My Salzburg Wish List

Ah, Salzburg – famous for being the birthplace of Mozart and the setting of The Sound of Music. Anyone who’s seen the movie will know how beautiful the place is, but I guess it’s hard not to be that beautiful when you’re located in the middle of dramatic mountains, valleys and lakes. Salzburg is also the home to some of the world’s finest examples of Baroque architecture, which gives a very extravagant and opulent feel to it. Although I’ve never had a particular desire to visit, when the opportunity presented itself I said “hell yes!” after reading and learning a little bit more about the city. Without further ado, here are some of the things I hope to do and see while I’m there next month.

Explore The Mozart Museum

Mozart is of course one of most prolific and influential composers that has ever walked the earth. The Mozart Museum is located within the house that he was born in back in 1756. Although I cannot claim to be a big fan of classical music, I am a music buff, and I won’t pass up on the opportunity to explore the world of a musical genius.

The Mozart Museum

The museum gives an insight into how he began to make music, and exhibition pieces include his childhood violin, first editions and early prints of selected works, and the most famous portrait of the man himself, which was painted two years before his death.

Wander Around The DomQuartier

Back in the day (we’re talking 200+ years ago), the DomQuartier was Salzburg’s seat of power from which the city’s prince-archibishops expanded their influence over the region. Today what remains are some of the finest examples of Baroque architecture. The Baroque artistic style originated in Rome, and the biggest architects of the time were brought over to Salzburg to create what was regarded as a city planning masterpiece.

The DomQuartier

The DomQuartier is a complex that consists of a palace, a cathedral and St. Peter’s Abbey. Seeing as I’ve not made it to Italy yet (roll on 2016!) I’m looking forward to marvelling at this opulent style of architecture while in Salzburg. I’m so, so, so happy to be back in Europe!

Take Photos From The Hohensalzburg Fortress

A little bit of research tells me that this is the largest fully-preserved fortress in central Europe. From the top you get to enjoy impressive views of the city and all the surrounding hills – and as you all know by now I’m not one to miss out on a great photo opportunity! There are also a number of museums and chambers to explore while there.

Hohensalzburg Fortress

Trawl The Christmas Markets

Continuing on from my theme of soaking up all the Christmas cheer in Munich, I’m keen to also check out the Salzburg Christmas Market, or Christkindlmarkt as the locals know it! Yes, it’s another Christmas market, and yes, it’s probably not that different to the one I’ll experience in Munich, but who cares? There’s mulled wine, pretty fairy lights and roasted chestnuts to be enjoyed!

More Christmas markets! 

Hop Around The Mirabell Gardens

The Mirabell Gardens are where Maria and the children of The Sound of Music frolicked around a fountain and then sang “Do-Re-Mi” while hopping up some steps. Movie trivia aside, the gardens are supposed to be beautiful, and seeing as I love flowers I definitely want to check it out. The Mirabell Palace – another fine example of high Baroque architecture – is also worth a look, I reckon!

Mirabell Gardens

Enjoy The City’s Café Culture

While Vienna, Austria’s capital, is famous for being home to some of western Europe’s first (and finest) coffee houses, Salzburg also has a great café culture of its own – think pastry bars, waiters in dinner jackets and holders for newspapers. Old school and classy, these cafés sound like this coffee lover’s kind of places! Forget bloody Starbucks!

Café Sacher

There are many places that I want to check out, such as Café Sacher, which serves the famous Sacher Torte (see below for more info on that one!). Café Bazar, meanwhile, is said to be frequented by poets, artists and writers, and is another one of Salzburg’s well-known hotspots. There are many, many more worth checking out but I fear time won’t be on my side – it will be difficult to see them all!

Eat, Of Course

The food of any given place is always a highlight for me. Before I visit a new city I always make sure I am armed with a list of dishes and delicacies I want to try out. While I’m in Salzburg it looks like I’ll be continuing my Munich theme of eating all the sugary things. There is the aforementioned Sacher Torte, which is a famous Viennese chocolate cake, and Mozartkugel, chocolates filled with marzipan, which were created by Salzburg confectioner Paul Fürst in 1890 and named after Mozart.

Salzburger Nockerl

Then there’s Salzburger Nockerl – just the mere look of that thing makes me salivate. I also want to try Bombardino at the Christmas Market – this is actually an Italian drink that is served in Italy, particularly at the ski resorts, and it sounds delicious! Eggnog laced with rum – what’s not to love?

What do you think of my list? Have you been to Salzburg? Can you give me some more recommendations?