Salzburg is the fourth-largest city in Austria and the capital of the federal state of Salzburg. The name Salzburg means “Salt Castle”. The name derives from the barges carrying salt on the Salzach River, which was subject to a toll in the 8th century as was customary for many communities and cities on European rivers. Salzburg’s “Old Town” (Altstadt) is internationally renowned for its baroque architecture and is one of the best-preserved city centres north of the Alps. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. The city has three universities and a large population of students. Tourists also visit Salzburg to tour the historic centre and the scenic Alpine surroundings.
Salzburg was the birthplace of 18th-century, famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. In the mid‑20th century, the city was the setting for the musical play and film The Sound of Music. Salzburg is on the banks of the Salzach River, at the northern boundary of the Alps. The mountains to Salzburg’s south contrast with the rolling plains to the north. The closest alpine peak, the 1,972‑metre-high Untersberg, is less than 16 kilometres (10 miles) from the city centre. The Altstadt, or “old town”, is dominated by its baroque towers and churches and the massive Festung Hohensalzburg. This area is surrounded by two smaller mountains, the Mönchsberg and Kapuzinerberg, which offer green relief within the city. Salzburg is part of the temperate zone with a temperature of coldest month ranging from -3°C to -5°C.
History: Traces of human settlements have been found in the area, dating to the Neolithic Age. Around 15 BC the Roman Empire merged the settlements into one city called Juvavum. It became an important province of Roman province of Noricum. After the collapse of Norcium Juvavum was transformed to a ruin. The Life of Saint Rupert credits the 8th-century saint with the city’s rebirth. When Theodo of Bavaria asked Rupert to become bishop c. 700, Rupert reconnoitred the river for the site of his basilica. Rupert chose Juvavum, ordained priests, and annexed the manor Piding. Rupert named the city “Salzburg”. He travelled to evangelise among pagans. Independence from Bavaria was secured in the late 14th century. Salzburg was the seat of the Archbishopric of Salzburg, a prince-bishopric of the Holy Roman Empire. The city was occupied during the German Peasants’ War, and the archbishop had to flee to the safety of the fortress. It was besieged for three months in 1525. Eventually, tensions were quelled, and the city’s independence led to an increase in wealth and prosperity.
In 1803, the archbishopric was secularised by Emperor Napoleon; he transferred the territory to Ferdinando III of Tuscany, former Grand Duke of Tuscany, as the Electorate of Salzburg. In 1805, Salzburg was annexed to the Austrian Empire, along with the Berchtesgaden Provosty. Following World War I and the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire; Salzburg, as the capital of one of the Austro-Hungarian territories, became part of the new German Austria. After World War II, Salzburg became the capital city of the State of Salzburg (Land Salzburg).
*(All the above information are from Wikipedia.)
Transport:
Airport: Salzburg W. A. Mozart Airport is the second-largest airport in Austria. It is connected to many major cities across Europe.
Rail: Salzburg has the main railway station which can be reached from the adjoining cities through various trains. OBB, WESTbahn, DB and many others operate trains within the country as well as from neighbouring countries of Germany, Switzerland and others.
Road: Long distance coach travels across the country and beyond the country as well. Blaguss, GoEuro and many others operate long distance bus services.
Local: City buses and post buses operate within the city. Taxis can also be hired to move in and around the city.
*(For all transport related information: https://www.salzburg.info/en/travel-info/arrival-traffic)
Tourist Interest:
Hohensalzburg Castle: Hohensalzburg Castle sits atop the Festungsberg, a small hill in the Austrian city of Salzburg. Erected at the behest of the Prince-Archbishops of Salzburg with a length of 250 m and a width of 150 m, it is one of the largest medieval castles in Europe. Hohensalzburg Castle is situated at an altitude of 506 m.
Franciscan Church: The Franciscan Church is one of the oldest churches in Salzburg, Austria. The church is located at the intersection of Franziskanergasse and Sigmund-Haffner-Gasse opposite the Franciscan Friary in the Altstadt section of the city. The first church on this site was erected in the eighth century. The church was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and served as the parish church until 1635.
St Peter’s Abbey: St Peter’s Abbey, or St Peter’s Archabbey, is a Benedictine monastery and former cathedral in the Austrian city of Salzburg. It is considered one of the oldest monasteries in the German-speaking area and in fact the oldest with a continuous history since its foundation in 696.
Nonnberg Abbey: Nonnberg Abbey is a Benedictine monastery in Salzburg, Austria. It was founded ca. 714 by Saint Rupert of Salzburg and is the oldest women’s religious house in the German-speaking world. Its first abbess was St Erentrudis of Salzburg, who was either a niece or a sister of Saint Rupert. Through Maria Augusta Kutschera, later Maria Augusta von Trapp, who was a postulant in the abbey after World War I and whose life was the basis for the film The Sound of Music, the abbey has acquired international fame. The Mother Abbess during Maria’s time at Nonnberg was Sister Virgilia Lütz (1869-1949).
Salzburg Residenz: Salzburg Residenz is a palace located at Domplatz and Residenzplatz in the old part of Salzburg, Austria. For centuries the Archbishops of Salzburg resided at the Salzburg Residenz and used the palace to present and represent their political status. Today the Salzburg Residenz palace is a museum and one of the most impressive attractions in the city.
Mozart’s Birthplace: One of the most visited museums in Austria: Mozart’s Birthplace is in the heart of the Old City and a highlight of any holiday in Salzburg, not just for music lovers.
Mirabell Palace and Garden: Mirabell Palace is a historical building in the city of Salzburg, Austria. The palace with its gardens is a listed cultural heritage monument and part of the Historic Centre of the City of Salzburg UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mirabell Gardens were completely redesigned under archbishop Johann Ernst von Thun in 1690. The underlying geometric form, which is typical for the Baroque, is still clearly recognisable. The visual orientation towards the cathedral and fortress adds to the grandeur of the gardens – simultaneously incorporating them into the overall historical ensemble of the city.
The other places of interest are Salzburg Museum, Hellbrunn Palace, Museum of Modern Art, Museum of Natural History and more.
Tour Planner:
This tour planner is made on the basis of the location of the destinations. One can make changes as per their interest, convenience and accessibility and duration of the trip.
Day 1: Explore the city by foot and see all the all the attractions within the city limits.
Day 2: Cover all the places that are beyond the city limits. This can also be done through the Sound of Music conducted the tour.
Hotels: Among many hotels in Salzburg some are NH Hotel, Hotel Sacher, ACHAT Plaza Zum Hirschen Hotel and much more.