I've started to try and not prepare as much for each trip, having no expectation and going with the flow always makes the trip so much better. This is kind of against my "type A" mind thinking but it has really worked out. Darryl mainly being the influence behind having a much more relaxed trip, begged me to find The Sound of Music sights to see. Surprised but never questioning (in case he changed his mind) I found the perfect tour for us to take in Salzburg. As we enjoyed being in a new city we wanted to end this trip more relaxed in Hallstatt. We needed to feel away from it all and find out why Austria is truly a beautiful country.
We started the trip to Austria from Munich, Germany. We opted to rent a car because it feels so much more relaxing when you don't have to worry about catching a train or plane. So we got into Salzburg and did our usual, checked in and set out to find some food. Dinner the first night was okay, we choose a pizza spot that turned out to be a chain.. hate when that happens. After dinner we walked around, enjoying the spring air and light. It's amazing when you realize spring has finally arrived and there is still daylight at 8pm. We happened to lucked out when we stumbled upon Little Grain almost right across from Mozart's house. This speakeasy jazz bar had so many delicious cocktails, the atmosphere was pretty awesome too. We sat close to the bar in the back and loved watching them whip up cocktails. I've been digging gin and champagne cocktails ever since Hemingway's in Prague and Little Grain gave them some steep competition. |
Our Sound of Music Tour started off a little to early Friday morning, but it hardly mattered because our tour guide made me cry laughing the entire time. After I introduced myself and told him I was living in Germany he responded with "How do German's tie their shoes? In little Nazi's" So bold yet we couldn't help but love his quick wit. He kept it up the whole trip. I've been on a lot of tours and none even slightly compare to how Panorama perfected the Sound of Music Tour. I hated when it had to end. Some of our tour highlights were really the history our guide provided with his comedic anecdotes but also the filming process of the movie. We covered so much in 4 hours, it went by in a flash. Starting and ending at the famous Mirabell Garden's. |
After our tour ended we walked around the city for hours. It was recommended to go up to the Salzburg Fortress but to start from the Museum der Moderne. It was nice walk, that we both really enjoyed after a nice pick-me-up with Julius Meinl Coffee. Meinl Coffee is new to me, but Darryl would get it every once in awhile when he lived in Chicago. Meinl is served at almost every cafe and restaurant in Austria. It's so special because it started in Vienna in 1862 and upholds a tradition of excellence. |
These two cities were beautiful and did not let me down, I'm so grateful for our short visit! I'm still hoping I'll make it to Vienna and a ski resort next year, or any reason to get my hands on a Meinl Coffee!
Travel tips for Austria
- Best time to visit: May or June (most crowded in July- August)
- Bring nice clothes for dining out
- Tip your awesome tour guides
Must Do's in Salzburg
- Panorama's The Sound of Music Tour
- Julius Meinl Coffee at Cafe Tomaselli
- Walking through Mirabell Gardens and Nonnberg Abbey
- Take a tram up to the Salt Mine
- Walking up to the Parish Church and go in the Beinhaus (bone house)
- Dine at Gruner Baum Hotel
Thanks for reading! All questions are welcomed, please feel free to comment below!
xx, Abby