Last summer I toured the south of Germany with my partner and went to Austria, to the city of Salzburg, which with its beautiful streets, full of old buildings, seemed really charming to me. It does not surprise me that its Old Town was declared a World Heritage Site. In addition, in the vicinity of this wonderful city there are numerous hiking trails in the Alps, both in the German and Austrian areas, which in my opinion make this city even more attractive for a visit.
ABOUT THE CITY
Salzburg, whose name comes from the German word for salt (saltz), due to the proximity of numerous mines that were exploited for several centuries, is located on the border with Germany, just 150km from Munich. Although archaeological evidence shows that the region was inhabited since the Neolithic period, it began to gain importance during the conquests of the Emperor Augustus, since it was then known as Juvavum. However, after the fall of the Western Roman Empire it went into decline and it was Saint Rupert who in the year 700 founded a new town on the old Roman remains that we know today.
EXPLORING THE CITY
DOMQUARTIER
This is the neighborhood where several monuments are located, such as the Cathedral, the Monastery of Saint Peter, the Old Residence (Alte Residenz) and the Franciscan Church. The buildings are interconnected and admission consists on a single payment. I especially loved the Gothic cemetery near the Franciscan Church, I think it is a must visit.
THE HOHENSALZBURG FORTRESS
At the top of the hill near the Old Town there is the Hohensalzburg Fortress, built in 1077. It is an incredible monument, surrounded by wonderful green areas that I recommend you visit. Also from the top of the hill you can contemplate the captivating views of both the city and the surroundings.
MOZART’S BIRTHHOUSE
Mozart’s Birthhouse is located in one of the central streets, Getreidegasse number 9. While his later home in Salzburg is located on the other side of the river, near the Mirabell Palace. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was the ingenious pianist and composer, born in 1756. His career as a musician includes more than 600 creations in different musical styles. Currently there is a possibility of listening to his wonderful music in a different concert halls, located around the city, although the most extraordinary experience may be the dinner and concert in the Hohensalzburg Fortress.
MIRABELL PALACE
Mirabell Palace was built in 1690 under the orders of Archbishop Wolf Dietrich. What I find most extraordinary about this wonderful place are its outdoor gardens that have become the perfect place to celebrate weddings and concerts. In addition, access to the gardens is free, so you should not miss this visit.
HAVE A WALK IN SALZBURG
I recommend you take a walk around the city. Along the banks of the Salzach River there are numerous street stalls with handicrafts. Likewise, on the other side of the river, on the side where the Mirabell Palace is located, there is a beautiful St. Sebastian cemetery, an idyllic place to rest for a while.
HIKING IN THE BERCHTESGADEN VALLEY
KEHLSTEINHAUS
The Eagle’s Nest, known as Kehlsteinhaus in German, is an extraordinary natural site in the Berchtesgaden Valley in the German Bavarian Alps, very close to the city of Salzburg. Likewise, this place has great historical importance as it was the summer residence of Adolf Hitler, there are located nearby several buildings related to the Nazi Party. It is said that Hitler came to visit it only ten times, perhaps the reason could be his vertigo.
At the top of the mountain there is currently a restaurant, inside which the elements of old construction are still maintained. However, before reaching it there is the elevator area that sadly cost the life of 12 men. Likewise, it is possible to advance by a path-stairs to reach the top, it is only 125 meters more. The views at both points are impressive, and among them the bluish King’s Lake (Königsee) stands out.
TIPS:
• In Salzburg there are many interesting museums, I recommend the Stiegel-Brauwelt brewery, the Spielzeut Museum and the Museum der Moderne with its wonderful views of the city.
• From Salzburg you can reach the Berchtesgaden Valley (if you don’t have a private vehicle) by bus 840 or by train, it takes about 45 minutes. Then you have to go to Obersalzberg by walking about 4km or by local bus 838.
• From the Obersalzberg car park the hiking trails lead to the Kehlsteinhaus. It takes about 2 hours on average to go up and the walk is not difficult. There is also a shuttle bus (8:30-16:00) for those who do not want or cannot walk up.
• In the Berchtesgaden Valley there are many routes with spectacular landscapes, if you have enough time I recommend spending several days exploring them. I leave you the photos of some of them.
all about eve`s journeys 