My last time here I was amazed by the city and would go back again in a heartbeat. How beautifully the city blended architecture, nature, and culture in such an effortless way struck me immediately. Centuries of cultural exchange have certainly left their mark on the city, and the locals have done an outstanding job preserving and promoting their rich heritage.

One attraction you can’t miss is Hohensalzburg Castle, the main castle keeping watch over Salzburg. Perched high up on a rock outcrop overlooking the city and river, the castle has served an important center of life in Salzburg for centuries. In fact, Mozart himself played in this very castle, and regular evening concerts are performed in the great hall. This was THE experience that really stayed with me.

There I was sitting in an ancient castle in a gorgeous city in Austria listening to Mozart in the same room he had performed so many years ago. Just think about all that the world has seen from then until now. The wars, the technological advancements, the great men and woman that have come and gone, yet the castle and its hall remain. It was both overwhelming and peaceful to sit there and ponder the weight of history while listening to the beautiful sounds of Mozart.

Getting tickets is easy as there are concerts typically every evening at 7pm. There is even a little cable car that is available to take you from the base level to the top of the castle. 

Oh, and one other tip for visiting Austria. Don’t make the mistake of asking about kangaroos. There are no kangaroos in Austria! Locals actually get that question so often, because people confuse Austria with Australia, that they put out funny signs you’ll see around the city letting you know there are no kangaroos here. Austrians have a great sense of humor.