Austria
Salzburg
Two things I love in life apart from travelling is classical music and old movies with great soundtracks. So, while on a trip to Munich, we realised that Salzburg was only an hour and a half away on the train, ideal for a day away. So we got up early and headed to the train station. The fact that Munich was experiencing heavy snowfalls and plummeting temperatures was no barrier. The efficient train service ran to time and we arrived in Salzburg on a damp grey day. However that took nothing away from how pretty it is with the river Salzach running right through it.
After wandering around the old town and through the Altmarkt, the main square, we stopped at one of the riverside cafes for hot chocolate and cake.
Warmed up a bit, we were ready for the climb up to the Hohensalzburg Fortress. The medieval fortress dates back 900 years and is accessible by footpath. The journey on foot takes about 20 minutes but is quite steep in parts. However you can take the funicular, the oldest one in Austria and which has been open since 1892.
After lunch it was time to tick a couple of things off the bucket list. Walking through the Mirabell Gardens, where scenes from The Sound of Music were filmed, you could almost hear the gentle Edelweiss melody playing softly through the trees. Look out for the Pegasus fountain. In the film Maria and the von Trapp children dance around it singing do-re-mi.
Next up was a visit to the house where Mozart was born in 1756. Salzburg is very proud of its most famous composer and everywhere you go there is some reference to him. His home at has been turned into a living museum with exhibits from his life on display and with the building preserved in its original state although it has been painted yellow so you really can’t miss it. You can book tour tickets in advance and expect to spend around 1.5 hours going round the house.
If you still want more Mozart head to Mozartplatz in the old town. You’ll know you’re there when you see the large Mozart statue in the centre.
However there’s more to Salzburg than Mozart. There are a multitude of museums and beautiful squares and gardens to enjoy. And if you’re looking for a culinary experience St. Peter is the oldest restaurant in Europe, reputedly dating back to 803AD. Reservations are a must.
We took an early evening train back to Munich having had a great day away in this beautiful city.
Vienna is a city rich in culture, history and chocolate cake. Strolling through the Innere Stadt feels like stepping back in time. There are magnificent insta-worthy old buildings on every corner with St Stephen’s Cathedral and its iconic tiled roof dominating the city skyline.
City Tours
There are several ways to get round Vienna but for a memorable tour around the Innere Stadt, take a trip in a horse drawn carriage. It’s certainly not the cheapest way to get round but it’s a great experience and the guides are entertaining and very knowledgeable about their city.
The Royal Palaces
The imposing Hofburg Palace dominates the centre of Vienna. Once the winter residence of the Hapsburg royal dynasty, parts of this huge complex date back to the 13th century. Today it is the official residence and office of the President of Austria.
The Spanish Riding School
The Winter Riding School at Hofburg Palace is home to the beautiful white stallions, Lippizzaners, who perform at the famous Spanish Riding School. Every day at 11am these magnificent horses and their riders come out and give a stunning performance, showing off their incredible equestrian skills but if you miss that you can also book tickets to watch their morning exercise routines which are set to music.
Schoenbrunn Palace is a magnificent stately home with beautifully manicured gardens. It once served as the summer residence of the imperial Hapsburg dynasty. Take a tour inside and admire the marbled hallways and vast rooms.
The Museum Quarter
The Museum Quarter is home to a cluster of noteworthy museums. Check out the following;
Belvedere Palace
Once a royal palace, The Belvedere is now a museum and art gallery. The highlight of the art collection is ‘Kiss’ by Gustav Klimt which can be found on the first floor.
Vienna Opera House
A visit to Vienna is not complete without a trip to the Vienna Opera House. With stunning renaissance architecture, a magnificent central staircase and incredible acoustics, the Opera House is world renowned. Every year the auditorium transforms into a giant ballroom for the Vienna Opera Ball. Take a guided tour for a look behind the scenes and look out for members of the Vienna Music Orchestra in their colourful ‘Mozart’ costumes in and around the Opera House, the Musikverein and Koncerthaus.
Coffee Shops
If you want to take a break from sightseeing relax with a cup of coffee and a slice of Vienna’s famous Sachertorte in one of the many coffee houses.
Sigmund Freud spent time in Vienna and would frequent the coffee houses, along with other intellectuals to debate the issues of the day. A favourite of his was Cafe Landtmann which was established in 1873.
Amusement Park
Vienna is home to the Prater Fairground. Here you’ll find the oldest ferris wheel of its type in the world. At 65 metres tall it offers fabulous views of Vienna from the top of this iron structure and if you’re feeling brave step out on Platform 9. A steel construction with a glass floor high in the sky, it’s not for the faint-hearted!
Finally
Sigmund Freud, Mozart, Beethoven and Gustav Klimt all spent time in this beautiful city, creating their art and music and discussing philosophy in the many coffee shops. It’s a grand old city full of tradition. Take the tours and learn from the guides. Vienna has a fascinating history as well as great coffee and chocolate cake!
After a few days in this stunning city we boarded a ferry and took a short trip down the River Danube to the historical city of Bratislava. Read here for my experience of the Slovakian capital.
