While Salzburg may be famed for its picturesque Sound of Music hilltops and cityscapes come summertime—when the temps rise and the world-renowned music and arts festival kicks-in—this charming old-world city turns into The Sound of Tourists. So how do you make the most of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s hometown without becoming tour group roadkill? Here are some tips for a stellar trip.
1. Stroll the Steingasse
One of the oldest and prettiest streets in Salzburg, the cobblestoned Steingasse at the Kapuzinerberg foothills, is flanked by charming medieval buildings and makes for an idyllic hand-in-hand stroll away from the crowds. On your way, pop into the quaint Fridrich Bar to catch some local Salzburgian jazz.
2. Ogle the chapels in the cliff
Overlooking St. Peter’s Monastery and Cemetery (and away from the Old City buzz) is a mind-boggling feat of ancient engineering: the Salzburg Catacombs. These churches built cliff-side into Mönchsberg (Monk’s Mountain) are so magnificently hidden in the rocks, if it weren’t for an arched window or two you’d be hard-pressed to spot these camouflaged marvels.
3. Find your path on the Salzach
Nix the teeming tour boats, and get a leg up on Salzburg’s serene scenery with a meander or bike ride along the azure Salzach River. Its waterfront path winds for miles past manicured lawns and stately mansions backdropped by the snow-capped Alps. Or head out before dinner, pull up a grassy knoll on the riverbanks, and watch the Old City glow pink at sunset.
4. Taste authentic Austria
Sure, Hotel Goldener Hirsch fronts a tourist-flocked cobbled street in the heart of the Old City. But enter its insanely charming, green-hued doors and you’ve got a 600-year-old authentic Austrian oasis complete with original stoned archways, hand-carved wood furnishings, antler-dressed walls, and staff that don lederhosen and dirndl as more than just a costume. The inn’s cozy and romantic restaurant—a favorite with locals—is a must: expect top-notch service and traditional dishes like Viennese Schnitzel and baked curd cheese pancakes.
5. Check-in to a suite view
With a coveted location smack on the Salzach River banks, the chicHotel Sacher Salzburg channels a well-dressed, 1930s-vibe with black and gold décor, a wood-paneled vintage lobby desk, and buttoned-up bellboys straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting. Even the health club feels yesteryear polo club with red gingham accents and classic waltz tunes. The showstopper? Ask for a suite and you’ll be rewarded with wow-worthy river, skyline, and castle-strewn hilltop vistas all your own. Grab a seat on your balcony, fork into a decadent bite of iconic Sacher Torte, and enjoy your little slice of paradise.
