Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Salzburg, Austria: Bread Crumbs from a Fairy Tale - September 2015


Tucked into the Northern Alps along the Salzach River is the picturesque city of Salzburg, Austria. Best known as the birthplace of 18th-century composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the backdrop for the classic film and musical "The Sound of Music," Salzburg is a fairy tale setting come to life.

Just a stone's throw from Germany, there are several things to see and do in this vibrant medieval city:
  • The Birthplace & Residence of Mozart: The building where the composer was born and raised now serves as a museum documenting his life and accomplishments.
  • Hohensalzburg Castle: Dating back to 1077, this castle is one of the largest medieval castles in Europe.
  • "The Sound of Music" Tour: Highlights include various filming locations from the 1965 classic, including Mirabell Gardens, Leopoldskron Castle, Hellbrunn Castle, Nonnberg Abbey, St. Gilgen and Lake Wolfgang, and Wedding Church Mondsee.
  • Mirabell Palace: UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to 1730; historical building with geometrically-arranged flower gardens and mythology-themed statues.
  • Schloss Leopoldskron: Palace built in 1736 which served as the main exterior filming area for "The Sound of Music."
  • Hangar-7: Owned by the Red Bull company, a collection of historic airplanes, helicopters and Formula One racing cars.
Greater Salzburg Area
  • Salt Mines: Tour 450-year-old mines below Obersalzberg mountainside complex by descending into captivating grottos.
  • Salzburger Freilichtmuseum Großgmain: An open-air museum containing old farmhouses from all over the state assembled in an historic setting.
  • Schloss Klessheim: Palace and casino formerly frequented by Adolf Hitler which also served as the summer residence of the Archbishops of Salzburg.
  • Eagle's Nest or Kehlsteinhaus: Hitler's mountain retreat sitting at 1,834 m (6,017 ft), which was gifted to him on his 50th birthday by the Nazi Party.


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