Salzburg: A fairytale city in the heart of Austria

There are some places in the world that feel like they’ve been plucked straight out of a storybook, and Salzburg is one of them. Nestled at the foot of the Alps, this charming Austrian city is a delightful blend of old-world charm, stunning natural beauty, and a musical heritage that still lingers in the air. Whether you’re a history buff, a music lover, a foodie, or just someone who loves to wander through beautiful streets, Salzburg has something magical to offer.

We did a day trip to Salzburg from Munich where we were staying for a few days. There are regular high speed trains between the two cities and the journey takes approximately 90 minutes. I should add that we were there in the middle of winter and there had been a particularly heavy snowfall and plunging temperatures but there were no issues with the train services and we sped through the countryside admiring a scenic winter wonderland.

In summer Salzburg is very picturesque. Imagine cobbled streets winding through pastel-colored baroque buildings, small squares filled with cafés, and a skyline dominated by church spires and the imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress. The Salzach River runs through the heart of the city, reflecting the mountains in its waters.

It feels like you’ve walked onto the set of a film—which, in a way, you have.

Many people know Salzburg as the backdrop of The Sound of Music. We strolled through the Mirabell Gardens, where some of the movie was filmed. Having seen the film countless times this was one to tick off the bucket list.

We also climbed up the hill to the Hohensalzburg Fortress. From the castle walls there are panoramic views out over the spires of Salzburg and to the mountains beyond.

In winter, Salzburg (as we saw it) becomes a snowy wonderland. In December the city lights up with Christmas markets, mulled wine, and festive cheer.

Of course, we can’t talk about Salzburg without a mention of its most famous son. This is the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his presence is everywhere you go. You can visit the house where he was born, wander round exhibitions that showcase his life and listen to his works performed in the city that shaped him.

No trip would be complete without sampling the local cuisine, and Salzburg doesn’t disappoint. Traditional Austrian food is hearty and comforting—a bowl of goulash on a freezing cold day is very welcome. As well as schnitzels and dumplings, Salzburg also has its own specialties. One of the most famous is the Salzburger Nockerl, a sweet, fluffy soufflé-like dessert said to resemble the city’s surrounding mountains. Pair it with a cup of Austrian coffee, and you’ll understand why café culture is so popular here.

You might also want to try some Mozartkugeln, the city’s signature chocolate treat, made of pistachio, marzipan, and nougat, all coated in dark chocolate. It’s a great souvenir (if you haven’t been tempted to eat it before you get home!).

We took an early evening train back to Munich having had a great day away in this beautiful city.