Tip:
Augustiner-Bräu brewery in Salzburg-Mülln: Indulge in true Salzburg style!

Whenever I'm in need of some peace and quiet, I head for the Kapuzinerberg, where I enjoy the natural surroundings and fantastic views of the city, sit on a bench and recharge my batteries.

There are several ways to reach the Kapuzinerberg. My favourite route starts at Linzergasse, where Stefan-Zweig-Weg by the Franziskustor leads right to the top. The path takes recreational hikers directly to the Kapuzinerkloster monastery in around 15 minutes. I like to carry on walking towards the Franziskischlössl castle, where I can enjoy a cool drink in the garden.

Depending on the weather and my condition, I either walk back to the Kapuzinerkloster via the more comfortable Stefan-Zweig-Weg, or if I'm feeling fit and sure-footed I sometimes take the steep Basteiweg to Hettwerbastei. But this route is only recommended for confident hikers, although it does offer wonderful views of the city. From the Hettwerbastei, you can reach Steingasse – one of the oldest roads in Salzburg – via the Imbergstiege steps.

A coffee in the square provides the perfect end to my favourite walking route.

Tip:
A stroll through the old town with an ice cream from Icezeit.

You will find sweet and savoury delicacies on many corners in Salzburg. But my own personal favourite on a hot summer's day is an ice cream from Icezeit. This cool ice cream parlour is located on Linzergasse and also boasts a nice terrace. Another branch of Icezeit can be found on Chiemseegasse near Residenzplatz, where I recommend grabbing a cone and taking a stroll through the narrow lanes.

The genuine Salzburg ice cream maker will spoil you with classic and outlandish creations: chocolate chilly, peanut, mango "Mozart" (after all, we are in Salzburg!), Campari orange and many more.

The cool treats are wonderfully creamy and you can taste the love in these Austrian products that have been created with lots of Italian expertise.

Tip:
A walk through the Schrannenmarkt market on a Thursday.

Those who love the hustle and bustle of a market should definitely visit the Schrannenmarkt on a Thursday morning. The "Schranne" has been THE weekly market for agricultural produce in Salzburg since 1906.

The Mirabellplatz square surrounding St Andrew's Church is already bustling at the crack of dawn, with farmers, fruit and vegetable merchants, butchers and other traders from Salzburg, Upper Austria and Bavaria erecting their stalls and presenting their delicacies. The Schranne is a real treat for the senses: Colourful fruit and vegetables all around, and the scent of herbs, smoked bacon and freshly baked bread in the air. And it's nice to just walk through the market isles and soak up the atmosphere, maybe even having a chat with one or two farmers.

Even if you don't buy anything, a visit to the Schrannen is definitely recommended!

Tip:
Inhale the country air and stroll down Hellbrunner Allee to Hellbrunn Palace.

Whether snowflakes are falling, the Autumn wind is sweeping through the leaves or the summer sun is shining in the sky: Hellbrunner Allee always enchants me at any time of the year, which is why it's my favourite route for a pleasant walk.

Park your car in one of the streets next to Salzburg University's Faculty of Natural Science and follow the signs towards Hellbrunner Allee. Walk a short distance along the road, cross at the traffic lights and delve straight into one of the oldest tree alleys in Europe. The giant trees here run alongside a path that is already more than 400 years old and was planned by archbishop Markus Sittikus at the start of the 17th century. They provide pleasant shade and immerse the two and a half kilometre long route in a special light.

You will pass large meadows, old farms and magnificent buildings such as the Frohnburg and Emsburg castles. And you'll be surrounded by peace and tranquillity, since no motorised vehicles are permitted on the tree alley. On the wide gravel track, you will only encounter joggers, walkers, cyclists or horse riders.

At the end of the alley in the south, you will arrive directly at Hellbrunn Palace and its beautiful park, where you can relax on a bench and decide whether to walk a little further to the adjoining Salzburg Zoo or, in the summer, visit the Palace's trick fountains. These two destinations are also highly recommended!

Tip:
Recharge your batteries and enjoy the views on the Gaisberg hill.

If you're in the mood for some clean air, breathtaking views and a little exercise, you should definitely visit Salzburg's Gaisberg.

At a height of 1,287 metres, the Gaisberg is not exactly a giant by Austrian standards – but the views from this popular recreational hill are nothing short of magnificent.

Take the public bus to enjoy a comfortable, stress-free and environmentally friendly journey up the Gaisberg. It leaves from Mirabellplatz (number 151) and takes you to the "Zistelalpe" stop. After getting off, join the circular hiking trail at the Zistelalm restaurant. The broad gravel trail is approximately five kilometres long, with only minor height differences. The Salzburg Basin extends to the west, offering views of the city, the Untersberg massif and Hohenstaufen. The terrain becomes flatter towards Wallersee in the north.

Although the route can be walked very comfortably, you should remember to wear suitable footwear – sandals and high-heels are definitely not recommended on mountains nor for hiking in general!

The Zistelalm hotel and inn is a nice place to enjoy a pit stop – its terrace also offers great panoramic views.