Hohensalzburg Fortress
The 11th-century Hohensalzburg Castle stands on a rocky outcrop approximately 394ft (120m) above the city. Although originally built by Archbishop Gebhard to repel attacks from the neighbouring Bavarians, the present-day fortress was largely rebuilt in the early 16th century by Archbishop Leonhard Von Keutschach who added the grand state apartments. Visitors can walk around the courtyard and outskirts of the fortress at no cost unless they take the guided tour around the state apartments. The tour finishes at two small museums (this is optional) that display a selection of weapons, uniforms and armour together with instruments of torture - such as the Schandmasken - which petty criminals had to don as punishment for their crimes.
Address: Mönchsberg 34
Telephone: (0)662 842 430-11
Transport: It is possible to walk, or there is a funicular
Opening time: Open daily 9.30am to 5pm (October to April), 9am to 7pm (May to September)
Admission: Fortress Card €10.50 (adults), €6 (children 6-14 years); other concessions available
St Peter's Abbey
If you only have time to visit one of Salzburg's many churches, make sure its the 9th century St Peter's Abbey Church (Stiftkirche St Peter), one of Salzburg's most impressive Rococo buildings. The Peterskirche was built at the beginning of the 18th century on the foundations of the former church, which was founded in 792. The ornate interior is more impressive than the exterior with high marble pillars and a magnificent frescoed ceiling. The ancient catacombs that were carved into the rock face by the early Christian inhabitants are accessible only through a short guided tour.
Telephone: (0)662 844 576
Transport: Bus 5, 6, 55
Opening time: Open daily 6.30am to 7pm (April to September), 6.30am to 6pm (October to March)
Admission: Free
Mozart's Birthplace
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in 1756 at his family's home in Getreidegasse. The house has since been converted into a museum displaying exhibits which include the violin played by Mozart as a child, his concert violin and clavichord, a pianoforte and various portraits. The museum was first opened in1880, by the International Mozart Foundation, and restored in 1994.
Address: Getreidegasse 9
Telephone: (0)662 844 313
Opening time: September to June, 9am to 6pm; July to August, 9am to 7pm
Admission: €5.50 (adult) and €1.50 (child)
Salzkammergut Lakes
The Salzkammergut is a lake area spanning Upper Austria, Salzburg and Styria, and was formerly home to the salt mines of the Hapsburg Empire. The many lakes and mountains in the region lend themselves well to a variety of activities such as bathing, golf and hiking, as well as relaxing at the beautiful shore and hillside retreats. Take some time out to enjoy the local kaiserschmarrn (sugared pancakes with raisins), lebkuchen (gingerbread) and krapfen (doughnuts).
Schloss Kleßheim Palace
Dating as far back as the 17th century, Schloss Kleßheim Palace was used by Adolf Hitler during World War II and today serves as a casino with an elegant atmoshere and beautiful gardens. The palace also featured in the 1965 film The Great Race starring Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis and Peter Falk. The eagles displayed at the palace entrance are reminiscent of the Third Reich.
Salzburg Festival
First celebrated in 1877, the Salzburg Festival (Salzburger Festspiele) features outstanding local and international performances of music and drama at various venues across town. This festival is a highlight of the Austrian summer event calendar and definitely not to be missed!
Venue: Various
