Salzburg is very pretty with its pedestrianised Altstadt alongside the fast-flowing Salzach River, the mountains in the distance and, of course, the Festung Hohensalzburg Fortress looming over. Its certainly worth a visit and should be included in a week-long itinerary for Austria.
But, and I’m being a little brutal on the comparison here, it is also quite similar to various other European cities so doesn’t particularly have the unique factor. As I say, certainly worth a visit. But, if in the area, I would prioritise way ahead of it:
- The magnificent palaces and concerts of Vienna – Palaces, Concerts and Cathedrals in Imperial Vienna.
- The beer halls and nearby Neuschwanstein Castle castle of Munich – Munich Christmas Markets, Beer Halls and visiting Neuschwanstein Castle).
- Prague “The City of a Hundred Spires” – The spires of Prague and a day trip to Karlstejn Castle.
- And Ljubliana with its stunning Lake Bled nearby – Wandering Ljubljana’s Old Town and Castle and Fairytale views by Lake Bled.
One top tip though for Salzburg – be sure to enjoy one of the Festungskonzerte (fortress concerts) in the Festung Hohensalzburg Fortress. Something just magical about listening to Mozart in that setting. Need to book ahead.