Fortress’, and can be seen from almost any spot in Salzburg. The original walls of the fortress date back to 1077. The fortress is open to visitors all year and can be accessed by foot or by the funicular (Festungsbahn) at the bottom of the hill. The views from the top are gorgeous and the history that has been built into the fortress is unmistakeable. If you take the funicular to the top, then we’d recommend you walk down, as you can pass by the Nonnberg Abbey. Nonnberg Abbey is a historic location and a Sound Of Music filming location!
St. Peter’s Cemetery
Petersfriedhof, or St. Peter’s Cemetery dates back to about 700 AD, with the oldest tombstone reading 1288. It is one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world, and undoubtedly has kept up its appearance to appease Sound of Music fans visiting Salzburg. Tucked into the stone wall of Mönchsberg, the cemetery is free to visit, but the catacombs will cost a small fee.
Kapitelplatz
At the entrance of St. Peter’s Cemetery, you’ll find Kapitelplatz, one of the largest Baroque squares in Salzburg. This square affords impressive views looking up to the Hohensalzburg Castle. Kapitelplatz features many historic buildings, including one of two Horse Wells found in Salzburg, but the most dominant attraction of the square is the modern sculpture by Stephan Balkenhol called ‘Sphaera’. This tall sculpture shows a man standing on a golden globe. Below the globe, there is a life-sized chess board, where many locals and tourists can be found enjoying a relaxing game.
Salzburg Cathedral
This gorgeous Baroque cathedral is a grand cathedral at the base of the Hohensalzburg Castle. Its origins date back to 774, when St. Rupert founded the church. Unfortunately, a couple of fires destroyed the church, but it was rebuilt each time, with the date of each reconstruction carved into its facade. Salzburg Cathedral is the christening place of Mozart, and still holds the font that was used for this occasion.
Residenzplatz
Residenzplatz stands in the place of over 50 medieval buildings that were torn down to build this square. One of the main features of the square is the stunning Baroque Fountain; it is considered one of the largest of its kind in Central Europe. As you can probably guess, Residenzplatz is another popular Sound of Music scene, and it is also a popular square for major events in Salzburg, like the Salzburg Christmas Market.
Mozartplatz
Mozartplatz is home to the iconic Mozart Monument and the Salzburg Museum. The Mozart Monument stands in the center of the rectangular square and was erected in honor of the composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The monument was presented to Mozartplatz in 1842, with both of Mozart’s surviving sons present, making the monument even more noteworthy. The Salzburg Museum is located between Mozartplatz and Residenzplatz, and is where visitors can learn more about Salzburg’s culture and history.
Mozart’s Birthplace
Mozart was born on the 3rd floor of No. 9 of Getreidegasse and lived here for the first 13 years of his life. His former home, now a museum, gives visitors an insight into Mozart's early days, including his first violin. The museum spans multiple floors, revealing the understanding of Mozart’s life.
Alter Markt
Alter Markt, another large square in Salzburg, has been used as a farmers' market since its origin. The colorful square holds the St. Florian Fountain in its center. This marble fountain was built in 1488, and is framed beautifully by the tall, classic buildings that surround it. In Alter Markt, visit the farmers' market, if one is on, or enjoy a coffee while sitting beside the smallest house in Salzburg!
Pferdeschwemme (Horse Well)
Pferdeschwemme, translating to ‘horse well’, is Salzburg’s other remaining horse well. It dates back to the 17th century and was used as a bathing station for the prince-archbishop's horses. The horse well displays an impressive statue of the “Horse Tamer” and is backed by many beautiful paintings of horses. Sound of Music fans will recognize this building as part of Maria’s adventure into the city with the von Trapp children!
Mönchsberg Lift - Museum der Moderne Salzburg
Mönchsberg Lift is the convent elevator that will take you to the top of the Mönchsberg cliff. You will have to pay a small price for the lift, but we think the cost is well-worth it for the striking views of Salzburg. Connected to the Mönchsberg Lift is the Museum der Moderne. This museum holds a large collection of modern and contemporary art, and opened in 1983.
Mirabell Palace & Gardens
Mirabell Palace was built in 1606 for the prince-archbishop Wolf Dietrich Raitenau who supposedly grew sick in his later years and wanted a place to live outside the cobbled laneways of the Old Town. Surrounding the palace is the enchanting Mirabell Gardens. These remarkable Baroque gardens display incredibly rich green colors in the summer, with perfectly trimmed hedges, and a multitude of flowers to adore. The Mirabell Gardens played a major role in the Sound of Music and you will most likely see people recreating scenes from the movie throughout the gardens.
More European Adventures...
Salzburg is one of Central Europe's most popular cities. If you love Salzburg, then you might love these other destinations!
Venice
Budapest
Madrid
