Mozart Week

Mozart Week, or Mozartwoche, is an annual celebration of one of the world’s most renowned composers, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Held in his birthplace, Salzburg, this festival is a vibrant homage to Mozart’s music, attracting classical music aficionados from around the globe. The week-long event typically takes place in late January, offering a splendid array of concerts, operas, and recitals performed by top-tier musicians and orchestras.

The 2025 edition of Mozart Week promises an exciting program from 23 January to 2 February. The 2025 theme, “Destination Mozart,” highlights the influences and inspirations of earlier composers such as Monteverdi, Bach, and Handel, whose works will be prominently featured alongside Mozart’s masterpieces. Throughout the week, attendees can enjoy various chamber and orchestral concerts, including performances by the Vienna Philharmonic and Mahler Chamber Orchestra.

How to get to Salzburg?

Reaching Salzburg for Mozart Week is relatively straightforward. The city is well-connected by air, rail, and road.

By Air:
Salzburg Airport W. A. Mozart is the nearest airport, just a 15-minute drive from the city centre. It offers flights from various European cities, making it convenient for international travellers. From the airport, you can take a taxi, an Uber, or the number 2 bus, which runs every 10 minutes to the city centre.

By Train:
Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (main train station) is a major rail hub with frequent connections to Vienna, Munich, Zurich, and other European cities. The train journey from Vienna takes approximately 2.5 hours, and from Munich, it’s around 1.5 hours. Once at the station, local buses, taxis, and trams can take you to your accommodation.

By Car:
If you prefer driving, Salzburg is accessible via the A1, A8, and A10 motorways. The city has ample parking facilities, but moving within the city centre can be challenging due to narrow streets and limited parking spots.

Where to stay for Mozart Week?

Salzburg offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some recommendations for your Mozart Week stay.

Luxury:

Hotel Sacher Salzburg: This five-star hotel exudes elegance and tradition. Overlooking the Salzach River, it offers luxurious rooms, exceptional service, and an exquisite dining experience.

Hotel Goldener Hirsch: A luxury hotel that combines historical charm with modern comforts. Located on the famous Getreidegasse, it’s perfect for exploring the city on foot.

Mid-Range:

Hotel am Mirabellplatz: Situated near the beautiful Mirabell Gardens, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and easy access to major attractions.

NH Salzburg City is a contemporary hotel with spacious rooms, a fitness centre, and a central location near the historic old town.

Budget:

MEININGER Hotel Salzburg City Center: This budget-friendly option provides clean, modern rooms and a communal kitchen, ideal for travellers looking to save on meals.

Motel One Salzburg-Mirabell: Offers affordable accommodation with stylish interiors and a convenient location by the river.

Exploring Salzburg

Mozart’s Birthplace: Located on Getreidegasse, this museum offers an intimate look into Mozart’s early life and his family’s history.

Hohensalzburg Fortress: This imposing structure atop Festungsberg Hill provides panoramic views of the city and houses museums detailing its history.

Mirabell Palace and Gardens: Known for their stunning beauty, the gardens are perfect for a leisurely stroll, while the palace hosts classical concerts.

Salzburg Cathedral: A masterpiece of baroque architecture with a magnificent interior, it’s one of the city’s most significant landmarks.

Beyond Mozart Week: Other Activities in Salzburg

While Mozart Week is a primary draw, Salzburg and its surroundings offer a wealth of activities and sights to explore.

Hellbrunn Palace and Trick Fountains:
A short bus ride from the city centre, Hellbrunn Palace is renowned for its playful trick fountains and beautiful parklands. The palace itself is an architectural gem, and the guided tours of the fountains are both entertaining and enlightening.

Salzburger Freilichtmuseum:
This open-air museum showcases rural life in the region over the centuries. Spread across 50 hectares, it features historic farmhouses, barns, and mills. It’s a fantastic place for families and those interested in history.

Salzburg Zoo:
Located near Hellbrunn Palace, the zoo is home to over 1,200 animals. It’s a great place for a family day out, offering a chance to see wildlife in a beautiful setting.

Untersberg Mountain:
A trip to Untersberg is a must for nature lovers and hikers. You can take a cable car to the summit for breathtaking views of Salzburg and the surrounding Alps. Numerous hiking trails are also available for various skill levels.

Salzkammergut Region:
A short drive from Salzburg, this picturesque region is known for its crystal-clear lakes, charming villages, and stunning mountain scenery. Hallstatt, with its beautiful setting by Lake Hallstatt, is particularly popular.

Berchtesgaden and Königssee:
Just across the border in Germany, Berchtesgaden National Park offers spectacular landscapes. The pristine Königssee lake is perfect for boat trips, and the nearby Eagle’s Nest provides historical intrigue and panoramic views.

Local Cuisine and Dining:
No visit to Salzburg would be complete without indulging in its culinary delights. Traditional Austrian dishes such as Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz, and various sausages are a must-try. Café culture is vibrant, with numerous establishments like Café Tomaselli and Café Sacher offering delicious pastries and coffee.

Shopping:
Salzburg’s old town is a shopper’s paradise. Getreidegasse is lined with high-end boutiques, traditional shops, and artisanal stores. For unique souvenirs, visit the weekly markets or speciality stores selling Mozartkugeln (chocolate pralines) and local crafts.

Nightlife and Entertainment:
While Salzburg is more famous for its classical music scene, it also has a lively nightlife. Numerous bars, pubs, and clubs are located in the city, especially around the Steingasse and Rudolfskai areas. For a unique experience, visit one of the city’s jazz clubs or enjoy live music at a traditional beer hall.

Mozart Week in Salzburg is a magical experience for music lovers and culture enthusiasts. The city’s rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for this celebration of Mozart’s legacy. Whether attending concerts, exploring the old town, or venturing into the nearby countryside, Salzburg offers an unforgettable blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.