About Salzburg:
Although we know Salzburg today as a city, for over 1,100 years Salzburg operated as an independent ecclesiastical city-state (prince-bishopric) within the Holy Roman Empire, ruled by prince-archbishops who wielded both secular and spiritual power. Founded in 696 AD, this rule fostered massive Baroque development, earning it the nickname “Rome of the North” until its secularization in the early 19th century
Overlooking the city is Hohensalzburg Fortress, a large medieval fortress that was erected at the behest of the prince-archbishops of Salzburg. The fortress one of the largest medieval castles in Europe. Salzburg is one of Europe’s most picturesque cities; it is well known as the birthplace of Mozart, and you will see his name all over the city…….most notably at his birthplace (Getreidegasse 9), the Mozart Residence (Makartplatz), and Mozartplatz square, which features his statue.
His name is also on the baptismal register at Salzburg Cathedral, the Mozarteum University, and on souvenirs like the original Fürst Mozartkugel (Salzburg confectioner PAUL FÜRST created the now world-famous Salzburger Mozartkugel around the year 1890. His exquisite creation made of a marzipan and pistachio core wrapped in nougat and dipped in dark chocolate quickly became the most popular sweet in the city.
It is also where the movie “The Sound of Music” is set, including the Mirabell Palace Gardens (“Do-Re-Mi”), Leopoldskron Palace (back of the house), Frohnburg Palace (front of the house), Nonnberg Abbey, and the Summer Riding School.
With so many churches, Salzburg has been called “the Rome of the North”.
Salzburg is home to two very important Catholic shrines:
The Loreto Church (The Christ Child of Loreto)
Traveling to Salzburg, Austria:
By plane:
Salzburg Airport (SZG / Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Airport) is the most convenient option. It is only about 3–4 km (2 miles) from the city center. Airlines serving SZG include Eurowings (major base), Lufthansa, Ryanair, easyJet, British Airways, Jet2, Transavia, and others. There are direct flights from many European cities (e.g., Frankfurt, London, Düsseldorf, Amsterdam, various UK regional airports, and seasonal routes). Longer-haul options exist seasonally.
From the airport to the center, take city bus lines 2 or 10 (or similar) take 15–20 minutes to the Hauptbahnhof or Old Town (cheap, frequent).
Alternative airports (often cheaper or with more long-haul options) include Munich Airport (MUC) — about 1.5–2.5 hours by train to Salzburg Hbf (excellent connections) or Vienna Airport (VIE).
By train: Trains arrive at Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (Hbf), a major hub about 15–20 minutes’ walk (or short bus/taxi ride) from the Old Town (Altstadt).
From Vienna: Direct trains every 20–30 minutes take about 3 hours to Salzburg (ÖBB Railjet / Railjet Express or Westbahn).
From Munich: Direct trains roughly every 30 minutes. Fastest is about 1 hour 30 minutes (Railjet, EuroCity, ICE, or Westbahn).
Other good connections: Linz (about 1 hour), Innsbruck (about 2 hours). Nightjet overnight trains serve some longer routes.
By car:
From Vienna, Salzburg is about 3 hours via the A1 motorway.
From Munich,Salzburg is about 1.5–2 hours.
Note: Austrian highways require a vignette (toll sticker; available online or at border stations). Parking in the historic center is restricted and expensive—use Park & Ride or hotel parking. The Old Town is largely pedestrianized.
By bus: There is bus service to Salzburg from several cities.
Visit the official tourism website for Salzburg, Austria.