Your itinerary for 1 day in Salzburg

24 hours aren’t a lot of time to fully explore, discover and experience one of the most beautiful cities in the entire world. The city of Mozart is known for its glorious diversity. Salzburg skilfully combines historical ambiance with modern elements

Did you know that the Altstadthotel Wolf-Dietrich got its name from one of the most important and probably best-known sons of the city? Archbishop Wolf-Dietrich von Raitenau controlled Salzburg’s fate from 1587 to 1612 and, among other things, left behind a vast architectural heritage that will accompany your short trip in the city of Mozart. Salzburg owes its baroque face primarily to Wolf-Dietrich, who had already been a domiciliary at the tender age of twelve, and later in life became an absolutistic renaissance sovereign who left a decisive mark on the city’s appearance.

White gold

As soon as you exit the Altstadthotel, you gaze upon a true historic splendor. Numerous famous sights accompany your mission of experiencing Salzburg in one day. Back in Wolf-Dietrich’s days, the city of Mozart used to be a rich archdiocese, the main reason being salt. Also known as “white gold”, it was won in the Dürrnberg near Hallein and transported up the Salzach river on salt ships. This valuable commodity yielded exorbitant revenue that was gradually invested in the development of Salzburg’s splendour. Many of these highlights can still be found and viewed on both sides of the historic city centre.

Mirabell Castle

Mirabell Castle with its Marble Hall, the beautifully laid-out gardens and the unusual Dwarf Garden is just a brief walk away. Mirabell is actually a female Italian first name and is composed of mirabile (“admirable”) and bella (“beautiful”). In view of this, it will hardly surprise you to hear that Wolf-Dietrich had the grandiose castle, built in 1606 and originally called Schloss Altenau, constructed for his wife Salome Alt, with whom he had 15 to 18 children, depending on your source. Let yourself be drawn into the spell of the baroque pleasure garden with its flowery splendour, the Rose Garden, the magical Pegasus Fountains and the Hedge Fountains, and visit Europe’s oldest dwarf garden. Of course, you should also take a look inside the castle. The Marble Hall, originally the archbishop’s festival hall, is where couples from all over the world get married now.

Salzburg Cathedral

Cross the city bridge to reach the inner city, where another highlight is waiting for you. Salzburg Cathedral was also built under the aegis of Wolf-Dietrich after its preceding medieval building was destroyed in a severe fire. In this imposing early-baroque building, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was baptised, only to use unrivalled acoustics of this tremendous church for performances of his works later in his life. Embedded in grandiose architecture, fascinating treasures are waiting for wondering eyes, such as the bronze baptistery from the year 1311 with the lion, which is at least another 100 years older. The glorious early-baroque face with its monumental statues and the statue of the Virgin Mary provide the backdrop for the annual performances of the Jedermann play on the Cathedral Square as part of the Salzburg Festival.