One day we decided to drive into Salzburg. Coming from Vienna, it is a leisure 3.5-hour drive that is quite picturesque. You drive by mountain ranges and lake districts that are very quaint.
However, once you arrive in Salzburg, it is hard to believe a town as quaint and beautiful even existed. Salzburg is surrounded by the Alps, and you certainly already get an alpine feel. People are dressed in more traditional clothing, and there are farmer’s markets all around you. And of course there is one prevalent theme around you: MUSIC. Visit Mozarts birthplace right on Getreidegasse (where shopping is also great) and walk across the bridge to visit the house where he once lived. And of course there is the famous story of the Van Trapp family. Take your time to go on a sightseeing tour and experience The Sound of Music, which will take you to all the famous places by bus (you even get so see Austria's amazing countryside). Once on the bus, visitors started singing The Sound of Music tunes - quite unbelievable.
Back in Salzburg, we decided to walk up to Hohenfestung (the white castle on top of the hill) and get the bird’s eye view of the city. Here is a little warning: Only those in good condition should walk up. If you are not used to walking up steep inclines, take the little train up to the castle. The castle also offers great classical concerts and houses the Salzburg Marionette Theater, so to avoid having to go up twice, go up to the castle later in the day and spend the evening attending a concert.