Become one with nature in the beautiful scenery of the Austrian Alps, then stroll through the city streets in Salzburg. There are countless ways to spend your free time in Austria, here are a few of our favorites!
| Destination | Our Suggestion | Important Info |
Austrian Alps |
Get active! Try your hand at hiking, biking and mountain biking through the alps! Obtain hiking maps from the hotel concierge and inquire about cost of bike rentals. |
FREE – $ Hours: Dawn to dusk Location: The breath-taking scenery begins right outside your hotel! |
Salzburg |
Mirabell Palace and Gardens Now housing the city administration offices, this once elaborate architectural feat still retains its original marble staircase. The staircase banisters were carved by Raphael Donner and feature hundreds of cherubs that lead to the Marmorsaal. The Marmorsaal, a gold and marble great hall, is used for weddings and special musical events. The palace grounds feature the most scenic gardens, fountains, reflecting pools and spectacular views of the city. |
FREE Hours: The palace is open 8:00am – 6:00pm; the gardens are open 6:00am – dusk Location: A short walk from the historical center, on the eastern banks of the Salzach River. The entrance is next to Landestheater (Schwarzsteinstraße 22). |
| Old Town Salzburg One of the largest UNESCO World Heritage sights by area, the Salzburg Old town or Altstadt encompasses many of the City’s main sights and is full of historical buildings, beautifully designed squares and quaint little side-streets leading off to forgotten corners. The building style consists of mainly Medival and Baroque architecture and the Old town is just a great place to walk through. |
FREE Hours: 24/7 Location: No. 9 Getreidegasse, Salzburg |
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| Mozart’s Birthplace Home to the child musical prodigy, this historical building is where Wolfgang Mozart spent his early years. On display are his violin, a spinet and sheet music from his childhood. Also on exhibit are model sets, which visually depict the staging of his musical compositions, and additional opera memorabilia. |
$ Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm daily; 8:30am – 7:00pm in July and Aug. Location: No. 9 Getreidegasse, Salzburg |
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| Alte Carolino Augusteum-Volkskundemuseum The Volkskunde Museum offers a folk collection assembled by Prince-Archbishop Markus Sittikus in 1615. The displays, spread over three floors, reflect a cross-section of local folk art and depict popular religious beliefs, folk medicine, and the traditional costumes of Land Salzburg. |
$ Hours: 10:00am – 5:00pm, Tues. – Sun. (open until 8:00pm on Thurs.) Location: Overlooking Hellbrunn Park. |
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| Glockenspiel (Carillon) This celebrated 18th-century glockenspiel has 35 bells that sound every day at 7am, 11am, and 6pm. The ideal way to hear the chimes is from one of the cafes lining the edges of the Mozartplatz while sipping your favorite beverage. |
FREE Hours: The glockenspiel is always accessible, sounding three times daily Location: Across from the Residenz. |
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| Hohensalzburg Fortress The stronghold of the ruling prince-archbishops before they moved downtown to the Residenz, this fortress towers 122m (400 ft.) above the Salzach River on a rocky dolomite ledge. The massive fortress crowns the Festungsberg and literally dominates Salzburg. Guided tours are available, purchased with a combined ticket of admission and tour. |
$ – $$ Hours: 9:00am – 7:00pm Location: In the center of Salzburg’s old town. The funicular runs every ten minutes and takes you to the castle hilltop in only one minute. It takes about 20 minutes on foot. |
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Innsbruck |
Wilken Parish Church and Basilica In Innsbruck’s southern district of Wilten stands the twin-towered Wilten Parish Church, one of the finest Rococo churches in northern Tyrol. Built in 1755, the building’s interior is decorated with superb ceiling frescos by Matthäus Günther and stucco-work by Franz Xaver Feuchtmayer. On the high altar is a 14th-century sandstone figure of Mary under the Four Pillars. Opposite the chruch is the large complex of buildings of Stift Wilten, an old abbey founded in 1138 and remodeled in Baroque style in 1695. Highlights include the 17th-century chruch withs its large Gothic figure of the giant Haymon to who the legend attributes a share in the foundation of the monastery, and the Throne of Solomon above the high alter |
FREE – $$ Hours: 7.30 am – 6:00pm, daily Location: Pastorstraße 694, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria |