Salzburg - A magical city that stirs the soul

“It’s synonymous with singing nuns but the magical city of Salzburg has plenty more to offer. Set against a backdrop of breathtaking mountain scenery, this cosmopolitan corner of the world will surely capture your heart.”

You don't have to be a Sound of Music fan (or even a Mozart fan) to enjoy one of Europe's most musical cities. With more masterpieces of Baroque architecture per hectare than any other city on earth, beauty beams back at you from every nook and cranny - a visual treat guaranteed to leave an indelible imprint on your memory. As well as being worthy of a visit in its own right, Salzburg is the gateway to some of the finest ski resorts in Europe, designed to cater for all abilities. So what are you waiting for?

Ski resorts

Kirchdorf
Located in the heart of the impressive Wilder Kaiser mountain range, Kirchdorf is the ideal place to learn how to ski or snowboard. With the Schneewinkel pass you can progress to one of the 10 fabulous resorts available. Whilst you concentrate on your technique your children will be entertained by the resort's friendly child minders and instructors.
Distance to resort: 70km
www.tiscover.com/kirchdorf

Kitzbühel
Kitzbühel is one of the most architecturally exquisite ski towns in the Alps, with medieval archways, pastel-painted houses and cobbled streets. Offering a mixture of challenging terrain, great snow conditions and a unique ambience, this fashionable resort has got it all.
Distance to resort: 70km
www.kitzbuehel.com/english.asp

Niederau
Characterised by the picturesque scenery and friendly atmosphere, this family resort is situated in a popular area of the Kitzbüheler Alps known as the Wildschönau valley. Ideally suited to beginners due to the high standard of instruction and wide variety of runs, Niederau is a perfect confidence-building resort for novice and second to third-year skiers.
Distance to resort: 90kmwww.tiscover.com/wildschoenau

Söll
Lying in a wide valley with stunning views of the Wilder Kaiser mountain range, Söll is the most famous of the resorts that form the Ski Welt, one of Austria’s largest linked ski areas. A fast, efficient gondola is the gateway to the area’s 250km of prepared pistes. Ideal for all levels of skiing and boarding.
Distance to resort: 116km
www.tiscover.com/soell.com

St. Johann & Waidring
The picturesque old town of St. Johann, with its frescoed buildings and narrow streets, has attracted skiers for many years with its traditional Tirolean flavour. With vibrant après-ski to end those perfect days on the slopes and plenty of activities this is an ideal place for mixed groups of skiers looking for a lively holiday. Waidring is a pretty, alpine village, only 14km along the valley. Both resorts are part of the extensive Schneewinkel ski area - your lift pass covers 10 resorts in total, linked by a free ski bus. So get out there and explore!
Distance to resort: 80km
www.st.johann.tirol.at

Westendorf
Typically Tirolean, the charmingly unspoilt village of Westendorf is part of the extensive Ski Welt ski area. Boasting magnificent views, excellent nursery slopes, doorstep skiing and more ambitious runs, Westendorf offers something for everyone.
Distance to resort: 80km
homes.tiscover.com/prjt/westendorf

Shopping

The charm of the Getreidegasse, probably Salzburg's most famous shopping lane, is owed to the high, narrow houses tightly nestled together, the enticing shops, romantic passageways and hidden courtyards. Linzergasse, across the river, is less crowded and good for practical items, while delightful antique shops and jewellery workshops are found in the medieval buildings along Steingasse and Goldgasse.

Eating out

After a glorious day gliding across powdery slopes you’ll be ready to refuel, and Salzburg and its surrounding area offers countless opportunities. Home to dozens of restaurants serving quintessential Viennese cuisine, the city itself also offers plenty of international choices, including Japanese, Chinese, Turkish and Italian. Combined with cosy coffee houses, intimate bars and more lively pubs you’ll be spoilt for choice. Remember to try Salzburg’s regional speciality, the Salzburger Nockerl, a mound of sugary egg whites and raspberries. Delicious!

Nightlife

From lively beer gardens and pounding discos to chic bars and cosy cafes, the region has a nightlife geared to suit all tastes. Whether you fancy a refined night at the theatre, a romantic evening in an intimate bar, or a wild night on the tiles, you certainly won’t be disappointed.

Sightseeing

Mozart’s residence
Home of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart from 1773 to 1780, this is the earliest documented residence of the musical genius. Also known as the Tanzmeisterhaus (dancing master's house), it dates back to 1617. The building contains exhibits relating to the life of the Mozart Family.

Mozart’s birthplace
In Getreidegasse, no. 9, is where the Leopold Mozart family lived from 1747 to 1773. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born here on January 27, 1756. Today the rooms once occupied by the Mozart family house a museum. The most famous exhibits include Mozart's childhood violin, his concert violin, his clavichord, the pianoforte, portraits and correspondence of the Mozart family.

Hohensalzburg Fortress
Hohensalzburg Fortress, built in 1077 by Archbishop Gebhard, considerably enlarged by Archbishop Leonhard von Keutschach (1495-1519), is the largest, fully-preserved fortress in central Europe. Since 1892 the fortress can easily be reached by funicular railway departing from the Festungsgasse.

The Sound of Music Tour
There are numerous tours departing from Salzburg that take you to various shooting locations around the city which were featured in the 1965 movie “The Sound of Music”, starring Julie Andrews. Many tours also take you to the beautiful village of St Gilgen and Lake Wolfgang. Prices are approx. 24 Euros and last around 4 hours.

Useful links

www2.salzburg.info
www.austria.info/uk
www.aboutaustria.org