Salzburg Tourist Information and Tourism

(Salzburg, Austria)

Although the Baroque city of Salzburg may not be the biggest, it is certainly one of the most visited. This is thanks in no small part to locations around Salzburg featuring heavily in the hit musical movie 'The Sound of Music', and also being the birthplace of Austria's most famous classical composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

As a direct result of these influences, together with an almost endless supply of gorgeous 17th-century houses and buildings, along with characterful cobblestone lanes and many beautifully landscaped gardens, tourism in Salzburg is flourishing as never before.





The Old Town district of Salzburg is steeped is history and completely free of traffic, being filled with interesting courtyards, fountains and public squares, such as the Domplatz, Residenzplatz and the Mozartplatz, where an unmistakable statue of Mozart himself has proudly stood for more than 150 years. A tourist information outlet is also located on the Mozartplatz and this is a good place to purchase the 'Salzburg Card', which entitles the holder to various discounts and free admissions.

Salzburg Tourist Information and Tourism: Top Sights

Many people choose to spend their time in Salzburg by embarking on one of the popular 'Sound of Music Tours', a guided coach trip that takes in the main movie locations whilst playing the soundtrack and main songs. Others choose to explore the city on foot, walking to the top of the central Mount Mönchsberg, or alternatively choosing to take either the scenic funicular railway (FestungsBahn) or the Mönchsberg Lift. Families will always enjoy a day out at Salzburg Zoo (Tiergarten Hellbrunn), particularly at feeding time, while for grown-ups, sampling the beer as part of a tour around Stiegl's Brewery World is a must. More information about Salzburg Tourist Attractions.

Take a stroll around the Residenzplatz and you will never be far from some of the most cherished landmarks in Salzburg. The 12th-century Residence Palace is one such building and is filled with extravagance and history. Just a short walk to the south of the palace is the Salzburg Cathedral, which presides over the Domplatz and is dedicated to the city's founder, St. Rupert. Many visitors will likely recognise the facade of the city's Leopoldskron Castle or the gardens surrounding the Mirabell Castle, since both featured prominently in 'The Sound of Music'. More information about Salzburg Landmarks and Monuments.

The Mozart heritage stands out in many of the museums in Salzburg, which are full of information about his music and lifestyle. Both the Mozart Museum (Geburtshaus) on the Getreidegasse and the Mozart House (Wohnhaus) on the Makartplatz are the two main museums, should you require a Mozart fix. Of particular interest, the Wohnhaus was Mozart's former Salzburg residence are also features an extensive Sound and Film Archive. The Museum de Moderne Rupertinum is one Austrian art gallery not to overlook and adds a definite contemporary flavour to this otherwise historical city. More information about Salzburg Museums and Art Galleries.

Austria's state of Salzburg is well worth exploring and the city itself is well placed should you be feeling adventurous. Those looking to experience the sights and sounds outside of Salzburg should consider a drive along the Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse, a breathtaking Alpine Road with some quite unforgettable views. Also nearby is the tranquil Mondsee (Moon Lake), where you can enjoy a range of water sports, or spend time hiking. The small town of Oberndorf is another place to consider and is where the Yuletide carol 'Silent Night' was born, many years ago. More information about Salzburg Attractions Nearby.

More Salzburg Information / Fast Facts and Orientation

• Country: Republic of Austria (Osterreich)
• Location: State of Salzburg / West Austria
• Status: city / capital of federal state of Salzburg
• Area: approximately 25 square miles / 66 square kilometres
• Population: approximately 160,000
• Language: Austrian German / Central Austro Bavarian and Southern Austro Bavarian dialects
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Time zone: CET / GMT + 1 hour
• Country dialing code: +43
• Telephone area code: 0662
• Average daily Salzburg January temperature: 2°C / 36°F
• Average daily Salzburg July temperature: 23°C / 73°F