SALZBURG
Area: Austria


Location:
On Austria's border with Germany. 100 miles SE of Munich; 200 miles W of Vienna. 2 miles NE of international airport.

Telephone code from UK:
43 662

Website:
http://www.salzburginfo.at

Position:
1,400 feet above sea level, on relatively flat land to either side of the Salzach River, near the northern foothills of the Alps, which provide a backdrop.

Description:
The refined old town (population 140,000), with its cobbled streets and baroque churches, stands protected at the foot of the Monchsberg mountain on which the Fortress of Hohensalzburg stands. Beginning at the cathedral, a carriage ride would encompass Mozart's birthplace, the cafe "Winkler", sights and buildings featured in "The Sound of Music" and the Getreidegasse (that famous medieval street _ a photographer's delight with its wrought-iron signs), all with the sound of Mozart seemingly played from every window. Generally pedestrianised, Salzburg, especially the old town, is a cultural mecca.

Suitability:
History-lovers; music-lovers (especially of Mozart); "The Sound of Music" fans. All ages, whether single, couples, in groups or families, find Salzburg interesting.

Accommodation:
From camping on the outskirts to internationally renowned hotels in the centre, Salzburg has something for every pocket, though middlemarket hotels predominate.

Shopping:
With its classy clothes shops, the Getreidegasse is the place to shop, though prices are high by UK standards. Mozart chocolates abound, as do handicraft shops. Not too many T-shirt or souvenir shops here, though wooden gifts, glassware, traditional crafts and traditional Austrian Christmas decorations are on offer at all prices.

Entertainments:
Daytime: Mozart's birthplace; the fortress; guided tours by foot, bus or carriage. Many cycle rental shops in the city. "The Sound of Music" concerts every evening in summer, less frequent in quiet periods. Nightlife: can be found in dark, atmospheric bars carved into mountains and at brightly lit concerts. The casino at Klessheim Castle outside town beckons to some, whereas church concerts and outdoor bands satisfy other needs. No real discos in the city (the main one being near the airport), but it is not uncommon for dancing to take place in the pubs. Others may enjoy a relaxed stroll and listen to buskers playing Mozart. Festival in August.

Eating:
Chic, clandestine cafes to international hotels, serving toast to cordon bleu. Austrian, French, Italian and Chinese cuisine and much more are on offer to those who explore.

Public-transport:
An extensive public transport network, consisting of a rapid-transit underground system, trams, buses and suburban commuter trains. Surrounding villages are all linked by several buses a day.

Local-excursions:
Lake District includes St Wolfgang and other delightful villages. Werfen, a small traditional village, boasts an impressive fortress and underground ice caves. Berchtesgaden _ Hitler's haunt _ is only an hour away. Coach trips provide "whistlestop" visits to the capital, Vienna. Salt mines: play miners for a couple of hours _ good for the kids, young and old. Cable-car trips: sit on top of the world; Grossglockner: throw snowballs on Austria's highest mountain; Bad Ischl: don't miss the Emperor's summer residence; Chiemsee: Bavaria's lake with its jewel, Mad King Ludwig II's castle.