The City of Salzburg in Österreich

The capital of the Federal State (also called Salzburg) is the birth place of the famous W.A.Mozart and, with its Baroque domes and churches and dominated by the Hohensalzburg Castle, it is regarded as one of the finest capitals in the world.

Without a doubt, the city on the river Salzach owes its worldwide fame to the composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who first saw the light of day here in 1756. After the introduction of the annual Salzburg festival concerts ( Salzburger Festspiele), first held in 1920, and many other cultural highlights, this town has become a must for any visitor to Austria.

The fact that music epitomises Salzburg surprises no-one when you consider that every year more than 4000 music and theatre events of the most varied kind are held in the city. Alongside the highlights like the ‚Festspiele’ in the summer, autumn jazz in November and the Mozart week in January, there are also lots of pop and rock concerts and orchestral and chamber concerts. They are all held in the loveliest rooms in Salzburg’s castles, an example being the well known concerts given in the marble hall of Mirabell Castle.

Just a few of the many places to visit:

Hohensalzburg Castle: when this impressive castle was built, Salzburg became the Achbishop’s residence in the style of the Baroque. During its long history, none of those laying siege to the castle succeeded in capturing it. Over the years it served many purposes: to defend the city, for a time as the residence of the prince archbishops and as a barracks and a prison.

Hellbrunn – castle and fountains: from the outset, water determined the design of the castle. The numerous springs on Hellbrunn Hill supply the huge site with water. Concealed in the green shade of bushes and trees, or gushing from unsuspected nooks – for nearly 400 years the world famous fountains have held pride of place among the attractions of Hellbrunn.
The old part of town: you can stroll through Getreidegasse and over the cathedral square and let the city’s atmosphere wash over you. A visit to the Natural History Museum (Haus der Natur) is instructive and a must. Or you can have a look round the birthplace of Mozart or the house where ‚Wolferl’ lived.

Mirabell Castle with its illustrious past and unique marble hall transports you to a different era.