Europe is known for its formidable public transportation, but in many of its most iconic locations, walking is common for locals and tourists alike. Not only do you save money by walking, you also get to catch some hidden gems that you might not see if you take a bus or a metro. Additionally, multiple tourist attractions are often clustered near each other in Europe’s major cities. Among these is Salzburg. Though it is close to mountains, Salzburg is still pleasantly walkable.
Salzburg, Austria, is close to Germany’s southwest border and is well connected via train or bus to nearby cities like Prague in the Czech Republic and Munich in Germany. It also has many claims to fame, from centuries-old monuments to film and music. Gazing over the city is the Fortress Hohensalzburg castle, dating back to the 11th century. Archbishops of the era wanted to show off their power and protect themselves from rivals. Tours run every day in the summer and offer expansive mountain views and views of the city below, but Christmas tours on Advent weekends in December make for a longer and even more fairytale-like experience.
Stroll in an out of landmarks surrounding Residenzplatz
Back down from the Fortress Hohensalzburg hilltop is the Salzburg Cathedral, where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was baptized. With a huge dome and symmetrical towers flanking its façade, this cathedral is hard to miss and held in high importance. The Salzburg Cathedral’s appearance has changed since its medieval origins, but it still features elements from centuries ago. This is especially true at the Salzburg Museum. Both the cathedral and the museum are located near the beautiful Residenzplatz, a plaza reminiscent of the 1500s perfect for exploring on foot.
For a bit of pop culture history, Salzburg was a significant filming location for “The Sound of Music.” Head south from the aforementioned landmarks to find the Leopoldskron Palace Meierhof. This opulent building was used for the Von Trapp family’s home and even allows for overnight stays. On the north side of the Salzach River, see where Maria and the Von Trapp kids sing “Do Re Mi” at the baroque Mirabell Gardens. The neighboring Mirabell Palace itself is an opulent wonder from the 1600s and is open for visitors Mondays through Saturdays.
Wander the streets of Mozart’s birth and childhood
Salzburg’s music history long predates “The Sound of Music.” One of the city’s biggest attributes is that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born here in 1756. His birthplace on Getreidegasse Street near the river is now a museum, as is the Mozart Residence where he lived until 1780. Before following the composer’s life from birth to adolescence, allow yourself to get lost around Getreidegasse Street. This quaint locale is popular for its restaurants and shops. It is also walking distance from Residenzplatz.
To the west, Getreidegasse Street gives way to a large park area around Mönchsberg Hill. While strolling along the park’s wooded paths, you’ll come across the sometimes-overlooked Marketenderschlössl. It looks virtually the same as it did in the 1600s when it was used to house soldiers. Elsewhere in the park, look for Johannesschlössl (or Johannes-Schlößl). This building was first built in the 1300s and was once owned by Prince-Archbishop Wolf-Dietrich von Raittenau, who reigned over the region toward the end of the 1500s and into the early 1600s. Though it is now a church guest house, anyone is welcome to stay overnight in this relaxing and romantic getaway. This picturesque building is worth a visit even if it is just part of the sights on your walk in the park.
