The Must-See Sights of Old Town Salzburg

The third largest city in Austria is one that is within easy reach from most places in Europe. After you land in Salzburg Airport, transfers to the city are simple and quick and will get you ready to be sightseeing in no time.

The history of the city dates back to the Neolithic Age and it played an important role on the world’s stage for arts, education and business. Known for its Baroque architecture, being the birthplace of composer Mozart, and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, the centre of the city is packed full of interesting attractions.

The Cathedral

Developed between the Middle Ages to the 19th century, the Old Town, or historic centre, is known for its flamboyant Gothic architecture and well-preserved urban fabric. The famous Cathedral, which you may have caught sight of from the Salzburg Airport transfers was founded on the remains of a Roman town in 774, and was in place for less than 70 years before it burned down. It was rebuilt three years later and parts were added to it over the ensuing centuries. It suffered damage again in 1598 and had to be completely demolished and rebuilt. The current building was consecrated in 1628 and was restored in 1958. Renowned for its bells, you can listen out for its tune as the hours are sounded throughout the day.

Hohensalzburg Castle After you have seen the cathedral, it's time to visit a castle! You will certainly have spotted this from your Salzburg Airport transfers, but there's nothing quite like exploring it up close and personal. Not only is Hohensalzburg Castle an outstanding example of medieval architecture, it is also one of the largest castles in all of Europe. Building work (commissioned by the Archbishop of Salzburg) began in 1077. It was expanded in the early 1500s and then again during the Thirty Years War. But this castle is also special in that it came under siege only once, during the German Peasants’ War in 1525, when a group of peasants attacked the castle - unsuccessfully. It was finally abandoned as a military complex in 1861, and in the late 19th century it was restored. Don't miss the Salzburg Bull, a large mechanical organ built in 1502. It plays daily at 7am, 11am, and 6pm.

Mozart’s Home

You can visit Mozart’s birthplace and residence while here, too – the composer is one of the city's most famous sons. Start chronologically by visiting his birthplace on No. 9 Getreidegasse. Mozart’s family lived on the third floor and the composer was born here on January 27, 1756. Since 1880, the building has housed a museum, which introduces visitors to his early life. It has an abundance of early editions of his music and family letters, along with the clavichord on which he composed The Magic Flute.

After seeing the composer's birthplace, head over to his later family home. The house, which dates back to the early 1600s, is where the Mozart family settled for many years. Here, young Mozart composed several of his works and wrote many of his letters. The house was destroyed by a bomb in 1944, and was rebuilt as office buildings. Eventually it was bought by the museum and a reconstruction of the original house was completed in 1996.

While many of the top attractions can be seen as you pass on your Salzburg Airport, transfers, it's always preferable to go back and explore on foot. These ones above make a good starting point, but there is plenty more to see in this delightful city.

Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct. If you’re looking for Salzburg airport transfers, Shuttle Direct provide pre-booked shuttles to major destinations all over Europe. Wherever you travel, Shuttle Direct can make sure that you don’t miss your car on your holiday abroad.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.