Salzburg, Austria
One of my favorite cities of all time is Salzburg.
It is an Austrian city on the German border, with views of the beautiful Eastern Alps.
Known for many things like the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (18th Century
composer) and more recently the place for filming of “The Sound of Music”. One of the
most quaint cities you will find in your travels. The old town is well-known for its beautiful
baroque styled architecture which is UNESCO World heritage listed (since 1997).
The city is lively in both Summer and Winter seasons. The Summer will see lots of activity
from tourists buzzing to see the sights, enjoy the sights and prepare for hiking and activities
in and around the city. Winter will be abuzz with tourists enjoying the most-definite snowfalls
throughout and around the city, giving it a charm that do really see in the movies.
In this review:
* A little bit about Salzburg
* 5 things to do with the children
* How to get there
* Where to stay
* Bits and Pieces about Salzburg
More about Salzburg
Where exactly is Salzburg
Just near the German border, with the largest German city of Munich
approximately 145kms (90mi) away.
See Salzburg on Google Maps - click here or click the map to the right.
Currency
Austria's currency is the Euro.
For your own conversion (from your own currency) use our basic currency converter here.
The conversion against the US Dollar is .93c. For every $1 US = .93 Euro
For a tip scenario, consider a $3-$4 (US) tip, this would be the equivalent of 2.80 - 3.70 Euro's.
Weather
Austria experiences a very cold Winter (Dec-Feb) where they can regularly experience -10degrees C (14deg F).
With summer (June-Sept) reaching typical temperatures of mid 20's.
Time Zone
Salzburg (Austria) is at UTC +1. In Summer, Austria observes Day Light Savings Time where they are then at UTC +2.
To convert this relevant to your home country, refer to Time and Date's World Map.
Places to see with the children.
Our favorite places to see with the children include……
Hohensalzburg Fortress
If you want the best place for Panoramic Views of Salzburg, Hohensalzburg Fortress is definitely the place.
The kids will love the funicular going up the Mountain to the Fortress. The original castle was built in 1077.
Hohensalzburg Fortress has always remained unconquered by enemy troops. Having served as a fortification and temporary residence of the prince archbishops for years, the fortress also served as military barracks and a prison. Prince Archbishop Wolf Dietrich was held captive in the fortress for five years by his nephew and successor, Markus Sittikus, up to his death in 1617.
There is a mock medieval cafe as you enter the Upper Fortress.
Plan to have your latte here at this cute little cafe.
Plan to spend at least half a day here as you will want to go up to
the Viewing platform which may have queues.
Mozarts Geburtshaus
Without a doubt, one of the most rewarding things you will do in Salzburg is visit Mozarts Geburtshaus
(Mozart's Birth House). This beautifully well-made Museum is precisely the home where Wolfgang Amadeus
Mozart was born. [He was born here in Salzburg and died in Vienna in 1791]. There are some wonderful
features in this Museum; rooms with which were occupied by the Mozart family and many mementos on
display, which includes the young Mozarts violin and an original score.
Find out where this Museum is here.
Find out more information on Mozarts
If you romance the city with the linkage of the Sound of Music, our favorite places to see include….
Mirabell Gardens - The Mirabell Gardens were 'built' in the 18th century.
In the Sound of Music, Maria and the children were seen dancing around the
statue of Pegasus, the winged horse, and throughout the gardens singing
'Do-Re-Mi.’ (see our pictures here).
Find its location here...
Below are some spots that are on location filmed in "The Sound of Music"
Leopoldskron Castle - The front side of the castle was used as the Trapp family home,
Do you remember the scene where the children fell in the water -off the boat on Leopoldskron
Lake. Click here to find where this building is. Fun Fact: only the facade was used during the
filming of the movie. The actual home where filming of the inside was used is now a hotel.
You can find this place here.. Maybe it’s an option for you to stay there.
Traunstrasse 34, 5026 Salzburg
Find its location here...
If you are interested in where the actual home is where they filmed (the interior of the
filmed mansion), find it here. It is now a hotel, named The Villa Trapp. It served as the centre
of the (real) Trapps family life between 1923 and 1938.
Hellbrunn Castle - This castle was built in the early 17th century by Prince-Archbishop
Markus Sittikus. Find out more here about this castle.
This Castle was used on Film Location on the Sound of Music,
whereby Maria arrives at the mansion gates.
Do you recognise the glass pavillion gazebo just outside
the yellow gates? (see our picture here)
This is the gazebo where Liesl sang ‘I am 16, going on 17”.
FUN FACT: The story goes.... that the gazebo doors were
welded closed, as 'older' visitors would recreate the song
scene from the movie, and hurt themselves in doing so.
Find its
Where to Stay in Salzburg?
Search for accommodation here or find a hotel via our Search Box here -->
We can highly recommend Hotel Stein
This hotel is right on the River with access to the Old Town only metres away and
the price is extremely reasonable.
If you are left wanting more from Salzburg and surrounding areas, we have some
great options for you. See below for some more favorite spots and sights to see.....
Take the train to Zell Am See
Whether it is snowing or a perfect Summer day, Zell am See is a fantastic day out.
How to reach Zell Am See?
Take the train from Salzburg - Find tickets here
LoveLock Bridge
If you feel like something very typical in Salzburg to do, buy a lock (and key) at
any souvenir store, attach it to the Lovelock Bridge - remember to throw the
key into the river.
If you are wondering when to visit Salzburg, the Summer is exceptionally beautiful,
but the Winter, particularly at Christmas time is wonderfully beautiful.
The children will love it immensely; from the Christmas markets to the Ice-Skating and
falling snow.
