Marcus Willan – 2 nights in Salzburg
Conde Nast traveller chose Salzburg as the 3rd most beautiful city in Europe in 2008 and it’s not hard to see why. The landscape is dominated by the Untersburg mountain which provides a stunning backdrop to the city as the Salzach river meanders through it. Hohensalzburg fortress perched high on a hill in the old town provides some of the best views of the exquisite baroque architecture with Salzburg cathedral being one of the most beautiful well preserved structures of this period.
The Getreidgasse shopping area nestled in Salzburg’s old town is where you will find many upscale boutiques, cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops. Very popular with tourists on the weekends, it’s also where the locals come to be seen, sometimes in traditional attire. Getreidgasse’s claim to fame is that it’s also the birthplace of Mozart and it’s here you will now find a museum dedicated to his memory. Interesting pieces of memorabilia are on offer from CD’s to statues, plates and ceramics but for the tastiest treat, you must go past the mozartkugel.
The original mozartkugel (Mozart ball) was first made by confectioner Paul Furst in 1890. This scrumptious Austrian treat is made from green pistachio marzipan that is covered in a layer of nougat then dipped in dark chocolate. Mozartkugels make great souvenirs for family and friends back home and are widely available at gift stores and supermarkets but vary in quality depending on the brand. For the best, head to the original Paul Furst confectioners of which there are four stores in central Salzburg- delicious!
Salzburg is home to many beer gardens that particularly flourish over the summer months, but the finest and most interesting is the Augustiner brewery considered not only the best in Austria, but in the world. Perched high on a hill that over looks the city it serves freshly brewed beer straight from the barrel- this venue can not be missed on a trip to Salzburg. Popular with locals and tourists, and also serving very affordable food, this is a great way to meet the very friendly town folk and share your travel stories as you eat and drink around the large communal tables- a must!
Dankeschon (Thank you!) Definitely the most important phrase to know as you’ll be using it constantly. Maybe it’s all that fresh mountain air or possibly the fact that Salzburg is one of the most picturesque places in the world, but whatever it is, something makes the Salzburg locals very happy and it shows as another of the delights of Salzburg is the fact that its inhabitants are so genuinely friendly. Nothing seems like it’s too much trouble and you’ll find people will go out of their way to give you directions, answer your questions and make you feel at home right away.
A visitor to Salzburg is spoilt for choice when it comes to the endless array of activities available in this beautiful baroque city and they don’t necessarily have to be expensive- it costs nothing to simply wonder around the city and marvel at the period architecture. Some other free (or almost free) activities include a visit to the famed Mirabel gardens where you can follow in Julie Andrews footsteps and recreate the scene from The Sound Of Music where ‘Do rei me’ was performed. The Saturday market in the old town is a great way to mix with the locals and sample some traditional Austrian cuisine. In the summer months another great way to see the city is to hire a bike and explore the sights while enjoying the fresh air and sunshine.
Salzburg is a carnivores’ delight with many varieties of the famed ‘wurstel’ or sausage served with sauerkraut and mustard widely available throughout the city, as well as huge selection of cooked meats. Warm pretzels are also a favourite, and for those with a sweet tooth like me, Salzburg also boasts to serve the best sacher torte (dense chocolate sponge cake with apricot jam filling) available from it’s original home, the Hotel Sacher. Another local dish the Salzburger Nockerl is a dessert made entirely of baked towering egg white peaks served with a rich berry sauce and comes in one serving portion- SUPER SIZE! Don’t even attempt to eat this by yourself (as I did!) unless you’ve a stomach made of cast iron and are looking for a sugar rush that’s as big as the surrounding mountains!
Salzburg’s Mozart airport is clean, modern and conveniently located only 20 minutes from the city. The number 2 bus takes you directly into town and costs only 2 Euros for a single ticket. There is a small but good selection of duty free shopping available and chocolate kugels and local liquors are some of the best buys to be found.
Salzburg is without a doubt one of the most beautiful well preserved baroque cities in Europe, however if you have time be sure to hire a car and also explore the surrounding countryside where you will find some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. Awe- inspiring snow capped mountains combined with crystal clear lakes and quaint villages- this really is picture postcard stuff that has to be seen to be believed.
