Salzburg is an aristocratic city that attracts tourists worldwide to experience the history of Austria's fourth-largest city.
The air of Salzburg filled the lungs of the newborn Mozart and undoubtedly influenced the composer's genius and the mentality of later generations. Its cobbled streets and winding alleyways evoke the sound of carriages from centuries past, the shouts of soldiers and the whispers of declarations of love. There's a lot to say about the city, but it's best to see it once, and the facts about Salzburg are the best guide for you as a traveller.
Fact 1: The city centre is a landmark
Every tourist needs to know that when you walk through the centre of Salzburg, you're in the middle of a historical monument. More than 1,000 sites in the 'heart' of the city are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which means that wherever you look, you're looking at a natural landmark under the protection of the world-renowned organisation.
Fact 2: Salt City
The literal translation of the city's name is "Salt Castle" (Salzburg). According to historians, the name dates back to the 700s, when the primary source of income for the local population was the extraction of salt from its many deposits. Salt is still mined in some places today, although it is more of a ritual than a significant source of income.
Fact 3: Hops and malt through the ages
Salzburg is to be congratulated on its title of brewing capital. It was here that the first Stiegl-Brauwelt brewery was opened in 1492, and it is still in operation today! It is now not only a place where you can taste the oldest recipes for the hoppy drink but also a museum-restaurant with many exciting and unique historical sights.
Fact 4: Musical genius
One place that only lazy tourists or those who arrive unprepared don't visit is the house museum, where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born. But for those who respect this ancient city, Salzburg and Mozart are inseparable. It is worth remembering that Mozart took his first steps in music at three and composed his first pieces by the time he was five.
Fact 5: City of festivals
Many people think of festivals as something spectacular and unforgettable that lasts all day. But we are in one of the world's great centres of music, and it is here that the famous Salzburg Festival takes place, attracting a certain contingent during the summer months (July and August). If you are planning a trip to Salzburg with a child during these months, make sure you book your hotel well in advance, as there may not be any rooms available. It should be added that festivals of this calibre are ideal for visitors of all ages and tastes.
Fact 6: City energy is the energy of the rest of the world!
Of course, we are not referring to electricity or energy for the city's inhabitants. We are talking about the fact that just outside Salzburg is the headquarters of a corporate sponsor of virtually every sporting event worldwide. And that's Red Bull, whose energy drinks have become synonymous with "tirelessness" and "thirst for action.
Fact 7: Spiritual heritage
Some experts consider Salzburg to be a city of monks — there is plenty of evidence, including St Peter's Abbey, one of whose buildings is literally 'buried' deep in the caves. The caves were not created by the vagaries of the elements but by hermit monks who made the craggy stone spaces their home. Now known as 'The Monks' Mountain', taking a selfie before the ascetic cells is the best way to prove you've been here.
Fact 8: You are one of 7,000,000!
This interesting fact about Salzburg comes from the fact that up to seven million tourists visit, fly in, sail in and walk through the city every year. This impressive figure has ensured that one in three city inhabitants is connected to the tourist industry. It is a city for children and adults, for young and old travellers, each of whom will discover a new page of uncharted Europe.
Fact 9. Inexplicable charm
Salzburg is a unique city where you don't have to rush from sight to sight to experience its unique atmosphere. You can stroll past the cosy cafes, throw pebbles into the river from the footbridges and watch the locals go about their daily lives. You'll be drawn back here, smiling whenever you think of Saltytown.
Fact 10. Tourism at the top of the list
Its history has made Salzburg a popular tourist destination. So it's no surprise that every third working-age resident of Salzburg is somehow connected with the tourism sector.
There's more to come, as each story in our blog has been experienced and felt by us. Wait for the following interesting facts to come out, but in the meantime, find out which children's and family activities in Salzburg Kidpassage recommends first and foremost.
