Salzburg is on the banks of the Salzach River, at the northern boundary of the Alps. The mountains to Salzburg’s south contrast with the rolling plains to the north. The closest alpine peak – the 1972 m Untersberg – is only a few kilometers from the city center. The Altstadt, or “old town", is dominated by its baroque towers and churches and the massive Festung Hohensalzburg.

This area is surrounded by two smaller mountains, the Monchsberg and Kapuzinerberg as the green lung of the city. Salzburg is approximately 150km (93.75mi) east of Munich, Germany, and 300km (187.5mi) west of Vienna. The city itself is dominated by the river Salzach and the woodened hills. Rumor has it, that Salzburg is built on seven hills - just like Rome. In fact, Salzburg is often described as the most “Italian” city north of the Alps, since its architectural heritage often resembles Italian baroque.

In geographical terms, the hills are a bonus for their scenic forests, that provide visitors with stunning views - most prominently the Kapuzinerberg, the Mönchsberg, the Rainberg and of course the Festungsberg with Salzburg’s mighty fortress on the mountain top.