Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Salzburg & Salzburgerland
Why Go?
One of Austria's smallest provinces, Salzburgerland is proof that size really doesn't mat-
ter. Well, not when you have Mozart, Maria von Trapp and the 600-year legacy of the
prince-archbishops behind you. This is the land that grabbed the world spotlight and
shouted 'Visit Austria!' with Julie Andrews skipping joyously down the mountainsides.
This is indeed the land of crisp apple strudel, dancing marionettes and high-on-a-hilltop
castles. This is the Austria of your wildest childhood dreams.
Salzburg is every bit as grand as you imagine it: a baroque masterpiece, a classical-mu-
sic legend and Austria's spiritual heartland. But it is just the prelude to the region's sensa-
tional natural beauty. Just outside the city, the landscape is etched with deep ravines, glint-
ing ice caves, karst plateaux and mountains of myth - in short, the kind of alpine gor-
geousness that no well-orchestrated symphony or yodelling nun could ever quite capture.
When to Go
»
Prices peak in family-friendly alpine resorts during winter, from December to early
April. Salzburg twinkles at its Christmas markets. In January orchestras strike up at Moz-
artwoche, while hot-air balloons glide above Filzmoos' summits.
»
Summer sees room prices soar in Salzburg and nosedive in alpine resorts from June to
September. Book months ahead for the colossal feast of opera, classical music and drama
that is the Salzburg Festival from late July to August. Head for high-altitude hiking in the
limestone Tennengebirge and Dachstein ranges, and the glacier-capped Hohe Tauern Na-
tional Park, or lakeside chilling in Zell am See.
»
Shoulder-season months April, May, October and November bring few crowds and low
room rates. Salzburg hosts Easter classical-music festivals.
Best Places to Eat
»
Magazin (
Click here
)
»
Gasthof Schloss Aigen (
Click here
)
