Today would have been the 258th birthday of one of the world’s greatest and most famous composers, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, whose birthplace was the fascinating and historic city of Salzburg, located in central Austria on the banks of the Salzach River, which leads from the Danube. Salzburg river cruises offer the opportunity to observe a profusion of stunning architecture and are available on an array of river cruise itineraries. For these reasons, we have decided to write a blog on the best historic and cultural attractions to enjoy on Salzburg river cruises.
Hohensalzburg Castle
Salzburg’s ancient and unconquered Hohensalzburg castle was constructed on the orders of Archbishop Gebhard von Helfenstein in 1077 as a small wooden keep, before the fortress was developed and expanded by subsequent archbishops, hoping to defend the city and protect their own interests. Over the centuries, the castle was continually extended and fortified, with the 
majestic ring walls and towers built under the command of Prince-Archbishop Burkhard II von Weisspriach in 1462.
The castle remained unconquered over the many centuries since its construction and only came under siege once in 1525 during the German Peasants War, when a mob of local peasants tried to overthrow Prince-Archbishop Matthaus Lang but did not succeed in taking the fortress.
Nowadays, the castle is open to the public throughout the year and is a popular meeting place for artists, who come to take part in the International Summer Academy’s various courses. Tourists from Salzburg river cruises can reach the castle in around ten minutes by using the Festungbahn cable car that runs from Festungsgasse Alley close to Kapitelplatz Square.
Mozart’s Geburtshaus
Mozart’s birthplace is currently a very popular museum, celebrating the life and family of the world-famous composer. The museum houses a fascinating collection of letters, memorabilia and personal affects belonging to Mozart and his family during their time in the dwelling. Mozart was born at this address on 27th January 1756 and the Mozart family called it there home from 1747 up until 1773.
This excellent museum is a great way to gain a further insight into the intriguing personal life of one of the world’s greatest composers, by observing the fantastic range of exhibits on display here. Therefore, a trip to Mozart’s Geburthaus is an essential part of river voyages through Salzburg.
Hellbrunn Palace
Hellbrunn Palace, or Schloss Hellbrunn as it is known locally, is one of the city’s most popular family attractions and a must-see for people on Salzburg river cruises. The palace was built between 1613 and 1619 by the Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg at the time, Markus Sittikus von Hohenems, at the foot of the Hellbrunn Mountains. Hellbrunn lies within a vast and tranquil park next to a zoo and 
contains a stone theatre and smaller structure known as the Monatschlossl, which translates to Little Month Palace.
Water is a major feature of the gardens that surround Hellburnn Palace and the attraction is perhaps most famous for the ‘watergames’ found around the grounds. These ‘watergames’ were the brainchild of the palace’s orginal designer, Markus Sittikus, who was known for his good sense of humour. He decided to install a series of practical jokes into the palace garden, in the form of hidden fountains that surprise guests by spraying them with jets of water if they sit in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Salzburg Cathedral
The Salzburg Cathedral, or Dom zu Salzburg, is one of the city’s most impressive and significant examples of religious architecture. The structure was built in the Baroque style during the 7th century and then rebuilt in 1181 due to a devastating fire. The cathedral’s current facade was constructed during the 17th century when the structure was completely rebuilt on the orders of Prince-Bishop Wolf Dietrich Raitenau.
A number of priceless and valuable artefacts can be found within the cathedral, including the font in which Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was baptised and the tremendous main organ. Entrance into the cathedral requires an optional donation and free guided tours are also available, allowing tourists from Salzburg river cruises to learn more about the edifices rich history from local experts.
Salt Mines
Located on the Dürrnberg plateau above Hallein, accessible from Salzburg river cruises, are the historic salt mines that secured Salzburg’s heritage as an influential and dominant trading port. The mines contain a labyrinth of winding tunnels, including the Wolf Dietrich, Rupertsberg, Jackobberg and Untersteinberg tunnels.
Guided tours of the mines, which require visitor to wear protective overalls, are available to all, navigating the many passageways excavated by ancient miners. The tours last for around an hour and a half, covering about one kilometre of mine, offering tourists the chance to uncover the source of Salzburg’s success as a commercial port and important Austrian city.
These are just some of the things you can do in Salzburg. On a river cruise you may find included excursions to other nearby places too.
