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Things to do in Salzburg

Climb the Kapuzinerberg city walls

With its sheer rock faces and dramatic terrain, Salzburg is a climbers' destination. It's possible to do rock climbing, bouldering and balancing on slack lines with varying degrees of difficulty. As for the unforgettable via ferrata (protected climbing route) on the Kapuzinerberg city walls - Akzente (tel: +43 662 849 291; www.akzente.net/home) holds the key.

Follow in the footsteps of The Sound of Music

Set in Salzburg, the legendary film The Sound of Music hit the silver screen in 1965 and has provided one of the city's main attractions for decades. Fans still look to follow in the footsteps of Maria and Captain Von Trapp with Panorama tours (tel: +43 662 883 2110; www.panoramatours.com). There are also special events and concerts throughout the year.

Get a classical masterclass at the Grosses Festspielhaus

The largest of Salzburg's two festival halls, the Grosses Festspielhaus (tel: +43 662 804 50; www.salzburgfestival.at), with a capacity of over 2000, is the city's premier venue for classical music and hosts operas and concerts all year round. The building itself dates back to the 1950s and was designed by the acclaimed architect Clemens Holzmeister.

Run up a mountain, come down a hill

Running enthusiasts will find terrific routes throughout the city, including Salzburg's mountains of Mönchsberg and Kapuzinerberg. Intended for individual runners, they take you past breathtaking alpine scenery and winding, hilly lanes. There are also guided running tours available (tel: +43 650 982 2102; www.sportsbrothers.at), including along the Almkanal River.

Soak in the high culture of the Salzburger Landestheater

Get some high culture under your belt by enjoying an evening at Salzburger Landestheater (tel: +43 662 8715 12222; www.salzburger-landestheater.at). The biggest of Salzburg's permanent theatres, it has been home to performing arts since long before Mozart and today its programme ranges from opera and ballet to drama.

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Hotel Bristol

Looming over the river this stately property preserves the feel of a classic 19th-century hotel. First built in 1619 it opened for guests in the late 1800s and was the first hotel to have electricity in the city – earning it the name 'Electric Hotel'. It has hosted everyone from monarchs to Sigmund Freud. Today expect a blend of traditional atmosphere with contemporary service.

Castellani Parkhotel

Ideally located hotel on the edge of the Old Town, this handsome hotel has comfortable, modern rooms and top facilities including a fitness centre and steam room. The breakfast is a vast buffet, which includes cooked food, and the restaurant is pleasant. For extra luxury, try one of the 15 suites that are based in its 17th-century priory.

Hotel Stein

One of the hottest hotels in town is, without doubt, Hotel Stein. Commanding terrific views of the river and reached by bridge from the Old Town, it combines sexy modernity with classic style. Boasting a history dating back to 1399, its rooms range from the glamorous to the super-chic.

Yoho

Among the cheapest digs in town, Yoho is perhaps the most unique lodging in Salzburg. The rooms are comfortable and boast impressive mountain views, while the bar is always busy with young backpackers. What’s more, The Sound of Music is screened every day at 7pm in the TV room – take that as you will.

Hotel Goldener Hirsch

The hotel of choice for celebrities and royalty over the years, the Goldener Hirsch (the Golden Stag) is a Salzburg institution. Highly exclusive yet exuding genuine hospitality, the hotel has a unique old-world atmosphere combining the rustic with the luxurious. The hotel boasts two superb restaurants and a wonderfully decorated bar.

Wolf-Dietrich Hotel

The Wolf-Dietrich Hotel comprises the Altstadthotel and the Residenz, two houses that face each other near the city centre. In addition to being very comfortable, it is also healthy and environmentally friendly, being powered only by green electricity, serving organic food in the restaurant and incorporating feng shui into the design.