Salzburg Old Town and Hohensalzburg Fortress

Salzburg’s compact old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a pleasure to explore on foot: the cathedral and its squares, the shop signs of Getreidegasse, and the yellow house where Mozart was born in 1756. Above it all stands Hohensalzburg Fortress, reached by a short funicular ride, with views over the domes, the Salzach river and the mountains beyond.

Across the river, the Mirabell Gardens feature in The Sound of Music, and a dedicated tour takes in other film locations in and around the city, a favourite with families.

Salzburg is the natural base for a Hallstatt day trip. In summer the city hosts its famous music festival, so book hotels well ahead if travelling in July or August.