Your Key To The Grand Fortress City of Salzburg

In the words of Alexander von Humbold, the famous Prussian geographer, naturalist and explorer, Salzburg is one the three most beautiful cities in the world. With over 2,000 years of history, Salzburg is a city perfect for exploring and discovering. In addition to the celebrated sights of Salzburg such as the grand fortress or Mozart’s birth place (both UNESCO World Heritage Sites), I would like to introduce some of my personal favorites that our city has to offer. Not too spectacular, but unique and exquisite of what can be discovered here.

SALZBURG’S CARILLON

ENJOY HEAVENLY MUSIC – THRICE DAILY

Salzburg’s Carillon is located in the bell tower on the west side of the New Residence. Its melodies resound daily at 7 AM, 11 AM and 6 PM.  The 35 bells were cast in Antwerp about 350 years ago.  7,964 holes were drilled in the huge metal drum in order to operate the chimes.  The best place to listen to the melodies is the Residence square.

CORONATION OF THE VIRGIN MARY

BE THE MASTER OF CEREMONY!

Position yourself below the middle arch vis-a-vis the main entrance of the Cathedral. You can see ahead of you the statue of the Virgin Mary and behind it – on the front of the Cathedral – two angels holding a golden crown.  Walk straight ahead, along the indentation in the road and Voila, you will be witness to the coronation.  Most local children know (and love) this optical illusion.

TAKE A BREAK – THE LOCAL WAY

TASTE THE SAUSAGES ON THE UNIVERSITY SQUARE

Enjoying sausages in the University square is a truly local culinary experience!  You will be surprised with the variety at the Wuerstelstands in Salzburg.  Find your favourite type of sausage.  A little advice for your answer to the first question: “Scharf oder Suess?” which translates to “Is that with hot or sweet mustard?”

FINDING TRACES OF MOZART WHERE YOU NEVER EXPECT THEM

THE BAPTISM FONT IN THE CATHEDRAL OF SALZBURG

As you enter the Cathedral of Salzburg, turn left and a few steps ahead you will see the famous baptism font.  It is made of bronze by the mysterious “Meister Heinrich” – “Master Henry” and dates back to 1321.  While the lions at the bottom of the font are actually 150 years older, the cover is from the 20th century.  Many famous citizens of Salzburg were baptized here, amongst them Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

SIZE MATTERS IN EUROPE’S OLDEST DWARF GARDEN

SITUATED IN THE MIRABELL GARDENS

In the Mirabell Gardens, you will find dwarf statues with extraordinary appearance dating back to the 17th century.  During the Baroque era, people who were vertically-challenged attracted attention. The 16 statues are all made of white marble from the local Untersberg.  If you are brave enough, you are welcome to accept the challenge – make a grimace like the dwarfs and take a picture.

THE PETRIFIED LOAF OF BREAD IN THE ST. PETER’S CHURCH

FAIRY TALE OR HISTORY?

Upon passing through the iron gates of the St. Peter’s Church, you will find on the right hand side a round stone in the shape of a loaf of bread.  The legend tells that many years ago a farmer’s wife used to bake breads on Sundays which was a sacrilege on the day of the Lord.  One Sunday, an enormous thunderstorm struck and the loaves were turned to stone.  This stone loaf is a warning to those who wish to bake breads on Sundays,.

Meet the Author
Thomas Klingsbigl, Head Concierge

I started my hospitality career in 1989 as a night auditor at the Goldener Hirsch Hotel. After a few months, I was able to switch to the day shift and gradually was promoted to the Concierge Desk. In 1993 I was honoured to receive my membership in Les Clefs d’Or. I became a Chef Concierge in 2007 and joined the National Board of Les Clefs d’Or Austria and have been actively involved ever since.

What I love about my profession is the opportunity to provide exceptional personalized service and offer warm hospitality for our guests. Every day brings something new.

My experienced concierge team makes me very proud. Come to Salzburg and stay with us and I promise that we will create an unforgettable experience for you.

Hotel Goldener Hirsch, A Luxury Collection Hotel

The Epitome of Austrian hospitality since 1407. Situated on the renowned Getreidegasse, the Hotel Goldener Hirsch in Salzburg introduces guests to the city's captivating character. Across from the Festival Hall and down the street from Mozart's house, the Hotel Goldener Hirsch is just a short walk from designer boutiques and the Salzach River. The comfortable 70 rooms and suites boast authentic Salzburg-style décor. The original antiques, handmade furniture, and native rag rugs are opulent and honor 600 years of hotel history. Updated with state-of-the art amenities, the hotel harmoniously combines tradition and style. Two authentic Austrian restaurants serving excellent award-winning cuisine are located in the Hotel Goldener Hirsch: Restaurant Goldener Hirsch and Restaurant s‘Herzl. Once a blacksmith’s shop, the exquisite Restaurant Goldener Hirsch is now a a popular dining spot for government officials, famous artists, and international celebrities. Dating back to 1767, Restaurant s’Herzl was a goldsmith’s shop. Today, both the restaurant and Bar Goldener Hirsch are popular as meeting spots in Salzburg’s old town. If you would like to experience Salzburg with Thomas as your concierge, please use the following link to check availability and rates.

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www.goldenerhirsch.com

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