Cruise Buzz

Welcome to Salzburg, the city of Mozart

DAY 3: Linz & Salzburg: birthplace of Mozart, Sound of Music, and Christmas Markets

 

Although our river cruise boat docked in the industrial town of Linz, Viking River Cruises passengers boarded buses to embark on a journey to Salzburg, Austria in the Austrian Alps.

Our tour began with an ambitious 1.5 hour motor coach ride on the A1 highway. The highlight of the bus ride (if there is such a thing) was the tour guide. During the journey, Our guide handed out maps, played classical music, and gave us a good introduction to Austria and the history of the region.

The half-hour pit stop in Mondsee was fun. A cappuccino to go will run just under 5 Euros. After  getting back not he bus, the journey continues through the scenic landscape of Upper Austria.

Salzburg – land of salt
Salt is black gold and was the primary reason for Salzburg’s affluence.  Salzburg is a town of icons: Mozart’s birthplace, the location most associated with the US movie “The Sound of Music”, shopping, delicious food and sweets.

 

 

Hohensalzburg Fortress looming above the city center

The Mozart family lived on the third floor of the “Hagenauer House” at Getreidegasse 9 for 26 years, from 1747 to 1773.

Viking River Cruises offers cruise passengers almost a full day of touring, which is included in the cruise fare. Time in Salzburg begins with a walking tour, which is followed by 3 hours of free time. People can choose to have lunch (at their own expense), visit the town’s museums, shop in the many fashion-forward shops, or head to the Christmas Markets.

Salzburg’s Cathedral is a must see and for those going to the Christmas Markets, it is also the location of one of the biggest markets. Go in back of the cathedral to see St Peter’s cemetery or board the Salzburg funicular to go to the top of the hill to check  one of the largest medieval castles in Europe.

 

Salzburg Christmas Market

 

According to the marketing materials on the official Salzburg Christmas markets website, there have been markets located at the foot of the Hohensalzburg fortress and around the cathedral of Salzburg since the 15th century.

Shop till you drop: Salzburg’s Christmas market

• Food and drink: grilled meats, hot spiced wine, hot cocoa, nuts, sweets, and coffee
• Textiles: knit hats, mittens, scarves
• Crafts: toys, ornaments, smokers,
• Jewelry

Christmas Markets in Salzburg, Austria

• Basteln am Markt
• Goldhaubengruppe der Mozartstadt
• Selbst in einem Chor singen!
• Salzburger Chorknaben und Chormädchen
• Chor der HBLA

 

Salzburg Must Sees

• Hohensalzburg Fortress
• Mozart´s Birthplace and Residence
• Salzburg Cathedral – Dom zu Salzburg
• Hellbrunn Palace & Trick Fountains

 

Find our more: http://www.salzburg.info/en/