Historically, the riches of the salt mines enabled the prince-archbishops to build a magnificent capital for their church-state, which they ruled for centuries, Salzburg. This splendid city of glorious architecture, splendid churches and palaces and mansions, not to mention the magnificent music was incorporated into the Habsburg empire in the early nineteenth century. "All the beautiful regions I have seen, in my opinion, can't compare with the heavenly beauty of nature in Salzburg" wrote Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's son. These words echo the praises of many a visitor to this gem of a city. The setting is so spectacular, with the northern part of Salzburg composed of softly sloped hills and the southern part of the province definitely Alpine in character, that an all too short visit usually overwhelms the visitor with Salzburg's abundance of architectural and cultural attractions and leaves him with a fervent wish to return and explore the numerous sights in more detail.

Salzburg is a city that is made for walking and you will discover many treasures during a stroll through the old city. Fortress Hohensalzburg, dating from the eleventh century, looms above the old city with its medieval lanes, baroque churches, beautiful palaces and gardens. A visit to Hohensalzburg, including the somewhat intimidating state rooms, dungeons and towers, might take up half a day - there is much to see as one wanders through the fortress' many courtyards and discovers breathtaking views of the city from many different angles. The old city, too, is made for walking and a visit to Getreidegasse No. 9 (where Mozart's birthplace has been turned into a museum) is an absolute must. Mozart-lovers will delight in listening to the chimes on Residenzplatz and, most probably, remember the lovely Mozart tune that's played there twice a day. 

The cultural delights of Salzburg start with the Mozart Week in January, continue with the Easter Festival and the Whitsun Concerts, reach their pinnacle with the Salzburg Summer Festival and continue with "Szene Salzburg", a festival of dance and experimental art, Salzburg Culture Days, palace concerts, performances of the Marionette Theater and many cultural pre-Christmas activities during the advent season. Yes, the city is "alive with the sound of music" - it is certainly no coincidence that the movie (which was filmed entirely in and around Salzburg) became an all-time hit. It wasn't only the lovely Rodgers and Hammerstein score that enchanted millions of viewers around the world; it was also the unique combination of music and nature that is so particularly Austrian, but seems to have been "a match made in heaven" in Salzburg. "Sound of Music" lovers should at least view the rococo splendor of Leopoldskron palace, the film location of the Trapp family from across a lovely serene lake - the palace itself may not be visited, but a walk in the lovely countryside around Leopoldskron may be a nice compensation.

The combination of Salzburg's location at the foot of the Alps and its many international visitors is also reflected in the variety of the cuisine available at many fine restaurants, beer cellars and simple inns: at times, it may not be easy to choose among the array of dishes ranging from cordon bleu cuisine to hearty rustic fare. But you can't leave Salzburg without having tasted its most famous dessert: Salzburger Nockerl, a heavenly, seemingly weightless concoction of simple ingredients that has inspired poets as well as composers!