Salzburg

Leaving by train from Innsbruck took only a couple of hours to bring us to Salzburg. While the scenery at the start of the trip was mountainous it slowly gave way to open rolling fields of richly coloured farmland.

Salzburg trolley bus network (buses attached like trams to overhead electric cables) is the most comprehensive we have seen. Having chosen our campsite from the 3 within a few minutes ride of town we were pleased to find that the site had a filtered view of the fortress and rooftops.

With a threatening sky full of dark clouds we made haste to pitch the Embassy. In the scuffle of pegs, strings, rocks and flysheets Steves finger made use of itself in a way not ordinarily recommended. Fingers, like Lonely Planet publications are not the best thing for hammering in tent pegs. Oozing quite a bit of blood he smiled and asked for a nurse (to finish pitching and packing the tent, not fix the finger).

Salzburg - 22 June

After a quick meal and checking the 999 satellite TV channels (only a few in English) the sky cleared somewhat and we headed into Salzburg. Walking through the old town we admired the popular shopping promenades, looked at the facade of Mozart's birthplace then retreated from the returning rain and thunder for a hot chocolate.

Warm and happy we dove back into the cold night air under our umbrellas to explore the other side of the river. Just our luck the annual music festival was in full swing, unfortunately the rain had kept the revellers from packing the streets. We enjoyed rock, jazz, classical and latin stage shows interrupted only marginally by thunder overhead. As the days are getting longer it is hard to judge what time it is so we found ourselves heading back for camp around 11pm.

Walking through the field of knee high grass leading to Campingplatz Panorama we turned suddenly to what appeared to be a huge clap of thunder. It turned out that the festival was concluded for the evening with a spectacular fireworks display, illuminating the valley, red roof tops and gleaming white fortress.

Day 1 - 23 June

It is always a good day when we start with French toast, juice and tea. While it was not absolutely decided the previous day Camilla had a plan. Salzburg is renowned for numerous things, Mozart, music, art, universities and the very cheesy 'Sound of Music' Tours. Arriving early at the Mirabell Gardens we admired the famous horse fountain, dwarf garden, open air theatre, long hedge lined passageways and the local music school performers.

After Camilla has worn herself out dancing on the theatre stage, singing and skipping through the vine covered archway it was clear that the 2pm Sound of Music tour 'needed' the Halls. Lunch was held by the river where we devoured an entire pack of Speck (Tirol smoked bacon), camembert and dips while watching the passing parade of families, boats and dog walkers.

While we are not tour-group travellers we do know some of the tricks of the trade. Once the tickets (worth every euro) were acquired we asked precisely where the bus would pull up, estimated the length of a coach and stated our claim at the front of the queue. We were accurate within centimetres and greeted heartily by the yoodelling bus driver Marcus. Trudy the tour leader bounded out behind him in full traditional Austrian highland attire.

On the front seat of the bus Camilla was grinning from ear to ear as Trudy introduced herself, asked who has seen the movie to squeals of delight (Steve ashamedly had to join the only other Aussie Bloke in putting up his hand at not having viewed the masterpiece). Our destinations included lake, gardens and back view of the Von Trapps home, Love Gazebo (which has been relocaed as the music school could not bear the singing and dancing tourist hoards back in 1970s), the monastry and drive around the fortress. Once the in town sights were photographed we headed, singing and cheering, to Lake Wolfgang (splendid) where the mountaintop steam train is located, and Lake Mondsee where the trees the children climb have now grown enormous.

Finally, an icecream to placate Steve and quick visit to the church where Maria married Captain Von Trapp. All together, the tour was a great sucess and an interesting insight into a film which is not only world famous but based (fairly accurately) on a true story of a Salzburg romance during WWII.

Walking over the Mozart bridge (also featured in the Sound of Music we now realise) we headed through town to the traditional beer gardens for our first Austrian stien. To work off some of the calories we climbed the hill for an uncompromised view over Salzburg and the surrounding districts.

Winding our way back down the narrow stairs past the festival halls we rejoined the music festival that was in full swing and well attended due to blue sky. Dinner and drink included an enormous donut pretzel, half a BBQ chicken and two glasses of wine next to the jazz and salsa stage till late in the evening.

We have visited many pretty towns so far and Salzburg is one that present in immaculate condition complete with soul and points of interest for all.