Schloss Frohnburg is one of Salzburg's most charming lesser-known palaces, tucked away inside the landscaped Hellbrunn park. With its baroque character and peaceful, almost pastoral setting, it offers a quiet escape from the busy city centre and a glimpse into aristocratic Salzburg life.

The palace is enclosed by a high wall, and its western courtyard, with a 17th-century wrought-iron gate flanked by a gatekeeper's and gardener's cottage, sets a historic tone right from the entrance. The eastern facade faces the Salzach river, and the once-grand baroque garden still preserves two geometric ponds and a restored wall fountain depicting Cupid riding a dolphin, a copy of an ancient original from the Farnese collection. Strolling through Hellbrunn's avenues, you can also spot remnants of the old garden axis, now replanted as a fruit-tree lined path. The park is especially lovely in spring and autumn, while old trees provide welcome shade during summer visits.

How to get there

• Salzburg, Hellbrunner Allee 53 - reachable on foot or by bike from the city centre along the historic Hellbrunner Allee, easy route, about 30-40 minutes walking
• Alternatively take a city bus towards Hellbrunn, followed by a short walk through the park

Practical information

• The palace belongs to the Mozarteum University and is not generally open for interior visits
• The garden and surroundings can be admired from outside while walking through Hellbrunn park
• Famous among fans of The Sound of Music (1965) - it served as the exterior of the von Trapp family villa

Fun fact: the name Frohnburg likely derives from an Old High German word meaning 'lord' or 'master', translating roughly to 'lord's castle' - fittingly, it belonged to a single family, the Counts of Kuenburg, continuously from 1670 to 1960.