Salzburg Festival

The Salzburg Festival is one of the most prestigious classical music and drama festivals in the world, filling Mozart's birthplace for five weeks each summer with opera, orchestral concerts and theatre performed by the greatest artists. Its signature is the annual staging of the play Jedermann, Everyman, on the steps of the cathedral in the great square.

What to look for

• The opera and concerts - the world-class performances across the festival venues.
• Jedermann - the traditional staging of the morality play in Cathedral Square.
• The festival atmosphere - the city dressed up and alive with music.
• The historic venues - the Festspielhaus and the baroque halls.

When to go

Late July and August, the festival's five weeks, the one time it happens; tickets and accommodation book far ahead and the city is packed. Outside it, Salzburg is a beautiful year-round city.

Good to know

It is a summer event, so a trip must be timed to it, and tickets are expensive and sell out months ahead. The city is at its busiest and priciest during the festival. It is a high-culture occasion for classical music and theatre lovers above all.

Nearby

Salzburg's old town and fortress are all around; the Salzkammergut lakes are within reach.