Christmas in Austria: Salzburg

Scott and I had a rather busy month of December and before we knew it we were packing for our week long holiday in Austria. We decided to begin the week in Salzburg and then, mid-week, take the train to Vienna. We arrived in Salzburg on the Saturday before Christmas hoping to find lots of Christmas festivities, mountains, and snow. Well, we definitely found Christmas and mountains! Snow, on the other hand, could only be found in left over, now grey, mounds stacked up in parking lots and off in the distance on the high mountains. Austria was in the midst of one of the warmest December week's on record which meant we were treated to rain and drizzle over snow. No worries though, being UK residents we definitely know how to handle rain and drizzle!

We stayed at the Hotel Goldener Hirsch which is on one of the most famous streets in Austria, the Getreidegasse. Most of the buildings along this street, including Mozart's birthplace, were built in the 16th century. Closed to most motor vehicles, this now mainly pedestrian street is lined with shops of all kinds, restaurants and bars, and a few hotels, like ours. Overhead, the street is lined with shop signs dating from the Middle Ages. We learned that the signs usually contained some sort of picture painted on them depicting whatever goods were sold inside the shops as most people were not able to read. The original signs remain, but redecorated to depict the current business. Even the McDonald's had a large metalwork sign with a tiny "golden arches" worked into it! From our hotel, almost everything we wanted to do or see was within easy walking distance, which was great! There was a huge Christkindlemarkt which stretched throughout many of the sidestreets and squares adjoining Getreidegasse. Scott and I enjoyed walking through the market taking in the sights, enjoying the music, and sampling some of the treats. We did visit the Salzburg fortress, perched high on a hill above the city, and several churches. Salzburg is a city of music and we attended a dinner and classical concert at the Mirabell Palace as well.
We visited two of the most famous churches in Salzburg: The Salzburg Cathedral, and St. Peter's Abbey Church. Salzburg Cathedral dates from the 17th century and it is here that Mozart was baptised.

Inside the Salzburg Cathedral

We also spent some time in St. Peter's Abbey Church and actually returned here for the 11:00 p.m. service on Christmas Eve. For two Presbyterians attending a Catholic Christmas Eve service spoken entirely in German was definitely a different experience! We emerged from the service at about 12:30 a.m. to the sound of church bells pealing all around us, however, which was just fantastic! 

St. Peter's Abbey Church grounds include a graveyard and catacombs. We did wander through the graveyard, in daylight of course! The catacombs were not accessible on the day we were there. 

High up on a hillside overlooking Salzburg stands the Hohensalzburg Castle, or "Salzburg Fortress" as it's more commonly known. Construction was begun on this castle in 1077 and it is, today, one of the largest medieval castles in Europe. 

Within the Fortress walls

The view of the Alps from the Fortress.

Looking out over Salzburg from the Fortress.

Of course, in usual fashion, Scott took lots and lots of photographs in Salzburg. I seized the opportunity to try out my Christmas gift from Scott as well: a Canon PowerShot which fits neatly into my pocketbook and requires no more effort than pushing the button to turn it on and adjusting the telephoto before taking a picture. Here are some of our favourite photos from our time in Salzburg!

We took a horse drawn carriage ride through the city of Salzburg. This is one of the horses. He is "smiling" because he just tried to eat me! Scott asked me to pose beside him for a photo and the next thing I knew I felt something gnawing at my wrist. I looked down to see horse lips closed around the sleeve of my jacket! Ewwww!

The Salzach River runs through Salzburg. This is the "old town" of Salzburg including  the church steeples of the Salzburg Cathedral and St. Peter's Abbey Church, as well as the Salzburg Fortress.

We did visit a Marionette Museum whilst at the Fortress and, like many others, took advantage of these displays for some silly photo ops.
Tomorrow is Christmas Day and we are off too Ramsau in the Alps for a horse drawn sleigh ride!