Salzburg, Austria for the day

Another day trip. Salzburg. We used a Bayern ticket again, it because you can’t leave until after 9:00am, the first train was at 9:55. We arrived just before noon and found a stand that made a pastry that looked like a huge pretzel, had a nut filling and then dipped in chocolate. How could that be bad.
We walked around the grounds of Mirabellgarten. They were pretty, but I can only imagine what it looks like in full bloom. I guess that is the downfall of winter travel.







 A walk along the river and across the footbridge to the Salzburg old town.




Narrow, cobblestone walkways, and tall buildings wound around the town. Of course everything was very festive. We saw Mozart’s statue and watch kids skate on the outdoor ice rink.



We found our way across town to the Funicular Station that would take us up to Festung Hohensalzburg, Rainer-Regiments and Marionetten-museum. The Fortress sits high above the town and construction started in 1055AD. Many rulers added to the fortress over time. The Funicular was built to bring goods to the fortress and there was a constant source of running water from mountain streams (gravity). At one time, entire community lived within the walls of the fortress. Stunning 360 views.







Inside the fortress was a Marionetten museum. Some of the puppets were creepy, but it was an interesting display.



After coming down from the fortress, we toured St. Peter’s  Collegiate Church Cemetery and “Catacombs”. The catacombs were first discovered in the 700’s and probably used by monks. Inside was a chapel, first used in 1178 and hen in another level many steps higher, is Maximus chapel and an arched grave from 1530.




The cemetery has a very different look because there are no tall stone grave markers. Instead, there are may ornate metal markers. There is also the Kolegienkirche within the cemetery.





Christmas market wandering and food sampling was next on the agenda. Apricot Punch is delicious and dangerous. No taste of alcohol, but it creeps up on you. Tasted some fun, new foods. The Salzburg market had a very different look and many different vendors and wares than the markets in Germany.





Decided to have dinner at the Hotel Sacher. Very fancy, elegant and one of the best dinners we have ever had. We received complimentary “tasting” from the chef before our meal and hand-made chocolates after. All the staff wore gloves, uniforms, and it was quite formal.






Before heading home, we found the local liquor stores and sampled Apricot Liqour. Bought a couple bottles for home. Train ride back to Munich.

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