Perfect Day Out and About in Salzburg, Austria

If someone were to ask what I think the perfect ingredients are for a day out on the town, I would have to say that the day would need to include good company, some sort of outdoor exercise, a bit of culture, and an afternoon drink in the sun. This agenda has served me well in many fine cities around the world. I have found that I can get a good sense of a city’s character using this set of criteria.

This week’s perfect day out is Salzburg, Austria. The city is probably best known for being the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and providing some of the stunning city scenes from The Sound of Music.

During a recent a nine day Eurotrip adventure that started in London and ended in Zurich, I found myself in Salzburg for two nights and one full day and knew just how I wanted to spend the time.

Biking

First order of the day is to get out and explore the exquisitely preserved city of Salzburg. One of the most enjoyable ways to get around Salzburg is by bicycle. Bikes can easily be rented from the Central Train Station or many hotels also offer free or inexpensive rentals. After picking up pastries from a bakery in Old Town, join the locals and other tourists on the numerous bike lanes strategically placed around this compact city. Head out along the banks of the crystal-clear Salzach River with the pristine Alps looming in the distance.

Hohensalzburg Castle

Next make your way towards Hohensalzburg Castle, the 15th century hilltop fortress that dominates the city. Approaching the castle from the south side, walk your bike up the zigzagging park trail to the top of the hill.

After touring the castle, make sure to take time to soak in the views of the city center from this vantage point; note Salzburger Dom Cathedral, the 17th century baroque cathedral located directly below you.

As you wind your way down the narrow lanes back to the city center, you may have to carry your bike down several sets of stairs to get to the bottom, but it’s worth the effort.

Markets

Once you are back in Old Town (also known as the Altstadt), be sure to check out the daily Green Market, which is located outside Collegiate Church. This fantastic market has everything from local fruit, vegetables, meat, and bread. Try one of the many grilled sausages and fresh baked pretzels as you wander around admiring the stalls.

Mirabell Garden

After you have had your fill of market goodies, hop back on your bike and cross over the Salzach River via the pedestrian bridge, Makartsteg Bridge and make your way towards Mirabell Gardens. This 17th century park is a wonderful place to spend a few hours. Wander through the grounds of the Mirabell Palace lined with manicured flowerbeds while admiring the many statues surrounding The Pegasus Fountain; or run through the hedge arcade as the von Trapp family did in The Sound of Music.

Be sure to stop by the 18th century Zwerglgarten, also known as the Dwarf Garden, where there are an assortment of life-sized marble sculptures.

Beer Garden

After all the fresh air and exercise, you should treat yourself to a beverage. And there is no finer place in Salzburg to do this than the Augustiner Bräu. This fine 1605 establishment is part of the Benedictine monastery, which has been brewing this tasty heavily malted Oktoberfest-style beer since 1621.

Find a sun filled table in the sprawling lush beer garden and spend the rest of the afternoon sampling the glorious nectar while you reminisce about the fantastic day you had exploring one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.