After sipping an espresso to start the day off right, we were ready to explore Salzburg. Old Salzburg is perfectly walkable, many streets are pedestrian only.

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Saint Peter’s Abbey & Catacombs

Carved directly into Monchsberg Rock are the St Peters catacombs. Believed to be constructed by early Christian’s as a place of worship, they are impressive to behold. For 2€ one can enter, heading up into the cliffside. There are two small areas open to explore, both are considered “chapels”. Altars remain inside. Small carved windows overlook the cemetery below.

Nestled between Monchsberg Rock and the cathedral lays St Peters Cemetery. I found this a particularly beautiful cemetery and loved wandering the paths. Here I learned a key difference between Doug and myself. He finds graveyards creepy. I do not. Who knew? Each plot was meticulously maintained and adorned. Flowers, plants, candles amongst the memorials. It was lovely.

Stiftsjirche St Peter is one of those typical ridiculously gorgeous European cathedrals. It comes complete with soaring ceilings, stunning architecture, paintings and gilding. Upon our arrival the pews were packed with young school children. Consequently, we got the rather unique experience of just how loud the cathedral can be when crammed full. As they slowly filed out in orderly groups the abbey returned to a place of respectful silence.

There are quite a few other churches and cathedrals around the area, we visited Margarethenkapelle in the cemetery. It boasted lovely stained glass windows. Franziskanerkirche, next to St. Peter’s, was gorgeous with its soaring pillars, gilded altar and an impressive organ. We briefly considered entering the main cathedral, aptly named Salzburg Cathedral, but decided against as they charge to enter. However, they do offer live organ music in the cathedral at noon which I would have loved to hear had we been there at the correct time.

As a note, if you’re trying to escape the cold by entering a church you are out of luck. Pretty sure they don’t heat anything in those vast open cathedrals. I could only imagine what that heating bill would be. Keep your coat on, it’s frigid inside.

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Richterhohe

Winding up a set of mystery stairs by the Felsenreitschule (theatre from the Sound of Music) we continued up the road with no particular destination in mind. Key words being up. Up stairs. Up the road. To the top of the hill. We found rather nice views, a Buddhist Stupa, part of Salzburgs original fortification wall (Burgerwehr Monchsberg), all while taking an excellent walk through the park.

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Felsenreitschule

Out of pure luck we were able to visit the theatre after Doug noticed a sign offering an afternoon tour. Perfect! I so wanted to see the theatre! I didn’t even care that the tour was in German (which I don’t understand, let alone speak). I wasn’t the only one in the group who couldn’t understand and our guide did include us as much as possible.

What had never occurred to me was that there are two stages inside. Truth be told I really only wanted to see the one represented in The Sound of Music. Such a fabulous film. Though I’ll admit the other stage had lovely woodwork and we got to go backstage.

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Gasthof Goldgasse

For someone who loves food, Gasthof Goldgasse is a delightful dining option. White tablecloths mixed with exposed wooden beams give this Austrian restaurant a cozy log cabin feel. Serving a variety of traditional to Austrian inspired dishes, nearly anyone can find something delectable on the menu.

Doug chose the very traditional Wiener Schnitzel, a thinly pounded, breaded and fried cut of veal served with potatoes and a lemon wedge. It may be one of Austria’s most known dishes. I selected roasted venison. We shall just say I chose better. Unless you really like fried. While I had a bite of the veal, and it was pretty good I’d still choose the venison any day. Seriously, it melted in your mouth! So yummy! We left very full and very happy.

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