Salzburg like a local: The City's North

Find inner peace: Maria Plain

Maria Plain, to the north-west of Salzburg, has been a popular place of pilgrimage since the 17th century. The basilica, with its three-storey double-tower façade modelled on Salzburg Cathedral, was built at the behest of Prince-Archbishop Max Gandolf. The faithful still pilgrimage to the Plainberg, while Salzburg residents tend to visit in search of peace and recreation. In 1784, Leopold Mozart wrote to his daughter Nannerl: "Sunday morning to Maria Plain, not out of devotion, but for the splendid view". This splendid view is still there today. We recommend going up in the early morning, to watch the first rays of the sun bathe the town in a warm light.

Natural wildlife beyond the town gates: Salzach riparian nature park

The cycle path along the River Salzach to the north leads directly to the Salzach nature park, which consists of the riparian woodlands in Anthering, Weitwörth, Irlach and St. Georgen. Preserved here, over an area of 1,145 hectares, is one of the species-richest ecosystems in Salzburg. There is a marked cycle route through the area, but it's worth taking a walk through the "Auenerlebnisweg" nature trail, where information boards explain what makes the pond an underwater kindergarten, or why deadwood is in fact a life-support. The woodland is home to a wide variety of birds, butterflies and frogs – and with a bit of luck you might even spot beavers or wild boars.

Stargazing: VEGA observatory

In 2018, the Natural History Museum opened the VEGA observatory – one of Europe's most powerful public observatories – on the Haunsberg, near Obertrum. Although of course stargazing is possible only after nightfall, today we can take a closer look at the two high-power reflector telescopes on the roof. Here research and knowledge-sharing are a high priority. Did you know that looking into the starry sky is also looking into the past? A guided tour will explain why this is so, and what can currently be seen in the night sky; you will discover planets, stars and galaxies. Register in good time on the Natural History Museum website.

Treat body and soul: Hotel im Wald Hammerschmiede

With quite a few kilometres and differences in altitude behind us, we've earned some refreshment before returning to the town. Ernestine Stadler welcomes us in the Hotel im Wald Hammerschmiede in Anthering and shows us the in-house Kneipp facility, which is open to visitors on advance reservation. Kneipp therapy is a holistic method aimed at improving physical and psychological health, and based on water applications such as contrast baths and water treading. Not only is this beneficial for the circulation, but it is wonderfully refreshing and prepares our muscles for the return ride.

Get away from the noise and bustle of the town, enjoy fantastic views and experience unspoilt nature – these are our tips for an excursion to the north of Salzburg. Which is your favourite place?