Salzburg

What would you say is an absolute must when in Salzburg Having read a good guidebook ahead and going to those things which most interested you would be my absolute must. The crystal ball is cloudy so we don't know what most interests you. It may be architecture, history, music, theatre, scenery, Sound of Music, World War II, mountains, lakes, hiking, riding on a river boat, shopping, food, drink, adventure, or many others. What you like will colour what is "an absolute must" It wouldn't do any good telling you my top ones, they may not match yours.

Hi Dreena, Hohensalzburg Fortress and a Salzburger Nockerlin.

Nigel makes good points. A guidebook will tell you what the highlights are, and your interests should dictate what is a "must". Mozart's birthplace was a must for my musician friends, but kind of a snooze for others who barely knew who he was. Some good Austrian beer at Augustinerbrau is a must for some, while others aren't interested in it, no matter how "atmospheric" it is. We can't guess where you sit along that spectrum.

It will only take a moment to stroll through the tiny cemetery where the American military governor of Salzburg asked to be buried in the town he grew to love.

Last summer my daughter and I had four highlights: 1. Renting a bike and riding all around Salzburg including the wooded area behind the Museum of Modern art with a spectacular view of the castle.( This area is high above the rive r) 2.The Sound of Music tour - trust me , its fun. 3. Dinner at the castle on the outside patio at sundown. 4. Mirabelle Gardens

Be relaxed and take your time to enjoy. But if you like music then one of the Mozart concerts. We did the dinner/music in the St Perterstift restaurant. Very good. I agree that the SOM tour was worth it. They all see pretty much the same thing be we liked Bob's because they had smaller vans. Watch the movie before you go if possible.

Drenna, While in the Salzburg area, if you have time take a day trip to Hallstatt. If you found the views from the Eagle's Nest to be incredible, you'll probably enjoy the view from Rudolfsturm (the Castle at the top of the Funicular in Hallstatt, on the way to the Salt Mine tour). It's unfortunate that we can't post photos here, as I could provide some examples.....

Food wise - agree with prior post regarding Nockerlin. A wonderful dessert which is only served in Salzburg. Also, a stop at Demel for wonderful hot chocolate!!

Agree with John-the Mozart dinner was very nice.

My wife and I just returned and had a blast. Do not miss the Augustiner experience, the Mozart sonata concerts at St. Peter's, the Fortress and the "Sound of Music" tour (we, too, were skeptical but had a great time). Mainly, just make sure you take time to enjoy the river views and the city's remarkable ambience.

Thanks to all for the ideas. Tomorrow we leave for Vienna and then back to Vienna. We visited the Eagles Nest which was incredible. The view from the mountain top was breath taking.