Salzburg guide | Salzburg attractions and things to do

This short break guide about Salzburg, Austria will help you to make the most of your trip. Lists of what's on in Salzburg and recommended hotels will save you time when planning your city break.

About Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg is quite possibly one of the oldest and most matured cities in the entire world. There is evidence of human life in the area that date as far back as the Neolithic Age! It is no wonder why the Celts decided to settle here so long ago. Situated between the Alps to the North and rolling plains to the South, Salzburg is immersed in natural Alpine beauty.

Because of its well preserved architecture, notably that of the Baroque type, the entire city was named as a UNESCRO World Heritage Site, making it a very attractive landmark for tourists. Salzburg is also the birthplace of many famous faces like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and was the setting for the beloved movie The Sound of Music.

What's on in Salzburg in 2010

Our mini-guide to what's on in Salzburg lists the top events in 2008 in a handy Salzburg Calendar format. If you take your short break in Salzburg, Austria when these events are taking place, add them to your list of things to do in Salzburg.

January: International Hot Air Balloon Week - Just south of Salzburg lays the small village of Filzmoos, which shines during the month of January when its skies become filled with hot air balloons from all over the world that make a pilgrimage of sorts to the tiny town. A favorite here is the Night of Balloons when dozens of balloons go upwards at 6:00pm and light up the night sky. Admission is free.

February: Mozart Week - Clearly Salzburg has to pay an annual tribute to the genius that is Mozart. The legend was born and raised in the town and it is easy to see where he got all of his inspiration from! Many musicians from all over come to perform and celebrate Mozart's birthday from the end of January through February. Admissions cost between 8 - 185EUR and opening hours vary to event.

March: White Trail - Each March snowshoers from all over the continent come to Lammertal, just beyond Salzburg, to compete in the 6 kilometer White Trail race. The event is open to anyone willing to give snowshoeing a try. Competitors then mingle with observers at the after party. The entrance fee is 15EUR and the race begins at 1:45pm.

April: Salzburg Easter Festival - This ten day event features various opera and orchestra productions from all over Europe. The fest takes place as Grosses Festspielhaus and runs from mid March to approximately the end of May. Prices and hours vary to event.

May: Salzburg Whitsun Baroque Festival - To pay homage to its deep Baroque heritage, this staple music festival focuses on inspired opera and classical music of the same name. The event is held at the Haus fur Mozart in early may. Opera admissions range from 10 - 220EUR while concerts go for 8 - 95EUR. General hours are Friday at 7:30pm, Weekend 11:am - 7:30pm and Monday from 11:00am onward.

June: Euro 2008 - Throughout the month of June European football runs rampant while teams from all over the continent play at different venues, including the Stadion Salzburg Wals-Siezenhein, while competing for the championship cup. Hours and admissions vary.

July: Werfen Ice Caves - These glowing caves are the largest ice caves in the world, running nearly 42 kilometers into the mountains. However, only the first kilometer, and perhaps the most beautiful, is open to the public. The caves are only open from May through October from 9:00am - 3:30pm. Tours are approximately 75 minutes while the entire visit is about 4 hours. Admissions are 17EUR and 8.50EUR for children.

August: HayArt Festival - In order to celebrate the end of summer harvest, nearby Annaberg and surrounding areas host a Hay Parade featuring giant floats and figures made of, what else, hay! These floats are pulled by local Nordic horses and vintage tractors. Hours vary to events but the hay parade typically starts at 11:00am and the ceremony for the winners around 3:30pm.

September: Rupertikirday - Each September citizens gather in Cathedral Square for a free fete, to honor of their patron saint Rupert. The celebrations start as early as 10:00am and go through until 9:00pm. The streets come alive with arts and crafts, orchestra music, magic performances, a carousel and other street entertainment.

October: Hellbrunn Palace - Only open from April through November, this 17^th century palace was home to the Italophile Archbishop von Hohenems and remains largely unchanged. Outside of the palace there is an enormous garden filled with fountains which guests can also stroll until 10:00pm. Admission is 8.50EUR, concessions 6EUR and the special children's rate is only 3.50EUR.

November: International Ski Countdown - With mountainsat its backdoor, it is no wonder that winter sports are welcomed each year with open arms. Obertauern, a favorite ski resort and the same place the Beatles shot their movie Help!, becomes an open air festival to celebrate the coming season; complete with radio station DJs, fireworks and a large snow bar.

December: Christmas Market - Each November through December Residence Square is filled with twinkling lights, gifts and the hustle and bustle of holiday shoppers. After a long day of shopping, visitors can indulge in wine and delicious hot foods. The market official opens November 22 at 6:00pm each year and is free, aside from what you buy.

Salzburg Airport

Salzburg Airport, also known as Mozart Airport, is the second largest in the country and has plays a huge role in the local economy. It is often the choice of winter sports nuts because there is easy access to the center of Salzburg as well as other Austrian ski resorts. It is connected directly to Salzburg's public transportation. Another terminal is to be added in the near future.

Here are airports near Salzburg: