Archaeologists have presented evidence that the area of modern Salzburg was settled as far back as the Neolithic Age. It was believed to have become a Celtic camp later. Salz is German for salt and Salzburg literally means 'Fortress of Salt', because it was formed from mining gold and salt. The modern city is located on the site of Roman Juvavum, a settlement which grew up on one of the major military roads of the ancient world. Bavarian dukes ruled the province of Salzburg in the 7th Century. Later, in 700 Bishop Rupert von Worms was appointed to the position of a missionary in the region. The years following World War II saw Salzburg develop into one of Austria's leading trade centres. At the same time the city became one of the most popular tourist venues in the country.

Salzburg has a continental climate with Alpine influences because of its proximity to the mountains. Salzburg has four distinct seasons throughout the year. The weather is usually quiet mild and seldom sees any extremes. Salzburg has four distinct seasons throughout the year. The weather is usually quiet mild and seldom sees any extremes.

The main economy focus of Salzburg is on the tertiary sector, which makes up about two thirds of the economy. It is the second most important location for banks in the country, as well as for a whole host of other economic services including insurance companies and asset and financial services. Tourism has a significant impact on the region with over 4 million visitors each year. Industry, trade and building account for about 30%of the gross regional product with the rest coming from agriculture, mining and energy production. The healthy mix of service industries, manufacturing and production industries ensures a balanced growth of work and employment. There is a good support network for businesses in the region and those wishing to locate there. Unemployment is very low and is the lowest of all Austrian provinces.

The province of Salzburg is a centre of education and training. The quality of Austria's education is high, and it is provided free of charge. Elementary schooling in Austria is called Volksschule. The schooling cycle in Austria ends at 15 years old. At this time, students can select professional training or continue their Volksschule. Secondary education is provided for children 10 to 18. This education is compulsory and required to access university education. The city of Salzburg University has a good reputation for producing high calibre graduates. It has four faculties covering natural sciences, the humanities, theology and law. The university also has its own science agency for promoting knowledge transfer between the university and the local community.

Salzburg's public transport system is very well-developed. You can access all of the city's major areas by one of the environmentally friendly city buses. Salzburg's trams and buses operate on the same ticket system. The main bus station, Sudtirolerplatz, is outside of the Hauptbahnhof. Bikes are another great way to go, and bike rentals are inexpensive. There are bike lanes throughout the city, so cyclists can feel safe biking around. The surrounding beautiful trails and paths make biking very rewarding. Taxis are plentiful at visible ranks throughout the city, but they are expensive. The central core of Salzburg is easy and pleasant to explore on foot.

Since the 1950s, Salzburg has become a tourist Mecca, thanks mostly to the fact that it was the birthplace, in 1756, of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. For a trip back in time, Altstadt, the historic section of Salzburg is worth being visited. This enchanting district features narrow streets and alleys in an area closed to motor vehicles give the ability to stroll as you please. You can enjoy shops, restaurants, churches, and museums while taking note of the fantastic Baroque architecture that fills the town. There is the famous street Getreidegasse, where Mozart was born.

Salzburg's Cathedral is the city's ecclesiastical centre and one of the most significant pieces of early baroque architecture in the whole of Europe. Among the precious objects it contains is the font in Mozart was baptised.

The Hohensalzburg Fortress was built in 1077 and extended in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. This imposing building is now the largest complete surviving castle in central Europe and as such well worth more than a second glance. It also lies very close to the salt mines.

The most important Festival-Weeks, the Summer Festivals, take place annually during the last weeks of July and in August; it was founded in 1920 by Hugo von Hofmannsthal, Max Reinhardt, Richard Strauss and others, and inaugurated with a performance of Hofmannsthal's "Jedermann" ("Everyman") in the Domplatz. It is more than 5 weeks of operas, concerts, theatre evenings and literary readings; up to 200 performances are presented during this time, among them are numerous Premier performances and in-house productions of the Salzburg Festivals. Other events include the Mozart Week in January and the Easter Festival, which always features internationally renowned orchestras and performers.

Christmas is widely celebrated throughout Salzburg with local markets opening up and events taking place regularly throughout the season. The Christmas Fairs in and around Salzburg, with their festive moods, and the reflective Advent Concerts will surely strike the right note. An evening stroll through the city of Mozart, with its sparkling Christmas lights, is especially beautiful.

Salzburg is also the city of the tasteful Mozart Chocolates. The chocolates called "Mozartkugeln" were created by the pastry cook Paul Furst in the year 1890, and named according to Salzburg's biggest son: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.