After a shocking early departure from stansted airport (6:30am departure meant a 3:00am wake up) we arrived in Salzburg to light flurries of snow and the temperature hovering around zero. Bused into town and found our hostel, which is central and close to everything.
Spent our first day wandering around town, getting orientated and enjoying the scenery. By the afternoon the clouds had lifted and we could see the snow capped mountains surrounding town. We climbed up to an old monastery for some good views of the city. Highlight of the first night was finding the Christmas markets and having glüwein and chocolate pretzels for dinner. Rounded off the first night by by watching 'The Sound of Music', which appears to be the only DVD the hostel owns.
Garden from the Sound of Music
View over old town with the Alps and the Fortress behind
Day two started with a late breakfast before catching the funicular up to the fortress. The views of the city and the mountains were spectacular, particularly helped by a nice blue sky day. We spent most of the day exploring the fortress, the state rooms, torture chamber and a random puppet museum before wandering back down the hill to town. Now it's time to hit the Christmas markets again for some dinner.
View from the Fortress
The fortress buildings
View over town
Snowy park
Beer hall!
More snowiness
Giant chocolate éclair!
Giant chocolate éclair!
