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Salzburg in winter - Appearing here as if sprinkled with icing sugar, Salzburg under snow looks simply magical. Hohensalzburg Fortress, all frosted up, adds to the winter allure.

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Salzburg in summer - During the summer, the city exudes a totally different complexion. The crisp Alpine air brings everything into pin-sharp relief.

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Salzburg in winter - The historic center of Salzburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Salzburg in summer - The city's famous Mirabell Palace and Gardens provided a filming location for 'The Sound of Music' (1965). Remember Maria and the children singing 'Do-Re-Mi' while dancing around the horse fountain?

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Salzburg in winter - The city maintains an attractive warmth even in the depths of mid-winter.

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Salzburg in summer - City lovers have been hanging out in Residenzplatz, Salzburg's large leafy square, since the late 16th century. Every summer in July and August, the square is transformed into an open air cinema. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 4.0)

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Salzburg in winter - The name Salzburg means "Salt Castle," the origins of which derive from the barges carrying salt on the River Salzach in days gone by.

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Salzburg in summer - Summer brings with it warm, dry weather—an ideal time to hike the surrounding countryside. For example, near Golling an der Salzach, where this picturesque waterfall is located.

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Salzburg in winter - You can frame your own favorite winter scene from any one of the historic watchtowers standing guard over the Old Town.

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Salzburg in summer - Schloss Hellbrunn, an early 17th-century villa, was used by the Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg as a day residence in summer. This is the best time to wander the beautifully manicured grounds.

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Salzburg in winter - It's always worth venturing beyond the city limits in winter for the crystalline views back across the skyline and the sparkling River Salzach.

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Salzburg in summer - Just 30 minutes out of Salzburg and you're surrounded by a breathtaking Alpine panorama bereft of noise and people.

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Salzburg in winter - The needle-like Parish Church of Mülln was consecrated in 1453. Visit during the quiet winter months for a particularly tranquil experience.

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Salzburg in summer - One of Salzburg's cultural highlights, this 17th-century Baroque gem containing the baptismal font in which composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was baptized. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY 3.0)

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Salzburg in winter - For a truly bracing hike, wrap up well and head into the Western Tauern Alps. The mountain range is bordered in the north by the River Salzach.

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Salzburg in summer - During the summer season, take the Untersbergbahn cable car for an unforgettable "flight" high up into the Untersberg massif, which rises in the Salzach Valley.

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Salzburg in winter - Winter is, of course, ski season. Winter sports enthusiasts have a fantastic choice of resorts to visit. Pictured is a freerider skier running downhill on Mount Hochkönig in the Berchtesgaden Alps in the state of Salzburg.

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Salzburg in summer - The city's attractive Getreidegasse ("Grain Lane") is characterized by numerous terraced town houses and decorative wrought iron guild signs.

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Salzburg in winter - Sankt Gilgen, a scenic village by the Wolfgangsee, makes for a rewarding excursion. On a clear winter's day, the view is picture perfect.

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Salzburg in summer - Red Bull Hangar-7 at Salzburg Airport is home to a fabulous collection of historical airplanes, helicopters, and Formula One racing cars. It also houses a highly sought-after Michelin-starred restaurant. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY 3.0 AT)

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Salzburg in winter - Set between the road linking Salzburg with Graz is the achingly pretty village of Hallsatt, which sits on Lake Hallstatt's western shore.

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Salzburg in summer - Take time to explore St. Francis Fortress, also known as Franziskischlössl. The diminutive Baroque castle is found at Kapuzinerberg 9 in the Old Town.

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Salzburg in winter - The famous guild signs in Getreidegasse often get a coat of snow during the winter months, which accentuates the filigree wrought iron work.

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Salzburg in summer - Getreidegasse 9 is where Mozart was born on January 27, 1756. The house is now one of the most frequently visited museums in the world.

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Salzburg in winter - If your idea of winter fun is exploring the wilderness, then head for the area around Hoher Dachstein mountain. Parts of the massif lie in the state of Salzburg.

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Salzburg in summer - High summer in Salzburg means long days and warm nights. Evenings see the city twinkle and glow under spotlight and floodlight.

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Salzburg in winter - During the winter, Schloss Hellbrunn glows in ethereal beauty. Brave the cold and crunch snow as you discover its palatial splendor.

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Salzburg in summer - The town square in Hallstatt. This time of year sees window boxes overflowing with colorful blooms, and the fragrance is bewitching!

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Salzburg in winter - Salzburg's Old Town is one of the best preserved city centers north of the Alps.

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Salzburg in summer - Visiting in summer? Don't miss the annual Salzburg Festival (Salzburger Festspiele). For five weeks starting late July, the city becomes one great cultural platform for music, theater, and art. Pictured is Plácido Domingo appearing in 'Il trovatore' at the 2014 festival. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 4.0)

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Salzburg... anytime -

Winter or summer, be sure to dine at St. Peter's Stiftskeller, believed to be the oldest documented restaurant in Europe. Book ahead for the weekly Mozart dinners! (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0)

See also: Explore the world’s darkest and most sunlit cities

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