I’m going to go out on a limb here and proclaim that Salzburg and the surrounding region has got to be some of the prettiest country we’ve ever seen. Actually, Austria takes the prize for spectacular scenery. I don’t think it could get much better.
The Alps
Traveling by train from Slovenia to Austria through the Alps was beyond breathtaking. We kept hopping from one seat to another across the aisle trying to take it all in. There are no words for the sheer magnitude of those mountains wearing more shades of green then you can imagine.
Traveling by train through the Austrian Alps.
Salzburg – We Left Wanting More
There are places in this vast world of ours that we’ve wanted to visit only to arrive and think, “This is it?” Meh. Not Salzburg, not a chance. I’ve had Salzburg on my radar for years. It just seemed to be one of those places that fairy tales are written of. I’m not even sure why I believed that, however, it probably had something to do with The Sound of Music. The city did not at all disappoint. Without a doubt, we left wanting more. And, that says a lot in our book.
Was it busy in August, you bet. We were warned it would be busy because of the Salzburg Music Festival. Clearly, it wasn’t a problem. The only area we felt the crowds was in the old town shopping district. Consequently, we didn’t spend much of our time there so it didn’t impact us. We actually stayed about 3 miles from the old town. Subsequently, we used the efficient bus system to travel back and forth so we had the best of both worlds. Easy transportation and quiet accommodations. Always a win-win.
What’s Not to Love?
Since leaving Salzburg days ago I’ve been asking myself just what was it it about the city that took hold of me and just what is it that I have to say about the city that won’t sound like Charlie Brown’s teacher wah-wah-wahing on and on about Salzburg. Yikes! That’s a lot of pressure.
Maybe it was the unbelievable views from the fortress on the hill overlooking Salzburg that captured my imagination.
Overlooking the City of Salzburg and the River Salzach
Maybe it was the fact that women actually wear dirndl dresses, men wear lederhosen and in every other shop window there are ridiculously adorable dirndl dresses for little girls. I spent a fortune window shopping picking out which dresses I wanted, and wondering how I would look wearing them in the states, and how many little girls did I know that I could buy dresses for. And, no, it never entered my mind to suggest lederhosen to Abi. Not once. Well, okay, maybe once but I don’t think I said it out loud.
Ridiculously adorable, am I right?
Salzburg has some of the best signage ever! The cobble stoned streets in old town are lined with them and they definitely add to the fairy-talesque of the city. This has got to be the classiest McDonald’s sign ever.
Classiest McDonald’s sign ever.
Lake Mondsee
Or just maybe it had to do with the day trip we took to Lake Mondsee where we ate lunch at the water’s edge, took a boat ride and walked in the path of Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. Another story for another post, but I can tell you we had ourselves a day.
Lake Mondsee, about a 45-minute bus ride from Salzburg. A beautiful day was enjoyed by us!
The Sound of Music
Pretty sure our sing-a-long bike ride with Fraulein Maria had something to do with our love affair with Salzburg. It was just too much fun. I’m still singing the sound track from The Sound of Music in my head. The hills are alive with the Sound of Music, With songs they have sung for a thousands years… there, now the song is stuck in your head as well. I dare you not to sing it. Go, on. You know you want to.
The hills are alive with The Sound of Music… this was the view from my bad ass purple bicycle.
Salzburg Music Festival
In spite of being told to expect a lot of rain while visiting Salzburg, we enjoyed ideal weather. It only rained once, overnight. I think we earned a few days of ideal weather after melting in the sweltering heat while in Budapest. This is where we were just before it started to rain; enjoying a free showing of a previous Salzburg Music Festival performance. Pretty great, right?
A free showing of a past performance with the fortress ever vigilant.
We’ll Be Back
There are countless reasons why we fell head over heels for the city. The people of Salzburg are lovely. Without a doubt, five days just left us wanting more. Sometimes, it’s a heartfelt reaction that just takes hold of you and won’t let go. And, sometimes, it’s a good thing to leave while still wanting more because it offers a reason to return. Thank you, Salzburg, we’ll be back!
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I have never visited Salzburg, but “The Sound Of Music” has caught my imagination also and I have always wanted to visit. The alpine scenery looks so beautiful. Loved that picture of the Fortress at night.
Gilda Baxter recently posted…Thoughts On Early Retirement
Thanks, Gilda. We were enjoying the screening of the previous performance and admiring the fortress under the stars and then the clouds burst, down came the rain and we ran for cover!
Love that McDonald’s sign. Best Ever! You are living my dream, Patti and Abi, and your pictures really have my imagination going, especially with your factoid that the traditional dress is still worn. If picturesque and charming are overused – WTH! They describe this magnificent city and I hope to see if for myself, soon. Travel on!
Anita @ No Particular Place To Go recently posted…The Antebellum Houses of Natchez, Mississippi and Monuments of The Lost Cause
The best thing about the McDonald’s sign, Anita, is that you don’t recognize it’s a McDonald’s! 🙂
Gorgeous pictures, Patti. I remember standing in that square on an early March day and thinking this was a special place. That was way too many years ago. Did you have a chance to go up the mountain? You can take the gondola up past the mountain goats and have lunch on the top. You have made me want to return to Salzburg. Thanks.
We considered the mountain cable ride, but me and my fear of heights decided we couldn’t take it on. We went instead to Lake Mondsee and we’re so glad we made that decision. Absolutely stunning!
Two years ago while following a similar route, we hopped off the train with just 6 hours to spare in Salzburg. Your reaction feels very familiar, and heartfelt is exactly how I would describe my reaction to Salzburg. With just enough time to ride the funicular up to the fortress for that glorious view, have lunch at a rooftop cafe and a quick tour of the town centre, we were hooked. We could easily spend a couple of weeks exploring this very elegant and sophisticated city. Can’t wait to return. Some places simply transcend words. Thank you for sharing your experience.
So glad you were able to at least get a taste of Salzburg, Suzanne. It really is very special and I’ll carry with me for years to come. I’d love to return in the fall for October fest! It must be beautiful with the fall colors.