Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Salzburg at Night

This picture was taken on a foot and bike bridge on the way back to the hotel from Bärenwirt restaurant. Looking over the Salzach river you can see Old Town with its towering cathedrals. Above it all is the 932-year-old Hohensalzburg Castle, which sits at the top of Festungsberg Hill.

Salzburg is a clean and comfortable city that is divided by a river. It has mountain views and lots of charming narrow side streets to explore. It was raining when we arrived and lightly snowing when we left, but it was clear and cool for the most part.

Salzburg is famous for being the birthplace of Mozart, The Sound of Music and Sacher tortes, which taste pretty good by the way.

Everything of interest was within walking distance from our hotel, which was right next to the Mirabell Gardens: interesting museums, beautiful churches, restaurants, Christmas Markets and lots of wonderful old buildings.

I tried my first schnitzel (it was pork instead of veal) at an old authentic Austrian restaurant called Bärenwirt. Vicki had pork roast with the most incredible cabbage. Then we shared a delicious dessert. What a fantastic meal!

We also discovered a type of muesli that we had never tried before but we really liked it. It was kind of like a a thick muesli smoothie topped with fresh cut fruit and eaten with a spoon. We ate the muesli with croissants and coffee for really good breakfasts.


In case you couldn't tell I love to eat as much as I love to travel.

35 comments:

Carolyn Ford said...

I walked up that amazing hill to the monastery 38 years ago. It was the summer before I was married (my last fling)! What memories this photo has for me...I am totally blown away right now!

Olivier said...

une vraie carte postale, magnifique cette photo de nuit, avec les reflets des lumieres sur le fleuve

Carolyn Ford said...

I am wrong...! I admit it! I am remembering Nonnberg Abbey! Please excuse my blunder...

Anonymous said...

Magnificent photo my friend. I so love food and everything you described I want to try so bad. How lucky you and Vicki were. You know the only thing I've ever heard of is a wiener schnitzel. And low and behold your link that's what it is. OMGoodness I'm hungry now. TBK

Malyss said...

Thank you for sharing those delightful moments! Your picture is so beautyful and absolutely romantic, and your words and descriptions are so interesting and inviting!I guess it won't take me long to ask my husband to take me there!

Hilda said...

Hehehe, I think we'd get along very well while traveling — not just me and my husband, but all my friends. We all love eating and trying out new restaurants (but I think you know that already).

The idea of a thousand year old castle just boggles my mind. Is it still open or in use? This is such a magical night shot!

Martha said...

James, that shoot is amazing. I visited Salzburg in 1995, and of my two trips to Austria/Germany, Salzburg was my favorite city. It snowed while we were there, making for a really magical surprise when we woke in the morning to see the snow covered city. I have many slides of this trip, very few prints, but I do have one of the gazebo from Sound of Music, in the snow! (Have I told you I am so glad you are back... LOL)

Alan Burnett said...

I have never been to Salzburg but your photograph has persuaded me to put it on my list of "Must see before I need a hip replacement" places.

Woody said...

If I had to describe this in one word, 'magical' comes to mind. 'Stunning' would come in a close 2nd.

Suburban Girl said...

Oh I got goose bumps when I saw your post. I loved Salzburg and at night it is truly beautiful. Did you visit the fortress or catch a concert while you were there?

Kat said...

Gorgeous shot James! And your food descriptions made me laugh, because that's what we tend to talk about most when we return from a trip lol. I'm so glad that you had such a wonderful vacation. Kathy

wenn said...

nice shot..

Cezar and Léia said...

Breathtaking view!Your picture is brilliant my friend, congratulations for this perfect shot!
Hmmm it sounds delicious, I mean about all fantastic meal and so on.Glad to know these good news!
God bless you
Léia

Thérèse said...

Such a good description of life in Salzburg. And the picture! Wow!
I don't remember if you went to Vienna? Home to the "Sacher Torte!"

Dina said...

Tremendous photo.
But I'd hate to pay their electricity bill.
Glad you had enough to eat. :)

Brenda's Arizona said...

My dad used to live in Salzburg. After WWII, when Mirabelle Platz (sp?) housed the Red Cross offices. He was a medic. He took us all to Salzburg when I was a teenager. Just beautiful, and your photo is wonderful. I wish I could show it to him! He'd say "Ahhh..."

Sistertex said...

Schnitzel! When I lived in Germany we had Schnitzel a lot...yum. I've had veal and pork versions. Sounded like a very tasty vacation!

The photo is great, the colors reflecting across the water are a rainbow, really beautiful.

JPT said...

Beautiful city by the looks, I've been to Austria but never to Salzburg.

Unknown said...

Woo..
Great photo and its objects!

VP said...

Great night 'portrait' and interesting description of your staying.

Gallow said...

What an incredible city. You've managed to capture it's glory with a spectacular night shot. I love the lighting , and the reflections.

ruma said...

This is the view which I am made to be enchanted by, the world of lights.

Thank you for showing wonderful scenery.

From the Far East.

Cheryl said...

This photo is just stunning!

Quilt Works said...

Wonderful photo. I love night photos - so beautiful, perfect reclections.

chrome3d said...

Musli and croissants in Salzburg sounds more than delicious. You are so lucky.

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

The hills are alive,

You have posted a wonderful photo.

Sunny said...

What an amazing place, it looks like it's straight out of a fairy tale...magical.
A really beautiful picture James, and I enjoyed reading about your adventures!
Sunny :)

cieldequimper said...

Superb REFLECTIONS James! ;-)

Helena said...

Wow... this is gorgeous!

Carol said...

Beautiful night shot with the town lit up...and what a reflection!

Bogey said...

Okay already.....you're making me hungry! It definitely sounds like you had a spledid time filled with many memorable moments. What a fantastic shot of the Castle. Your description sounded so relaxing.

Anonymous said...

Spectacular photo James. And you've gone and made my mouth water too.

Carly said...

Your photo is stunning. I remember seeing the same sight a few years ago! Thanks for sharing a great picture!

Crafty Green Poet said...

I've never been to Salzburg but enjoyed the cakes in Vienna, wonderful apple strudels.....

Glad you had a good time

Tinsie said...

That's a fabulous photo! Very well captured.

Pork Schnitzel is one of my favourite dishes :-)