Salzburg 

BEYOND THE SOUND OF MUSIC

In 2019, in a stroke of perfect timing and good luck, I found myself living in the fascinating city where The Sound of Music was filmed. It was then that I truly discovered the hidden wonders of the city that rarely made their way to travel blogs, glossy magazines, and websites. I fell in love with Salzburg.

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Summertime in Salzburg

It’s best to visit Salzburg in mid-July when the city starts its month-long Salzburg Festival. The festival consists of a gamut of activities but highlights the musical nature of the city that has inspired many classical masters.

Get a feel of the natural musicality of the people of Salzburg by just sitting at the beautiful Mirabell Gardens. I had the good fortune of just sitting there one day while an ensemble played the popular hits of ABBA.

If you’re in the mood for classical compositions by the renowned masters, head to Haus für Mozart Theatre, or other concert halls that dot the city, where you can enjoy the sweeping music of a full orchestra or the intimate sound of a string quartet. Tickets to such venues range from at least 12 to 200 euros, depending on who’s performing.

The lovely Salzach River is also a good place to hang out in the late afternoon or early evening. With a good beer in hand, you can watch the sunset descend on the flowing waters. If you’re still up for more drinking, head to Augustiner Bräu Kloster Mülln which has been traditionally brewing beer since the 17th century by Augustinian monks. The cozy setting of the Bräustüberl, or beneath the big chestnut trees of the beer garden, can induce one to have a mug, and another, and still another, until evening falls. 

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Eisriesenwelt: World's largest ice cave

One day, a friend invited us over to visit an ice cave. We took an hour train to Werfen, a city south of Salzburg City but still within the Salzburg region. The Eisriesenwelt, which means “World of the Ice Giants,” is a far-reaching cave labyrinth that has a total length of 40 kilometers. Inside, spectacular ice sculptures form oversized shapes along the 1-kilometer pathway. Just to be inside a world of ice in summer is a completely memorable experience! First discovered in 1879, the path to the cave remained accessible only by foot until 1953. Inaccessible during the cold season, the Eisriesenwelt opens only from the end of spring to the end of summer.  

Schafberg and Salzburg's lakes

Most locals enjoy mountain trekking during the summer season, and Schafberg Mountain offers easy access through a cog train dating back from 1893. It passes through a steep railway in a 35-minute ride that starts from its station at Saint Wolfgang town. Rising to an astounding 1,783 meter in elevation, its pinnacle offers a view of the pristine lakes that surround the mountain including Wolfgangsee, Mondsee and Attersee. On the farther peripherals are Wallersee, Irrsee, and Fushclsee, making this location a breathtaking sight.

After descending the mountain, tourists may take a nice dip in the pleasantly cold waters of Wolfgangsee, or Lake Wolfgang in English. One may enjoy a host of water activities or enjoy a cup ice cream while leisurely strolling along the shores of the lake. 

Schafberg and Salzburg's lakes

Most locals enjoy mountain trekking during the summer season, and Schafberg Mountain offers easy access through a cog train dating back from 1893. It passes through a steep railway in a 35-minute ride that starts from its station at Saint Wolfgang town. Rising to an astounding 1,783 meter in elevation, its pinnacle offers a view of the pristine lakes that surround the mountain including Wolfgangsee, Mondsee and Attersee. On the farther peripherals are Wallersee, Irrsee, and Fushclsee, making this location a breathtaking sight.

After descending the mountain, tourists may take a nice dip in the pleasantly cold waters of Wolfgangsee, or Lake Wolfgang in English. One may enjoy a host of water activities or enjoy a cup ice cream while leisurely strolling along the shores of the lake. 

Oberndorf: Christmas all year round

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Oberndorf: Christmas all year round

A place that will give tourists the feel of Christmas 365 days a year is Oberndorf. This small town has a special place in the heart of Austrians because this is where “Stille Nacht” or “Silent Night” was written more than 200 years ago. The lyrics, written by Father Joseph Mohr, were set to music by the much-loved composer Franz Xaver Gruber. Today, a copy of the original manuscript is displayed inside a small chapel in the town as the original St. Nicholas church had been demolished. A museum was also built in honor of the song.

Walking further along the Salzach River, you will come to a bridge that connects Oberndorf to another town across the river. That town already belongs to Germany and if you stand right in the center of the bridge, you will be in two countries at the same time.
Living in Salzburg was an opportunity and a gift. The majestic Alps and its perpetual peaks greet me every morning as I open my eyes to another day. Called the “Rome in the North” in the old days, Salzburg is a gem worthy of exploring. Its history, culture, monuments, natural beauty, and people makes it one of Europe’s best summer destinations. 

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