Our Alpine Countries Adventure
Welcome to our travel journal — a heartfelt documentation of an unforgettable 14-day journey through the heart of the Alpine region in the three German-speaking countries: Germany (Day 1-4, 7-9), Switzerland (Day 5, 6) and Austria (Day 10-14).
Day 10 : Exploring Salzburg & Evening concert
Salzburg, the enchanting Austrian city nestled at the foot of the Alps, is a symphony of history, music, and breathtaking landscapes. Famous as the birthplace of Mozart and the backdrop for The Sound of Music, it beckons travelers with its baroque charm and fairy-tale vistas. We had a full day to immerse ourselves in its wonders, starting with the elegant Mirabell Palace, wandering across the iconic bridges over the Salzach River, ascending to hilltop panoramas, and culminating in an unforgettable evening at the majestic Hohensalzburg Fortress. Join us on this journey through a day that felt like stepping into a living postcard.
Our adventure began after a city tour. We left our hotel and made our way toward the Salzach River, the shimmering artery that divides Salzburg's old and new towns. Crossing the Makartsteg Bridge—adorned with thousands of love locks left by couples from around the world—felt like a rite of passage. The gentle rush of the turquoise waters below, fed by Alpine glaciers, provided a soothing soundtrack as we paused midway to admire the views: baroque spires on one side, modern cafes on the other, with the fortress crowning the scene. It's moments like these that make Salzburg feel alive, a bridge not just over water but between centuries. We couldn't resist adding our own imaginary lock to the tradition, whispering wishes into the breeze.
We then visited the Mirabell Palace, a 17th-century baroque masterpiece built by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau as a love letter to his mistress. The palace itself is stunning, but it's the gardens that steal the show—manicured hedges, vibrant flower beds, and mythical statues that transport you to a bygone era. We strolled through the rose gardens, humming tunes from The Sound of Music (this is where Maria and the children sang "Do-Re-Mi"!), and paused at the Pegasus Fountain for photos. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and in the distance, the fortress loomed like a guardian over the city. It was the perfect start, blending romance and whimsy.
Photo Gallery : ​Row 1 : The Bridge & the Fortress, Row 2 : Mirabell Palace, Row 3 : Hill Top view
Bobby's aeroplane assembled with cardboard paper
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Salzburg isn't just a city of Mozart melodies and fairy-tale fortresses—it's a place where families can split paths for a perfect day of personalized discoveries. We headed to the Museum der Moderne Mönchsberg, perched dramatically atop the Mönchsberg hill and reached via a convenient elevator carved right through the mountain. This sleek, modern gallery houses rotating exhibitions of 20th- and 21st-century art—think bold installations, thought-provoking paintings, and multimedia pieces that spark curiosity. What makes it especially family-friendly? Free entry for kids and young people under 19, plus dedicated children's programs, workshops, and playful birthday party options starting from age five. The kids explored interactive elements, drew inspiration from the exhibits, and even participated in creative activities designed just for them. They loved the sense of freedom in the spacious galleries and the stunning views from the museum's terrace, where Salzburg's old town sprawled below like a storybook scene. It was a hit—art that felt alive and approachable, not stuffy or intimidating.
From up here at Mönchsberg hill, the entire city unfolded like a living map: the Salzach River glittering below, the Hohensalzburg Fortress dominating the skyline, baroque rooftops stretching toward the Alps. The fresh mountain air, birdsong, and gentle rustle of leaves created a perfect antidote to the bustle below. I lingered at the lookouts, snapping photos and simply soaking in the tranquility—ideal for recharging while the kids enjoyed their creative time. It's a family-friendly hike too, with paths suitable for most ages, though sturdy shoes help on steeper sections.
Salzburg isn't just a destination; it's an experience that lingers in the soul. From the floral elegance of Mirabell to the melodic heights of Hohensalzburg, our full-day exploration revealed layers of beauty and intrigue.
As the afternoon waned into evening, on our way to the evening concert, we met a street performance band. We would have stayed longer to listen to the beautific music if our concert wouldn't start soon.
We ascended to the crown jewel of Salzburg: the Hohensalzburg Fortress, perched dramatically atop Festungsberg Hill. Reached by a funicular ride that offers teasing glimpses of the city below, this 11th-century behemoth is one of Europe's largest medieval castles. We explored its ramparts, museums, and torture chambers (a grim but fascinating peek into history), but the real magic unfolded with the evening Mozart concert. In the Golden Hall, surrounded by ornate frescoes, a chamber classical band brought Wolfgang Amadeus's masterpieces to life—violins soaring through sonatas as the sun dipped behind the Alps. The sunset painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, casting a golden glow over the rooftops far below. Sipping wine during intermission, we watched the city lights flicker on, feeling like we'd stepped into a romantic novel. It was the perfect crescendo to our day, blending culture, history, and nature in harmonious perfection.
