Single traveller's top tips for Salzburg
1.Condé Nast Traveller chose Salzburg as the third most beautiful city in Europe in 2008, what during your stay epitomised this perception? The views in Salzburg are amazing! 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.
2. The Getreidegasse shopping area also holds the birthplace of Mozart, what is the best piece of memorabilia available for him there? It really depends on what you are after and you can get everything from CD’s through to statues, plates and ceramics – depending on your taste.
3. The “Original Salzburg Mozartkugel” was first made in 1890 by Salzburg’s master confectioner Paul Fürst, can you find out what it is and where to get the best one? The mozartkugel translates as ‘Mozart ball’ and it is a tasty Austrian treat made from green pistachio marzipan that is covered in a layer of nougat then dipped in dark chocolate.
4. Salzburg beer gardens are widely renowned as unmissable, as a single traveller what is the best way to make some local friends? Head to one of the large communal tables at the Augustiner brewery. It’s really popular with locals and tourists, and serves very affordable food. Sit back and chat with the friendly town folk and share your stories here – I certainly did!
5. What’s the most useful phrase you learned whilst away? Dankeschon which translates as ‘Thank you’! I was using it constantly!
6. How many free activities can you cram into a short break in Salzburg and what are they? There is loads to do – you’ll be spoilt for choice! It costs nothing to simply wander around the city or you could visit the famed Mirabel gardens where you can follow in Julie Andrews footsteps and recreate the scene from The Sound Of Music. The Saturday market in the old town is a great way to mix with the locals and sample some traditional Austrian cuisine and if you’re feeling energetic, you could always hire a bike and explore the sights while enjoying the fresh air and sunshine.
7. Having sampled as many local dishes as possible, which are the best ones and which ones should you avoid? Salzburg is a carnivores’ delight with many varieties of the famed ‘wurstel’ or sausage served with sauerkraut and mustard widely available throughout the city. I also enjoyed the warm pretzels and the sacher torte – a dense chocolate sponge cake with apricot jam filling. While I don’t have any foods which I’d suggest avoiding, a word of warning, don’t attempt the Salzburger Nockerl on your own! The dessert is made entirely of baked towering egg white peaks served with a rich berry sauce and it is huge. You’ll get a serious sugar rush!
8. What is Salzburg airport like and are the duty free goods worth buying? 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.
9. If you could pass on one top tip to other travellers going to Salzburg, what would it be? 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’ means this really is picture postcard stuff that has to be seen to be believed.
10. How convenient is the city centre to get to from the airport? 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.
