Salzburg is the fourth-largest city in Austria and a one-night stay for our team when traveling from Zurich to Vienna. Salzburg’s Old Town has internationally renowned Baroque architecture and one of the best-preserved city centers north of the Alps. While we spent only a short time in the quaint town, it is noted for its attractive setting and scenic Alpine backdrop and we understand why. Salzburg was the birthplace of 18th-century composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and in the mid‑20th century, the city was the setting for parts of the musical play and film The Sound of Music.
STAY
Hotel Stein: Luckily, our friend from Zurich secured our hotel reservations for our night in Salzburg. Located in the heart of the city’s Old Town, Hotel Stein is a luxury Salzburg hotel. Blending rich traditions with the modern amenities of a hotel today, guests enjoy a truly unique stay in Austria. We enjoyed stylish accommodations, a rooftop bar and incredible included Sunday morning breakfast before we left for Vienna.
EAT
K+K: How could we resist a restaurant called KK? We at least needed a cocktail and small plate—or brats and potatoes for Vinny and another asparagus soup for me! Tradition is the word for this Salzburg restaurant dating from 1181. In a protected historic townhouse building that dates back to the Middle Ages – very close to the Salzburg Cathedral and Mozart Square – we found a culinary venue where authentic local Austrian cuisine is served. The 2nd and 3rd floors of the Salzburg restaurant feature beautiful, traditional, wood-paneled parlors. Quality wines round off the delectable culinary offering where the most exquisitely selected wine cellar in the city is shared.
Carpe Diem: A winding staircase quite literally leads up to the stars. Or – to be precise – into the gourmet restaurant that has been awarded two Gault Millau toques and a rare Michelin Star. A stylish but comfortable space, guests can enjoy a spectacular display of the finest Austrian and international cuisine, served up by head chef Franz Fuiko and his team. Without a doubt, the cuisine here is some of the most exciting that the city of Mozart has to offer. We noshed on small plates and Prosecco in the lounge and particularly loved the innovative presentation in house made cones.
DID YOU KNOW?
Boasting thirty manufacturers of traditional costumes and Dirndl shops, Salzburg, the city known as the film location of “The Sound of Music,” is unparalleled as a shopping destination for aficionados of alpine fashion. Dirndl, Lederhosen and traditional suits for men have always been held in high esteem in Salzburg—and still are today. The locals wear them today for any occasion with utter self-confidence.
The traditional costumes more than hold their own against international fashion trends. Instead, Salzburg’s manufacturers create their own trends. Designers experiment with fabrics, patterns and trendy colors. Even Gexi Tostmann, one of Austria’s authorities on historic Dirndls says that “as long as you know the rules, you can bend them!” In other words: Anything goes. Refreshingly uncomplicated and casually chic designs are just as popular as traditional patterns and exquisite elegance.