Perfect for a weekend trip, or for a lifetime
Salzburg is probably one of my favorite cities in the world, and for sure a place I will always be able to call home. Its magic streets and dreamy fortress make you feel like you are walking in a fairy tale, not to talk about Christmas time, where you will find beautiful decorations and Glühwein around every corner. Moreover, Salzburg is the city of Mozart and therefore the city of music, something you will notice a lot while walking through the street of this amazing city.
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Hohensalzburg Fortress
With no doubts the major attraction of the city and its most recognizable landmark. The Hohensalzburg Fortress is the largest preserved castle in central Europe. It can be reached by foot or with a funicular and it offers a 360° view on the city and on the mountains that surround it. Tip: visit the fortress at the sunset to enjoy the sun going down behind the mountains.

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Mirabellgarten Salzburg
The garden in the Mirabell Castle is the go to attraction for all the unicorn and flowers lovers. Here you can find colorful flowers as well as pink flowering trees (only in spring/summer). You do not want to miss it! Moreover, you will find two unicorn statues that you can ride and a fountain with a Pegasus, inspired from Greek mythology. Tip: a bit hidden from the streams of tourists, you might want to visit the Dwarf Garden: a collection of 15 statues of dwarves located at the north end of the gardens.

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Hellbrunn Palace
With its wonderful architecture and its dreamy garden, Hellbrunn Castle is worth a visit in every season. It is in the south of the city, at the foot of Hellbrunn Mountain. The castle is famous for its Wasserspiele (trick fountains) and for being one of the locations where “The Sound of Music” was filmed. Tip: if you are visiting Salzburg in winter, do not miss the Christmas Market in the castle.

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Gaisberg
Gaisberg is one of the two mountains looking over Salzburg. Hiking lovers can reach its top by foot; another option (for the lazy ones) is to go up the mountain with a bus from Mirabellplatz. The mountain offers a stunning view on the city and on the land surrounding it. Tip: do not miss a Wiener Schnitzel in one of the two restaurants at the top of the mountain. And do not ask for mustard! In Austria Schnitzel is typically served with elderberry jam.

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Best views on the fortress
As already described, the fortress offers an amazing view on the city, but where can you find an amazing view on the fortress?
These two small hills, Mönchsberg and Kapuzienerberg, are the perfect place for it. Mönchsberg can be reached by foot or with the elevator that goes to the Modern Art Museum. Kapuzienerberg can be reached through some hidden stairs in Steingasse. Tip: wake up very early to visit Mönchsberg at sunrise, you will not regret it!

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Kaffee Alchemie
With a beautiful view on the Salzach, the river that crosses the city, the Kaffee Alchemie is the perfect spot for a coffee break. The café is small and very cozy and offers an not only a huge selection of coffee varieties, but also brewing alternatives. Tip: if you cannot decide, ask the staff for suggestions, they are real coffee experts (and don’t say no to a piece of cake to accompany your coffee).

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Café Sacher Salzburg
More touristic, but not for this reason less worth a visit, the Sacher Hotel, situated along the Salzach, will not disappoint you. Here you will find, of course, the famous Viennese Sacher Torte and great coffee. With its antique and elegant decorations and exceptional service, you will feel brought back to the 19th century. Tip: of course, order the original Sacher Torte.

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Unipark Nonntal
Less fancy and cozy, but with a 360° view on the fortress and on the mountains surrounding the city. Located at the top of Unipark, the newest building of the University of Salzburg, here you can drink a coffee or a fresh lemonade surrounded by students in their study break on a pretty terrace. Tip: it is beautiful not only on a hot summer day, but also when the city is covered in snow.

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Gollinger Wasserfall
Salzburg is the perfect starting point for a one day trip in nature. Not distant from the city and reachable by train, the Göllinger Waterfalls are one of the major attractions of the region. With a short hike you will be able to reach different viewpoints and admire the waterfalls from different points of view. Tip: bring a rain jacket with you!

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Fuschlsee
With no doubts my favorite one day trip from Salzburg. Fuschlsee is in my opinion the most beautiful lake in the region, with its blue shiny water and surrounded by mountains. It is the perfect trip for a hot summer day (the water is really cold) or for hiking lovers that want to enjoy a stunning view on the lake. Tip: close to the lake you will also find the headquarters of Red Bull, situated on a smaller pond, that are definitely worth a visit.

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Hallstatt, Austria
Another one day trip you cannot miss, not far from Salzburg (75KM), is the little town of Hallstatt. Probably the most beautiful town in Austria, situated on a lake, Hallstatt is worldwide famous for its tiny streets and pretty buildings, so famous that you will find an exact copy of the town in China. A perfect trip for every season, whether on a spring day or covered in snow, it will not disappoint you! Tip: leave the main streets and get lost in the tiny alleys of the town.