SALZBURG

Salzburg, coat of arms

Salzburg, car license plate

Salzburg means "salt fortress." The region is world-famous not only for the city of Salzburg, but also for its other attractions and excellent opportunities for Alpine tourism.

SALZBURG: THE MOST INTERESTING

Salzburg on a map of Austria

The region got its name from the salt industry, which has been developed here since ancient times: Salzburg means “salt fortress”.

The region is known worldwide not only for the city of Salzburg, but also for many other attractions and excellent opportunities for Alpine tourism.

Hohensalzburg Castle towers over the city and is one of the most visited landmarks in Austria. Built in the 11th century, it has undergone numerous renovations since then. The castle contains numerous historical exhibits and offers incredible views of the city and surrounding area.

Salzburg is the birthplace of one of the greatest composers of all time, and the Mozart House Museum is dedicated to his life and work. The museum's exhibits include Mozart's personal belongings as well as his works. Don't forget your headphones for a fully immersive experience.

Salzburg is home to the Museum of Modern Art , which, as cliché as it may sound, focuses on contemporary art. It's a place where you can see works by artists from around the world and learn about current art trends.

SALZBURG: HISTORY OF THE COAT OF ARMS

Babenberg dynasty, coat of arms.

The red and white part of the shield are the colours of the ruling Babenberg dynasty, the very one that set the tone for all Austrian heraldry.

True, some historians cautiously clarify: perhaps these colors have nothing to do with the Babenbergs, and their origin is shrouded in the mists of time. But, as we know, the simplest explanation is usually the most correct, especially when it looks beautiful on a coat of arms.

Coat of arms of the von Spannhay family

The lion on a golden field is traditionally associated with the Dukes of Carinthia from the von Spanheim family, in particular with Philip, Archbishop of Salzburg in the mid-13th century. The similarity to the Carinthian coat of arms is no coincidence: at the time, both lands were owned by the same family.

According to one version, Philip decided to slightly personalize his own coat of arms to distinguish himself from his older brother, Duke Ulrich III of Carinthia. In response, his brother apparently didn't appreciate the artistic gesture and bequeathed Carinthia not to him, but to the Bohemian king. A complicated story in which heraldry, as usual, became the source of family drama.

Electorate of Salzburg, 1803

Another curious episode is the short existence of the Electorate of Salzburg , which lasted only two years: from 1803 to 1805. But what two years! The Electorate possessed its own coat of arms, richly decorated and unabashedly monumental: with the imperial eagle, gold, and a fair number of symbols, as if seeking to compensate for the brevity of its existence with the splendor of its visual message.

History has proven that sometimes, to be remembered, you don't need to exist for long. Simply be beautifully presented.

SALZBURG: THE FUN FACTS

A creative version of Mozart's coat of arms

The coat of arms of the city of Salzburg is a classic: ramparts, towers, gates. In short, everything befitting a city that grew out of medieval strongholds. It would be far more interesting to see the coat of arms of Mozart , a native of Salzburg and Europe's main purveyor of brilliant melodies. But, alas, he was not of noble birth and had no coat of arms. However, we still love him, just like Mozart, Wolfgang, Amadeus... After all, even without a coat of arms, he left behind an enduring symbol of the city: music.

And since we're in Salzburg, it's a shame not to mention St. Peter's Monastery , where one of Europe's oldest restaurants operates beneath the ancient vaults. Even the year it was founded is mentioned: 803 (eight hundred and three, just imagine). People come here not so much to eat as to feel the breath of time and, perhaps, to listen to someone quietly humming Mozart to the rustling candlelight.

SALZBURG: ALPINE SKIING

Gastein is a veritable valley of resorts: Bad Gastein, Bad Hofgastein, and Dorfgastein . It's easy to get lost in the Gasteins, and the locals pronounce it "Gastein", with "S", not german "SH". The area is united not only by skiing but also by thermal springs. Here, people ski, then heal in caves and bathe in warm mineral waters surrounded by mountains. The style is understated chic with a touch of old-fashioned resort charm.

Saalbach-Hinterglemm is part of the vast "Ski Circus" connected to Leogang and Fieberbrunn. This resort is perfect for those who want to ski and dance. Excellent infrastructure, modern lifts, and a variety of pistes make it a versatile choice. Spend a day on wide carving slopes, then an evening in cozy alpine bars. A must-have for an active holiday with family and friends.

Obertaurn enjoys almost perpetual winter, with pistes open until May. A major plus: the piste system is circular, so you don't have to ski the same one twice. It's perfect for family outings and friends who appreciate consistent snow conditions. The Beatles, those who've been here and left behind a curious photo, can confirm..