Photos taken/written by Jennifer Mahon
EUROPE ROAD TRIP — DAY 13 (OF 19)
After leaving the stunning Graz, we drove northwest for about 278 km (roughly 3 hours) to Salzburg. The drive itself was a treat—winding highways through breathtaking mountain scenery. Now, Salzburg wasn’t on the hubs must-see list, but as a self-confessed Sound of Music addict, there was no way I was missing out on the city of the Von Trapps!
The drive was gorgeous, and we passed through some postcard-worthy towns, including one I can’t for the life of me remember, and Sankt Gilgen, where Mozart’s mom was from (fun fact!). The lake there is so blue it looks fake—seriously stunning.
Euro Road Trip Map showing the trip route/progress. Square black numbers show the overnights, the white numbers indicate that it was just a stop for a few hours on that day number
Photos: On the drive from Graz to Salzburg
SALZBURG: LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT
A few hours are all it takes to fall hopelessly in love with this city. Didn’t expect it to be so packed with tourists (finding parking was painstakingly long). The hustle and bustle of Salzburg’s Old Town is almost tangible – strolling through the Getreidegasse, Salzburg’s famous “shopping mile” – you’re surrounded by both locals and tourists shopping to their hearts content. At the end of the street, you’ll find yourself at the Salzburg Cathedral, from there you can continue on to Mozartplatz, or detour and grab the funicular up to the Hohensalzburg Fortress. The hills are alive with history and charm here, and even though we only had about 3 hours, we managed to hit all the major spots—though I’ll admit, we cheated a bit by tagging along with some tourist groups!
YOU'VE GOTTA SEE...
SALZACH RIVER & PROMENADE (Kaipromenade)
The Salzach River is the heart of Salzburg, and during summer, everyone flocks to its banks. The tree-lined promenade is perfect for a relaxing stroll (or if you’re brave, you can dodge the cyclists who zip by like they’re in a race). It’s also a great spot to people-watch or catch some rays.
Photos: The Salzach - the main river that runs through Salzburg
ALTSTADT (Old Town)
The Old Town has a distinct old world charm – everywhere you look there’s beautiful Baroque architecture, hence why Salzburg’s Old Town is one of 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Austria.This is where you’ll stumble upon all the big sights—Mozart’s house, Alter Markt, and the Salzburg Cathedral. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a time machine (minus all the tourists, of course).
Photos: Old Town Square, Salzburg
Photos: One of the many hidden markets in the alleyways of Salzburg
MOZART GEBURTSHAUS & GETREIDEGASSE LANE
A narrow pedestrian walkway, lined with shops - good luck squeezing your way through the mobs of people, especially around house number 9 – which turned out to be Mozart’s birthplace. While you’re stuck in the crowds don’t forget to look up at the ornate wrought iron signs and the intricately carved window frames of the tall, narrow buildings.
Photos: Mozarts Geburtshaus
DOMPLATZ & SALZBURG CATHEDRAL
The Domplatz (Cathedral Square) sits right under the shadow of the Hohensalzburg Fortress, surrounded by the Salzburg Cathedral, St. Peter’s Monastery, and the Archiepiscopal Residence. In the centre, you’ll find a statue of the Virgin Mary – Mariensäule, built by the Hagenauer brothers in 1771, with sculptures at the base representing wisdom, the church, angels, and (of course) the devil. You can enter the cathedral for free, but donations are encouraged, and most people toss in a few euros as they pass through.
Photos: Salzburg Cathedral
HOHENSALZBURG FORTRESS
For a bird’s-eye view of the city, head up to the Hohensalzburg Fortress. You’ve got two options: hike (yeah, no thanks!) or take the Festungsbahn (funicular) for around 12 €. The fortress has been home to the Archbishops of Salzburg for centuries, and it’s one of the top attractions in the city. Not only is the museum inside cool, but the views of the city and the Untersberg Mountain are insane.
Photos: Hohensalzburg Fortress
Photos: Views from Hohensalzburg Fortress
Photos: Inside Hohensalzburg Fortress
Photos: Untersberg Mountain viewed from the top of the Hohensalzburg Fortress
MOZARTPLATZ
Not far from the cathedral, you’ll find Mozartplatz, which is pretty much exactly what it sounds like: a square with a giant statue of Mozart standing in the middle. That’s… about it. But hey, it’s Mozart!
Photos: Mozartplatz
NONNBERG ABBEY
Calling all Sound of Music fans! Nonnberg Abbey is one of the locations from the movie, and if you’re like me, you’ll be humming "How do you solve a problem like Maria?" the entire time. I had a blast, though anyone nearby probably didn’t appreciate my off-key performance.
Photos: Nonnberg Abbey - If you've seen the Sound of Music, you should recognize this gate!
Photos: Salzach River vibes
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