The Berkeley Guides:
Berkeley Guide to Europe:
Austria:
Salzburg
If Walt Disney had had more foresight, he would have based his fairy-tale theme park in Salzburg rather than Anaheim. After all, the city already has the shop-lined streets, the pastel color scheme, the snazzy medieval fortress, and a commitment to unabashed tourism. Behind all the glitz and fluff, though, Salzburg offers plenty that Disneyland cannot: exquisite baroque and Gothic churches, real Alpine scenery, and a rich musical tradition. From the end of July through August, the Salzburger Sommer Festspiele fills the town with music, much of it by Salzburg's famous resident, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Salzburg's other cash cow is The Sound of Music, which was filmed here in the '60s. Seeing just how many tourists swarm Salzburg as a result of the Mozart/Music marriage, it's not so surprising that Salzburgers have a reputation, even among other Austrians, of being aloof. If you want to see the real Salzburg, you'll have to come during the off-season, when the locals come out of hiding. Otherwise, take a long walk along the banks of the Salzach River, visit the local bars and hangouts, and check out the university area and its students.
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