Salzburg in one day on the heels of Wolf-Dietrich
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
and cleverly unites its long, eventful history with contemporary influences. If you’re looking to experience Salzburg in one day, we have just the right tips for you in retracing the steps of Wolf-Dietrich.
Short trip on Wolf-Dietrich’s heels
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.
Hohensalzburg Fortress
Wolf-Dietrich was exceedingly ruthless when rebuilding Salzburg Cathedral. His idealistic views were interrupted by the invasion of Berchtesgaden by Salzburgian troops in 1611, which in turn was answered by a Bavarian invasion of Salzburg. Wolf-Dietrich’s nephew and successor Markus Sittikus initially locked his uncle inside the Hohenwerfen Fortress before moving him to the Fürstenstube inside Hohensalzburg Fortress, where he died on 16 January 1617, presumably due to a stroke.
If you want to experience Salzburg in one day, you mustn’t miss out on the Fortress. The Festungsbahn makes both the ascent and the descent distinctively quicker and more relaxed. Gain deep insights into medieval life during a guided tour. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to listen to one of the stunning fortress concerts or the baroque fanfares of the tower brass band.
Mausoleum on St. Sebastian’s Cemetery
After the public laying-out in St. Peter’s Abbey, Wolf-Dietrich was ceremoniously buried on St. Sebastian’s Cemetery, which also marks the end of your tour of Salzburg in 24 hours and is in close proximity to the Altstadthotel.
The cemetery not only holds the archbishop’s mausoleum, but also many other graves of well-known persons, such as Mozart’s wife Constanze von Nissen and his father Leopold as well as Paracelsus. The quiet, green oasis in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Salzburg’s historic city centre is equally unreal and fascinating.
The Altstadthotel for Salzburg guests
Experience Salzburg in one day and fully relax in the Altstadthotel Wolf-Dietrich: Look forward to an extensive range of services from the delicious, rich breakfast buffet from 7-11 am to the arrangement of cultural offerings and shuttle services to table reservations in the city’s finest restaurants. Our top tip: the Salzburg Card for 24 hours with numerous sights and modes of transportation already included!
Additional information on the Salzburg Card: www.salzburg.info
We gladly serve as your home for a brief trip to Salzburg while you explore the diverse, picturesque region. By the way, did you know that you can save 3% when booking directly with us compared to all established travel platforms?