Have You Been?
Located in the middle of Europe
and made up of nine federated states, Austria is one of the continent's most
compelling countries. The nation has a population of nearly nine million. You
can imagine how much beauty and interest this place holds if so many desire to
reside within its borders. With a history full of famous musicians and renowned
artists, and an abundance of breathtaking scenery and architecture, it's time
to start planning your vacation to the enchanting nation of Austria.
Here are some of our favorite hidden gems in Austria.
Hohensalzburg Fortress
As the most monumental and famously preserved citadel
in Central Europe, the Hohensalzburg Fortress is undoubtedly one to behold in
person. Tourists from all over come to explore this longstanding medieval
fortress. While touring through the castle, make sure to visit the staterooms,
torture chamber, and the museums. Take a day out of your schedule because you
won't want to rush this visit.
Visit Salzburg's Old Town
While in Austria, make sure to mosey on through
Salzburg's Old Town to get acquainted with the cobblestone streets, quaint
alleyways, preserved 15th-century buildings, and awe-inspiring architecture.
The Old Town even contains some of the best shopping around, making it perfect
for picking up souvenirs and grabbing something delectable to munch on.
Salzburg Marionette Theatre
Established in 1913, the Salzburg Marionette Theatre is
one of the oldest marionette theatres in the world. Live actors were used in
the productions at this theatre, and as of today, the theatre is used to record
live soundtracks. For marionette productions, there are over 500 characters
that are still used, including the entire cast in the Sound of Music. The puppet
masters for the theatre perform operas from composers such as Tchaikovsky,
Shakespeare, Mozart, and Saint-Exupéry using their wooden characters.
Panorama Museum
Johann Sattler, a well-known painter from the 1820s,
painted a remarkable wall that included an in-depth panoramic view of Salzburg.
This painting included great detail, not just of the buildings and architecture
of the Austrian state but of the residents and their everyday lives from over
200 years ago.
Guided Sound of Music Tour
Now's your time to hit up all the beautiful locations
you grew up watching in the classic film, Sound of Music. With over 15 sites,
you'll want to see Mirabellgarten, Hellbrunn Palace, and the Nonnberg Abbey.
Even if you choose not to take a guided tour, make sure you at least visit
these iconic spots.
The Home of Mozart
Once Mozart's family moved away from his birth home,
they moved next to the Salzach river. Today, this home is known as Mozart's
Residence Museum, where you can get an inside view of how Mozart grew up and
the delicate artifacts of his past.
St. Peter's Cemetery and Catacombs
Dating way back to the 1600s, St. Peter's Cemetery and
Catacombs is the first Christian burial grounds in Salzburg. Since 696, monks
have been coming to the monastery to pray, live, and work. This site is
certainly one to behold. It isn't just a place to mourn but a place that
features gorgeous architecture and rock caves in the Mönchsberg.
The Klessheim Palace
Once upon a time, this magnificent Baroque structure
acted as the residence to Archbishops of Salzburg. Now the Salzburg Casino, it
is a beautiful place to partake in a little gambling, but that's not all. The
interior design, gardens, and pleasure grounds are all worth seeing. If you
make this trip, dress appropriately. There is a dress code for all those who
visit.
Sachertorte & Coffee
Germans are known for their amazingly thick, rich
chocolate cakes. So make your way to Sachertorte & Coffee for a piece of
the most exquisite dessert around, the Sachertorte.
Christmas Market/Christkindlmarkt
If you happen to visit Austria anytime in November or
December, you must make it to the Christmas Market. This age-old event is one
that will create memories that last a lifetime. The smell of roasted chestnuts
and mulled wines fill the air as you walk through the three squares, Domplatz,
Kapitelplatz, Residenzplatz taking in the true essence of the wonderful
holiday.
Christmas Museum
If you make it to the Christmas Market, then you must
make it up to the Christmas Museum. Luckily, the Salzburg's Christmas Museum is
a year-round attraction. This museum will teach you all that there is to know
regarding the spirit of Christmas and its history.
Salzburg Open-Air Museum
There is so much to experience at the Open-Air Museum.
With structures and artifacts that date back to the 16th-century, you will get
an intimate view of how the natives lived centuries ago. There are well over
100 historic structures, so get ready for a long, exciting day.
Stiegl Brauwelt
Calling all beer enthusiasts! This brewery will teach
you all about the history of beer through its enjoyable beer tasting and
exhibits. You don't want to miss this multi-sensory experience.
Toy Museum
Whether you brought the kids along or left them at
home, you should make a stop at the Toy Museum. This museum holds the most
extensive assortment of toys from around Europe. Nearly the entire museum is
hands-on and interactive, so there's no doubt, you'll feel like a kid again.
While in Town, Get a Horse and Carriage Ride
Horse and carriage rides are popular forms of
transportation when you're trying to get around town. The tourists especially
love them and for a good reason! Taking a carriage ride is one of the best ways
to learn all about the city as you see it from a unique perspective.
Last but Not Least, Try Austrian Food
This one may be kind of obvious, but you can't possibly
leave Austria without trying some of its authentic cuisines and traditional
foods. Austrians love their red meats, bread, and potatoes. Pair a mulled wine
or freshly brewed beer with a hearty meal at least once before you head home.
Some of the classic dishes you should consider include strudel, wiener
schnitzel, tafelspitz, and speckknödel.
Contact me today to book your Salzburg vacation.
Berlin has some of the most exciting nightlife in the
world. Whether you are looking for a night on the town, or an evening at the
theater, there is something for everyone. A little known fact about Berlin is
that they have a vibrant theater scene, which caters to people of all ages. If
you're looking to stay out late head to Mitte and Prenzlauer Berg, they are the
best areas in town for nightlife!
If you have a sweet tooth, then Berlin is the city for
you. As the capital of Germany, Berlin is host to some of the best bakeries in
the country. After a long day of exploring, indulge in some sweet treats to
finish the day. When in Berlin, you must try the Berliner, which is a
mouth-watering doughnut filled with jam and sprinkled with powdered sugar.
When it comes to pretzels, Germany is unrivaled. This
popular snack is a favorite not only among tourists but also locals. You can
find them all over Berlin at local bakeries, street vendors, and bars. German
pretzels are amazingly satisfying and delicious, especially when served with a
side of spicy mustard and a cold pint of beer!
Berlin is a city filled with history, culture, and
tradition. For a city nine times the size of Paris, you'll never run out of
things to discover. The city itself has more bridges than Venice, and more
canals than Amsterdam and Venice combined, which makes it perfect for river
cruising. In the city, you'll also find almost 200 museums, three world-class
opera houses, and nine castles. After a day of exploring, you'll want to go for
a pint of Berliner Weiße, which is the city's own specialty beer!
The Siegessäule, or Victory Column, is a very famous
monument celebrating Berlin's history. Constructed to commemorate the victories
of the Danish-Prussian War, the Austro-Prussian War, and the Franco-Prussian
War, the monument was completed in 1873. A gold statue of Victory was later
added to the top, giving the Victor Column the nickname of Golden Lizzy. The
monument was initially located in the Platz der Republik, but has since been
moved to the Großer Stern, and offers panoramic views of the city from the
viewing platform.
The Holocaust Memorial in Berlin displays some of the
most important moments and memories from the Holocaust. Opened in 2005, the
memorial features 2,711 unmarked grey concrete blocks that vary from eight
inches to over 15 feet in height. Take an afternoon and spend time walking
through the labyrinth-like memorial as you reflect on the city's history.
