Romulus

It will be my first time in Salzburg this Christmas. I will be there Dec 24, 25, and 26 and leaving on the 27th in the morning. I would really like to see most of the main sights in the town, and avoid museums. I do not speak any German, and this will be my first time in Austria. I’ve heard there are some really amazing Platz, and Churches. And I’ve heard the fortress is great. Is that all? What else shouldn’t I miss? Any tours, streets, etc etc?

I am also looking for good restaurants, and suggestions on what local specialties to taste and try. Any suggestions? What would you suggest?

Thanks for the help in advance

chinesefan

Check out the largest ice-cave with a cable car ride. I have not been there but I guess that is something different from the usual palaces, parks, museums, castles etc which you see alot anywhere in Europe

AisleSeat

I enjoyed the Sound of Music Tour. There is also a tour you can take that goes into the mountains and features a horse-drawn sleigh ride followed by hot gluhwein at the local gasthaus December 24 and 25 will be mostly closed for Chrismtams

Romulus

ok i'll look into that. But what about inside the city. What should I do inside Salzburg? Churches? Squares? Markets? Monuments? etc

EmilyC

Dec 25 and Dec 26 are both public holidays and most venues will be closed.

As far as the ice caves are concerned...unless you are a very experienced hiker I would not attempt this in the winter. The entrance will probably be blocked by snow by December anyway.

Dec 24 will be your best bet for getting in a tour, if you choose that option. This is also the only day to take in the Mozart haus and the shops on the getreidegasse for some christmas cheer.

Romulus

ok great! The ice caves do sound very cold that time of year. I'll probably not venture that far outside the city.

If I wanted to walk around the city, what should I look for? Is there any area in particular that's good for walking around or for sightseeing? Monuments etc?

CharlieB

According to a recent article in the Sunday Telegraph, Americans prefer the "Sound of Music Tour", Germans seek out sites related to Mozart, Japanese head to Braunau, while Brits for some reason tend to like to visit the tiny town of F**king.

Curious

Like my name, I'm curious. If you don't know what to do in Salzburg, why are you going?

Curious

Marge

Salzburg is a fairly compact city, easy to navigate by foot.

You might want to check what will be open and closed on Christmas as you plan. On such a major holiday many businesses will be closed. And of course check out special Christmas events http://www2.salzburg.info//

The fortress is a major tourist destination, it towers above the city. You can get to it by funicular or by an elevator, the Monchsberg Aufzug. If you take the elevator you get a great view of the city but have to hike over to the fortress. The views are incredible, I wouldn't miss doing this.

Below the fortress, there's a giant chess game, street vendors, the Dom, the Mozartplatz with the statue of Mozart, St. Peter’s with grave
markers made of metal crucifixes and surrounded by small beds of flowers.

There's a shopping area with many stores and restaurants. The market is in this area as well (don't know about Christmas time).

You can walk over one of the pedestrian bridges over the Salzach River, window shop, and stroll through the Mirabell Gardens. There's a
a raised garden surrounded by a stone wall only accessible by a little wooden bridge. All along the oblong are dwarf statues in costume. Mozart's house is on this side of the river too.

We didn't do it, but you can buy tickets for a concert, or dinner and a concert, which I think would really add to your experience.

Have a chocolate pretzel for me

Underhill

The churches are definitely worth visiting, and with luck you will be able to attend Christmas concerts. Don't miss Mozart's house and the adjacent shopping area, and try to see St. Peter's church and cemetery.

Romulus

Curious: I will be in Austria for Christmas and New Years and, in planning my trip, I was told that Salzburg should not be missed. Everyone told me it's amazing during Christmas time. So, knowing nothing, I decided to spend 3 days there.

L84SKY

Here's a website that might help you;
www.salzburg.info
The website is fairly complete but they also sent me some brochures, including a map that's making my travel plans easier.
Have fun.

Romulus

oh wow that site is great! Thanks!

What about fav foods? Anyone have any good restaurants or local foods I shouldn't miss?

EmilyC

I believe that most restaurants and museums, etc will be closed Dec 25 and Dec 26... Can you back up your days a little bit??

L84SKY

Christmas might not be a great day for dining out. Hotel restaurants might be your best bet. Contact them early, like now.

Romulus

oh ok thanks for the suggestions! I'll get on contacting them now! Any suggestions as to where I should look for the best hotel restaurants? Maybe i should post a 2nd thread?!

DAX

Without knowing your budget or preference, here's a list of hotels that I've stayed and favored:

Hotel Sacher (very nice hotel located just across the tiny river from oldtown/altstadt). www.sacher.com

Hotel Elephant: reasonably priced small hotel but full of austrian charm inside the oldtown, I prefer the rooms on its 5th or 6th floor (Best Western)

Goldener Hirsch: Starwood Luxury collection hotel in a traditional austrian inn style with hunting theme located on Getreidegasse, the main drag inside old town.

I don't recommend hotels outside of oldtown because the area beyond oldtown is very plain and unattractive except maybe around the Schloss Mirabell & Makart square. We've stayed in the Sheraton near Mirabell and have cancelled Crown Plaza due to its poor location especially in the winter. We had to take taxis to oldtown everyday when we stayed at the Sheraton.