Salzburg: The Stage of the World

For many travellers, just the mention of Salzburg brings  to mind memories of Julie Andrews singing through the streets, but for almost a thousand years, the wealth provided by the nearby salt mines has allowed Salzburg to develop into one of the most elegant cities north of the Alps. 

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Baroque architecture of Salzburg's Alte Stadt (Old Town) is cradled between the river Salzach and the imposing Festung Hohensalzburg (High Salzburg Fortress) which guards over the city from its 500 foot  plateau. While millions of tourists flock to Salzburg for everything from the world class music festival, to the "Sound of Music" tours (complete with sing along karaoke), the locals know that the most favourite thing to see in Salzburg is Salzburg itself. Local guides are excited to share how certain fountains and statues line up with some of the ornate Baroque architecture, and show off the secrets that truly make Salzburg a special place.

Photo courtesy of Salzburg Tourism

  If the Salzburg Fortress overlooks the Southern half of the city, the Hotel Schloss Mönchstein  watches regally over the North end of the old town. Perched atop Mönchberg mountain, located in a 14,000 m2 park, this palatial castle's roots date back to the 1300s and has been operated as a hotel since 1948. The unique and romantic setting lends credibility to the fact that this is Salzburg's first five star accommodation. How about a fairy tale wedding in your own fairy tale castle?

Photo courtesy of Hotel Schloss Monchstein

Just a five minute walk (and elevator ride) from the Hotel Schloss Mönchstein, brings you to the end of one of the finest shopping avenues in the world, the Getreidegasse. This winding  pedestrian lane is bordered by tall narrow dwellings that now play host to the likes of Louis Vutton, Swarovski and other boutiques. Iconic wrought-iron signs advertise each store's wares to locals and tourists alike. Take your time and visit Mozart's house, or avoid the tourists by ducking into the numerous little side streets which will open up and reveal wonderful galleries, courtyards, and cafes.

Photo courtesy of  Fotocommunity.com - Brigitte Wendinger

Steps away from the other end of the Getridegasse, Cafe Tomaselli (established in 1703) has been the favourite hangout for politicians, stars of stage and screen, and society for over 300 years. (Even Mozart was a regular.) This Viennese coffee house is not your "drive-through" Starbucks from home, so take your time and enjoy the old world charm that Tomaselli's inhabits. Tuxedoed waiters offer up  a rich variety of coffees, while  the roaming "cake maids" will tempt you with mouth-watering homemade cakes and strudel. If you goal is to be seen as well as see, try to get a table on the second floor patio overlooking the street.

Photo courtesy of  www.aspiringgentleman.com/artslife/places-to-imbibe-in-cafe-tomaselli-salzburg-austria/

There is so much more that could be written about the city, the culture, the cuisine, the shopping, but I wouldn't want to deny you the opportunity to discover some of Salzburg's special magic on your own.
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Chris MacRae is an experienced traveller and amateur photographer who has travelled extensively throughout North America and Europe. He has lived in Berlin, Germany for six months where he had the opportunity to visit many other countries in Europe. As a Canadian opera singer,  he has performed in numerous cities throughout Canada, the United States, and Europe where he has gained a first hand  knowledge of the different areas. He is presently attending the University of North Texas in Denton where he is taking his Docorate in Music and teaching voice.