Day 14--Salzburg

Day 14--Salzburg

Salzburg was one of the places I HAD to visit because of this

I love everything about this movie--the story, the music, the costumes (is it weird to have this dream that one day I'll take my family to Salzburg and take a family picture in the curtain outfits?) The real Salzburg lived up to every notion of the "movie" Salzburg.

Hellbrunn Palace
I've seen my fair share of grand homes and gardens so to say that Hellbrun is now on my list of favorites is something (well at least the gardens are on my list since we actually didn't tour any of the castle).

The picture below describes Hellbrun perfectly. In 1610, Prince-Archbishop Sittikus built a lavish palace and gardens with trick fountains to entertain his guest. And they are entertaining.

Warning, you will get wet.

Taylor heeding the warning.

I wasn't able to get any pictures of this gargoyle sticking out his tongue.


The trick water grotto.

The "workers" power the massive water musical theater below.

On the grounds looking back towards the castle.

Many people miss the best feature of Hellbrun--the view Salzburg that climbing to the top of the estate provides.

The grounds of Hellbrun with Salzburg in the distance.

Taylor on his way down the mountain.
This picture is sums up how a good portion of the trip was spent--Taylor 10 feet in front of me.

Of course I had to get a picture in front of the famous gazebo from The Sound of Music.

Hellbrun gates

Hellbrun Palace

Mozart's House
We had a difficult time finding his house and were surprised that MANY locals couldn't point on where it was. Mozart was a genius, granted a slightly deranged and crude one.

River Cruise
I loved the river cruise. Because the Salzach River played such an important role in Salzburg's history, it was nice to sit for an hour but still see most of the important sites of Salzburg from the river. But the highlight by far was the "Salzburg Waltz" the captain did at the end.

Hohensalburg fortress in the background.

Hohensalzburg fortres from the river.

Mirabell Gardens
Is this beautiful formal garden with fountains, sculptures and topiaries. It was at the garden where the ending of Do-re-me was filmed in which Marie ends up at the top of the stairs in front of a famous standing horse statue.








Hohensalzburg Fortress and the Monchsberg Walk
The imposing site of the city is the Hohensalzburg Fortress which sits 400 feet above the city.
There are a number of ways to get to the Fortress, but we opted for the wooded walk along the cliffs and the views were spectacular. The fortress has many different layers and buildings and like any good fortress was slightly difficult to navigate. But the best part about the fortress may have been the funicular ride up and down. The view was great and it was fun to watch the city quickly appear and disappear.

The Funicular

What do you do when you see a large cannon ball pyramid? Climb it of course.

Taylor climbing the inner tower.

Taylor took this picture looking down from the inner courtyard.

The local monastery has their own winery.

Getreidegass
Is the main shopping street of Salzburg, with much of the buildings looking the same as they did in Mozarts day. It's famous for it's wrought iron signs and they are charming. I didn't know that McDonalds signs could ever be labeled as charming, but the one on this street was.



Old Town Walk
We ended the day doing a walk of the old town and I have to say that I love these walks.
We saw Mozartplatz (Square devoted to Mozart, Residenzplatz (government buildings), Salzburg Cathedral, Kapitelplatz (square that has a giant cheese board and the old horse baths), and St. Peter's cemetary (it inspired the one in The Sound of Music)

Residenzplatz

Residenzplatz

Salzburg Cathedral

Kapitelplatz

Mozartplatz