Salzburger Altstadt

Welcome to the Salzburger Altstadt—the historic heart of Salzburg and a UNESCO World Heritage site. As we stand here, surrounded by the emerald peaks of the Alps and the rushing waters of the Salzach River, it is easy to see why…

Our journey begins on the Getreidegasse, Salzburg’s most famous and picturesque shopping street. As you walk down this narrow lane, look up. …

We now emerge into the broad squares that surround the Salzburg Cathedral, the sacred heart of the city. The current structure, a Baroque masterpiece, was consecrated in 1628, though it stands on the site of much older churches…

Just a few steps from the cathedral lies St. Peter’s Abbey, the oldest monastery in the German-speaking world, founded in 696. …

Towering above the Altstadt is the Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of the largest and best-preserved medieval castles in Europe. You can reach it by a steep walk or, more comfortably, by the Funicular cable car that departs from the…

We now move to the Residenzplatz, the largest and most grand of Salzburg’s city squares. At its center stands the Residenz Fountain, a massive Baroque monument featuring four snorting sea horses and figures of Atlas. …

Across the river on the Right Bank lies Mirabell Palace and its magnificent gardens. Built in 1606 by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich for his beloved Salome Alt, the palace today houses municipal offices and a stunning marble…

As we conclude our tour of the Salzburger Altstadt, I hope you have felt the unique magic of this city. Salzburg is a place where the past is not just remembered, but lived. …