Two years ago we were set for a trip to Austria and Germany when the day before we were suppose to leave our trip was canceled due to Covid lockdowns being reinstated. So since then we have had this trip on our mind, waiting for the time when it would become a reality. And then this year all the stars aligned and we booked our trip and as an added bonus it happened when the Christmas markets would be starting up.
We flew into Munich and immediately boarded a train that would take us to Salzburg for the first few days of our trip. We arrived at the hotel, dropped off our luggage, and set out to see some of the city. We walked along the Salzach River admiring the beautiful view of the city.
We crossed the river on the Makartsteg Bridge (fondly called the love locked bridge) with all the symbols of eternal love covering the bridge. From one side we could see the city and from the other side we could see one of the many churches of the city next to the water.
The city center of Salzburg became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991 for its rich beauty and architecture that had developed from the Middle Ages through the present day. It has a wonderful mix of Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic influences that all come together in making a beautiful city.
We wandered through Old Town and saw festive touches being added to businesses and stalls setting up their shops. The Christmas markets wouldn’t start for another couple of days. But from what we could see, the markets were sure to be amazing.
The next morning we went to the tourist information center to pick up Salzburg City Cards. We bought the 48 hour passes (35/adult, 17.50/child) which would give us access to all the sites in town and use of the public transportation. With cards in hand, we took the funicular up the side of the hill towards the fortress.
When we reached the top, we were met with a view of Salzburg spreading out below us. Bells were ringing somewhere in the city which just added to the beauty of the moment.
Festung Hohensalzburg (or Fortress Hohensalzburg) is one of the largest medieval castles in Europe. This complex has been preserved since it was built sometime in the 11th century. This is an icon of the city and one could easily spend hours walking through the many different sections of it.
Along with the castle itself, the complex also has a number of museums offering insight into the centuries of history that have passed here. The first museum that we visited was the Marionette Museum with examples of different figures and scenes that have been used to tell stories. They had a group of marionettes for the Von Trapp family from the Sound of Music.
Other museums in the complex include a Regiment Museum, and Fortress Museum, Prince’s Chamber along with an armory and music room. It was a really interesting look at the history of the castle although it’s difficult to really grasp how much history it has been part of.
When we came back down the mountain from the fortress we went over to Mozartplatz for a little ice-skating. Because the markets wouldn’t open till the next day we were there before all the crowds of people and we had the rink to ourselves. We took advantage of their family skate option that cost about 25 including skate rentals. Just know that they only take cash and they will hold your ID until you return the skates.
Salzburg was home to one of the world’s greatest musicians- Wolfgang Amdedeus Mozart. We toured the place where he was born and raised at the Mozart Geuburtshaus. Mozart was born here in January 1756 to a musical family. Walking through the different rooms and seeing his instruments, his notes, and his pictures really showed his interests and influences in creating his musical destiny. They had a listening room where visitors could listen to different pieces and follow along with the notes on the screens.
Our last stop of the day was a visit to the Spielzeug Museum– the city’s Toy Museum. This is a massive building with 4 floors full of old toys to see and toys to play with. Every floor has multiple rooms designated to particular kinds of toys. It is a fun mix of history and interactive play perfect for kids of all ages. What we really loved was how well our daughter slipped in and started making friends and playing with other kids despite not speaking the same language- proof that play brings us together in amazing ways and this museum really understands that.
As we walked back to our hotel we got to see more of the Christmas festivities come to life. From lights, to decorations, to products to sell- it all just accents the beauty of the city.
What a thrill to walk through the streets of Salzburg after our first disappointment years ago. And to be here for a small part of the Christmas season is just magic.
If you enjoyed this visit to Salzburg, you may be interested in these other favorite cities:
Thanks for coming along on this visit to Salzburg. May you always be strengthened by history and uplifted by music.
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