Hellbrunn Palace (tel: (0662) 820 3720; website: www.hellbrunn.at) is a mannerist fairy-tale palace built in the early 17th century with gardens containing unique water automata, trick fountains, grottos and much more. It is only 5km (3 miles) out of town, but it offers a calming and even healing escape from the hustle and bustle of Salzburg.

You can see the largest ice caves in the world at Eisriesenwelt (tel: (06468) 5248; website: www.eisriesenwelt.at) near the town of Werfen around 40km (25 miles) south of Salzburg. The system of caverns stretches over 42km (26 miles), and the first kilometre features huge ice formations. Getting to the caves involves a bit of walking and a ride up Austria's steepest cablecar ascent.