Here in Salzburg
Pleasure, Heritage and a Certain Ease of Living
Here in Salzburg, there is room for everyone – for those who prefer to structure their day with purpose, just as much as for those who delight in the gentle art of doing absolutely nothing.
There are cities one passes through quickly.
And then there are others – the kind that stay with you for a lifetime. Salzburg, quite unmistakably, belongs to the latter.
This city wins the heart – not merely with its breathtaking setting, poised between baroque grandeur and alpine majesty, but with a charm that is uniquely and irresistibly its own. Be it under golden sunshine, the hush of summer rain, in autumn’s gentle mist or beneath winter’s silent snowfall – Salzburg casts its spell in every season, in any weather.
Since 1997, Salzburg’s Old Town has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site – a veritable history book beneath the open skies. Winding alleyways, wrought iron guild signs, majestic domes and ornately adorned façades speak eloquently of centuries past.
No visit would be complete without a stroll down the Getreidegasse, where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart first saw the light of day. Today, elegant boutiques stand shoulder to shoulder with time-honoured craft shops. One queues for a “Bosna” – Salzburg’s beloved street snack – or, as winter draws in, savours roasted chestnuts served piping hot from a market stall.
High above the city rises the Hohensalzburg Fortress – Salzburg’s unmistakable landmark, visible from miles around. Encompassing some 7,000 square metres, it is one of Europe’s largest and best-preserved medieval fortresses, and among Austria’s most-visited attractions. The ascent – whether on foot or by funicular – rewards one with panoramic views that, on a clear day, stretch all the way to the Berchtesgaden Alps. And perhaps the most splendid moment of all? When the city’s rooftops shimmer in the amber light of the setting sun.
For the culturally inclined, the DomQuartier offers a feast of history and art, as does the Museum of Modern Art – which one encounters when hiking from Mülln to the fortress – or the House of Nature, whose engaging exhibitions across several floors are especially delightful on rainy days, for children and adults alike.
Some fifty churches grace the city – architectural gems and true treasures of sacred art. They are, at once, grand spaces of beauty and quiet sanctuaries for reflection and stillness.
Salzburg invites one to explore through a variety of enchanting walks. The Mönchsberg affords striking vistas of the cityscape. Around the tranquil Leopoldskron pond, one may wander peacefully – or, in fair weather, enjoy the open-air pool nearby. On the far side of the Mönchsberg, the Müllnerbräu offers a charming beer garden beneath ancient oaks – a splendid place to pause, picnic, or capture the moment.
The city is also known for its whimsical Schnürlregen – rain that falls like fine threads, leaving the town seemingly cleansed and sparkling in the sun. Those who wait it out indoors miss the very best. History, art and life itself extend a gracious welcome – from breakfast in a traditional coffeehouse to a leisurely lunch at one of the city’s fine restaurants, to visits to museums, galleries, Mozart’s birthplace or the ever-imposing fortress. Music lovers are well catered for throughout the year – be it during the world-renowned Salzburg Festival, concerts of jazz, rock, pop or avant-garde, or the region’s cherished folk traditions such as Advent singing.
A Morning Glimpse: From the Town Hall to the Getreidegasse
With a population of 158,000 and an area of 65.7 km² (as of 2024), Salzburg is Austria’s fourth largest city. It offers both residents and visitors an enviably high quality of life, a vibrant economy, and excellent transport connections – domestically and internationally. The six city mountains – including the Gaisberg, which rises to over 1,200 metres – along with the majestic and nearby Untersberg, nearly 2,000 metres tall, provide welcome retreats for those seeking to escape the bustle.
A Culinary Journey Around the Globe – From Right Here
Here in Salzburg, people from across the globe share their culinary heritage.
Few cities manage with such finesse to blend time-honoured culinary tradition with modern flair as Salzburg does.
Here, hunger is quite simply not an option. Austrian cuisine – steeped in imperial heritage – meets influences from the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, Asia and Africa. Classic recipes embrace contemporary technique. The result is a delightful surprise for the palate – a pleasure for locals and travellers alike.
And then there is the city’s café culture – in Salzburg, rather more than a mere ritual. One sits back, perhaps leafing through the morning paper, quietly observing the city’s rhythm – maybe with a knowing smile for those who hurry past, seemingly unaware of the moment’s stillness.
A Home For Us – and for Our Guests
Here in Salzburg, we feel truly at home.
We present our city with pride – and rightly so.
Salzburg thrives not only because of its visitors, but thanks especially to those who live here. Its residents speak of their city with affection: life is of high quality, distances are short, and cultural offerings abundant.
Those who live here know the celebrated spots – and yet still discover quiet corners anew: a bench in the greenery, a hidden courtyard, a path as yet untrodden – true havens of peace.
Whether one is visiting Salzburg for the first time, or returning with fresh eyes – there is no wrong moment to come. The city welcomes each guest like an old friend: with a smile, a warming cup of coffee, a note of Mozart or the distant peal of bells.
Salzburg is not a city one merely observes – it is a place to be experienced, to be savoured, to be discovered again and again. And those who have been here know this well: Salzburg remains in the heart – quietly waiting to be found once more.
Photos: Christian Jarolim – hierinsalzburg.com