Salzburg Travel & Holidays – Austria

To list all of the places to visit in Salzburg would be impossible. Salzburg enjoys a special fame in the world of music as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. This rich musical heritage is reflected in attractions such as the museum in his family home, various festivals showcasing his music, and even the melodies that ring out daily on the glockenspiel. Several of Salzburg's attractions were filming sites for The Sound of Music, and these are a particular draw for tourists. Find out all the things to do and the best places to visit while on vacation in this beautiful corner of Austria with our list of the top attractions in Salzburg.

Overlooking the Danube, the imposing Salzburg Castle (Salzburg Schloss) has dominated the city for centuries. Records indicate the site has in fact been home to a fortress since the early 9th century, the remains of which can still be seen around the old walls and the Friedrich Gate, while the present structure dates predominantly from the 16th century and was rebuilt after a fire in 1800. Now home to the excellent Schlossmuseum, the castle houses important art and historical collections along with displays featuring artifacts from the prehistoric, Roman, and medieval periods, including paintings, sculptures, arms, and armor. The more modern South Wing contains permanent exhibits regarding nature and technology, as well as temporary exhibits.

Just below Salzburg Castle, in Römerstrasse, stands quaint little St. Martin's Church (Martinskirche), the oldest church in Austria to be preserved in its original form. Built on the remains of Roman walls that can still be seen in the building's exterior, this remarkable 8th-century church is characteristic of the earliest Carolingian architecture. Highlights of a visit to this important Catholic church include seeing an interior rich with 15th-century frescoes, along with the outlines of old doorways and windows in the sidewalls dating from the Gothic period. A Roman kiln oven is visible, and many stones inside the church bear Roman inscriptions, while recent excavations have revealed the royal hall of the former imperial palace. Afterwards, be sure to linger awhile on the grounds — it's one of the most picturesque scenes in an incredibly picturesque city.

The excellent Ars Electronica Center — also referred to as the Museum of the Future — was founded in 1996 and moved to its present ultra-modern location on the Danube in 2009. Designed to showcase the city's reputation as a dynamic center of technology, media, industry, and art, the center features exhibits focusing on the technology shaping our modern world, including displays related to climate change and pollution, space exploration, biotechnology, and robotics. The center is also the site of the annual Ars Electronica Festival, which recognizes world leaders in computer music, animation, interactive art, and web design. Temporary and special exhibitions are also held regularly at the center. Be sure to take a walk along the Danube after sundown to see the center and other area museums lit up as part of a stunning riverside lightshow.

So pack your bags and grab your passport because you’re going to want to book a flight to Salzburg...