July/August

In the summer months the town of Salzburg is host to an abundance of festival-goers, city-breakers and tourists from around the globe. The locals generally do not disapprove of this. On the contrary, they soak up the bustling atmosphere, the international flair and the variety of languages this UNESCO heritage site has to offer. The people of Salzburg enjoy the chance to watch the world go by. The times when the Old Town is relatively empty are used wisely. Early Saturday mornings are perfect for shopping at the local Grünmarkt, followed by a delicious cup of coffee at Café Tomaselli. A good start to the day could also include a jog or a walk on the Mönchsberg. In fact, it’s a great tip for visitors who take their running shoes with them everywhere they go. Salzburg’s inner-city mountains and hills – Mönchsberg, Festungsberg and Kapuzinerberg – are excellent places to indulge in outdoor sports.

Similarly, the Mirabell and Hellbrunn parks and the tree-lined Salzach river banks are ideal for joggers and walking enthusiasts alike. Although the weather can get hot in Salzburg, the evenings and early mornings are pleasantly cool. Mozart’s town is never really humid and hot, since there’s always a cooling breeze from the nearby mountains to freshen up the air. Even on days when the sun is at its most powerful, the many trees around the town provide plenty of natural shade. Every now and then a powerful summer thunderstorm cools down the air, leaving the city pristine and refreshed.

The Salzburg Festival is one of the most famous festival of classical music and theatre. As the event approaches, the town gradually changes its appearance. As the rehearsals begin, the countless artists, opera stars and musicians take up accommodation in and around the town. The stage for the famous Jedermann [Everyman] play is set up on the Domplatz square – during the day it’s a popular gathering point for city tourists. Increasing numbers of musicians can be seen carrying instruments and using public transport as the Old Town becomes a building site for stage hands, armed with tool belts and headsets. Salzburg is now drenched with music. Many major orchestras perform in the city and, alongside the festival, there are also numerous other events and art exhibitions. Shop windows in the famous Getreidegasse are adorned with the most luxurious and sophisticated goods the season has to offer.

The locals sit back and enjoy the hustle and bustle from the side-lines, taking in a delicious cup of coffee out on the sun patio at Café Bazar. It’s a great melting pot for stars, starlets and wannabees – from the early morning and long into the evenings. The town of Salzburg is now more international and elegant than ever before. If things get too much for the locals, they retreat up into the mountains or drive out to the lakes – but, as a rule, they do not wish to miss out on the unique atmosphere of the Festival season.