""Blossom of snow, may you bloom and... " a Austria Travel Page by adambeau

Mozart's Baroque Salzburg
Beyond the portal of everyday life is a place that will enchant even the most discriminating traveller, and utterly captivate those who seek out this luxuriant destination.
I refer of course, to Salzburg Austria.

The abundance of its Baroque character is equally matched by the most invigorating scenery that surrounds this entirely gothic land.

My stroll back through time may never be completed until I return to this vibrant city of opulence and bask in its monolithic delights.

---

Salzburg

My arrival in Salzburg by horseless carriage was one of the most breathtaking, quixotic tours encountered, deftly winding through the picturesque Salzkammergut from another awe-inspiring destination, a little known treasure called Hallstatt, Austria. (Perhaps you've answered it's imperial call as well...)

Distinctively separated by the Salzach River, Salzburg continuously inflicts its wondrous charm and appeal with just a subtle glance across its churning green waters.
From either side of the Salzach, one has the instant urge to race between its bridges and be rewarded by the immense antiquity, and relish those newly created.

Guarding over this ornate city is the largest Midieval fortress in central Europe, the Festung HohenSalzburg, a view that is only championed by the panorama at its pinnacle.
Hike up, or ride the (festungsbahn) funicular to its 120m lofty domain above the river, or use the elevator of Mönchsborg (the east side of old town) and gaze out upon the beauty that delivered and inspired a true genius onto its soil, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

---

OberSalzburg

From Salzburg (and, yes dear friends, I say, 'Salzbourg'), my stroll back through time carried me upward to OberSalzburg and into Berchtesgaden, Germany, where an Eagle's Nest, though inaccessible at the time of my visit in early May, beholds an unjustly overlooked spectacular destination for the mountain-view-seeking tourist.

---

Konigsee

Descending back through time brought me hurtling into the Konigsee area, where my 21st century carriage delivered me into St. Gilgen, St. Wolfgang and the St. Wolfgangsee regions with a feeling of helpless surrender to the elements.
These areas are simply beyond this writers ability to justly describe nature's sound of music that is melodiously heard between Salzkammergut and Hallstatt.

---

Reutte and Pinswang

An Austrian visit will not be complete without sampling the fineries that Royalty sealed its indelible imprint upon. That is, the King's Castles in Germany, a one-hour hike or half hour bike ride from the romantic countryside's of Reutte and Pinswang.

---

Wien (Vienna)

A shoppers dream come true, situated in one of the most romantic cities imaginable. Add modern flair to an already dazzling environment and you've arrived in Vienna.

---

Konigschlosser (see Germany)

Hohenschwangau. King Ludwig II birthplace, and home for his mom and dad. Dear dad built a little homestead he thought quite special. (It is remarkable!) Not to be bested, Ludwig decided another castle, even more luxurious than his dad's was in order, and began building a loftier, mightier castle, that to this day remains less than 1/3 complete.
Ludwig's good friend, (not telling who 'he' is on this page) had rarely the opportunity to wear down the ivories in his own private room at the original 'fantasy castle' that even inspired Walt Disney.

The tour at Neuschwanstein is a remarkably short 45 minutes, but well worth the horse-drawn carriage ride up (and down if you're caught in a rain storm like I was), especially for those in a physical condition less than a bavarian yodler.

(Edelweiß lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein,II)