Salzburg - Free Walking Tour + Tips
Mirabell Gardens & Schloss Mirabell
You would be remiss not to visit this most famous (and beautiful!) of gardens! Originally designed in 1606 by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau, this beautiful garden is a fine example of the Baroque era, showcasing the grandeur of Salzburg's past. More importantly, however, depending on your persuasion, it is an absolutely CLASSIC filming location in the beloved film The Sound of Music!
It would be rude not to run around the fountain or cycle through the sculpted, leafy arches, just as Maria and the von Trapp children did in the film. Whilst you're there, it is also possible to walk through the building and admire the Baroque architecture from a time gone by. It is now mainly an administrative space, housing the offices of the Mayor, and the area near the Pegasus Fountain can be entered for free.
A little fun fact: The Prince-Archbishop scandalously built the palace as a place for himself and his mistress, Salome Alt, and their FIFTEEN children! (It was also originally named Schloss Altenau for her).
Staatsbrücke
This significant bridge, connecting the New Town to the Old Town, known as the Staatsbrücke (country or state bridge in English) is well worth a look before you cross. It is named this because the ninth version of the bridge was publicly funded but was unable to support an increased amount of traffic. In 1939, construction of the current Staatsbruecke was begun, using slave labour from nearby prisoner of war camps (although it was renovated heavily in 2007). This history is commemorated by way of plaques on the pillars of the bridge at each corner.
It also features art installations by Brigitte Kowanz, called Beyond Recall. It is a series of mirrored cubes on each corner of the bridge, featuring neon writing and quotes from the memorial plaques dedicated to the slave labourers who worked on the bridge during WWII. It is significant in that it links the two sides of town together, and acts as a warning of the dangers of forgetting the events of the past. You can read more about it at the link below:
Mozartsgeburtshaus & Getreidegasse
After walking across the road after crossing the Staatsbrücke to the Old Town, instead of going straight ahead, go to the right on Griesgasse and go under the first archway - Löchlbogen (Stadttor).
As you walk through, you will be greeted by a beautiful yellow building - the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart! If you have some time, it is possible to visit the museum (€ 13.50 for an adult ticket) if you are interested in learning more about the life of this amazing Wunderkind.
Mozartsplatz
When facing Mozart's Geburtshaus, turn to the left and follow Getreidegasse until it turns into Judengasse. As the name so aptly states, this street was part of the Jewish centre of the city in the Middle Ages until their removal from the city at the end of the 15th Century. Nowadays, it is a significant part of the Old Town, featuring restaurants and various shops selling souvenirs, clothes, and even seasonal holiday stores open all year! So, if you're looking for Christmas decorations in June, look no further ;)
If you would like to take a brief detour before heading to Mozartsplatz, you could step into the Alter Markt (or Old Market) and visit Cafe Konditorei Fürst. This sweet shop is the birthplace of the Mozartkugel (or Mozart ball)! Whilst there are many a shop selling their own 'brand' of Mozartkugeln, the story goes that the original was created here in the late 19th Century by Paul Fürst who, unfortunately, did not patent them! The OG features nougat, marzipan and pistachio and are supposed to be completely round (mass produced balls often have a flat edge).
If you choose this option, you can go straight to Residenzplatz and walk through to see the Mozart statue in Mozartsplatz by turning left out of the store and left to Residenzplatz. From there, walk straight ahead and you will come across the statue.
You can also go back on yourself, to Judengasse, and follow it around, through Waagplatz, to the statue of Mozart.
Residenzplatz & Domplatz
The most stunning feature of Residenzplatz is surely the Rezidenzbrunnen (or Residence Fountain)! It is known to be the largest Baroque fountain outside of Italy, commissioned and built in the 17th Century. It could be argued that it's true modern fame lies in it's featuring in the Sound of Music! The two squares are connected by way of arches between the Dom zu Salzburg and the DomQuartier of Salzburg which features the Residenz building.
When heading through Residenzplatz to Domplatz, take in the splendour of the cathedral. Take specific note of the three dates on the facade - 774, 1628 & 1959 - they denote the years in which the cathedral was consecrated after destruction and reconstruction for various reasons. Mozart was baptised in this church and it is possible to hear performances on the same organ that he played when he was the church organist in the middle of the day if you visit. It is called 'Musik zu Mittag' (music at lunchtime) and is included in your admission ticket!
Festung Hohensalzburg
This incredibly formidable (but unnecessary) standout feature of the Salzburg skyline was built at the end of the 11th Century. Although it was built to protect the rulers of the time, the Prince Archbishops, the city was never subject to a real attack. More recently, it has become a museum housing historical exhibits and even a Marionette Museum! For those who don't wish to brave the steep walk to the fortress, you can travel up with the FestungsBahn - the oldest still functioning funicular in Austria! When purchasing your tickets, it is possible to buy tickets that include the FestungsBahn with the most extensive ticket that features all possible exhibitions inside of the fortress is currently 18 Euros (Summer 2024).
Whilst you can experience some incredible views from the fortress, it is also possible to access some stunning vistas without paying to visit the museum if you are travelling on a budget (see Aussicht Festung Hohensalzburg)
City view walk
This is one of my favourite city walks! As we had some of the first beautiful (and warm!) weather that we had seen since Hawaii, we decided to treat ourselves to some quality outside time and let the roads lead us!
We walked up to the aforementioned Aussicht Festung Hohensalzburg but instead of going right to the fortress (when facing the view), we went left instead, up towards Schartentor.
Our walk took us past the following landmarks:
Take Am Mönchsberg around Hotel Schloss Mönchstein.
From here, we went through Augustinerpforte (Stadttor) and Monikapforte (Stadttor) to Spielplatz u. Kletterparcours Müllner Schanze. The view here is absolutely beautiful, overlooking both the New Town and a view back of the Old Town. It is a playground, so if you're travelling with kids, this makes for a great spot to stop and admire the view whilst giving the little ones a chance to play.
From here, it is possible to visit the Kirche Maria Himmelfahrt. It is worth a quick stop to see the interior of the church.
After your walk, it is only fitting that you should grab yourself a well-earned beverage or snack! The Augustiner Bräu has been operating since 1621 when the monks were given permission to build a brewery. It is a meeting place for locals and tourists, with 5000 square metres of space inside and even further space outside!
It is possible to taste traditional food and local beer from large wooden barrels, and, of course, for those who do not drink, there are non-alcoholic options available.
IMPORTANT - this site is CASH ONLY (as a lot of places in Austria still are) so make sure that you have some cash with you if you'd like to grab something to eat or drink.
Bonus tips - places to eat and drink in Salzburg (with some dietary options)
Austrian food is comfort food - it's warm, delicious, carby...
Here is a list of places that I have personally visited and enjoyed some great food and drinks at, or have had recommendations to visit:
It can also get very busy so it might be beneficial to make a reservation for dinner, certainly if you are planning on going with a larger group.
Another culinary institution in the city, minutes from the Augustiner Bräu. It is also prone to very busy periods so it could be worth making a reservation here, too.
This is a lovely, family run business on the New Town side of the river. It is a great option for vegans who love a sweetie treat! Austria is famous for its pastries but many bakery treats contain animals products. This little place, however, prides itself on providing options for those who do not wish to eat them.
This has been a favourite of mine on every visit to the city! Another vegan/vego-friendly place that makes a really great alternative to the often meaty and heavy (albeit delicious) local food. Often when I am away for long periods of time, I really crave a healthy, veggie filled dinner and this chain satisfies just that. They have a variety of bowls and soups based on cuisines from a few different areas and they are so yum!
Last but certainly not least, this lovely little 'bar-ge' sitting ON the river Salzach is the perfect place to wind down after a day of wandering around the city. It has great Happy Hour specials and is a great spot to watch the sun go down. Of course, for those who do not wish to drink alcohol, there are several non-alcoholic options available so that everyone can enjoy the time together!
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