European city with flights under two hours known for its sausages and singing tours
SALZBURG, the home of Mozart and The Sound Of Music, sits in Austria’s beautiful Eastern Alps.
While most of us associate the Alps with snow caps and skiing, this city makes an ideal summer holiday destination — and it’s affordable.
WHY SHOULD I VISIT?
If you’re a keen hiker, it’s relatively easy to get from the city centre into the mountains which are filled with stunning, tree-lined trails that take anywhere from 15 minutes to three hours to complete.
Hikers will also want to tick off the Dachstein Glacier.
This incredible ice cap is shrinking every year and could disappear, so take a look while you still can.
On a clear day the breathtaking views stretch as far as the Czech Republic and Slovenia.
Down in the compact city, everything is easily within walking distance — and every building looks like a work of art.
If you aren’t much of a walker, there’s an electric-powered trolley that departs every ten to 20 minutes and stops at various points around the city.
There are also buses if you need to venture further out.
ANYTHING FOR THE BUCKET LIST?
Hardcore fans of The Sound Of Music should swap the free walking tour for a proper guided one of the film sets that takes you to locations beyond the city centre, including Church Mondsee, where Maria wed the Baron.
Virtuosos shouldn’t miss Mozart’s Birthplace, either, entry to which is included with the Salzburg card (or €15 per adult for those without).
The former home-turned-museum is where the musical prodigy was born in 1756, and you can browse the original rooms where certificates, letters and memorabilia remain.
Have your own musical adventure by booking tickets to one of the almost daily performances held at the Hohensalzburg Fortress.
Three-course dinners can be combined with a show of Mozart classics in the beautiful venue, backed by mountains.
WHERE SHOULD I EAT?
Zwettler’s Wirtshaus is the place to go for classic Austrian dishes with a modern punch.
One of the oldest inns in Salzburg, the restaurant serves everything from traditional bratwurst on potato hash to weiner schnitzels on cranberry potatoes and even vegan strudel.
If you’re after something budget-friendly but still in keeping with Austrian tradition, head to Brandalm on the Dachstein Glacier, sat among the mountains, which serves dishes made with ingredients sourced from its own farm.
I FANCY A DRINK
For tipples with a breathtaking view, the Panoramarestaurant zur Festung at the Hohensalzburg Fortress — known as the castle on the hill — is perfect.
Sip on cocktails, wine or ale, all while soaking up panoramic scenes across the city and surrounding hills.
WHERE SHOULD I STAY?
If you’re after something contemporary, the Hyperion Hotel in the heart of the city has sophisticated rooms with an open-plan design and Mozart-themed artwork.
For something more authentic, Hotel Berghof is buried in the mountains — stay for breakfast as the buffet is to die for.
GO: SALZBURG
GETTING THERE: Wizz Air flies from Luton to Salzburg from £18 each way.
See wizzair.com.
STAYING THERE: The Hyperion Hotel Salzburg has double rooms from £98.
See wyndhamhotels.com.
Hotel Berghof in Ramsau Dachstein has double or twin rooms from around £238 with breakfast.
See hotel-berghof.at.
OUT & ABOUT: The Original Sound of Music Tour costs €60 for adults and €30 for kids.