Spotlight On: Salzburg, Austria

What to see and do in this fabulous city known for its music and chocolate...

There must be something in the air that  puts a smile on your face as soon as you set foot in Salzburg. Perhaps it’s the language. The ‘brand’ of German spoken in Austria is very melodious, so it’s easy on the ear even if you don’t understand the words. I also found that people were friendly and helpful, so I easily found my way from the train station to my hotel, which was located in the heart of Salzburg’s Old Town.

Hotel am Dom 

© Hotel am Dom

© Hotel am Dom

If ever a hotel deserves the moniker ‘boutique hotel’, the Hotel am Dom is a shining example. In 2009, this 800 year old townhouse located in Goldgasse in the heart of the Old Town, was converted by an enterprising hotelier into the little jewel it is today.

The hotel has 15 rooms distributed over five floors. While preserving historical features like wooden ceilings and staircases, the rooms have every modern comfort one could wish for. Each room is individually styled and decorated and the floors have names, not numbers. There are nods to Salzburg's musical and artistic culture in the naming of the floors, which are aptly named Herbert von Karajan and Romy Schneider.

I loved the stylish, modern reception with its vaulted, white-washed ceiling and the friendly staff who speak fluent English. 

Prices for a single room at Hotel am Dom range from €90 to to €240 (depending on the room and season).

Goldgasse

Goldgasse is a narrow passageway leading from one of the arcades onResidence Square to Alter Markt, the Old Marketplace. Guests staying at Hotel am Dam will find that many popular tourist destinations such the world famous Dom (cathedral), Mozart’s birthplace, the flower market and other popular landmarks are all conveniently located within walking distance.

© Tourismus Salzburg

Cafe Sacher

Once settled in, I made my way over one of several bridges which cross the rather wild River Salach to indulge in history, tradition and chocolate. All three find a perfect harmony in Café Sacher. Founded in 1876 by Franz Sacher, the creator of the famous Sachertorte, it was his wife Anna who, after his early death, made the hotel and café a centre of Austrian coffee culture. Today, it’s remains in the family and is run by Elisabeth Guertler. 

If money is no object, you can stay at the hotel or you can simply choose to enjoy the café. The cafe menu features 15 different types of coffee and delicious dessert options include the Sacher torte, dubbed the 'most famous cake in the world since 1832', according to the Sacher Hotel. The indulgent torte is a generous portion of chocolate cake, which is accompanied by a dollop of whipped cream.

© Hotel Sacher

Mozartkugeln

​Salzburg is the birth place of Mozart and traces of his musical genius are everywhere. There is of course his birthplace, which is a delightful museum that features his original furniture and artifacts. One of the items named after Mozart and a 'must buy souvenir' for one visiting Salzburg, is the delicious Mozartkugeln chocolate balls. I have no idea if Mozart loved chocolate but his image adorns the boxes, formed in the shape of a violin.

Jedermann - 'Everyman Festival'

If you are lucky enough to visit Salzburg between 22nd July and 31st August, you will be able to see a performance of Jedermann by Hugo von Hoffmannsthal on the open ate stage at the Dom. It’s the absolute highlight of the Salzburger Festspiele, but it’s difficult to get tickets. That being said, music and theatre are available to enjoy every day in Salzburg and you can visit the opera or the Kammerspiele at any time of the year.

Salzburg has countless theaters, big and small, classic and modern and even a puppet theatre. If you are an enthusiast, get the Salzburg Card, which offers huge discounts on tickets

Other sites

It’s not all music and chocolates though. Salzburg’s huge castle the 11th century Festung Hohensalzberg overlooks the city. You can either walk up through the beautiful Mirabell Park where you might even see a wedding carriage or take the funicular.

Feast your eyes at the flower, fruit and vegetable market at the Domplatz, which is a riot of colour. Afterwards, enjoy a meal at the historical Stiftskeller St. Peter, the oldest restaurant in Europe.

Whatever you like to see or do, you’ll never have a dull moment in Salzburg!

Inka Piegsa-Quischotte
www.glamourgrannytravels.com

For more information on Salzburg or Austria, visit:
The official Salzburg Tourist Guide
The official Austria Tourist Guide

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