A tightly packed Altstadt nestles along the bank of the river and most of the buildings of note are found on the elongated Stadtplatz . On the eastern side are the colourful former ducal administrative buildings and the Rathaus. The south side is closed by the Gothic parish church of St Jakob , while at the opposite end stands the Gymnasium established by the Jesuits, now serving once more as a school. An alley leads from the middle of the east side of the square to the finest local vantage point, the bridge over the Salzach to Austria.

From here, you get a great view of the Burg (April-Sept Mon-Wed & Fri-Sun 9am-6pm, Thurs 9am-8pm; Oct-March daily 10am-4pm; DM5/€2.50), which stands on a ridge high above the old town and between two stretches of water, the Salzach and the Wohrsee. Measuring 1030m from end to end, it ranks as the longest castle in Europe. With no fewer than six courtyards, it has the appearance of a complete upper town, rather than simply a fortress. The oldest surviving section of the fortifications dates back to the mid-thirteenth century, but much of what can be seen today is due to the expansion carried out at the end of the fifteenth century when there was fear of a Turkish invasion. Steps lead up from Stadtplatz to the main residential part of the palace, set in the last of the courtyards, but it's more fun to circle round and go up from the Wohrsee side, entering via the massive double gateway known as the Georgstor facing would-be attackers. The former ducal apartments contain the Gemaldegalerie , a collection of German paintings and furniture contemporary with the Burg itself, while the chambers of the duchess house the local history displays of the Historisches Stadtmuseum . Also included in the entrance fee is admission to the observation platform, which commands a splendid view over the fortress and the town.