Salzburg

Standing tall above the city, it is one of the largest and best-preserved medieval castles in Europe. Construction began in 1077, and it has not fallen in more than 900 years — simply because of its location at the top of the mountain. You can get out in a minute with the Funicular, or 20 minutes on foot. From above, the tile roofs of the old city and the Alps in the distance fit into your pocket together. Inside there are the princely bishops' apartments, a museum of torture instruments (cliché but true) and a marionette collection.

The cable car takes you up the 1853-meter mountain in the south of the city in 8 minutes. 360 degree panorama from the top: Salzburg to the north, Berchtesgaden Alps to the south, lake district to the west. Hiking trails in summer, skiing in winter. The German-Austrian border below passes right above you — you're in two countries in one foot. It is possible to sit outdoors under the clouds and drink cold beer.

75-minute drive from Salzburg — UNESCO village of 700 people clinging to the side of a mountain on the shores of a lake. One of the most photographed villages in the world, an exact replica was even built in China. Go early in the morning, if you walk before the tour buses arrive at noon, the village is yours. Also venture into the salt mine (the oldest in the world, 7000 years old) and the main panoramic viewpoint is not to be missed. You can also go by train (2.5 hours), but a car is practical.

Sound of Music's 'Do-Re-Mi' scene was filmed right here — the Pegasus fountain, the marble dwarf statues, the rose gardens, it's all in place. The palace started as a mansion built by a prince bishop for his mistress in 1606, and later became an official residence. Weddings and classical music concerts are still held in the Marble Hall today — Mozart gave a concert here. Entrance to the gardens is free, go early in the morning, without crowds and filters.

One of the masterpieces of early baroque European architecture. It was opened in its current form in 1628, but there has been a church underneath since the 8th century — you can see that old foundation at the excavation site. Mozart was baptized here (his baptismal font is still in the same place). The dome is high and the acoustics are so good that classical music concerts are held here. Entry is free, museum + excavation combination ticket is separate.

30 minutes south of Salzburg, just over the German border. Built as a 50th birthday gift from Hitler, the chalet (Eagle's Nest) is at an altitude of 1834 meters and can only be reached by bus and private elevator. It's heavy on history, but the scenery is breathtaking. In the same area is Königssee — a glacial lake of turquoise water surrounded by mountains, navigable by electric boats without motors. Berchtesgaden salt mine is also a separate day trip.

The beer, brewed by monks since 1621, is served in liter stone glasses in its own monastery beer garden. There is no waiter — pick up your own glass from the counter, bring it to the fountain, have it filled. Buy local snacks (sucuk, cheese, schnitzel sandwich, fish) from the stalls in the side corridor and bring them to the table. Local families, university students, and hikers are all together in the beer garden with a capacity of 1400 people. It's the most democratic place in Salzburg, and so are its prices.

Europe's oldest restaurant has been operating within the same monastery walls since 803. The 1,200-year history here is not an advertisement, but recorded fact — it has been serving food since the time of Charlemagne. The Mozart Dinner concert program is the most familiar format: chamber musicians perform Mozart pieces while chefs cook from 18th-century recipes. Classic Austrian: schnitzel, tafelspitz, kaiserschmarrn. Expensive but once in a lifetime style.

A traditional inn run by a simple family, just outside the city. Wiener Schnitzel is made here according to the Austrian state standard — the non-beef ones are sold as 'Schnitzel Wiener Art', be careful. For dessert, try the Salzburger Nockerl: a dessert made of three peaks of egg foam, it comes to the table 30 cm high, three of which represent the three hills of Salzburg. 15 minutes from the city by tram.

350-year-old house on the Linzergasse side of the Salzach River — where local families come for Sunday dinners. Bauernschmaus (peasant plate: roasted pork, sausage, knödel, sauerkraut), pork knee (Schweinshaxe) and Tafelspitz are the core menu. Beer local: Stiegl. There is no tourist menu, and the price is not touristy — reasonable for central Salzburg.

Open at Domplatz and Residenzplatz from late November until New Year's Eve. One of the longest-established Christmas markets in the world — there are records dating back to the 15th century. Mulled wine (Glühwein), chestnuts, lebkuchen, baked apples, handmade wooden toys and glass ornaments. There is a high probability of snow falling, the view is truly a postcard. Handicrafts such as candles, soaps and silver jewelry are also of high quality.

Salzburg's main shopping axis — the narrow pedestrian street passing the house where Mozart was born. Under iron guild signs (obligation) Austrian brands, Loden jackets, dirndl-lederhosen traditional clothing, clockwork and Mozartkugel chocolates are sold. IMPORTANT NOTE: the original Mozartkugel is made only in the Fürst pastry shop (Brodgasse 13), it is the one with the silver-blue wrapper; Other colors are imitation and mass production. A single distinction, memorize it.

On the northern shore of the Salzach, the less touristy sibling of Getreidegasse. Local boutiques, antique dealers, bookstores and family-run shops. Closed on Sunday (Austrian rule). If you are buying a gift and do not want to ask the price, this place is more reasonable.

Outlet stores of over 80 brands, near the airport. Good deals from Hugo Boss to Calvin Klein, Adidas to Diesel — especially during the late summer and January dumping periods. 15 minutes to the city. If there is time, you can stop by before going to the airport.