Insider tips Salzburg: Sophia Vonier

Sophia Vonier from Vorarlberg has lived in Salzburg for 12 years. After studying art history, she stuck around and opened her own gallery in the heart of Salzburg's Old Town in 2019 – shortly before her 30th birthday. She focuses on paintings by emerging and established artists – and more specifically on female artists.
When she is not travelling the world at art fairs, she is active as a volunteer in the Friends of the Salzburg Museum der Moderne and tries to introduce young people to art and culture in Salzburg and Austria. Meanwhile, she introduces us to her Salzburg.

Which "art places" in Salzburg do you show friends first?

I usually show friends who don't know Salzburg at all my gallery first. Because of its central location, it's the perfect starting point for an art walk. The path usually leads past the Kieferpavillon, Erwin Wurm's Gherkins in Furtwänglerpark, through the Toskaninihof up to the Mönchsberg to the Salzburg Museum der Moderne. A visit to the museum, with its international programme, is a must for me. On the way down, we pass the Fortress, go through the Kaiviertel district to the Salzburg Kunstverein. This is an easy way to spend an afternoon with art and also coffee. Of course, there are a lot more places that absolutely must be visited. The galleries Thaddaeus Ropac, Nikolaus Ruzicska, Elektrohalle Rhomberg and institutional places such as the Salzburg Museum, the Stadtgalerie, the Traklhaus and the Periscope.

What trends are you observing in the town right now?

There's a lot happening in Salzburg right now. New cafés, concept stores, galleries and restaurants are opening. Many young entrepreneurs are taking the plunge, and hopefully it will continue to develop.

Which district is the up and coming neighbourhood in Salzburg?

The district I have personally chosen as my little town within the town: the Andräviertel. With the town houses by Valentin Ceconi, it looks almost metropolitan. I find almost everything I need there. A lot is currently happening in the Kaiviertel too.

Made in Salzburg: which local artists inspire you?

I studied in Salzburg and have been involved in the local art scene for over 10 years. I'm particularly enthusiastic about the fact that Salzburg's artists stand up to international comparison. As a gallery owner, I'm lucky enough to work with fantastic artists such as Elisabeth Schmirl and Johanna Binder.

Dinner with international guests: where would you book a table?

Whether it's with guests, family, friends or my partner – Martin Kilga's Paradox is my all-time favourite. I feel at home there. The interior, the service, the food and the wine list make reflect Martin Kilga's heart and love for his restaurant and his guests. The Paradoxon is a very special place – and to answer the question about breakfast: for me, the brunch offered every Saturday and Sunday is the best in town. For those who are in the mood for the best schnitzel in town, I always reserve a table at the Blaue Gans. The idyllic garden invites you to linger, especially during the festival season.

Where do you celebrate a successful vernissage?

I have to admit that after vernissages, which are open-ended, I usually fall into bed. After events, I often take guests to Mentor's for a nightcap or to the "Heiße Kiste" on Platzl for a casual pair of Frankfurters and a beer – depending on my mood.

A traditional place with character?

Café Bazar – the apricot dumplings, which are only served in summer, are legendary.

Where is Salzburg beauty timeless?

I love walking through the Steingasse. Here – away from the very touristy Old Town – you can still feel the old spirit of Salzburg. There are a number of stories and myths around the Steingasse, which for me is always stunningly beautiful in every season. Another very special place for me is the Sky Space by American artist James Turrell. It sits next to the Museum der Moderne Salzburg on the Mönchsberg like a place of meditation.

Which Salzburg hotel do you book for friends?

I recommend the Hotel Auersperg to friends who want to stay in the town centre, but in a quiet place – furnished with a lot of attention to detail and with a beautiful garden in the middle of the Andräviertel district. It's definitely also the perfect place to reflect on your day in the evening. For friends who prefer the Old Town, the Arthotel Blaue Gans allows them to take in the history of Salzburg. The Villa Ivy in Anif, on the other hand, is the perfect place to relax. With a stunning view of the Untersberg and the adjacent blueberry field, it's truly a very special place.

• More about galleries & art museums in Salzburg