One of the best features of Europe (aside from the food, wine and majestic old world charm) is the ability to jump on a train and transport yourself to another country. The Baroque city of Salzburg, Austria is a quick train ride from Munich and was the perfect day trip city for Charlie and me to explore while visiting Germany for Oktobersfest.
Salzburg is known for magnificent buildings and is often called the “Rome of the North.” It is also Mozart’s Birthplace, home to Stiegel and was the filming location for the Sound the Music. During our quick trip we were never at a loss for things to do or place to explore.
We started our day at Mozart’s Birthplace, now a museum, which houses a treasure trove of memorabilia. The museum showcases Mozart’s child violin, his concert violin, his clavichord, the harpsichord, portraits and letters from the Mozart family.
It was a beautiful clear day so we rode the funicular to the Hohensalzburg Fortress. It is the largest, fully-preserved fortress in central Europe with spectacular views of the city. A bit hungry, we grabbed a lunch at an open air market while walking through town.
After lunch we took the “Sound of Music” tour. This is where I must say, The Hills were Alive! and I apparently have the best boyfriend in the world. To sit on a tour bus that not only stopped at filming locations but also played the soundtrack to which WE ALL sang along with…well folks, he better than “whiskers on kittens ” or “warm wooly mittens.”
The tour included several stops….
Nonnberg Abbey- Still an active convent today, this is where “real” Maria was a novice and where she and Baron von Trapp got married in real life.
Mondsee – Wedding Chapel- The church where the wedding of Maria and Baron von Trapp was filmed. We also stopped and had Strudel. When in ROME…when in Mondsee!
Mirabell Garden- “Do-Re-Mi” ..need I say more?
My favorite stops were…
Leopoldskron Palace (the outside of the von Trapp House in the movie)
Hellbrunn Palace, Gazebo – Where the song “16 going on 17” was filmed and the kissing scene of Maria and Baron von Trapp.
My absolute favorite!… the Salzburg Lake District Area – St Gilgen- Where panorama shots and scenes of the picnic were filmed. The view down on to St. Gilgen and Lake Wolfgang are Stunning!
I loved loved loved the tour because not only did I get to BELT OUT at the top of my LUNGS “THE HILLS ARE ALIVE WITH THE SOUND OF MUSIC” but I got to visit several sights in Salzburg and also experience a bit of the Austrian countryside.
Before heading back to Munich we grabbed a beer at the Stiegl Brewery. I had a Radler….which was super fresh and tasty.
Salzburg was the perfect day trip. I was sad to sing say…”So long, farewell, au wiedersehen, goodbye Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye Goodbye”
Leave a Reply