Salzburg
Mozart's birthplace and the backdrop for The Sound of Music — but Salzburg is more than its greatest hits. The old town, wedged between a river and a fortress-topped hill, is one of Europe's most photogenic. Alpine views are everywhere, and the café culture is as refined as Vienna's but less pretentious.
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Salzburg travel FAQ
How many days do I need in Salzburg?
2 days is ideal. Day one: Hohensalzburg Fortress (take the funicular), Getreidegasse for shopping, Mozart's Birthplace, and Mirabell Gardens. Day two: Hellbrunn Palace with its trick fountains, and either a Sound of Music tour or a trip into the nearby Lake District (Salzkammergut). Salzburg also works well as a day trip from Munich (1.5 hours by train).
Is Salzburg expensive?
Moderate by Austrian standards. A restaurant meal runs €12-20, coffee and cake at a traditional café €6-10. The Salzburg Card (€30-42 for 24-72 hours) is excellent value — it covers all major attractions, public transport, and the fortress funicular. Supermarket meals and beer gardens help keep costs down.
Is the Sound of Music tour worth it?
If you love the movie, absolutely — it's a surprisingly fun half-day trip (€50-55) hitting filming locations like Mirabell Gardens, Leopoldskron Palace, and the Lake District. Even if you're not a fan, the scenery is gorgeous. The original tour by Panorama Tours is the most popular. Skip it if you'd rather hike or explore independently.