Salzburg

Photograph by Anas Morsali, taken during his own trip

Salzburg, Austria's fourth-largest city, is a masterpiece of baroque architecture set against a dramatic Alpine backdrop — a UNESCO World Heritage city that effortlessly blends cultural sophistication with natural beauty. The city is dominated by the Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of the largest and best-preserved medieval castles in Europe, perched on the Festungsberg hill 120 metres above the baroque old town. The fortress, originally built in 1077 and expanded over the following centuries, offers panoramic views across the city's spires and domes to the surrounding mountains. Below, the old town (Altstadt) is a harmonious ensemble of churches, palaces, and squares — the Salzburg Cathedral, with its twin towers and magnificent dome, anchors the Domplatz, while the Residenzplatz features an ornate Italian-style fountain. Mozart's birthplace at Getreidegasse 9 is now a museum dedicated to the composer who was born here in 1756 and whose legacy permeates every corner of the city. The annual Salzburg Festival, founded in 1920, transforms the city each summer into one of the world's premier stages for opera, drama, and classical music. The Mirabell Palace and Gardens, featured in 'The Sound of Music,' offer perfectly manicured baroque gardens with mountain views. Across the river, the Kapuzinerberg hill provides a peaceful hiking escape with sweeping city panoramas.

Planning the wider trip? The Austria planning guide covers how to get there, how to move around, where to stay, realistic costs and a day-by-day itinerary that includes Salzburg.