Mozart's City of Salzburg
Cultural and shopping excursion
Approximately 51km away
The 4th largest city in Austria and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, Salzburg is considered to one of the most beautiful cities in the world with its many baroque domes and churches.
Its fame is thanks to the composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart who was born in 1756 in the city and its wealth thanks to salt which gave the city, the region and the river it's name.
Few other cities are so decorated with baroque churches like Salzburg. The large number of churches in the city, whose beauty is always influencing the residents, has earned Salzburg the title "German Rome".
Hohensalzburg Fortress, the most famous landmark was built in 1077 by Archbishop Gebhard and its perimeter later extended by Archbishop Leonhard von Keutschach (1495-1519). It is the largest preserved castle in mid Europe. The castle fell into disuse at the end of the 19th century; many sources have since revived and preserved the historic building.
During the 1st world war the music festival association was founded, who must look after all Mozart's music. In 1920 the first music festival took place with Hugo von Hofsmannthals "Jedermann" on the Domplatz. Since then a festival takes place every year in July and August and welcomes thousands of culture lovers.
The city's mountains serve as viewpoints in both in winter and summer. Many small but well maintained routes lead up to the Mönchsberg, Rainberg, Nonnberg and the Kapuzinerberg where visitors can enjoy the peace and quiet. The view over the sea of rooftops stimulates "ohhs" and "ahhs" every time.
A visit to Hellbrunn castle just outside the city should not be forgotten. Features include the castle itself and grounds, the unique water games and the large park. The castle has been a retreat and an entertainment location for Salzburg´s richest and their guests for over 400 years. Highly recommended is the advent market in the castle grounds.
Mirabell castle with its baroque gardens, Mozart's birth house in the Getriedegasse as well as Salzburgs' many beer gardens and cafes are all worth a visit. Make sure you read up on any entertainment or events scheduled in the city during your visit.
A short history
A main town and trading post during the reign of Emperor Claudius (41 - 54 AD) Abandoned during a mass emigration and repopulated from Bavaria at the beginning of the 6th century. It was then given as a gift to the Bavarian duke Theodo and to Rupert. Then began the reign of the bishops. Rupert founded the St Peter and Nonnberg monasteries in 696. Under the bishops, princes and chaplains the Festung Hohensalzburg was built and the city was established as a baroque residence. In 1916 Salzburg became part of Austria and in 1920 the capital of the state of Salzburg.