Salzburg is a city in Austria and originally found fame because of its salt mines.  In fact, the word ‘Salzburg’ means ’salt castle’.  As you might imagine, holidaymakers do not go to Salzburg for its mines.  Indeed, Salzburg attracts visitors for very different reasons, mainly musical related.

Salzburg is ‘Mozart-town’ and no matter where you go in Salzburg you will not be allowed to forget that.  They even have Mozartplatz square, complete with a chiming clock and three museums, one of which is in Mozart’s birthplace.

It is also home to Mozartwoche, a week long Mozart festival held in late January.  The classical connection doesn’t stop there.  They also have Osterfestspiele, their Easter classical festival, and Pfingsfestspiele, a music festival dedicated to Baroque music.  Then of course there is their big five week long festival, held from July to August, called the Salzburger Festspiele, which is a chorus of operas, concert and Mozart dedicated recitals.

A visit to Salzburg would not be complete without visiting the film-locations of The Sound of Music, filmed in Salzburg in 1964, inspired by the real Von Trapp family who lived locally.  After 1964, Salzburg was never the same again with visitors galore.  Take the bus tour to see all the film location spots.

For food and drink, Salzburg is famed for its beer gardens and you cannot leave without trying their chocolate.  The specialty is called, surprise surprise, Mozartkugeln, a filled confectionery and each individual piece has Mozart’s portrait on it.  If you are a lover of Mozart or indeed classical music, a weekend break to Salzburg would be just the ticket!