The Trip that Restored Our Sanity

If you are planning a trip through Central Europe, Salzburg is an essential stop that feels like stepping into a fairy tale. In 2020, after months of lockdown, we finally left our apartment for a road trip across the continent. Before heading to Hungary, we spent a few hours in Salzburg, Austria. Even with limited time, the city left a lasting impression on us.

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Getting Around and Staying in Salzburg

Before you dive into the sights, ensure your logistics are handled.

• Public Transport: Salzburg is highly walkable, but for longer distances, the local bus network is excellent. [Insert Affiliate Link for Salzburg Transport Pass]
• Stay Connected: Don’t get lost without data. [Insert Affiliate Link for Europe eSIM]
• Where to Stay: If you decide to stay overnight, there are beautiful boutique hotels in the Old Town. [Insert Affiliate Link for Salzburg Hotels]

1. Festung Hohensalzburg: The Crown Jewel

Festung Hohensalzburg, or Fortress Hohensalzburg, is the largest fully preserved castle in Central Europe. It sits majestically above the city and is a must visit destination.

We reached the fortress via the funicular located near Kapitelplatz. Before heading up, we stopped to admire the giant chessboard at the square, which is a fun local landmark. The entrance ticket cost 11.20 Euros, and we spent about 2.5 hours exploring the grounds.

Travel Tip: [Insert Affiliate Link for Fortress Skip-the-Line Tickets]

Historically, the fortress served as the residence for the Prince-Archbishops. Today, the museums inside house an impressive collection of historical artifacts, infantry equipment, and armory. However, the absolute highlight was the breathtaking view of the Old Town and the Salzach River from the roof.

2. St. Peter’s Abbey

Our next stop was St. Peter’s Abbey, which is recognized as one of the oldest monasteries in the world. We spent about 30 minutes exploring the church, the serene cemetery, and the catacombs. The enchanting architecture and the peaceful atmosphere made it a very memorable part of our walk.

3. The Mysterious Cloak of Conscience

While walking through the city, we stumbled upon a unique and slightly eerie sculpture known as the Pietà or the Cloak of Conscience. It consists of a hollow, bronze cloak that represents a ghostly, faceless figure. It was one of the most interesting pieces of public art we encountered in Austria.

4. Following the Footsteps of Mozart

Salzburg is the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and his legacy is everywhere. We visited the Mozart statue and stopped to see Mozart’s Birthplace, a bright yellow house turned museum.

We also passed by Mozart’s Residence, another museum dedicated to the composer. While we chose to view these landmarks from the outside rather than going in, they are essential stops for any Mozart admirer.

5. Mirabellgarten: A Romantic Finale

Our final stop was the Mirabell Garden (Mirabellgarten). We spent an hour wandering through the vibrant, flower-filled paths. It was incredibly romantic, and we even saw a few wedding photo shoots taking place.

A quirky highlight here is the Dwarf Garden, which features several stone sculptures of dwarves. These statues are said to represent real people from old Salzburg society. The best part of the garden is the stunning view it offers of Fortress Hohensalzburg, framed perfectly by colorful blooms.

Final Thoughts on Salzburg

Our half-day tour was a perfect introduction to Salzburg, Austria after the 2020 lockdowns. If you are short on time, we highly recommend prioritizing Fortress Hohensalzburg and Mirabell Garden. These two locations capture the true essence of this historic city.

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