"The Sound of the Salzburger Stier " a Salzburg Travel Page by monkeyfeesh

As you probably don't need me to tell you, Salzburg is famously associated with the Sound of Music and Mozart, and infamously associated with tourist-focused exploitation of same. Now, as somebody with a general dislike of musical films (I think musicals should be confined to stage) and a specific hatred of the Sound of Music (I've never managed to watch more than 5 minutes without being utterly disgusted by it), it may seem a strange choice of destination. Indeed, my girlfriend was much more interested in the idea of travelling there than I - cheap flights were available from Ryanair, and I was pushing for Rome. In the end though, she convinced me to go. And I'm glad that I did.

Salzburg occupies the valley of the river Salzach. The "Aldstadt" occupies the west bank of the river, and is the primary tourist focus. The "Neustadt" occupies the east bank, and is definitely as interesting and pretty.

Make no mistake - Salzburg is remarkably beautiful, sandwiched between the Kapuzinerberg and Mönschberg, straddling the river. There are a few things to consider if you intend to visit during the winter (besides the cold), which I'll try to point out in my travel tips.

From my visit I would guess that Salzburg would be beautiful at any time year, but that at least two visits in different seasons (one *must* be in winter) would be necessary really appreciate it. In the winter, the snow is thick and frequent, the trees bare and skeletal. It's a stark beauty. I get the feeling it would be equally stunning when the trees and flowers are in full bloom and the weather more temperate.

P.S. The Salzburger Stier is the old organ you can see up in the Festung Hohensalzburg which used to sound three times a day, reminding the people of Salzburg of the time and what they should be doing.