 Bad Dürrnberg Salt Mine
Step back into the time when the first settlers lived here and pay a visit to the Bad Dürrnberg Salt Mine. The Celts settled the town of Hallein and gave the town its name (the Celtic word hall means salt). It is thought that inhabitants in the area were mining salt as long as 4500 years ago and, during its days as an ecclesiastical principality, the sale of salt from the mine filled Salzburg's coffers. The mines are open year-round although opening hours are reduced during winter.
 Eisriesenwelt Caves
Set at an elevation of 1640m, these are the largest accessible ice caves in the world. They comprise more than 40km of explored passageways and 30,000 cubic m of ice. Entry to the caves is regulated and a 75-minute tour takes in several immense caverns containing elaborate ice formations and frozen waterfalls. Be sure to wear warm clothes because the passageways are as close as you'll ever come to feeling you've been trapped in your refrigerator. The caves are open between May and early October and are located near Werfen.
 Festung Hohensalzburg
One of Europe's largest castles, it has never been captured by enemy forces. This is the high point (literally and metaphorically) of a visit to Salzburg, offering a stupendous northern city view from its 120m (400ft) elevation. The view to the south is of Alpine peaks, including the Untersberg, 1853m (6080ft). Don’t forget to bring your camera!
 Haus Der Natur Museum of Natural History
Located in the centre of the old city. There are flora, fauna and mineral displays, exhibits on physics and astronomy, a 36-tank aquarium, and a few bizarre oddities such as the display of deformed animals on the 4th floor. Another highlight is the excellent reptile house with over 200 animals inhabiting 56 terrariums.
 Mozart-Wohnhaus (Mozart's Residence)
Of the two Mozart museums in town, this is the better one. The Mozart family lived in this house from 1773 to 1787. Tours include commentary and musical excerpts from handheld devices activated by infrared signals. There's also a slide show that tends to concentrate on the composer's early years, neatly skimming over most of his later Vienna-based years. As you'd expect, the house also contains musical instruments, sheet music and other memorabilia of the musical genius. Downstairs is the Mozart Ton-und Filmmuseum, which will mainly interest research students or mega-Mozart fans. The building has been restored to its original appearance after extensive bomb damage in 1944.
 Old Town
Declared a UNESCO World heritage site in 1996, the area is teeming with plazas, courtyards, fountains, churches and open-air markets. Domplatz, the adjoining Kapitelplatz, and Residenzplatz are usually bustling with street musicians, market hubbub and the sound of horses' hooves. Domplatz's huge Dom, was the first Italian baroque-style building constructed north of the Alps - check out the font where baby Mozart was baptised.
 Schloss Mirabell
This palace in Mirabellgarten was built in 1606 by the Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich for his mistress Salome Alt, who supposedly bore him 15 children. For her troubles he named it Altenau palace but after Wolf's forced abdication in 1612, his successor, Markus Sittikus von Hohenems, renamed it Mirabell. Baroque architect Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt remodelled the palace in 1727 but it was Robert Wise who fully realized its potential when he featured its attractive gardens resplendent with statuary, flowers and fountains in the 1964 film The Sound of Music.
 Stiftskirch St Peter
Dating from 847, this abbey takes the cake for baroque ostentation and its interior is a feast for the eyes (or a nightmare, depending on your aesthetic point of view). Walk behind the church to see the catacombs, tunnelled into the rocks, which served as a sanctuary for the abbey's monks in the 8th century. At the Residenz you can witness the baroque luxury in which the archbishops lived while they preached about chastity and humility to their flock.
 Wolfgangsee Lake
Wolfgangsee plays host to hordes of summer and weekend visitors from the city, has many water sports on offer. A historic path, the pilgrim's way, connects St Gilgen and St Wolfgang via the lake's western shore and takes a half-day to walk. The major sight at St Wolfgang is the incredible pilgrimage church, built in the 14th and 15th centuries, which is virtually a gallery of religious art.
Salzburg Top Things to Do
 Climb a Mountain
The true adrenaline junkies will not be able to pass up the opportunity to climb the Zwölferhorn Mountain. Rising 1522m (4990ft), this is not for the faint at heart. There is also a cable car that offers an exciting ride for those without climbing aspirations.
 Go to a Concert
Classical Music is extremely popular in Salzburg and the Marrionetten Theatre offers a very unique experience for the classical music lover.
 Go Cycling
The bike paths along the Saalach River runs through the villages and allows the cyclist to see the locals and their homes up close. Here you can take a relaxing ride or you can take the more challenging path up the mountain.
 Head for the Slopes
Saalach Valley has some very impressive ski slopes for the winter skiing enthusiast. It makes no difference whether you are an expert skier or if it is your first time on the slopes as the have cable cars, ski lifts and kiddie hills all on offer.
 Party the Night Away!
Salzburg has a bustling nightlife with a great number of bars and clubs where you can party the night away. Ask the concierge at your hotel for information on nightlife venues in your area.
 Relax on a Boat
You can take a leisurely boat trip to Lake Konigsee. The lake offers spectacular scenery and good fishing opportunities.
 Take the Elevator up the Monchsberg
The elevator goes right up through the mountain rock! There is a lovely café at the top and breathtaking view.
 Take in a Game of Golf
Salzburg offers some of the most beautiful greens in Europe. Golf lovers will find Salzburg picturesque courses the perfect setting for a stylish game. The city offers 13 courses for beginning players as well as expert golfers.
 Tour a Castle and Fortress
The Hohensalzburg, the big fortress/castle that towers over the city offers amazing views and interesting sites. This fortress makes for excellent photo opportunities.
 Wander Around the City
Walk through the city streets and explore the old churches, shops and neighbourhoods. This is the best way to understand the culture and to savour the city.
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