Does the phrase ‘city break’ bring to mind a hectic itinerary? If so, it might be time to rethink your vacation style.

The Austrians have a word that’s the antithesis of a stressful holiday: ‘Lebensgefühl’. It translates as ‘life feeling’ and sums up the locals’ joyous nature and relaxed attitude.

In Salzburg, you’ll naturally embrace Lebensgefühl, immersing yourself in the key principles of ‘slow travel’ – living in the moment and fully appreciating the culture, cuisine and entertainment. 

Salzburg is a magnet for fans of The Sound of Music which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. But there’s so much more to the city than Do-Re-Mi singalongs. Here are six ways to ensure your memorable stay recharges mind, body and soul…

1. Connect with your surroundings

© Tourismus Salzburg GmbH

Salzburg is a very walkable city, allowing you to take in the sights, sounds and smells at a leisurely pace.

Stroll along the Salzach river and you’ll pass numerous bridges, each with its own story to tell. Crossings along the way include the Marko-Feingold-Steg (dubbed Love Lock Bridge thanks to the thousands of locks attached to it by lovers, young and old). There’s also the Mozartsteg, named after Salzburg’s famous son, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The city’s smallest café, We Love Coffee, tucked inside a former tollhouse, serves up some of the richest espresso in Salzburg.

Or how about a themed walking tour? Try the 7.7km Creative Salzburg trail which takes in works of art, architecture and galleries. It includes the Museum of Modern Art perched on the Mönchsberg, one of several hills and mountains that provide a backdrop to the city. If your calf muscles aren’t up to the steep climb, you can take the MönchsbergAufzug Lift to the top.

2. Find harmony in symmetry

© Tourismus Salzburg GmbH/Guenter Breitegger

The magnificent baroque Mirabellgarten, surrounding the 17th-century Schloss Mirabell, are a marvel of precision landscaping and horticulture. Take a moment to appreciate the symmetry of the perfectly manicured borders which evoke a wonderful sense of calm and order.

You might already recognise the gardens as the location where the children sang Do-Re-Mi in The Sound of Music, but there are a few surprises to discover. These include the beautifully crafted Pegasus Fountain, the Zwergerlgarten [gnome garden] and the unique Heckentheater [hedge theatre]. The semi-circular stage, orchestra pit and audience space surrounded by hedges, is a popular venue for theatre shows and concerts.

3. Take time out from sightseeing

© Tourismus Salzburg GmbH

Try to squeeze too much into your itinerary and you’ll merely skim the surface of what Salzburg has to offer. Slow down and soak up the wonderful ambience of this cultured city.

If your visit coincides with the Salzburg Festival (18 July – 31 August), sit back and enjoy some fabulous performances.

After taking in the cultural energy of the festival, slow things down even further with a classic Austrian coffeehouse experience. Café Bazar, on the banks of the Salzach, is a traditional meeting place for artists, poets and thinkers. Sip a Melange – an Austrian milk coffee  – as you watch the world go by.

The cosy Tomaselli café is said to be the oldest coffee house in Austria. Beneath the dark wood-panelling and crystal chandeliers, relish its speciality coffee with a slice of Erdbeerschüsserl, a sponge loaded with chocolate, cream, jam and fresh fruit.

4. Immerse yourself in history

© Tourismus Salzburg GmbH

The narrow streets and wide squares of the old town are a UNESCO world heritage site. Explore the five squares – Residenzplatz, Domplatz, Mozartplatz, Kapitelplatz and Alter Markt (the picturesque Old Market) – at your leisure and savour every detail on the way.

The self-guided UNESCO walk will take you past key historic treasures, including Salzburg Cathedral with its magnificent 4,000-pipe organ, Fortress Hohensalzburg and Mozart’s birthplace. Make sure you listen out for Salzburger Glockenspiel in the old town, too – the 35 bells in the tower play 100 different songs, three times a day (7am, 11am, and 6pm).

It’s well worth buying a Salzburg Card for your visit – it includes free entry to all city attractions and museums, plus discounts on cultural events, concerts and excursions.

Need somewhere to stay? Arthotel Blaue Gans is in the heart of the old town, across from Festspielhaus (Grand Festival Hall). The walls of the characterful 14th-century building, which houses the city’s oldest inn (1350), are hung with 120 original artworks.

5. Luxuriate at a city spa

© Hotel Schloss Mönchstein, Salzburg/monchstein.at

A slow-travel trip isn’t complete without moments of pure relaxation. Let the spa at Hotel Schloss Mönchstein elevate your experience with. Situated on top of the Mönchsberg, you can drink in the breathtaking views of the city from the heated outdoor infinity pool and hot tub, or ease aching limbs in the steam bath and Finnish sauna. A day pass costs €125.

If you really want to splash out, book a treatment. The Mönchstein Pure Nature package includes an Algae detox treatment, Tibetan herbal stamp massage and three-course meal on-site at The Glass Garden restaurant.

6. Savour the local cuisine

© Tourismus Salzburg GmbH/Café Fürst

There are some traditional dishes you really must try – from Nockerl dumplings (Austrian style gnocci) and Bierfleisch (beef goulash in a beer sauce) to fresh river fish. In the spirit of slow travel, take the time to truly savour each bite, letting the flavours tell the story of Austria’s rich culinary heritage.

If you have a sweet tooth, try Mozartkugel (little balls of nougat, marzipan and pistachio covered in dark chocolate, pictured above) or Salzburger Nockerl (vanilla-flavoured dumplings).

You’ll find note-worthy restaurants at every turn. For a relaxed dining experience, try St Peter located within St Peter’s Abbey. They’ve been serving up food for around 1,200 years now.

How to get there

With flights from the UK averaging just two hours, you’ll have just enough time to unwind and set the tone for your restorative getaway.  

Start planning your Salzburg adventure today – and embrace the art of slow travel through the lens of Lebensgefühl.