12 intressanta fakta om Salzburg i Österrike

In co-operation with the Austrian Tourist Office

Do you know these 12 interesting facts about Salzburg? We visited this beautiful city by campervan last summer and were amazed by the very delighted. Salzburg offers everything from culture and history to dramatically beautiful scenery. We haven't even got round to showing all our photos yet. Here are some new photos along with some interesting facts about Salzburg.

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Interesting facts about Salzburg

Salzburg is full of beautiful houses and impressive historical buildings. High mountains surround the city and a shimmering green river runs through the city. Here we have collected some interesting facts about Salzburg. Maybe something you didn't know?

1. Salzburg means "salt castle"

Salzburg is located in a salt-rich area and the city's name literally means 'salt castle'. In the 7th century, salt was transported here on the Salzach River.

2. A city with a long history

The Romans arrived in Salzburg in 15 BC, by which time the area was already inhabited by the Celts. Traces of humans in the area date back to the Neolithic period, i.e. the Neolithic Age.

3. A 6th century monastery that is still in operation

Salzburg is home to one of the oldest monasteries in the German-speaking world, and the oldest still in operation. Monastery of St Peter was founded in 695. There is also a unique and very beautiful cemetery, where Mozart's sister is buried, and catacombs that are well worth a visit.

4. One of the largest medieval castles in Europe

The impressive castle Hohensalzburg, or Festung Hohensalzburg as it is called, is the largest fully preserved castle in Central Europe. It was built in 1077 by Archbishop Gebhard and is one of Salzburg's most popular attractions. You can get to the castle by cable car or by walking, and the top offers a fantastic view of the entire city.

5. Once a self-governing state

An interesting fact about Salzburg is that it was a self-governing state for a long time, having gained independence from Bavaria in the late 14th century. Only in 1816 did the city become part of Austria.

6. UNESCO World Heritage List

The old town of Salzburg, alstadt, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996. In addition to its stunning architecture, the city's importance for music and culture contributed to its honourable listing.

7. Mozart's birthplace

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in Salzburg on 27 January 1756. This prodigy wrote his first piece of music for piano at the age of 3 and started playing the violin at the age of 6. While in Salzburg, you can visit the home where he grew up, at Getreidegasse 9.

8. Recording location for the Sound of Music.

The Trapp family, who are the protagonists of the musical Sound of Musiccame from Salzburg itself. What's more, the film was shot here, and if you're a Sound of Music fan, there are many filming locations to visit, either on your own or on a guided tour.

9. Europe's oldest restaurant

The restaurant Stiftskeller St Peter Considered the oldest functioning restaurant in Europe, the tavern is mentioned in documents from 803 and Mozart was a regular customer. Others who sometimes claim to have eaten here include Charlemagne and Christopher Columbus. And Peter from FREEDOMtravel of course!

10. traditional wrought iron signs on Getreidegasse

Getreidegasse is a nice shopping street with beautiful houses and lots of shops, selling everything from fashion to Mozart balls. The main thing to notice here is that all the shop signs are very beautiful and traditionally designed in wrought iron, even the sign above McDonalds.

11. Garden with dwarfs

Vid Mirabell Gardens in Salzburg is a garden with dwarfs carved in marble. The dwarf garden was built in the 18th century and many of the dwarfs are caricatures of real people. However, many have disappeared over the years and only 15 of the original 28 dwarfs remain. Incidentally, Mirabell Gardens is also worth visiting for its beautiful gardens and the castle with the special 'Angel Staircase'.

12. The world's largest ice cave

Just under an hour south of the city of Salzburg, in the federal state of Salzburg, lies the the world's largest ice cave. The Eisriesenwelt is a labyrinth with a total length of over 42 kilometres, and some of the halls are so large that they could accommodate a jumbo jet. Everything is covered in ice, and in some places the ice is 25 metres thick. As a tourist, you only see a small part of the cave, yet you walk 134 metres up long winding stairs.

More tips and facts about Salzburg

Salzburg offers so much to see and do! Some of our favourite experiences from last summer include a walk in the Mönch mountain area, a visit to the Augustiner Bräu brewery, a Mozart "Candle Light Dinner" and a cable car ride to the top of Untersberg. Read our post from last summer:

READ MORE: 15 things to do in Salzburg

If you want even more travel tips, and to be able to ask questions to other people travelling in Austria, we can also suggest joining the Facebook group "Holidays in Austria".

Where to stay in Salzburg?

We would like to conclude by recommending the super nice Camping Panorama in Salzburg, where we stayed for three nights last summer. Here we were fantastically nice with the motorhome, at high altitude with a view of Salzburg and the mountains. Getting into town by bus was super easy, and the bus was just a short walk away. If you're not travelling with a motorhome or caravan, you can find various hotels and other forms of accommodation at Salzburg.info.

Österrike berg — View from Camping Panorama

Have you been to Salzburg in Austria? Do you have any other tips or interesting facts about Salzburg to share?

18 Comments

Add yours →

Minett says:

A very nice city to stroll around in. However, the city makes me think of Mozart's sister and how women have been treated (badly) over the years and how many talented women we have lost. She was a better pianist than her brother. Which you can read about below:

https://www.sydsvenskan.se/2012-05-18/mozarts-syster-fortjanar-battre
https://www.dalademokraten.se/artikel/greider-den-massiva-tystnaden-hos-mozarts-syster

21 May 2019 - 6:27

- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Interesting! We heard a bit about the sister when we were there, but there is still more to learn I understand. She's probably not alone in this fate in history, unfortunately... Thanks for the links!!!
  
  21 May 2019 - 15:39
  
Ditte says:

Salzburg is in my opinion a very nice city and I have been here a lot, both in summer and winter (often in winter when I have been skiing nearby).
A lot of what you say I knew and some of it was new to me. Fun reading. And certainly Salzburg is a city to return to. The one that many others...

21 May 2019 - 13:00

- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Fantastic city! We were pleasantly surprised, so much to offer! 😉
  
  21 May 2019 - 15:40
  
Ann-Louise Paulsson says:

Since I have just fallen in love with Austria after visiting Vienna this weekend, I think I need to go to Salzburg as well. If only to see Mozart's birthplace. He had lived in the hotel where we stayed in Vienna (I guess there were no hotels at that time) so now it would be fun to see where he was born.

21 May 2019 - 16:36

- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Glad you saw the traces of Mozart in Vienna too! We have not been to Vienna, but it is a city we are very keen to visit!
  
  23 May 2019 - 8:55
  
BP says:

What absolutely wonderful pictures. Have been to Salzburg many, many years ago during the summer. Can only agree, the city offers most things.

21 May 2019 - 21:23

- Hasse says:
  
  We have similar experiences and can add that it is excellent to cycle in from Panorama. Cycle path all the way to the centre of Salzburg. Then you pass a nice Harley-Davidson shop. Bärenwirt serves one of the most classic wiener schnitzels I have ever eaten.
  
  22 May 2019 - 9:17
  
Marianne - Glimt av verden says:

I visited Salzburg at Easter and enjoyed the city very much! 🙂

21 May 2019 - 22:31

- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Isn't it an amazingly beautiful city? 🙂
  
  23 May 2019 - 8:53
  
Lena - gott för själen says:

It seems like a really exciting city to visit. An incredible amount of history. I had no idea it was an independent state!

Hug Lena

22 May 2019 - 6:07

- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  A beautiful and interesting city! Definitely recommend a visit! 🙂
  
  23 May 2019 - 8:54
  
Lena i Wales says:

Oh, one of my favourite cities in Europe!
First went there sometime in the mid-1960s with my parents. Just after the film Sound of Music came out. Was impressed then even though I was just a kid.
Since then I've been back many times and eaten cake on the balcony of the café by the square, can't remember the name now.
Even McDonald's has had to give in and has a forged sign on the pedestrian street, not bad.
Love the old cemetery.
Take care!

23 May 2019 - 6:42

- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  What fun that you have been here so many times, both long ago and now! Also like the McDonalds sign! 🙂
  
  23 May 2019 - 8:55
  
Amanda says:

Since I love the Sound of Music, I have to go to Salzburg one day! 🙂

04 June 2019 - 22:28

- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  I think so! 🙂
  
  04 June 2019 - 22:32
  
Kristina says:

I have been to Salzburg once a long time ago, I agree that it is a fantastic city! Would love to go there again!

04 June 2019 - 22:29

- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Funny that you also liked Salzburg! Nice 🙂
  
  04 June 2019 - 22:32

12 interesting facts about Salzburg in Austria

In co-operation with the Austrian Tourist Office

Interesting facts about Salzburg

1. Salzburg means "salt castle"

2. A city with a long history

3. A 6th century monastery that is still in operation

4. One of the largest medieval castles in Europe

5. Once a self-governing state

6. UNESCO World Heritage List

7. Mozart's birthplace

8. Recording location for the Sound of Music.

9. Europe's oldest restaurant

10. traditional wrought iron signs on Getreidegasse

11. Garden with dwarfs

12. The world's largest ice cave

More tips and facts about Salzburg

Where to stay in Salzburg?

You might also like:

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18 Comments

Minett says:

Helena says:

Ditte says:

Helena says:

Ann-Louise Paulsson says:

Helena says:

BP says:

Hasse says:

Marianne - Glimt av verden says:

Helena says:

Lena - gott för själen says:

Helena says:

Lena i Wales says:

Helena says:

Amanda says:

Helena says:

Kristina says:

Helena says:

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