Salzburg, with nearly 150,000 inhabitants, is the fourth largest city in Austria. It is also the capital of the province Salzburg. Since 1996, the old part of the town is on the UNESCO world cultural heritage list. Today Salzburg is a major exhibition and convention destination with many trade and service companies and a powerful tourist industry. In addition, the city is internationally significant because of the Salzburg Festival, which earned her the nickname “Festival City”. For further facts please visit Wikipedia Salzburg.
The Old Town is located between the Monks Hill and the Kapuziner Hill, more or less wedged on both sides of the river Salzach. Above all sits the fortress. The oldest parts of the fortress date back to 1077. You can reach the circular scale castle either via the funicular (entrance in the fortress gate) or you take a little walk. In the summer it’s a sweaty experince and in the winter you better look for non-slip shoes. The way up is worth it. You will be rewarded by a beautiful view over the Old Town.
You can also walk from the castle a small detour on the Nonnbergstiege back towards Old Town. On the way to get to the example of the Kaigasse the Mozart Square. This place was named after the greatest son of the city, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. In the 19th Century a monument was set here in his honor. During his life time his talent has been underestimated, but today Mozart is ubiquitous and indispensable part of Salzburg. Particularly during the holiday season it is beautiful. At the feet of the monument a small Christmas market with a large skating rink take place. This market is not quite as full as the Christmas Market on Cathedral and Residenz Square. You can read the full report here: geo-reisecommunity.de (unfortunately German only).
The festival area (Hofstallgasse and Max-Reinhardt-Platz) includes the former Winter Riding School, today the Small Festival Hall, which was converted into a “House for Mozart”, further on the Rock Riding School, which impresses with its stunning scenery, and not least the Great Festival Hall with over 2,000 seats. It was built from plans by Clemens Holzmeister and opened 1960.
A modern representative and no less impressive is the Hangar 7 at Salzburg Airport. In addition to various dining and event services the company Red Bull built the new home for it’s aircraft collection, the Flying Bulls, here. A visit is always worthwhile.
