Salzburg

Jeff came back for a visit in March and we decided to do a day-trip to Salzburg, just over the border in Austria. Salzburg (literally means Salt-castle) is the birthplace of Mozart, home of the Von Trapp family, is nestled in the Alps, and has great Stiegl beer.

We were there on the Saturday before Palm Sunday The markets were bustling as everyone bought a bouquet attached to a stick in advance for observing Palm Sunday. The bushels everywhere as parents let their kids carry them home or they leaned them up against the wall while enjoying a cup of coffee in an outdoor café on the lovely early spring day.

It was a great day to wander around, sample the markets and take in the sights.

Gardens in Mirabell Palace, apparently the “Doe-a-deer-a-female-deer” song from the Sound of Music was filmed here.

Classiest McDonald’s sign I’ve ever seen:

We also indulged ourselves with Mozart Kügeln (Mozart balls – round chocolately bits of goodness) First you see it…then you don’t

Salzburg’s skyline is dominated by the fortress Hohensalzburg up the hill (also lit up at night if you look at the first photo). There are some great views from the top.

The fortress itself was packed with exhibits detailing life in medieval times including weapons and torture apparatus. (This room reminded Jeff of the Disney movie Bedknobs and Broomsticks):

Further pics of the inside including an excessively ornate ceiling and the official symbol of an archbishop who ruled for a few decades – a turnip.

After hiking back down the hill to the city; horses getting their warm coats on at twilight. We sought out food for dinner and took the next train home.