Local Information


Located between the two mountains of Kapuzinerberg and Mönchsberg and the Salzbach river, Salzburg is a small town of narrow alleys, colourful town houses and a wealth of history, set amidst a rare alpine beauty.
Indeed, Salzburg's geography has largely defined its growth. The Salzbach river divides the city into two halves - the Altstadt (old town) and the new town.
The Altstadt, on the south bank of the river, is a sensory carnival of Baroque churches, plazas, courtyards and fountains, as authentic and traditionally Austrian as anything you will find.
The majority of the town's museums, clubs and other attractions are also to be found here.

It is impossible to escape the references to Mozart in the town of his birth. Mozart's birthplace re-opened its doors on December 5th, 2005 after three months of renovation work. Indeed, Salzburg has long enjoyed a reputation for musical excellence and is something of a Mecca for musicians all around the world.
Today Salzburg is known for its annual festival (Salzburger Festspiele), which offers a variety of operas, concerts and theatre plays, ranging from classical to contemporary styles.
Salzburg also played host to the classic film 'The Sound of Music'. If you were a fan of the film, many local sightseeing companies run half-day long trips to see the sights, with stops along the way including the Mirabell Gardens ("Do-Re-Mi"), Schloss Hellbrun (site of the "I Am Sixteen Going on Seventeen" gazebo), and the "Wedding Church" in Mondsee, where Maria and Georg Von Trapp were married.

But perhaps the one attraction that dominates Salzburg like no other is the fortress of Hohensalzburg. The medieval citadel sits atop an unassailable cliff face and offers the most spectacular panoramic views of the entire valley. The castle is considered to be the largest and most complete medieval fortress in Europe and is without doubt the highlight of any trip.
Salzburg may not be the biggest or liveliest European city, but its sophisticated allure continues to appeal. From its spectacular scenery to its quaint and colourful town houses, Mozart's city is culturally blessed, and with its musical and historical heritage, is likely to continue to draw the crowds in the future.

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