3 Nights in Salzburg, Austria
A city of salt and Mozart.
I was actually fairly prepared for Salzburg. I had 2 main activities booked, both were orchestras. I accidentally double-booked Mozart concerts, but it was fitting for Salzburg. They played different pieces, so it worked out perfectly.
Friday: The Sound of Music, Chocolate & Concerts
After a slow hotel breakfast, I debated skipping my big walking adventure entirely. The weather was grim, one of those days with 10-20% chances of rain that ends up being 100% all day. But I hopped on the bus anyway — easy with the city pass I got from the hotel through the tourist tax — and headed south to a town called Anif.
Apparently, Anif Palace was in the opening scene of The Sound of Music. I wouldn’t know — haven’t seen it. But it’s closed to the public and hidden from the street, so it didn’t matter much. The pictures looked great and as if you could see it from a distance. Not the case.
I walked the 4.5 miles back toward Salzburg, following my map and stopping at a few pinned locations that all ended up being private residences. Not the most efficient sightseeing plan — but a good walk. Nice to see a different, quieter side of Salzburg. I followed the river back into town and embraced the rain.
I passed by some famous spots, including the gazebo from The Sound of Music. I passed a zoo if you’re into that when you travel.
Eventually made it to Mozartplatz, wandered by Mozart’s Residence, and stumbled into a small chocolate shop for a quick sugar rush. The cappuccino and coconut chocolates were standouts.
Later, I walked down the Graffiti Hall of Fame — Salzburg’s canvas of color and rebellion — before heading back to rest. That evening, the pre-concert dinner was at the Sheraton Grand. Then it was off to the Marble Hall at Mirabell Palace for my first Mozart concert of the trip. This Baroque marble room transported me back in time trying to imagine what life would've been like back in the 1700s as I enjoyed this concert.
On the way back to my hotel, I found an alley with a small yet vibrant bar with live music and Guinness. It was the exact opposite of the Mozart orchestra I just experienced: guitar covers of American 2000s songs. Sign me up.
Saturday: City Views & Fortress Concert
Saturday was finally a beautiful sunny day. I walked most of the morning, retracing the river route from the bus the day before. I knew I wanted to take some nice pictures while the sun was out, so I had fun finding the best angles to capture the city’s beauty. I found my way to a tunnel through the mountain dividing the city. On the other side: more quiet, more green, and when I doubled back, stairs that led up to a fortress wall with an overlook. I stopped for coffee and drinks at a cafe on top of the wall.
Later that evening was round two of Mozart — this time at the Hohensalzburg Fortress itself. My shower flooded before I left (because chances are something goes wrong when you travel for that long), but hotel staff fixed it while I was out. Mini-crisis averted.
I walked the whole way up the fortress instead of taking the tram, not based on principle, but because I didn’t know where I was going and accidentally missed it. Or, because I wanted to take the hard route and earn my wine. Same same. Either way, the views were worth it.
Dinner was great with a view. It’s always easy to spot other solo travelers and find friends. Similar to the first night, we ended with live music at the same tiny alley bar.
Sunday: A Gentle Exit
Sunday wasn't anything exciting. I was off to Paris that afternoon. I eased into the morning, went for a short walk, had breakfast, edited some photos I liked, and made my way to the airport.
Salzburg — “Salt Castle” — made its fortune mining salt and minted its identity with Mozart. Overall, I loved Salzburg and would definitely go back. I’m sure there are day trips I missed. I didn’t do the Salt Mines. The Red Bull Hangar-7 was temporarily closed, so I didn't get to see that. If I go back to Austria, I would go to new cities first, but I wouldn't object to passing back through Salzburg, especially if I'm traveling with others.
- Anif Palace (go here if you like wasting your time and not seeing castles)
- Gazebo from The Sound of Music
- Mozartplatz
- Mozart’s Residence
- Graffiti Hall of Fame
- Marble Hall at Mirabell Palace
- Whiskey Lounge.
- Mirabell Palace Concerts (dinner at the Fortress was better)
- Salzburg Fortress Concert (if it’s within your budget, add the dinner)
