The Austrian city of Salzburg is especially attractive to tourists looking for an alpine destination, no matter if it’s in winter or summer. A popular holiday destination with plenty on offer for visitors of all ages, the Austrian fortress boasts from outdoor attractions, that include the Hohe Tauern National Park, to the old town center, often referred to as the “Baroque Jewel” of Europe.

The city’s past lives on today

Salzburg has a time-honored cultural history, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who was born here, typifies the finest in classical music tradition. Today it lives on at the Mozarteum University of Music and Arts and the world-famous Salzburg Festival, which has attracted thousands of music lovers from around the globe since its inception in 1920. Major theatrical presentations are also part of the festival, and perhaps the most popular is the performance of the centuries-old mystery play “Everyman” at the Cathedral Square.

Salzburg’s finest

Schloss Hellbrunn, which was one the archbishop’s summer palace, is surrounded by beautiful gardens and interesting fountains, and it also has a playground for children with swings and a wading pool. You might even decide to have a picnic here, or go for a nice walk along the green with your family.

Situated on a mountain top, the Hohensalzburg Fortress provides scenic views of both the city and the Alps. Once you are inside, you can visit the museum and view exhibits of medieval weapons and torture instruments and depictions of life at the fortress, and concerts that are open to the public are frequently scheduled in the evening.

The home that was Mozart’s birthplace (the Getreidegasse) is now a well-known museum devoted to the composer and his family where you can view some interesting letters and memorabilia related to the composer.

Located next to the Mozarteum along the Salzach River, the Schloss Mirabell is a beautiful castle from another time. Along with its gardens, you can visit the Marble Hall, considered by many to be the loveliest wedding hall in the world.

On a cliff that overlooks the old town, the Salzburg Museum of Modern Art houses international art on a rotating basis and contemporary works dating from 1900 to the present day that should be part of anyone’s visit here.

You will also want to see St. Peter’s Church and cemetery, and the small chapels offer a nice view of the city. The catacombs that have been carved into the side of a nearby cliff are also quite remarkable.

The Salzburg Zoo is located in the southern part of Salzburg, and it is open every day of the year. There is also a children’s petting zoo, and the on-site restaurant that serves traditional Austrian cuisine.

The Toy Museum, which opened in 1978, contains the largest collection of European toys in the country, and a puppet show of longstanding is performed here on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon.

Not sure about you, but we’re craving a long weekend vacation to Salzburg!

Images courtesy of nagesh kamath, joiseyshowaa, wiki, jpskoubo, adobemac, thisisbossi, c_pichler, thisisbossi,bortescristian, johannesmeyer

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