As the birthplace of Mozart and with its unbreakable ties to the universally loved Sound of Music film, Salzburg, in Austria, is a city with a big reputation to uphold. The good news for visitors is that it does it effortlessly — inviting you in and welcoming you with grace and genuine enthusiasm. Compact to explore and fantastically well-facilitated for tourists, the city is a jumping off point for short ski breaks in the Austrian Alps and is also rich in culture and history.
Discover Salzburg’s Secret Attractions
As the fourth-largest city in Austria, it can’t be denied that many people flock to Salzburg with one (or both) of two highlights in mind: the aforementioned Sound of Music and a certain gentleman named Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. But you’d be selling yourself short if you didn’t go beyond the obvious highlights to explore some of the lesser-known cultural gems of the city. In 1997, UNESCO World Heritage designated Salzburg a city of “outstanding value to humanity”, which may give you some idea of just how important a part its history, arts and culture have played in a global setting. So, as you can imagine, there’s a lot to be found if you turn a few corners, look up, look down, and peek just beyond the regular touristic eyeline of castles and cathedrals…
The Mystical Catacombs
The catacombs of St Peter’s Abbey offer a fascinating and evocative insight into the history and rituals of Christianity. Carved into the Mönchsberg mountain in the centre of the city, the caves are, in and of themselves, a feat of engineering. But perhaps even more interesting is the reverence attached to their existence. Dating back to the 1100s, the caves were constructed as a Christian hermitage (for the monastic brotherhood of St Peter’s Church, which was founded in the seventh century and is still active) and also used as a sacred burial location.
Inside, the catacombs are well preserved and meticulously maintained, with their cache of antiquities including murals, tombs, inscriptions, relics, and remains of altars. You can visit two levels: the lower Gertrauden Chapel, and the higher Maximus Chapel, which offers stunning views over the city. In a juxtaposition of modern and ancient history, a scene in the Sound of Music was filmed in the catacombs, and their entrance from the church’s graveyard is marked by the final resting place of Mozart’s sister, Nannerl.
The Mechanical Genius of Schloss Hellbrunn
Schloss Hellbrunn was the brainchild and summer palace of Markus Sittikus, the archbishop of Salzburg. Constructed in 1619, the Baroque palace was never meant as a residence (hence no bedrooms were included) and was used solely for daytime pursuits and entertainment — greased by copious amounts of wine, food and music.
Built over natural springs, the archbishop’s vision of unbridled amusement comes to fruition in a proliferation of fountains scattered throughout the gardens, which spontaneously shoot out water through spouts and hidden nozzles. Water powered “automats” surprise at every turn, with moving sculptures of birds and animals breaking into voice and movement all around. There’s even a water-powered mechanical theatre, which is an intricate feat of art and design, depicting an entire Baroque town with 200 moving figures.
Schloss Hellbrunn may not be quite the same without Archbishop Sittikus at the controls (he used to hide and surprise guests by drenching them at inopportune moments), but it’s still a fun and fascinating place where you never quite know what’s coming…
Down to the Almkanals
Even though this attraction is only open to the public for three weeks a year, if your holiday happens to fall at the right time (in September, when the canals are drained for maintenance), it’s well worth getting yourself down below the city streets to explore the medieval network of canals called the Almkanals.
The labyrinthine subterranean passages are thought to be the oldest in Europe, dating back to around the eighth century. Their purpose was to bring alpine water to Salzburg, and over the centuries they were widened and extended as the population grew and the city spread. You’ll have to join a guided tour for an adventure down in the Almkanals, but if you keep your eyes peeled, there are parts of the city where you can see the water bubbling up through the drains as it makes its way to help power a number of civic buildings and mills.
These three suggestions are just scratching the surface of Salzburg’s intriguing hidden gems, so once you’ve paid homage to Mozart, and raised your voice on a Sound of Music tour, make sure you save some time for some of the city’s lesser known attractions.
Where to Stay
Master Mirabell: In an unbeatable position just 300m from Mirabell Palace, these spacious, stylish apartments offer a luxury stay with everything at your fingertips. The contemporary rooms are elegantly furnished and appointed with comfortable beds, a well-equipped kitchenette, free WiFi, coffee machine, and a generous seating area. There’s also a shared lounge and terrace area for the enjoyment of guests, and the hotel is walking distance from all the cultural attractions of the city centre.
Altstadthotel Weisse Taube: This charming and authentic hotel in a brilliant location is housed in a building dating back to 1365. Set in the heart of Salzburg’s Old Town, you only need to step outside your door to soak up the history and culture. The spacious rooms are tastefully furnished, and feature cable TV, private bathrooms, and tea and coffee-making facilities. The hotel also offers a delicious buffet breakfast, daily newspapers, and a warm friendly service.
Boutiquehotel Amadeus: Set in an exceptional central location in the historic heart of the city, this lovely boutique hotel in a quiet pedestrianised street delivers convenience and charm in equal measure. The beautifully-appointed rooms have been individually furnished and feature an appealing blend of contemporary and traditional style. The friendly staff are dedicated to making your stay as enjoyable and comfortable as possible, with thoughtful extras including coffee and cakes available all day, free newspapers, and use of a terrace and 24/7 honesty bar.
How to Get There
Getting to your weekend of culture and history in Salzburg is simple and hassle-free. You’ll be able to fly straight into Salzburg Airport from the UK in under two hours. Multiple carriers service the route, including easyJet, British Airways, Jet2, Tui, and Ryanair. With nearly 100 flights a week, you won’t have any trouble finding one to suit.
The fastest and easiest way to get to your accommodation in Salzburg is to pre-book a service with Shuttle Direct before you leave. When you land at the airport, a friendly and helpful driver will meet you and take you right into the city. Whether you book a budget shuttle bus or a door-to-door private service from Salzburg Airport to Salzburg city centre, you’ll enjoy a punctual, reasonably priced ride in a clean, modern vehicle, without the stress of navigating public transport or paying for expensive taxis.
Overview
UK to SZG Flight Time: 1 hours, 58 mins approx.
SZG to Salzburg Distance: 4 kilometres
Shuttle Direct Transfer: 12 minutes approx.
Types of Transfer
At Shuttle Direct, we ensure that getting from the airport at Salzburg to Salzburg city centre is as easy, comfortable, and reliable as possible. As the market leader in onward ground transport, our services are renowned as the most efficient and cost-effective on the market, and we’ve got something to suit everyone.
Pre-booking a local taxi with Shuttle Direct is a great way to get you wherever you need to go. When you land at the airport, instead of having to join a queue with other passengers, your taxi will be ready on time and waiting to leave as soon as you are. This is a reliable, door-to-door service that is surprisingly cost-effective.
Our shared shuttle buses are one of the most popular, value for money services on the market to get you from the airport at Salzburg to Salzburg itself. You’ll meet at a designated spot at the airport, then board your clean, modern shuttle bus with other passengers and be taken to a central drop-off point in the city. Because the cost is shared, it’s cheaper than a private transfer, but we never expect you to compromise on reliable and punctual service.
If you’re travelling with a larger group of family or friends, you’ll need a Salzburg transfer to suit your requirements. One way to simplify the logistics is to pre-book a minibus with Shuttle Direct. This larger capacity vehicle allows for multiple passengers and the associated luggage, meaning you can all travel together in the same vehicle. This door-to-door service is an excellent, reasonably priced solution for groups to get from Salzburg Airport to Salzburg accommodation.
If a high-end luxury ride to your accommodation is what you’re looking for, one of our private Salzburg transfers will suit. Your friendly and helpful driver will meet you inside the terminal then escort you to the vehicle, before whisking you without delay to the door of your accommodation. This is the ultimate way to get from Salzburg Airport to Salzburg and back again, to start and end your holiday in the very best way.
Choosing the Right Transfer
Choosing the best way to get from the airport at Salzburg to Salzburg city centre is a personal decision, but when you book with Shuttle Direct you can’t go wrong. Whether you’re focused on budget or top of the range convenience, we’ve got a service to please you. Cost or convenience? It’s up to you.
Convenience: If door-to-door service and a private ride are important to you, one of our private transfer options from Salzburg Airport to Salzburg city centre will suit you best. While you’ll pay a little more than a shared option, you’ll have the vehicle to yourself and enjoy the luxury of getting taken directly to the door of your accommodation without any extra stops or delays.
Cost: If, however, your main focus is on keeping the budget in check, our cost effective shared shuttle bus services will still give you a comfortable, reliable ride in a clean and modern vehicle. Because you share with other passengers, you’ll save money by being dropped off at a central drop off point convenient to your accommodation.
About Shuttle Direct
Here at Shuttle Direct, we’re proud of our reputation as the market leaders in onward ground transport. With professional service, punctual and helpful drivers, and a superb range of value for money airport transfers, you can rely on us to get you where you need to go. Whether you choose a private luxury ride or a shared shuttle, you can rely on prompt service, excellent communication, and a highly efficient service every step of the way. Book today and let us take care of all your transport details.
