SALZBURG IN ALL ITS FACETS
Salzburg offers a variety of buildings and places worthy of a visit. Whether gardens, churches, shopping areas or castles, there's something for everyone.
Some examples:
Salzburg Cathedral
After the mediaeval cathedral burnt down in 1598 re-building began in 1614 according to the design of master builder Santino Solari. Consecration took place in 1628, and nowadays annual performances by Hugo von Hoffmannsthal's "Jedermann" take place outside in the cahedral square.
Mirabell Garden
The Mirabell Castle contains not only what is possibly the most beautiful wedding hall in the world, but also its garden, created in 1690 by Fischer von Erlach under Archbishop Johann Ernst Thun. Groups of sculptures, the scurrilous gnome garden, pretty flower designs of the maze, and the hedge theatre all delight
the heart of the visitor in the centre of Salzburg.
Festung Hohensalzburg
Originally built in 1077 under Archbishop Gebhard the construction history of Salzburg's famous fortress ended in the 17th century. This landmark of the city of Mozart is also the largest complete extant fortress in central Europe, casting its shadow over one of the prettiest cities in the world.
St. Peter's Churchyard
The beginnings of this historic place take us back to late-Roman times when Salzburg became a municipality known as Juvavum. Surrounded by arcades containing epitaphs and artistically-wrought iron lattices, many visitors find St. Peter's greatly mystic.
Salzburg Residenz
This palatial residence of the prince-bishops has served since 1120 as the seat of the archbishops of Salzburg. The new building followed from 1600 to 1619. Especially worthy of a visit are the opulent rooms furnished by Lukas von Hildebrandt, 1709-1727, and the frescoes and ceiling paintings of J. M Rottmayr and M. Altomonte.
Mozartplatz
Situated in the centre of Salzburg, the massive Mozart memorial occupies pride of place. Built by Ludwig von Schwanthaler it was placed on display in 1842. In addition, countless visitors look forward to hearing the famous glockenspiel, ringing daily from the nearby archbishop's palace.
Mozart's Birthplace
The birthplace of all birthplaces, for here Mozart was born in 1756. In the former Mozart family flat in the Getreidegasse the Mozart museum is housed. Each year an impressive collection can be seen by music enthusiasts from all over the world.
The Mozart Home
In this house at No. 8 Makartplatz, first recorded in 1617, Mozart lived from 1773-1780. In the first-floor rooms of this former Mozart family home a museum was established to document the history and life of the Mozart family in Salzburg.
Getreidegasse
The centre-piece of Austria's prettiest shopping area, this narrow Salzburg street distinguishes itself by its origins. Many richly-decorated shields, artistic portals, well-tended facades and
idyllic pavement courtyards comprise the ideal background to the pulsating business-life of this street.
The Kollegien Church
This masterpiece of Fischer von Erlach belongs to the most elegant places of worship in Europe whilst at the same time also portraying a synthesis of the largest architectural systems. Building began in 1696 and the church was consecrated in 1707.
The Franciscan Church
Certainly one of the oldest churches in Salzburg, the origins of the Franziskanerkirche date back to the 8th century. This church endured countless alterations during that century, e.g. the masterly re-styling by Michael Pacher of the high altar and its current design by Johann Fischer von Erlach. In 1983 the church was partially re-organised and renovated.
Linzer Gasse
In recent years this street has developed into one of the most popular shopping streets in Salzburg. Especially worthy of a visit is St. Sebastian's church and the beautiful yet steep path from the Passion Chapel up to the Kapuzinerberg (Capuchin mountain).
Schloß Hellbrunn
Devised by Prince-Archbishop Markus Sittikus, this castle with its delightful park was constructed early in the 17th century by the court master builder Santino Solari. Both at home and abroad its unique grandeur arouses amazement. The expensive parkland, many cultural events, the water-garden and animal enclosure make a visit to Hellbrunn Castle one of the most unforgettable experiences of your holiday in Salzburg.
Salzburg Zoo, Hellbrunn
Salzburg'szoo is home to 140 types of animals from all over the world. The unique zoo enclosure by the Hellbrunn fortress with the steep cliff wall on one side and
the hilly spurs into the Auen scenery on the other houses around 1400 wild animals.
Tauern Cycle Route into the City Centre
Where the Krimmler waterfalls, the highest in central Europe, cascade loudly into the deep, is the starting point of the Tauern cycle route. This follows the Salzach and Saalach rivers and the mountain scenery of the Hohen Tauern, offering a remarkable amount of outstanding nature scenes and cultural high-points between Krimml, Salzburg and Passau. The Tauern cycle route has been certified by the ADFC (German Cyclists' Federation) as a 4-star quality route and counts among the most favourite in Europe. More information at www.salzburgerland.com/de/tauernradweg
Gaisberg Circular Walk
If you have no car you can take the Gaisberg bus from the Mirabellplatz via the Gnigl district to the Gaisberg. There you have a wonderful view over the city, of the Salzburg Seenland, of the adjacent province of Bavaria and, toward the South, the mountainous Göllmassiv and Tennengebirge. The Gaisberg counts among the most popular excursion destinations
in the Salzburg area. Among the favourite routes is the 5-kilometer Gaisberg circular walk over the Zistel and encircling the Gaisberg, or the Zistel walk of 2.5 kilometers. All walking routes are well-signposted.
House of Nature: the Museum of Adventure
Not for nothing is this museum regarded as one of the largest public attractions in Salzburg. When walking through the museum visitors discover the most exciting side of nature, including giant dinosaurs and their world of millions of years ago. Here visitors experience a fascinating contrast: milestones of space travel witness the age-old dream of humanity, to penetrate distant galaxies. Grasp the physics and technology in the Science Center - plus proverbial understanding - where ones heart's desires can be experimented with. If this is too technical, why
not look into the aquarium, where colourful coral reefs and a fascinating marine world invite you to view and dream. Just a few floors higher strange cultures and lifestyles take you into the most distant regions of the earth and lead you wide-eyed on a journey into the human body. Visitors to the reptile zoo meet living snakes and lizards of the natural world. But enough reading about it ..... just discover it all for yourself as your own adventure. More information at www.hausdernatur.at
The Forest Pool at Anif
Not far from the Rechenwirt, around 10 minutes by car, you will find the forest pool. This natural spa is one of the most attractive of its type and the water quality unparalled in Salzburg.