Our time in Salzburg began outside the yellow façade of Mozart’s birthplace, where the sounds of street musicians filled the square. We didn’t go inside, but standing there — surrounded by baroque architecture and the echoes of violin notes — felt like stepping into one of his symphonies. Later that evening, we attended a Mozart violin concert, where centuries-old music resonated beautifully through a candlelit hall, a fitting tribute to the city that raised one of the world’s greatest composers.

Of course, Salzburg’s history isn’t just musical — it’s built on salt, the “white gold” that once funded its opulent palaces and the powerful prince-archbishops who ruled here. The city’s name literally means “Salt Fortress,” and nearby mines like Hallein brought prosperity that shaped much of what still stands today.

To explore the city from a new angle, we hopped on an amphibious bus tour — part sightseeing coach, part riverboat. It cruised through Salzburg’s charming streets before splashing straight into the Salzach River, offering panoramic views of the old town and fortress from the water. Along the way, we even passed the Sound of Music filming locations (though I sheepishly admitted I’ve never actually seen the movie).

After World War II, Salzburg also played a small but notable role in U.S. history — it was part of the American occupation zone, and U.S. forces were stationed here until 1955. Many American soldiers grew fond of the city, helping to introduce Salzburg’s famous music festivals to new audiences across the Atlantic.