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And famous for being the beautiful setting for the ever-popular The Sound of Music movie, Salzburg is an elegant and cultural metropolis.

Classical Chic…

Salzburg is a centre for musical history, having been home to the classical music legends Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss. Mozart in particular is the city’s favourite, with two memorial museums in the city. One is the beautiful yellow building in which Mozart was born in 1756, sitting on Getreidegasse, the city’s popular shopping street comprising of tall houses and romantic courtyards. The other is in his former residence on Makartzplatz, where he grew up and composed more than 150 of his works. Despite being destroyed in World War II, the building has been carefully restored and depicts the furniture, memorabilia and music of the time of the genius composer.

The city of Mozart

The Music University (Universität Mozarteum Salzburg) is named after Mozart, as is the city’s major symphony orchestra and the Mozarteum Foundation that is responsible for the most extensive research ever done on a composer. A visit to Salzburg gives you the opportunity to enjoy walking in the footsteps of the musical mastermind, as most of the city still looks just like it did in his time.

The hills are alive…

Salzburg has also become recognised as the city of The Sound of Music. Not only was it home to the original Von Trapp family, but it also provided the beautiful backdrop to the 1965 musical film. Visitors can either book onto a tour or make their own way around the sites, tracing the steps of Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer and the children.

Famous The Sound of Music locations include Leopoldskron Palace, which was used as the Von Trapp’s beautiful home, the gazebo in which Leisel and Rolf sang ‘16 going on 17’, the wedding church in Mondsee, the Felsenreitschile theatre and the beautiful mountain landscape of the surrounding area.

Festival fun…

Music festivals have been held in Salzburg regularly for nearly 140 years and at the foot of Mönchsberg lies the so-called Festival District with two famous festival halls. Every year in July and August the famous Salzburger Festspiele (Salzburg Festival) takes place for six weeks and visitors can expect to experience a wealth of impressive opera, theatre performances, concerts and, of course, plenty of Mozart. There’s plenty to do during festival time that isn’t purely music-focused too – there’s also a golf-tournament, special gallery shows, public performances and street festivals to keep visitors entertained.

A cultural wonderland

If you can’t make it along to the festival, don’t fear, there are five major concert halls and theatres, meaning you can attend musical performances most nights of the year. Additionally, there are around 4,000 cultural events throughout the year including Mozart Week in January and the Easter and Pentecost Festivals, so you’ll never be at a loss for entertainment.

Getting there…

You can fly direct to Salzburg from most UK major airports, or perhaps consider combining your transportation and tour guide by taking a coach holiday to the region. Crusader Holidays’ nine-day Austrian Lakes, Sound of Music tour includes a guided city tour of Salzburg, as well as an exploration of the stunning Salzkammergut (Lake District)

More information about the holidays >