48 Hours in Salzburg

48 Hours in Salzburg

Set among some of the most spectacular peaks and foothills in the north Austrian Alps, Salzburg combines two cities into one. The older part of the city the Altstadt, is located on the left bank of the Salzach river. This is where the cathedral and Mozartplatz are found crouched beneath the bulk of the Hohensalzburg Fortress. The newer right bank is much more practical, containing most of the amenities found in a large city, from trains to large hotels.

A weekend in Salzburg is probably one of the most romantic city trips imaginable. Known as the city of Mozart it is perfect for every occasion. Whether you’re in love, a culture buff or just looking for something new, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste. Home to medieval-looking buildings, romantic rose gardens, and modern architecture all conveniently located just minutes away from each other.

 

 View of the Salzach river and the old city

A Busy First Day

If you’re spending two full days in Salzburg, you’ll have plenty of time to take in the sights without having to hurry. Start your first day by walking up to Hohensalzburg Fortress and taking a tour of the stateroom and museum. The views of the mountain peaks and valleys to the south of the fortress are breath-taking and not to be missed.

Visit the Cathedral and the Franciscan Church of the old city. Then stroll through St. Peter’s district with its Cemetery, Church, Monastery and the famous Catacombs which are carved out of the Mönchsberg mountain. If you still have time and energy, round off your day with a stop at Mozart’s birthplace in the famous open market Getreidegasse. The Salzburg Museum offers an interesting insight into the city’s history, and often houses temporary exhibitions ranging from classical music performances to art galleries which are second to none.

 View of Festung Hohensalzburg and Salzach river

A Diversified Second Day

Stroll around the Mirabell Gardens where you’ll find the Pegasus Fountain, Rose Garden and Dwarves Garden. Take a tour of the Mozart Residence on Makart Square. Go on an excursion to Hellbrunn Palace with its Trick Fountains or, take the cable car up the Untersberg. The summit affords a stunning panoramic view of the city and beyond.

The good thing about Salzburg is that many of the attractions are located within proximity, so the loveliest discoveries can simply be made in passing.

The famous Mirabell Gardens

Eat

The market at Universitätsplatz is a good place to grab one of the several varieties of würst (Austrian sausage) with a hunk of bread and mustard from a street vendor. Finish off this traditional meal with an apple strudel (Apfelstrudel), or the Sacher Torte for dessert.

The original Sacher Torte served with whipped cream at Hotel Sacher

Window Shopping

Start your Christmas shopping early and choose from the extraordinary array of decorations and toys at the “Christmas in Salzburg” shop at Judengasse 11. The main shopping street is Getreidegasse, where wrought iron-signed boutiques offer a wide variety of goods from Louis Vuitton to Tracht (the traditional Alpine dress: lederhosen for men, dirndl for women).

Famous Historical Shopping Street Getreidegasse

Cultural Afternoon

Visit Mozart’s birthplace at Getreidegasse, where you can see three of the composer’s violins, including the “baby”, which was crafted by his father Leopold. Mozart’s pianos and numerous letters and scores are also displayed to the public. Cross the river to the west bank to visit Mozart’s second home at Makartplatz 8. The composer’s home was significantly damaged during the Second World War, leaving his concert room as the only surviving aspect of the house. It has since then been restored to its previous glory. Mozart composed more than 150 works in the seven years he spent here before moving to Vienna.

  Mozart statue on Mozart Square (Mozartplatz)

A Walk in the Park

The Mirabell Gardens is a lovely, accessible and architecturally over-the-top open space enclosing baroque fountains and floral displays. It is also where Maria danced and sang “Do-Re-Mi” in the motion picture, The Sound of Music.

View of famous Mirabell Gardens with the old historic Fortress Hohensalzburg in the background

Take a Ride

The four-hour Sound of Music coach tour takes you to some of the film’s locations. It starts at 9.30 am and 2 pm. It begins in Mirabell Platz, next to Mirabell Gardens. Next stop is Leopoldskron Castle home of the von Trapps. It is followed by a stop at the Hellbrunn Palace, a 17th-century hunting lodge. The coach moves on to Nonnberg Abbey, where Maria trained to be a nun and the location of the riding school where Baron Georg von Trapp sang “Edelweiss”. The tour ends at Mondsee cathedral where Maria married the baron.

Salzburg skyline with Nonnberg Abbey monastery

 

 

 

About the Author

 Mahy Medhat

A storyteller with a wanderlust desire, who loves exploring the world with a penchant for culture and food. Mahy has been writing for numerous high-profile magazines and currently working on publishing her own book.

Remon Gerguis

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