Top 4 Things to Do in Salzburg, Austria

“Climb every mountain,

Cross every stream,

Follow every rainbow…”

Salzburg wasn’t on my initial itinerary, but I decided I had to visit after hearing a fellow traveler gush about the city and its iconic Sound of Music tour. She was really selling me on it, so I shortened my stay in Vienna by 2 days and got on the next train to Salzburg!

I’m glad I deviated from my original itinerary. Vienna was great, but Salzburg was amazing! Salzburg isn’t as big or bustling as Vienna or other European capitals, and that’s part of the reason why I loved it. The pace of life was peaceful. Everyone seemed happy to be living there. And I could see why; that fresh mountain air was glorious! I couldn’t get enough.

If I ever return to Salzburg, I will definitely go on this tour again. I had a blast! I couldn’t resist singing along to my favorite Rodgers and Hammerstein classics.

The tour took us to the gazebo where they shot “Sixteen Going On Seventeen” and the lake where the rowboat scene was filmed. We visited the small town of Mondsee to see the church where Maria and the Captain’s wedding scene was filmed. Then we all enjoyed crisp apple strudel.

I chose Panorama Tours. They claim to be the same company that drove the original cast to their filming locations. I thought that was pretty cool.

This is where the Rowboat Scene was filmed.

What I remember most about the Alps was the smell. It was so clean, like fresh linens. I didn’t know air could smell that heavenly.

Austrian Alps

There was a mountain near my hostel, and I caught a bus to its summit. The view was great, and I didn’t even have to go hiking to experience it. At the summit, I saw adorable Austrian families hiking, mountain biking, and even hang-gliding! I sat back and enjoyed an Austrian beer on the porch of the mountaintop pub. It was cold outside, but I wanted to people watch and, of course, I couldn’t miss out on that delicious mountain air.

Enjoying a summit beer. No hiking required.

I sat there for a long time, watching the world go by and breathing in that refreshing air. I stayed past sunset then took the bus back to my hostel.

Sunset on the mountain

The Mirabell Gardens are where “Do Re Mi” was filmed. Stroll through the gardens while singing your favorite Sound of Music song. Then take your picture on the famous “Do Re Mi” steps. Julie Andrews herself stood on these very steps!

On the steps where “Do Re Mi” was filmed!

Salzburg’s Altstadt, or Old Town, is the most historic part of the city. From here you can see the famous Hohensalzburg Castle. Unfortunately, I didn’t have enough time in Salzburg to explore it. You can also see Mozart’s childhood home and the Domquartier, a museum which is also home to the Salzburg Cathedral.

I visited Salzburg in December, so naturally there was a Christmas market in the Altstadt. I sipped apfelwein (apple wine) alongside the locals and tried some Austrian Christmas street food. There were many vendors, but I was most intrigued by the one who was selling baked potatoes with a plethora of toppings to choose from. I purchased mine with cheese and chili powder. It was the ultimate comfort food.

Christmas market street food

When I was on that mountaintop, breathing in that intoxicating mountain air, I began to plan my return to the Alps. I considered working as a seasonal employee, teaching children how to ski, or something, despite my lack of qualifications. Maybe I could return as an English teacher? I let my thoughts run wild. In that moment, I was willing to do any job that would allow me to come back here one day.

I miss those gorgeous Austrian Alps and the fresh mountain air. Maybe someday I’ll return.

I can almost smell that fresh mountain air just by looking at this photo.

Have you been to Salzburg? What do you consider the top things to do there?

Thank you for reading! 🙂

– Travel Alli