Close to the border between Austria and Germany, Salzburg is a baroque masterpiece surrounded by stunning alpine scenery. It’s divided into two halves – one old, the other new – by the Salzach River, and overlooked by the hillside Hohensalzburg Fortress. You can visit this centuries-old castle either on foot or by funicular, to explore the medieval chambers and museum that displays objects from the era of the prince-archbishops.
Salzburg is also where The Sound of Music was filmed. The Von Trapp family immortalised in the world-famous musical did actually exist, and you can learn all about their lives and the making of the film on the Sound of Music guided tour. Major locations seen in the film include Hellbrunn Palace and Mirabell Palace and Gardens, where classical music concerts are held.
But this UNESCO-listed city has always been alive with the sound of music. As the birthplace of Mozart, whose legacy is preserved by an elegant statue and museum displaying many of his childhood instruments, Salzburg has hosted grand classical music concerts for over 200 years. The best time to catch one is during summer at Salzburg Festival, when the world’s greatest tenors and conductors gather to perform.
Close to Mozart's birthplace is Getreidegasse, a charming shopping street where wrought-iron signs still hang above shops to highlight what they sell.
If there's time to explore beyond the city, venture out to Salzburger, the surrounding region known for its breathtaking landscapes.