Solo Exploring Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg, Austria, was a place I’d never heard of before. The Sound of Music movie is a distant memory from my childhood mind, and it never occurred to me to check where Mozart was from. Better late than never to realize this, though. On this trip, I’d also work remotely, so I only had so much time to see as much as I could in two days while prepping to take meetings from 8-10pm a few nights.
My Anthony Bourdain Era
My husband had to travel to Salzburg for work, and I was able to tag along with him. I’m in what I’m calling my Anthony Bourdain era. It was not until I turned 29 that I went to Europe. I had never traveled outside of North America and had always dreamed about it. This is why I’m starting to say “yes” to almost anything travel-related that comes across my desk.
It’s also hard to leave our little Chihuahua, Rio, behind, but thankfully my family is our support there (and he loves them).
Traveling to Salzburg, I had a few goals or missions for myself. First, don’t get sick. Second, try a dish that is known here (aka the Wiener schnitzel). Third, take a boat and land tour to see everything I possibly can in a few days. Fourth, walk around as much as I can.
That’s a lot, but it ended up being very doable!
Mirabellgarten
Rock Me Amadeus
After several long hours of travel and almost witnessing a fight on our flight, we landed in Munich and took the Deutsche Bahn (DB) all the way into Austria. This is where the journey began.
Land and Boat Tour
I booked the Amphibious Splash Tour, and it was a fantastic experience. It was a 1.5-hour boat tour that went through a small portion of the Salzach River and through the streets of Salzburg to see everything from Mozart’s residence to Leopoldskron Palace. At the Palace, the tour stops for everyone to take photos and hear a little bit of history about the area. I was one of only two people who spoke English, and they were very accommodating. They provided earbuds to listen to the tour in English and translated everything from German to English as well. And in between the audio tour, “Rock Me Amadeus” by Falco played a few times over and slowly became a tune that would encapsulate the vibe of Salzburg for me.
Photo sesh in front of the boat with a captain hat
Leopoldskron Palace
Walking the Town
After I ate a Wiener schnitzel and a beautiful cold trout dish at Sternbräu, I fought the jet lag and ventured off to take the FestungsBahn up to Fortress Hohensalzburg. I bought an all-inclusive ticket online so I could take the FestungsBahn (round trip) and see everything I could on my walk around the Fortress (and get panoramic views of Salzburg). I’d say it was worth it if it’s your first time!
Outside of the fortress, I also walked through Getreidegasse. This is in Old Town Salzburg, where you’ll see a variety of shops to grab anything from Austrian-made Christmas ornaments to modern fashion pieces from well-known designer brands.
Favorite Eats
Soja Ramen (Asian)
Bärenwirt (German)
Sternbräu (German)
Superstanza (Italian)
Szene Lokal (American-inspired)
Ox
Then, that’s all. A quick trip that ends with the DB back through Germany to the airport. German houses with the beautiful flower-filled terraces that quickly blur on by while I listen to the new Palace album, Ox, hear the lyrics “I’m so fucking grateful” play over at the end of the song “Ox,” and reflect on just how grateful I am for these moments turned to memories.
The ox also represents quiet inner strength which I’m finding more and more of on my travels.
Can’t wait to come back to Austria.
And happy to report, I did not get sick.
