Located in northern Austria, near the German border, Salzburg is perhaps most famously known in modern times for being the birthplace of composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and its tradition of classical music and festivals. Salzburg is also known for being the location where several scenes of The Sound of Music were filmed. A little bit of trivia: Salzburg’s name means “salt castle”, named for its salt trade in medieval times.

Salzburg is about 1.5 hours on the train from Munich, which makes it a perfect day trip – or weekend trip. We opted to make it a day trip, since we were just looking for a taste. Honestly, I would’ve definitely spent more time in Salzburg because we had such a great time here.

Our first stop in town was making our way over to Altstadt Salzburg. Altstadt Salzburg is the historic centre of Salzburg and one of Europe’s most charming old towns. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, its architecture styles span from the Middle Ages through Baroque periods to the 19th century.

If you’re a chocolate lover or looking for a cool souvenir to take home to your friends and family, your first stop should be Cafe Konditorei Fürst, a traditional Viennese-style café and confectionery located in the heart of Salzburg’s Altstadt (Old Town). It is known for creating the original Salzburger Mozartkugel, the city’s iconic chocolate-marzipan specialty with Mozart’s face on it. Confectioner Paul Fürst is credited with inventing the Mozartkugel in 1890. Filled with pistachio marzipan, nougat, and dark chocolate, it is one of the city’s most famous souvenirs.

Right next door on the same street is Manner Shop Salzburg, which sells the Manner Original Neapolitaner wafers as well as an abundance of other Manner products. Manner makes delicious Austrian wafers with layers of crisp wafer and hazelnut-cocoa cream.

If you’re in town during the Christmas market season, just across the street is the Salzburg Christkindlmarkt. Salzburger Christkindlmarkt is one of Austria’s most magical and historic Christmas markets. The market contains over 100 wooden stalls that sell handmade crafts and gifts and local Austrian treats like baked potatoes (Ofenkartoffeln), gingerbread (Lebkuchen), and classic Glühwein. The market is typically open from the end of November through Christmas. The market was one of our favorites, with our favorite beverage of all the markets – a cherry punch.

We also had the most amazing gulasch and a Haunsberger, a unique, Salzburg Christmas market snack. It features a warm roll with smashed sausage, mustard, onions, sauerkraut, and curry sauce. We honestly think this was the best Christmas market food item that we had.

After you’re done with the market, head up to Hohensalzburg Fortress. Hohensalzburg Fortress is one of the most striking and best-preserved medieval fortresses in Europe. Construction for the Fortress began in 1077 under Archbishop Gebhard von Helfenstein. It was meant to be a defensive stronghold for the powerful prince-archbishops of Salzburg.

After serving as a military post and prison, it became a major tourist attraction and cultural landmark from the late 19th century onward. In the palace rooms and museums, you can learn about medieval life and the archbishops’ court. Their observation deck offers 360° views of Salzburg, the Salzach River, and the Alps.

Finish your day with dinner at Zwettler’s Wirtshaus. Zwettler’s Wirtshaus has been open since 1863, offering classic local Austrian dishes, rustic ambience, and traditional beer culture.
Of course we had to have their Original Wiener Schnitzel, which is a famous Austrian dish made with thinly pounded veal cutlets, which are breaded with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, and then pan-fried until golden and crispy.

We also had a Salzburger Nockerl, which is a classic Austrian soufflé dessert that is considered a culinary symbol of Salzburg. Originating in Salzburg from the 17th century, it is traditionally said to represent the three hills surrounding Salzburg: Gaisberg, Mönchsberg, and Kapuzinerberg.