"Salzburg's "Dead Month" Was A Winner" a Salzburg Travel Page by AnnS

I've been to Salzburg twice in the past - once just to pass through the airport on a package tour to the Tyrol in 1999 and once on a day trip from another part of Austria in 1982. The day trip was a disaster because it poured with rain the entire day and the whole city was shrouded in a miserable mist. However, I'd registered how beautiful it must be in better conditions and vowed to return.

The reason I haven't done so before is that flights from London Gatwick (my local airport) to Salzburg have been rarer than hen's teeth and are usually restricted to ski package charters. But this year, I suddenly noticed that Thomsonfly was offering regular flights, at very low cost, between November and March, so I pounced on one immediately. I easily booked a hotel too so the possibility of bad weather was the only concern.

I was SO lucky! Two of my three full days in Salzburg were in glorious sunshine, the trees were beautiful autumn colours which enhanced all my photographs and there were hardly any tourists in town. I was told by the locals that November is the only quiet month in the city, when summer activities have stopped and the Christmas festivities are yet to start. There were a few tours still on offer - the inevitable Sound of Music tour and a Mozart dinner concert - but anyone who wants a full itinerary of organised activities should avoid this time of year.

For me, it was perfect. I trotted about seeing everything of interest - without crowds, without queues, and felt as if I was just sharing life with the locals.

I think a visit to Salzburg could easily become an annual date for me. In four short days I felt totally rejuvenated by crystal clear air, good food, lots of exercise and sound sleep... from which I was awakened every morning by the sound of church bells. It's a place that gave me a tremendous sense of wellbeing and I would recommend it to anyone needing a quick re-charge of their batteries.