On our way to Austria, we decided to pause for a couple of days in the Salzburg region—a choice that felt more and more brilliant with every mile we drove. As the landscape shifted toward the Eastern Alps, the air grew crisper, the mountains rose higher, and suddenly the city of Salzburg appeared, resting gracefully on the border with Germany.

Salzburg translates to “Salt Castle,” a name rooted in the region’s long history of salt mining, which once made it one of the wealthiest corners of Europe. Today, it stands as Austria’s fourth‑largest city and the capital of the Federal State of Salzburg. Yet despite its size and significance, the city feels intimate—almost like a beautifully preserved stage set where every corner reveals another layer of history.

Even before stepping out of the car, I could sense why this place has inspired artists, musicians, and travelers for centuries.

The old town, with its unmistakable baroque architecture, is one of the best‑preserved north of the Alps. Walking through its narrow lanes feels like stepping into a painting: ornate church towers rising above the rooftops, pastel façades glowing in the afternoon light, and the fortress of Hohensalzburg watching over everything from its hilltop perch. With more than 27 churches packed into this compact area, it’s no surprise that Salzburg was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. The city’s skyline alone tells the story of centuries of devotion, artistry, and cultural exchange.

What surprised me most, though, was the youthful energy woven into all this history. Salzburg is home to three universities, and the student population brings a lively, modern rhythm to the cafés, markets, and riverbanks. You feel it especially in the evenings, when the old town fills with a mix of locals, students, and visitors all enjoying the same timeless backdrop.

Our short stay was just enough to fall in love with the city’s charm—its blend of elegance and simplicity, grandeur and coziness. Salzburg has a way of making you slow down, look up, and savor the moment. And even though our journey continued deeper into Austria, a part of me stayed behind in those baroque streets, already planning a return.

Staying at our B&B:

Also it is recommended to make reservations, we sometimes stop at places that have a sign “Zimmer frei” (accommodation). We got a nice apartment with a walkout balcony and an incredible view

Waking and getting up early, we came downstairs to an abundance of breakfast foods. Our friendly host gave us the scoop on the area, for example where to buy our 48 hour Salzburg card.

We walked about a mile from our B&B and took the cable car in up to the mountain

The cable car was only a mile away, where we experienced our excursion to the mountain. I needed to bring a jacket, it is 10 degrees colder on the on top. After 2 hours hanging out at an Alm (cabin) and hiking, we started back our way down. It was around noon, so we caught the bus to Salzburg next to the B&B, because parking in Salzburg is not easy.

There is a bus stop across our B&B Bachmann where we took a 6 km bus ride to Salzburg. Included in the 48 hour City Ticket was a boat ride on the Salzach river that flows through the city. On the left bank we saw the old town, designated as a pedestrian zone, with buildings from the Middle Ages and Baroque

Tourists visit Salzburg to tour the historic center and the scenic Alpine surroundings. In the mid‑20th century, the city was the setting for the musical play and film “The Sound of Music”.

On the opposite side of the Salzach river is the new town from the 19th century. In the old town is Mozart’s birthplace and a museum that shows original instruments from the famous composer’s childhood.

To the left you see the Mozart home where he lived, to the right the birth house front and back

After three days of exploring and walking this amazing city, it was time to break off the visit and drive south to Hallstatt