Salzburg, Austria - top sites for a day?

The Fortress, Mozart's birthplace, Mirabell palace.... hmmm, and Augustiner's!

Even if your not a sound of music person there is a great church where some of movie took place, its on all the maps- but the view is just great from up on the mt where the church is located and its a nice walk up above the city- with a view of the city from one side and the mts from the other. just ask somewhere where the abby was in the movie- they will point you in the right direction

Hello Chris. One day is enough time to be a tourist in Salzburg. I recommend the Residenz art gallery located in "New" Salzburg, and walk on the bridge across the river to old Salzburg : walk through a church, and to the outside elevator that takes you up to the castle entrance. A guided tour in the castle could be worthwhile. People not in a tour can walk into the castle, but not in all the rooms. A small cafe selling beverages is in the castle's courtyard (it was there when I was there). I put a low priority on visiting the Mozart Museum or Mozart's house.

I think the trip up to the fortress is worthwhile, but Salzburg has become a mass of tourism - there are jillions of tourists taking pictures of each other and it seems that every Salzburg (downtown) business has it's hand out for the tourist bucks.

I was there 15 years ago, it was quite different.

Just walk around downtown, get a bus pass for the day E3.40 and cruise around.

Chris, ask locally for a free tourist map of Salzburg, then confer with the front desk at your hotel (or other local advisor) about the route to walk from the foot of Linzergasse to the top of the Kapuzinerberg (Capuchin Mountain). On the way there you'll pass a Capuchin monastery and walk through a beautiful beech forest; maybe drink cool water from a spring. This is not a difficult hike. Kapuzingerberg is not so very high, especially for a skier. At the top is a small castle which has a liquid refreshments garden and scenic views in all directions. The castle is historic. Gute Reise! ... P

Hi Chris,
I agree that the fortress is awesome-views of the city on one side, views of the mountains on the other side. It's also fun to cross some of the bridges on foot as well as walk around Geitreidegasse (spelling ?). Also, they have a sausage with cheese in it called the Kasekrainer (spelling?) that's really good as well as some wonderful desserts. Salzburg is very charming-be sure to listen for the church bells! Have fun!

Do Rick Steve's walking tour - hits the major sites of downtown.

Chris,
Salzburg is a great town to walk and stroll through. With so little time I would just enjoy the atmosphere of this charming city. Take the funicular up to the castle, that will give you stunning views, then walk down and through town, have lunch or coffee in a sidewalk cafe, and ENJOY!
Corinna

All the above posts are have good tips.

I would add St. Peter's Church and Abbey (this is the Abbey from the cemetary scene in "The Sound Of Music"), then the prayer cells above the Abbey carved in to the cliffs. I beleive the cells were originally carved out around 400 AD when it was illegal to practice Christianity. The prayer cells were carved into the cliff to worship secretly so as not to be arrested.

Fortress, old town churches, squares and fountains, graveyard, and gardens. All within walking distance.

One of the greatest views I've ever seen is looking back at the lighted city from one of the bridges on the river walk. Daytime view is probably next best thing.

Strolling in the old town is wonderful. If you are a musician I found a sheet music store across the river from Mozartplaz.

Thanks all for the suggestions.

I will be there around the March 1st time frame - so many spring/summer sights likes gardens are out.

chris