Salzburg – the city of Mozart: The most dreamy places

Salzburg is a quiet city in Austria, here people eat good food, drink leisurely and sleep soundly. There are not many sights here, but there is a centuries formed measured and unhurried way of life, the most blessed on earth. Salzburg grabs your attention from the first moments with its pompous buildings and quiet courtyards. For me, this is the most romantic city in Austria and that’s why I’m in such a hurry to share with you new photos and a list of the most dreamy places in Salzburg. Because this enchanting city is definitely worth visiting at least once in your life!

Even on the most touristy street, Getreidegasse, you’ll see ladies strolling leisurely with fans, glancing into expensive clothing boutiques, smoking cigars, and fanning themselves.

At Mirabellplatz, a stately coachman on a graceful horse will glide by. Non-young couples will walk hand-in-hand along the riverbank, and a stylish elderly lady will feed flocks of noisy seagulls.

Austrians are stately, austere and dressy. For them, looking good is almost a patriotic duty; they will not even go to the store to buy bread in sweatpants. And if they see that your shirt is not ironed, they will consider it a lack of time or, worse, think that you are lazy. If the world says that life is a stage, then life in Salzburg is a catwalk. And so, it’s time to share the dreamiest places in Salzburg!

Mirabell Park – The most dreamy places in Salzburg.

Nestled in the heart of Salzburg, Mirabell Park is a tranquil oasis that feels like stepping into a storybook. As I wandered through its beautifully manicured gardens, I was immediately struck by the harmonious blend of nature and art. The park is adorned with vibrant flowerbeds, well-kept lawns, and a charming array of statues and fountains.

One of the highlights is the Pegasus Fountain, where the winged horse statue stands majestically, adding a touch of mythic charm to the serene surroundings. Nearby, the Hedge Theater, one of the oldest open-air theaters north of the Alps, invites visitors to imagine the grand performances that once took place there.

The most interesting feature of Mirabell Park is the dwarf garden. By the command of the archbishop, 28 stone dwarfs were installed. The Bavarian king deemed them ugly and had them removed. However, they were gathered, put back, although some were never found.

A stroll through the Dwarf Garden, with its quirky stone dwarfs, each with unique expressions and poses, adds a whimsical element to the park. These little characters have been part of Mirabell since the 17th century, offering a playful contrast to the park’s elegance.

Finding a quiet spot in Mirabell Park is effortless. I found a cozy bench under a shady tree, perfect for reading a book or simply soaking in the peaceful ambiance. The soft murmur of the fountains, the gentle rustle of leaves, and the occasional chirping of birds create a symphony of nature that calms the mind and soul.

Salzburg – The city of Mozart.

Even the road to the hill is infused with a pinch of raisins. Musicians in national attire play the cello and yodel; romantic couples rush to Mozart concerts, the great composer who spent his childhood in this city.

Mozart is everywhere here: his works play in luxurious halls; street musicians give concerts on cobblestone streets; and people walk around whistling “Piano Concerto.” Mozart is sold in chocolate, ducks, toys, discs, magnets, cards, books, and even a statue, like Mozart’s house, is here too. Sometimes, you have to stand in a significant queue to get in.

This is the city of Mozart and marzipan candies. Now I understand why these famous candies with the composer are brought from Austria – every shop window seems to program and hypnotize you to buy them.

St. Peter’s Cemetery – The most dreamy places in Salzburg.

The city is filled with romance, and even the seemingly scary and unpleasant looks quite charming and alluring here.

At the foot of the mountain lies St. Peter’s Cemetery, the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. It’s over five hundred years old. Only the chosen ones are buried here. Locals have a special feeling for everything related to the other world, crypts, sarcophagi, graves. The origin of this is unknown, but it’s clear that locals love to bury body parts separately – heart, head, innards. They even smash the face of the deceased before the funeral. Austrians are remarkable people, and their cemeteries can be considered landmarks.

In the catacombs of the first Christians, embedded in the sheer rock of the hill, lived hermit Christians before the abbey was established. Here lie the graves of Mozart’s relatives, specifically his father and wife. Mozart himself is buried in a common grave, and no one knows where.

Somewhere among the streets of crypts, you can find the grave of the alchemist Paracelsus. It is said that after long wanderings around the world searching for the Grail, he found peace in Salzburg. He didn’t find the cup but found a patron in the archbishop, stayed to live, and peacefully died.

Hohensalzburg Castle – The most dreamy places in Salzburg.

This perfect cemetery walls, the narrow streets of the city and the intricate colorful facades of the houses, resembling white pieces of chocolate, are especially striking from the top of Hohensalzburg, reached by funicular (€10 round trip + castle).

Hohensalzburg Castle is a real medieval castle, gloomy and mysterious.

Perched majestically atop the Festungsberg hill, the castle looks like it’s been plucked straight from the pages of a fairy tale. With its white walls gleaming in the sunlight and its turrets reaching towards the sky, it’s a sight that takes your breath away.

Entering the castle grounds felt like stepping back in time. The cobblestone paths, ancient stone walls, and the panoramic views of Salzburg below created an atmosphere of pure magic. It’s easy to see why this castle has inspired so many stories and legends over the centuries.

One of the most intriguing tales associated with Hohensalzburg is that of the “Salzburg Bull,” a massive mechanical organ housed within the castle. Built in the early 16th century, this unique instrument would play to mark significant events, its deep, resonant notes echoing across the city. The thought of this ancient organ filling the air with music adds an extra layer of wonder to the already mystical ambiance of the castle.

Originally constructed in 1077, Hohensalzburg has withstood sieges, served as a residence for archbishops, and even acted as a military barracks. Each stone seemed to whisper secrets of the past, stories of nobility, conflict, and resilience.

Squint your eyes and savor every second… my Salzburg is at your fingertips… and it seems like it’s shot from a drone, but no… it’s just me standing on the balcony of the castle. Some moments here have a taste of eternity…

The highlight of my visit was reaching the top of the Reckturm tower. From there, I had a sweeping view of the entire city of Salzburg, the Salzach River winding through its heart, and the majestic Alps in the distance. It was a moment of pure enchantment, where history and beauty collided in a breathtaking panorama.

Today there are many small museums here, with free admission. In the puppet museum, a scary devil laughs, and in the next hall, knight figurines seem ready to attack you.

Lake Fuschlsee – The most dreamy places in Salzburg.

Once you’ve seen all the main dreamy attractions of Salzburg, you can take a day trip to Lake Fuschlsee, on the outskirts of the city. My walk around the lake was beautiful in the light of the morning summer sun during my visit. I was delighted to discover this hidden gem deep within the country, and I so want you to visit this place and feel the same wonderful emotions as I did!

Where to eat and what to try in Salzburg?

Afro Cafe is an African-style cafe that will top every list of establishments.

Cafe Fürst is an Austrian coffee house, founded in 1884. Buy chocolate Mozartkugel truffles here – marzipan and dark chocolate candies. Don’t forget to treat yourself to apple strudel and warm coffee.

Try a Bosna – not just a hot dog with sausage and onions, but the main dish of Salzburg, slightly spiced with curry and hot mustard. Bosna can be accompanied by jacket potatoes, bacon, and Kaiserschmarrn pudding.

To better understand Austrian cuisine, order a national dinner, including pork roast with dumplings, Wiener schnitzel with sauerkraut, cottage cheese dumplings with apricots, and Salzburger Nockerln – a local pudding different from all others with three hills of soufflé, symbolizing three mountains.

The combination of stone streets, ancient churches, and elegant civilization has made Salzburg one of my favorite cities. Salzburg cannot be compared to any other city. It’s not even about the centuries-old history (there’s plenty of that). It’s something else… the air. You walk, and you’re surrounded by your favorite scents. And it doesn’t matter what your favorites are. Everything seems to transform for you. A chameleon city, a city of flexibility, fluidity.

Do you need passion? Here it is! Are you always wandering in search of a cozy corner? Look, it’s right here, under your nose. A city where dreams come true, a city where everything is in your hands. A city of sweetness. A city of classical music and new ideas. A city that penetrates your skin, injecting its intoxicating drug into your veins. A city – aristocrat! Germanic, restrained, and cold at first glance, but with hot Italian blood inside.

How to get to Salzburg.

By Air: The most direct way to get to Salzburg is by flying into Salzburg Airport (SZG), also known as W. A. Mozart Airport. Located just 4 kilometers from the city center, this airport serves many European cities and some international destinations.

You can take a taxi, which takes about 15 minutes, or opt for public transportation. Bus lines 2 and 10 run frequently between the airport and the city center, taking around 20 minutes.

Check Aviasales to find the cheapest flights to Salzburg if you are traveling from another country.

By Train: Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (Main Train Station) is well-connected to many European cities, making train travel an excellent option. The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) and Deutsche Bahn (DB) offer frequent services.

From Vienna: ÖBB Railjet trains run every hour, with the journey taking approximately 2.5 hours.

From Munich: Deutsche Bahn offers direct trains that take about 1.5 hours. Look for tickets here.

By Car: I highly recommend traveling by car as it’s the most convenient and direct option. If you don’t have a car, you can rent one at very reasonable prices here.

From Munich: The drive takes about 1.5 hours via the A8 motorway.

From Vienna: The drive takes about 3 hours via the A1 motorway.

If you get the “Salzburg Card” for €26 per day or €31 for 48 hours, you can use any transport and visit all museums in the city and surroundings. For example, the Unterberg Mountain lift, the zoo, Mozart’s house, a boat ride that spins in a dance.

If you are planning a trip around Austria, include a trip to Vienna in your itinerary. This grand and dazzling city will leave you speechless! And if you want to venture beyond one country, check out other European capitals like Prague and Bratislava! They are simply incredible!

Where to stay for a romantic getaway.

When I first set my sights on Salzburg, I knew I wanted an experience that went beyond the typical hotel stay. I wanted something that would immerse me in the romance and charm of the city. After some searching, I found not one, but two dreamy places to stay that turned out to be perfect for anyone looking to soak up the romantic atmosphere of Salzburg.

The Mozart Loft: Nestled in the heart of Salzburg, the Mozart Loft is a hidden gem that immediately captured my heart. As soon as I stepped inside, I felt like I had been transported back in time. The loft is beautifully decorated with antique furniture, crystal chandeliers, and elegant tapestries, all reminiscent of Mozart’s era. The high ceilings and large windows flood the space with natural light, giving it an airy and inviting feel.

One of the most enchanting features of the Mozart Loft is its private balcony overlooking the Salzach River. I spent countless hours there, sipping on coffee in the morning and enjoying a glass of wine in the evening, all while taking in the stunning views of the Old Town and the Hohensalzburg Fortress. It was the perfect spot to unwind and let the romantic ambiance of Salzburg wash over me.

The Sound of Music Suite: If you’re a fan of “The Sound of Music,” then the Sound of Music Suite is a must-stay. Located in a historic building just a stone’s throw away from Mirabell Gardens, this suite offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern comforts. The suite is named after the famous movie, and it doesn’t disappoint. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted by beautiful murals depicting scenes from the film, and the cozy living room features a grand piano, perfect for channeling your inner Maria Von Trapp.

What truly sets the Sound of Music Suite apart is its garden terrace. Surrounded by lush greenery and fragrant flowers, it’s a peaceful oasis in the midst of the bustling city. I loved starting my day with breakfast on the terrace, listening to the sounds of birds chirping and the distant melodies of street musicians. It was like stepping into my own little fairy tale.

Both the Mozart Loft and the Sound of Music Suite offered me a unique and unforgettable stay in Salzburg. Each dreamy hotel provided a different but equally enchanting experience, helping me feel the full romantic atmosphere of this beautiful city. If you’re planning a trip to Salzburg and want to make it truly special, I highly recommend staying at one of these magical places. They will undoubtedly make your visit even more memorable.

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