In preparation for a trip to Salzburg, Austria, I sought advice from fellow bloggers on what to do there. Here are some top recommendations that I hope you’ll find useful, even if you can’t fit them all into your schedule.

First up is the HohenSalzburg Fortress, a well-preserved castle from the 11th century that overlooks the town. You can either hike up or take the funicular for an easier ascent. My plan is to ride the funicular up and walk back down.

For family fun, especially with my 14-year-old son, the Trick Fountains at Hellbrunn are a must-visit if the weather is good. These fountains surprise visitors with sudden spurts of water, so packing waterproofs for a picnic there is a good idea.

The Sacher Hotel is famous for its Sacher Torte, which you can enjoy on the terrace overlooking the river. Another great spot is the Steinterrasse cafe and bar at Hotel Stein, offering modern surroundings and a rooftop view of the city.

For dinner, consider the St Peter Skiftskeller for formal dining or the Sternbrau traditional brewery restaurant with various dining and garden areas. If you’re in the mood for something less traditional, the restaurant and cafe at the Salzburg Museum der Moderne is a good choice. Hangar 7 is also worth a visit, featuring a gourmet restaurant, cafes, and an art space in a hangar filled with art and old aircraft. And don’t forget to try the Mozartkugeln, or chocolate Mozart balls.

Salzburg is also known for being a filming location for “The Sound of Music.” You can take a tour or visit the film locations on your own with a bit of research.

The salt mines at Hallstatt are among the oldest in Europe and were crucial to Salzburg’s wealth. You can take a guided tour and even slide deeper into the mine. The lakeside town of Hallstatt is also worth visiting.

The Eisriesenwelt ice caves in Werfen are the largest ice caves in the world. You can take a cable car up to the caves, which are open from May to October. Since we’re visiting in April, we might save this for a rainy day.

Exploring the beautiful countryside around Salzburg is another great recommendation. We’re spending our final night on the shores of Wolfgangsee, where we hope to enjoy some outdoor activities like cycling or hiking near the lake.

If you plan to pack a lot into a short visit, the Salzburg Card offers good value with free public transport, the fortress funicular, and entrance to major sites.

Keep an eye on the blog for more updates, and feel free to share your own tips in the comments.