Salzburg is truly an alpine fever dream, when covered in snow, there is something magical about the way the sun hits the Salzach River in the morning and the crispness of the winter air. I can imagine myself running through the hills singing to the sound of music (oh just me? okay… ). These are my favourite places in winter. Undoubtedly, in spring, the numerous gardens will come to life and make their way onto this list.
I can’t wait to go back and shoot more pictures in Spring and take a little side trip to Hallstatt too! I wasn’t able to make it to Hallstatt this time because of the snow and limited time. If you find yourself in Austria and have 2-3 days I highly recommend visiting Salzburg with a side trip to Hallstatt. It’s one of my favourite places to unwind and enjoy the mountain air, some Viennese style coffee and cake, and of course, some Mozart.
Hohensalzburg FortressView From Hohensalzburg Fortress
View From Hohensalzburg Fortress
View From Hohensalzburg Fortress
I’m being blinded by the sun! Also looking like a potato in the cold in my layers..
This is one of the largest medieval castles in Europe and for architecture buffs, it is incredibly well preserved, with rooms that have been painstakingly restored to their former medieval glory. I found attention to detail to be quite impressive. My favourite part, has to be the view from the Fortress over the city. It truly is magnificent. If you are heading to the Fortress, try to get there in early in the morning, the sun is lower over the mountains behind the fortress and you won’t be blinded by the sunlight reflecting on the snow when the sun is directly overhead.
Imbergstiege
View of Fortress from Imbergsteige at just after sunset
on the steps of Imbergsteige
Another view of Fortress
Just before sunset at the Imbergsteige lookout
Nicknamed “The Dark Staircase”, it is a set of steep stairs leading from Salzburg to the Kapuzinerkloster Monastery. There are several small lookouts over the city along the path, with incredible views of the city, particularly at Sunset. If you can make it here for sunset, the way the light changes and frames the fortress is really worth waiting for. The view from the North side of town is very different from the South Side (from the fortress for example) and worth the trek.
Old Town
The old parts of town have retained their quaint charm. There are several notable places as you wander in the old parts of town including:
Domplatz with Christmas Markets
Sigmun-Haffner-Gass with view of clocktower
Mozart’s Birthplace
Domplatz
In the Summer, there is a giant chess game here
Sigmund-Haffner-Gass – to get a less crowded shot of the beautiful old city hall clock tower
Mozart’s Birthplace – hard to miss in yellow – it’s rather unremarkable inside, unless you are a true Mozart fan.
Domplatz
Salzach River
River Salzach in the early morning light
Makartsteg Bridge spanning the river
River View in the Morning
View of Fortress at night from riverbanks
River Salzach at Dusk
The river with the fortress and mountains behind are beautiful any time of day or night. I particularly love the night view over the river, as it reflects the lights of the city and there is a wonderful peacefulness as you walk by the river and all you hear are your own footsteps and the gently lapping sound of the river.
Makartsteg Bridge
The Makartsteg bridge over the Salzach River is named after the 19th century Historicist painter Hans Makart, who was born and raised in Salzburg. Makart was a famous painter of the Viennese Historicism and you can see many of his works in buildings along Ringstraße. It is the most modern bridge in Salzburg and has become the “padlock bridge” where lovers from around the world come to padlock their love…
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