Backpacking Austria: Salzburg

Date visited: June 2005

Post written by Laura

Throwback Thursday!

Salzburg * Vienna * Bratislava * Linz

This short week long trip was my first taste of backpacking, at the then age of 37! Having an extended break from work wasn’t really an option at the time so I decided to take the opportunity to travel by train through Austria, stay in hostels and set off with a backpack for a small adventure!

This trip has been split into 4 separate posts starting with Salzburg, my first destination.

Salzburg

Salzburg is a beautiful city nestled next to the Alps and close to the border with Germany. The River Salzach runs through the middle of the city with the medieval buildings of the Old City on the left bank and the new city on the right bank. Mozart, the famous composer, was born in the Old City.

Salzburg is a very walkable city and is full of splendid architectural, parks and green spaces. The Mirabelle Palace was built in 1606 and its free to wander around the colourful and well kept gardens.

With its many outdoor cafes, bars and restaurants Salzburg has a vibrant culture. One evening a beer festival was in full swing in one of the charming squares of the city and my friend and I were welcomed in to sit at long wooden tables and participate! But more on the city later… during my time in Salzburg I participated in two tours which took me into the surrounding natural wonders.

Eisriesenwelt Cave

Eisriesenwelt Cave is about 40 km south of Salzburg and there are many tours that will take you there.

Eisriesenwelt Cave the largest accessible ice cave in the world with more than 25 miles of explored passageways. You need to be fairly fit as visiting the caves involves a steep ascent of around 700 steps.

Incredible views are had as you make your way to the 1640 m elevation cave entrance which is inside the Hochkogel mountain. You need to take a fleece or jacket as the temperature inside the cave is freezing and sturdy shoes are advisable.

Inside the cave which was formed 100 million years ago, you will see spectacular ice formations – unfortunately I had a fairly early digital camera at the time so was unable to take any decent photos (a quick google will show you some amazing photos).

Close to the ice cave is the Hohenwerfen Castle (below) which dates back to the 11th century and has been used as a set for many movies.

The Sound of Music Tour

I stayed in the Youth & Family Hostel where the Sound of Music film was screened every night! The hostel offered this tour for 29 euros each. I don’t think I’ve ever watched the film from start to finish but was more than familiar with Julie Andrews singing songs such as ‘Doe a deer, a female deer…’ and ‘These are a few of my favourite things…’

Having decided to embark on the tour, as part of a small coach load of fellow-backpackers we all set off to visit some of the film locations…. The Leopoldskron House overlooking the tranquil Leopoldskroner Weiher lake is one of the ‘Sound of Music’ locations and several scenes from the musical were shot here.

We were driven around the gorgeous Austrian Lake District while the guide provided information about both the film and local history. We made several stops enabling us to get out and take lots of photographs.

Still on the ‘Sound of Music’ tour and 45 minutes away we were taken to the picturesque town of Mondsee. St Michael Basilica was the church used in the wedding scene of the film.

We were given a short walking tour of colourful Mondsee with its outdoor cafes and relaxed ambiance.

While the tour was a little cheesy with the sing-a-long on the bus it was fun and gave an introduction into the magnificent landscapes which surround Salzburg… I would like to do a future road trip and spend a few weeks slowly touring around this area which is more my kind of thing.

Hellbrunn Palace and Trick Fountains

Back in Salzburg and the Hellbrunn Palace. Hellbrun Palace was built in 1613–19 by Markus Sittikus who was a keen practical joker and liked to play tricks on his guests. A spring supplies the water and Markus had all kinds of trick fountains installed.

One such trick was the fountains he installed in the stone seats at an outside stone table. He would start the fountains and give unsuspecting guests quite a shock. The seat at the head of the table (where the boy is sitting) doesn’t have a jet. As you walk around the grounds you are likely to be sprayed and squirted with water jets… This was a weird place…

There are many stunning viewpoints in Salzburg and it is well worth a hike up to Hohensazlburg (High Fortress) a huge medieval castle overlooking the Old Town. This is especially lovely on a warm summer evening where you can relax with a glass of wine or a beer at the panoramic beer terrace.

Summary

Compact, picturesque and with lots to see and do Salzburg is a truly wonderful place to spend a few days. This visit was 18 years ago and I would happily visit again, as mentioned above perhaps as part of a European road trip. I also have in mind to visit Hallstatt at some point which is only just over an hours’ drive from Salzburg.

Next up… Vienna