Some of the best places to stay, particularly the castle hotels, converted farmhouse pensions, and boardinghouses, lie on the outskirts of Salzburg, within an easy drive of the city. But if you don't have a car, you'll probably want to stay right in the city, within walking distance of all the major sightseeing attractions.

Because Salzburg hotels are often very crowded in summer (and are impossibly booked during the Salzburg Festival in Aug), you might want to reserve less-expensive accommodations in Land Salzburg and drive into Salzburg.

A pension or guesthouse in Salzburg does not necessarily mean a less-expensive rate. These places can be luxurious, with a five-star rating, or of a more modest class, comparable to (but often better than) a third-class hotel.

Many hotels in the Old City must be reached on foot because of the pedestrian-only streets. However, taxis are allowed to take passengers from the airport or the rail and bus stations and deliver them to the door of a hotel. Many hotels away from the city center can be reached by public transportation.

A Castle Hotel in Oberalm -- The main reason for visiting Oberalm, directly north of Hallein and also north of Golling, is to stay at the castle hotel recommended below, which lies 16km (10 miles) south of Salzburg. From Salzburg, take the A10 south; from Golling, take the A10 north. However, if you're nearby, you might want to stop to see the Romanesque Pfarrkirche (Parish Church), with Gothic extensions. It has a magnificent high altar from 1707 by J. G. Mohr. The church is embellished with baroque furnishings and heraldic tombstones. Be sure to see the funereal shield from 1671.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.