FRAMED WITH WONDER

Robin Kory

Aspiring Photographer, Traveler at Heart

Germany & Austria Road Trip Part I: Augsburg, Eagle’s Nest, Hallstatt and Salzburg

Some trips begin with a destination in mind. This one started with a concert.

When NOFX announced their final tour stop in Augsburg, it felt like the perfect excuse to plan something bigger. From there, one idea led to another: continuing south into the Alps, spending time around Berchtesgaden and Hallstatt, and eventually slowing down in Salzburg before moving on to places like Eisriesenwelt, Burg Hohenwerfen, and the lakes near Königssee.

This first part of our journey follows that opening stretch—from Augsburg into Austria—combining a punk rock concert with time in the Alps, a historic salt mine, and several days exploring Salzburg before continuing deeper into the mountains.

Augsburg: One of Germany’s Oldest Cities

We began in Augsburg, one of Germany’s oldest cities, founded as a Roman settlement at the meeting point of important trade routes between Italy and northern Europe. Located in Bavaria, just north of the Alps, Augsburg’s long history is still easy to see today in its churches, historic waterways, and compact old town.

A city square in Augsburg lined with pastel-colored historic buildings, tram wires overhead, and a fountain at the center.
Augsburg Town Hall with the Augustus Fountain in the foreground under a partly cloudy sky.
A cyclist rides along tram tracks through a busy street in Augsburg lined with historic buildings and cafés.
A modern tram passes a colorful mural-covered historic building in Augsburg’s city center.
The Herkulesbrunnen fountain in Augsburg featuring a bronze statue of Hercules atop a sculpted pedestal surrounded by historic buildings.
Outdoor café tables set beneath white umbrellas in front of a pastel-colored historic building in Augsburg.
The façade of St. Ulrich and Afra Basilica in Augsburg with one visible tower topped by a turquoise dome and a large clock.
The Perlachturm clock tower rises above a lively street with tram lines and pedestrians in Augsburg.
A flower and produce stall at an outdoor market in Augsburg with potted plants, vegetables, and a straw-covered umbrella.

One of our first stops was the Cathedral of Augsburg (Augsburger Dom). The cathedral is especially known for its stained glass windows depicting Old Testament prophets, which date to the late 11th and early 12th centuries and are the oldest surviving stained glass windows in Germany. Standing beneath them, it’s hard not to notice how vibrant and colorful they still are after nearly a thousand years.

Augsburg Cathedral with its tall green spires framed by trees in the foreground.
Close-up of an ornate bronze lion-head door knocker set into a carved wooden door in Augsburg.
A vaulted cloister corridor at Augsburg Cathedral with ribbed stone ceilings, arched windows, and potted plants along the walls.
The interior of Augsburg Cathedral showing tall Gothic arches, rows of pews, and stained glass windows behind the altar.
A stained glass window in Augsburg Cathedral showing a standing figure holding a scroll, surrounded by patterned glass.

Wandering along the Lech canals (Lechkanäle) offered a quieter contrast. Part of Augsburg’s historic water management system and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the canals continue to run through the city, often right beside narrow streets and old houses.

A pale green historic building in Augsburg standing directly beside a narrow canal with calm water.
A small canal in Augsburg bordered by lush greenery, flowers, and a narrow footbridge.
A narrow canal in Augsburg with trees, a footbridge, and a white church building with a small tower.

We also visited the Leopold Mozart House, where Leopold Mozart—father of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart—was born. While Wolfgang himself was born in Salzburg, Augsburg’s connection to the Mozart family adds an interesting layer to the story before heading west.

A tall red historic building in Augsburg with white-trimmed windows and a sign reading “Leopold Mozart Haus” above the entrance.
Interior exhibit room of the Leopold Mozart House in Augsburg with historic prints, windows, and an illuminated city map table.

Our time in Augsburg was brief, but it was enough to leave us wanting to return. There’s far more to see here than can fit into a single day.

That evening, we shifted gears completely and headed to the Gaswerk Open Air for the NOFX concert. It was loud, energetic, and a reminder that this trip was built on contrasts—ancient cathedrals and Mozart one day, punk rock the next.

NOFX performing on stage at an outdoor concert in Augsburg with a large crowd gathered in front of the band.
A large banner reading “NOFX Final Tour” featuring a colorful illustrated skeleton holding melting ice cream.
A tall tower at Gaswerk Augsburg with a large mural reading “Ich bin dein Platz für Kreativität” and an illustrated bird.
The Gaswerk Augsburg complex with historic industrial buildings, towers, and open green space under a bright blue sky.
The band Circle Jerks performing on stage at an outdoor concert in Augsburg with a crowd gathered close to the stage.

Into the Alps: Eagle’s Nest and Our First Alpine Views

The next day, we drove toward the Alps with plans that intentionally stayed flexible. With rain and flooding forecast later in the week, we decided to adjust our route and visit the Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus) earlier than planned. It meant a bit of backtracking on the map, but the timing worked out perfectly.

A wide alpine valley with scattered villages, green fields, and layered mountain ridges under a blue sky.
A wide view of rugged alpine mountains rising above green valleys under a partly cloudy sky near the Eagle’s Nest.

Located in the Obersalzberg area—a mountainside region above the town of Berchtesgaden in the Bavarian Alps—the Eagle’s Nest is reached by a bus ride up the mountain, followed by a tunnel carved into the rock and an elevator that ascends directly into the summit building at 1,834 meters (1.1 miles).

The history of the site is impossible to ignore. Built during the Nazi era, the Eagle’s Nest was intended as a place to host visiting dignitaries, and Adolf Hitler is known to have visited only rarely. Today, it serves as a place for historical reflection, with signs and exhibits acknowledging its past alongside its role as a popular viewpoint. We timed our visit well and were rewarded with clear vistas and a memorable lunch at the mountaintop café.

The Eagle’s Nest building with visitors walking along a path and blue umbrellas on a terrace overlooking the mountains.
A person standing on a rocky outcrop with arms raised, surrounded by steep cliffs and alpine peaks.
A wooden summit cross decorated with a wreath and an edelweiss emblem against a cloudy alpine sky.
A stone building perched on a rocky slope with alpine trees and clouds drifting across nearby peaks.
A dining room with wooden tables and chairs beneath exposed beams inside the Eagle’s Nest.
A stairway with a wooden railing descending along a hillside overlooking a green alpine valley.
A stone corridor with arched windows overlooking alpine valleys inside the Eagle’s Nest.
A stone tunnel entrance set into the mountainside with heavy doors and greenery above.
Silhouetted visitors walking through a long, arched tunnel toward a bright opening at the Eagle’s Nest.
A closer view of a narrow alpine lake surrounded by steep cliffs and snow-dusted mountain peaks.
The dramatic landscape surrounding Königssee, seen from the Eagle’s Nest.

Nearby, the Documentation Center Obersalzberg and its bunker system provide deeper historical context. While we didn’t visit this time, it’s an important stop for those wanting a fuller understanding of the area’s past.

Hallstatt: A Fairytale Town and a Night by the Lake

From Berchtesgaden, we continued into Austria toward Hallstatt, a small lakeside village in the Salzkammergut region, set between steep alpine slopes and the shores of Hallstätter See. The area has a long history tied to salt mining, with archaeological evidence of settlement stretching back thousands of years. It’s a place that often looks unreal in photos—and somehow even more striking in person.

A swan glides across Lake Hallstatt with the village, church spire, and misty mountains behind it.

We stayed one night at a lakeside room with a balcony, right on the water. The room was comfortable, the location couldn’t have been better, and the views across the lake and mountains were incredible. As evening settled in, swans even drifted past the balcony, a special moment that felt like Hallstatt saying goodnight.

Lakeside guesthouse and cafe building in Hallstatt with reflected in the calm water of Lake Hallstatt, backed by a forested hillside.
A bedroom with a full bed looks out through a window toward Hallstatt Lake.

Wandering Hallstatt means following narrow streets, climbing steep paths and stairways, and occasionally turning a corner to find a quiet viewpoint or unexpected detail. The village reveals itself gradually as you move up and down through it, with hidden spots and elevated paths offering new perspectives along the way.

Traditional yellow house with wooden balconies and the Salzhaus sign in Hallstatt, Austria.
The Door of History museum building in Hallstatt with a waterfall cascading down the forested hillside behind it.
A narrow street in Hallstatt lined with wooden houses, flower boxes, and colorful façades.
Wooden houses climbing the green hillside above Hallstatt.
Hallstatt rooftops with the church and Hotel Grüner Baum visible along the lakeshore.

Down closer to the water, the lakeside promenade opens up to wide views across Hallstätter See toward the surrounding mountains.

Colorful houses lining the edge of Lake Hallstatt with mountains rising behind the village.
Swans swimming in Lake Hallstatt with lakeside buildings, wooden boathouses, and a church tower behind them.
Lake Hallstatt with calm green water, village buildings along the shoreline, and steep rocky mountains rising behind them.
A swan floats on Lake Hallstatt with steep mountains and clouds reflected in the water.

Nearby, the Market Square (Marketplatz) feels like something out of a fairytale, framed by historic buildings and the church rising above it.

Colorful houses and benches surround Hallstatt’s square with a church tower rising behind them.
The Holy Trinity Column rises at the center of Hallstatt’s square with traditional houses and balconies behind it.
A cat sits in a doorway looking out onto Hallstatt’s quiet square in a black-and-white scene.
Colorful traditional houses in Hallstatt with flower boxes and wooden balconies.

A visit to the Catholic Parish Church of Hallstatt, along with its cemetery and Charnel House (Bone House), offers insight into local burial traditions shaped by limited space and a long history.

The Hallstatt parish church perched above colorful houses with forested mountains in the background.
Painted human skulls arranged on shelves beneath a crucifix inside the Hallstatt Bone House.
A narrow stone walkway in Hallstatt leading uphill toward a church tower framed by greenery and old buildings.

One spot not to miss is the Panoramic Viewpoint (Aussichtspunkt Hallstatt) on the north side of town. It’s worth walking a bit farther than you think—the iconic view of the church and lake reveals itself only after rounding the bend.

A lakeside view of Hallstatt with its church spire reflected in the water, surrounded by alpine mountains.
Colorful wooden houses climbing a hillside in Hallstatt with a church and forested cliffs behind them.

That evening, we had dinner at Braugasthof Lobisser, a historic lakeside restaurant that has been mentioned in records as far back as 1472 and was granted the right to brew beer in 1504. We ate outside along the water beneath a roughly 150-year-old chestnut tree, and as rain moved in, we watched a storm roll across the lake while staying dry beneath its branches. It was a memorable end to our day in Hallstatt.

Two glowing red and orange lanterns hang from a wooden lakeside tree in Hallstatt, with traditional boathouses and a forested mountain rising across the water in the background.
Red café tables sit beside the lake in Hallstatt beneath hanging lanterns and leafy branches, with mountains rising in the background.

Salzwelten Hallstatt: Inside the World’s Oldest Salt Mine

The next morning began foggy and quiet, perfect for visiting Salzwelten Hallstatt, the historic salt mine above town that brings Hallstatt’s 7,000-year mining story to life before continuing on to Salzburg.

A funicular ride (Salzbergbahn) carries you up the mountainside to the Hallstatt Skywalk, known as the “World Heritage View” observation platform. Located just in front of the historic Restaurant Rudolfsturm, the Skywalk extends out over the valley and offers sweeping views of Hallstatt, Lake Hallstatt, and the surrounding mountains. Standing here makes it easy to understand why this area earned UNESCO World Heritage status—the dramatic setting, the tightly clustered villages below, and the landscape shaped by salt mining over thousands of years all come together in one unforgettable view.

Rudolfsturm restaurant and walkway leading to the Hallstatt Skywalk above the alpine valley.
Forested hillside with the funicular track and a small building near the top, surrounded by trees and mist.
The Hallstatt Skywalk viewing platform beside the Rudolfsturm overlooking the alpine valley
Panoramic view of a village near Hallstatt and Lake Hallstatt surrounded by steep alpine mountains

Inside the mine, we put on coveralls and followed tunnels carved deep into the mountain. Highlights included riding the historic wooden slides once used by miners, traveling out of the mine on the small miners’ train, and seeing the underground salt lake illuminated with colorful lighting. We also learned about archaeological discoveries, including a prehistoric wooden staircase uncovered within the mine, preserved for thousands of years by salt and dated to around 1344 BCE—the oldest known staircase in Europe.

Stone mine portal at Hallstatt Salt Mine with open wooden doors, narrow rail tracks leading inside, and a guide in a miner’s jacket standing at the entrance.
A dimly lit mining tunnel reinforced with arched metal ribs and a wood-plank central path, with a person walking away from the camera toward deeper darkness.
A long wooden staircase unearthed in the salt mine, its worn timber steps and supports illuminated against the surrounding rock.
A wooden bucket labeled “Alter Förderkübel” suspended by a metal hook against a rough rock wall inside the salt mine.
Interior of the salt mine showing a steep wooden slide, timber supports, a monitor displaying camera views, and LED strip lighting.
Visitors wearing white protective suits riding a narrow miners’ train through the Hallstatt Salt Mine tunnel.
A small industrial locomotive with a headlamp and carts behind it parked on rails inside the salt mine.
A still saltwater lake inside the Hallstatt Salt Mine reflecting green light, an illuminated box and the surrounding rock ceiling.
A weathered mine cart on narrow rails filled with rocks, positioned beside wooden walls inside the salt mine.

After the tour, we walked the trail back down to town, enjoying shifting clouds and changing views of the lake below, even passing a large waterfall just above Hallstatt.

(Note: The Hallstatt salt mine and funicular are currently closed for renovation and are expected to reopen in summer 2026. In the meantime, visitors can reach Salzwelten Altaussee via shuttle from Hallstatt.)

Salzburg: History, Music, and Exploring the Old Town

Salzburg, the fourth-largest city in Austria, sits along the Salzach River near the German border, and its location shaped the city from the very beginning. The river provided a natural trade route, while nearby salt deposits brought long-term wealth and influence. Founded as the Roman settlement of Juvavum, Salzburg later developed as a church-ruled city rather than a royal capital. That history is still visible today in the compact old town, where churches, monasteries, and civic buildings are closely woven together beneath the fortress above.

A panoramic view of Salzburg’s Old Town with multiple church towers, green hills, and Hohensalzburg Fortress on the ridge in the background.
Copper-green church domes and towers rising above Salzburg’s Old Town rooftops with wooded hills in the background.
A tall stone church tower with a green copper spire and clock rises above a grassy hillside, with trees and pastel buildings at the base in Salzburg.
A close-up of a stone horse sculpture at the Residenzbrunnen in Salzburg, with water flowing from its mouth into the fountain basin.
Hohensalzburg Fortress sits illuminated on a hill at night above the Salzach River, with a glowing yellow building reflected in the water below.
Narrow street in Salzburg’s Old Town lined with tall pastel buildings and hanging shop signs, leading toward the white Old Town Hall clock tower with a green spire and clock face.
Baroque stone sculpture of a rearing horse and a kneeling figure at the Pferdeschwemme horse well in Salzburg.
Salzburg church towers with Hohensalzburg Fortress rising above the city
Baroque church with a large green copper dome and white façade with people sitting near a low fountain and a horse-drawn carriage passing in front.
Ornate wrought-iron guild sign featuring a lion and decorative wreath in Salzburg.
A narrow pedestrian street in Salzburg with pastel buildings, ornate wrought-iron shop signs, and a gently curving stone pavement.
A bronze statue of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart standing on a stone pedestal in a Salzburg square, surrounded by historic buildings.
Bronze child statue sitting atop a white fountain column, with fish sculptures and flowers, in a pastel Salzburg square.
A statue of a man standing atop a large golden sphere in Kapitelplatz, with a historic building behind it.
The Wilder-Mann Brunnen fountain features a bronze wild man statue holding a staff and the Salzburg coat of arms, set in front of the Salzburg Collegiate Church.
A narrow paved lane with a small ground-level fountain leading toward pastel-colored buildings with café tables and red umbrellas in Salzburg.
An elevated view over Salzburg’s Old Town showing church domes, towers, and rooftops framed by green hills under a cloudy sky.
Large Baroque horse trough fountain with a sculpted Neptune figure standing in an arched stone niche, water flowing into a shallow basin, with Hohensalzburg Fortress rising on the green hillside behind.

For us, staying inside the Old Town brought Salzburg’s history right to our doorstep. We stayed three nights at Altstadthotel Weisse Taube, whose name translates to White Dove, a protected medieval town house documented as early as 1365 that has welcomed travelers for centuries. Comfortable and perfectly located, it made it easy to explore the Old Town on foot.

The exterior of Altstadthotel Weisse Taube in Salzburg’s Old Town, with flags hanging above the entrance and historic lettering on the facade.
A cozy hotel lounge with magenta sofas, warm floor lamps, a leather armchair, and colorful artwork on a soft green wall.
Modern hotel room at Hotel Weisse Taube in Salzburg with wooden floors, purple walls, and pink accent pillows.
Decorative metal sign with a white dove reading “Hotel” at Hotel Weisse Taube in Salzburg.

Mozart in Salzburg

While exploring Salzburg, we visited Mozart’s Birthplace (Mozarts Geburtshaus) on Getreidegasse, a lively Old Town street lined with historic buildings and shops. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, one of the most influential composers in Western classical music—known for works such as The Magic Flute and Requiem—was born here in 1756. The museum occupies the apartment where the Mozart family lived for 26 years and offers a tangible connection to his early life in the city.

One particularly fascinating detail we encountered was a copy of the painting Mozart in Verona, which depicts the teenage composer seated at a keyboard in a richly detailed red coat. The sheet music shown in the painting is so precisely rendered that scholars were able to identify it as a short piano work—now known as the “Veronese Allegro”—a composition attributed to the young Mozart and preserved only through this image. It’s a rare case where visual art helps safeguard a piece of musical history.

The bright yellow exterior of Mozarts Geburtshaus in Salzburg with white-trimmed windows, iron window grilles, and visitors gathered at the entrance.
A historic music room inside Mozarts Geburtshaus featuring a small keyboard instrument, an ornate pipe organ, parquet flooring, and a chandelier overhead.
A furnished historic room inside Mozarts Geburtshaus with wooden floors, antique chairs, tables set with dishes, framed artwork, and large windows along the far wall.
A historic kitchen inside Mozarts Geburtshaus with a white masonry stove, hanging copper cookware, wooden beams, and a small window letting in daylight.
A copy of a painted portrait of a young Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart wearing a red coat while seated at a keyboard with sheet music in front of him.
Mozart’s original violin displayed upright in a glass case inside Mozarts Geburtshaus, with a softly lit museum gallery in the background.

Although Mozart eventually left Salzburg in search of artistic freedom, his legacy is deeply woven into the city. Churches, residences, and concert halls still echo with his music, and it’s impossible to walk through the Old Town without encountering reminders of his life and work. That presence carries into everyday places as well, from historic buildings to the cafés that celebrate his name.

One such spot is Café Mozart, located just steps from Mozart’s Birthplace. Founded in 1824 and named in honor of the composer, it’s long been part of Salzburg’s traditional café culture. We stopped in after visiting the museum for a short break—coffee and cake in a place that still celebrates the city’s musical history.

The entrance to Café Mozart in Salzburg with red signage, floral decorations, and menu boards beside the doorway.
A slice of layered chocolate cake with light cream filling sits on a white plate with a fork at Café Mozart in Salzburg.

Fortress Hohensalzburg

Towering above the city, Fortress Hohensalzburg (Festung Hohensalzburg) is one of Europe’s largest and best-preserved medieval fortresses. Construction began in 1077, commissioned by the archbishops of Salzburg during a period of political conflict, and the complex was expanded over centuries as their power grew. Taking the FestungsBahn funicular up made the ascent easy, while walking back down offered changing views across the old town and surrounding mountains.

Massive stone fortress walls and towers of Hohensalzburg Fortress rising above green hills and pale historic buildings in Salzburg.

Inside the fortress, we explored several highlights, including St. George’s Church (Georgskirche), the Chamber of Friesinger, the Golden Chamber, the Chapel of Archbishop Leonhard von Keutschach, exhibits connected to the Salzburger Bull (Salzburger Stier)—an early mechanical organ installed in the early 16th century to signal time and events to the city below—along with museums tracing the site’s military, civic, and religious history.

A small courtyard features white stone buildings, a clock tower, and a painted sundial on the wall.
A carved statue of a crowned medieval ruler holding a sword, displayed against a plain wall inside Hohensalzburg Fortress.
A partially preserved round stone arch with painted decorative patterns set into a thick medieval wall inside Hohensalzburg Fortress.
A close-up view of the Salzburg Bull mechanical organ inside Hohensalzburg Fortress, showing tall metal organ pipes and a wooden barrel mechanism used to play music.
An ornate gilded medieval stove displayed in a richly decorated room inside Hohensalzburg Fortress, with painted walls and a carved wooden doorway.
An ornate church altar stands beneath a vaulted ceiling, framed by statues, candles, and religious artwork.
A white stone building with a narrow clock tower stands beside connected fortress structures under a gray sky.
A massive white stone fortress rises above a steep, tree-lined hillside, with a narrow paved path winding upward through dense green foliage.
A narrow stone lane runs between tall fortress buildings, with arched doorways and a small sign near the path.
White fortress buildings with dark roofs surround a grassy courtyard, with Salzburg and misty hills visible in the distance.
A small vaulted chapel inside Hohensalzburg Fortress with a star-patterned ceiling, narrow windows, and a simple stone altar.
An elevated terrace with empty wooden tables overlooks a green valley dotted with houses, trees, and distant hills.
White stone buildings with layered rooftops and chimneys sit tightly within thick fortress walls under an overcast sky.
Salzburg’s cathedral domes and rooftops appear below, seen from a high stone wall with wildflowers in the foreground.
A vaulted stone passageway with hanging lanterns leads toward a bright arched exit, with benches along the walls.

That evening, we attended a Dinner & Salzburg Fortress Concert, pairing a three-course meal with a Mozart performance in the Golden Hall. Hearing his music performed in Salzburg—where he was born and trained as a child—added extra meaning to the evening, and the combination of music, atmosphere, and setting made it truly memorable. Watching the sun set over the city from the fortress was the perfect finish.

A stone watchtower and fortress wall rise above dense green trees, with layered blue mountains in the distance.
A woman in a black dress stands at a stone railing overlooking Salzburg’s Old Town, with church domes, towers, and the Salzach River below.
A dining room with white tablecloths and wooden chairs set beside large windows overlooking the Salzburg landscape.
A wide landscape view of green hills, trees, and distant mountains seen through tall wooden-framed windows from inside the fortress.
A bearded man seated at a wooden table inside the fortress dining room, with windows and a mountain landscape behind him.
A small classical ensemble performs in an ornate hall, with musicians playing violin, cello, and piano beneath a decorated ceiling.
A broad valley view at sunset with layered mountains, scattered towns, and a dramatic pink and gray sky seen from Hohensalzburg Fortress.
Fortress rooftops in the foreground with rolling hills, villages, and distant mountains beneath a pink and purple evening sky.
An aerial view of Salzburg at sunset, with the Salzburg Cathedral and surrounding Old Town buildings along the Salzach River.

The Sound of Music Tour

We also joined The Original Sound of Music Tour, a half-day bus tour that connects Salzburg’s surrounding landscapes with filming locations from the 1964 movie. Even without being a devoted fan, it turned out to be an enjoyable way to see parts of the region that would be harder to reach on your own.

Hellbrunn Palace (Schloss Hellbrunn) was our first major stop. While the famous gazebo scenes from The Sound of Music were filmed at Leopoldskron Palace, the gazebo was later moved to Hellbrunn Palace Park, where it stands today. Seeing it here makes for an easy and enjoyable stop, even though the setting is different from what appears on screen.

A straight gravel path leads toward the yellow façade of Hellbrunn Palace, framed by low buildings, green lawns, and trees.
A white octagonal gazebo with arched windows stands among trees in Hellbrunn Palace Park.

Next, we stopped at Leopoldskron Palace (Schloss Leopoldskron), which served as the exterior of the von Trapp family home in the film. The palace is now a hotel and conference center, and while access is limited, the lakeside setting and reflections across the water make it one of the most striking stops on the tour.

A pale yellow and white palace with ornate windows sits across a calm lake, reflecting in the water.
A red tour bus decorated with illustrated scenes from The Sound of Music is parked along a tree-lined road.

The drive itself is part of the experience, winding through countryside and past lakes in the Salzkammergut region. One scenic pause was at Wolfgangseeblick, a viewpoint overlooking Lake Wolfgangsee. While not connected to a specific scene from the film, it offers a classic alpine lake view that makes it easy to see why this landscape translates so beautifully to the screen. I can only imagine how spectacular it must be on a sunny day.

A lakeside village and rolling green hills surround a wide lake beneath low, cloudy skies.

One of the highlights was Mondsee, home to the Basilica of St. Michael, where the wedding scene between Maria and Baron von Trapp was filmed. The church’s twin towers anchor the town square, and stepping inside makes the connection to the film immediately recognizable.

The bright yellow twin-towered façade of Basilika Mondsee rises against a cloudy sky in the town square of Mondsee.
The richly decorated high altar inside Basilika Mondsee rises beneath a vaulted ceiling, framed by stained glass windows and gilded Baroque sculptures.
Colorful historic buildings with café seating line a street in Mondsee.
The interior of a grand church features vaulted ceilings, ornate altars, and rows of wooden pews.
A lakeside view of Mondsee with sailboats on the water, a wooden pier in the foreground, and mist-covered mountains rising behind the town.

The tour concludes back in Salzburg at Mirabell Palace and Gardens, one of the city’s most significant Baroque sites. Originally built in the early 17th century for Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau, the palace and its formal gardens have long played a role in Salzburg’s cultural life. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart performed concerts in the Marble Hall, which is still considered one of the city’s most important historic concert spaces. Many visitors recognize the gardens from The Sound of Music, including the Pegasus Fountain and the steps leading toward the rose gardens, but even without the film connection, Mirabell is well worth visiting for its setting and history alone.

A formal garden path lined with flowerbeds and trimmed trees leads toward Hohensalzburg Fortress rising above Salzburg in the distance.
A bronze Pegasus statue rears up on a rocky fountain base surrounded by flowers and garden paths at Mirabell Gardens in Salzburg.
An ornate marble staircase inside Mirabell Palace, decorated with sculpted cherubs, stone columns, and a glowing lantern.
A small bronze fountain statue stands in a circular pool, framed by trimmed hedges and an ivy-covered wall at Mirabell Gardens.
Bright flowerbeds surround a central fountain as visitors walk through Mirabell Gardens, with Hohensalzburg Fortress visible in the background.
The Pegasus Fountain stands in front of the pale facade of Mirabell Palace, reflected in the still water of the fountain basin.
A grand hall with tall arched windows, gilded wall panels, marble floors, and rows of red chairs arranged inside Mirabell Palace.
A stone statue rising from a rocky base in Mirabell Gardens, surrounded by colorful flower beds and neatly trimmed hedges.
A richly decorated wall inside Mirabell Palace with gold detailing, a crystal chandelier, tall windows, and red upholstered chairs below.
Stone urns filled with flowers line a wrought-iron fence beside colorful garden beds at Mirabell Palace.

Overall, the tour offered a relaxed mix of scenery, film history, and easy logistics—a nice contrast to exploring Salzburg entirely on foot and a good way to see more of the surrounding region in a single morning.

Sacred Sites of Salzburg

The Salzburg Cathedral (Dom zu Salzburg) stands at the heart of the Old Town and has long been the city’s most important church. After the earlier cathedral on this site was severely damaged in 1598 and could not be restored, the current Baroque cathedral was completed in the early 17th century. Inside, it is bright, colorful, and truly magnificent, and it still contains the baptismal font where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was baptized—an especially meaningful detail in a city so closely tied to his life.

The Baroque façade of Salzburg Cathedral with its twin green domed towers rises behind the Marian Column statue in the cathedral square.
The interior of Salzburg Cathedral shows a long central nave with high arches, ornate ceiling frescoes, and the main altar at the far end.
Rows of wooden pews line a side aisle inside Salzburg Cathedral, with arched galleries, chandeliers, and frescoed ceilings above.
Salzburg Cathedral and the Residenz Fountain are illuminated at night, with the Baroque buildings glowing against a deep blue sky.
A close-up of the bronze relief on the Door of Hope at Salzburg Cathedral, showing small sculpted human figures emerging from textured metal around symbolic imagery.
Looking straight up at Salzburg Cathedral’s dome, showing painted frescos arranged around a central image of a white dove.
One of Salzburg Cathedral’s towers rises above Kapitelplatz, with the gold "Sphaera" sphere sculpture visible in the square below.

We spent time exploring the cemetery and catacombs of St. Peter’s Abbey, which date back to the early Middle Ages and are carved directly into the rock of the Mönchsberg. Climbing stone steps into the cliffside leads through a series of small chapels and chambers, with openings that look back over Salzburg. It’s an unusual and striking place, and while parts of The Sound of Music were filmed here, the site’s significance goes far beyond the movie.

A small stone chapel with Gothic windows and a steep roof stands among gravestones and rose bushes in St. Peter’s Cemetery in Salzburg.
Rough stone archways and carved tombs line a dim rock-cut passage inside the St. Peter’s Catacombs.
A stone church wall with small windows and a pointed steeple stands at the base of a rocky cliff near St. Peter’s Cemetery.
A view over St. Peter’s Cemetery shows St. Margaret's Chapel, gravestones, and Salzburg Cathedral rising behind it.
A long stone building with memorial plaques and small windows is built against the rock face at the St. Peter’s Catacombs in Salzburg.
A narrow cobblestone path leads past gravestones toward a tall stone church building at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Salzburg.
Stone-carved interior of the St. Peter’s Catacombs with a rough rock ceiling, a narrow staircase, and small windows letting in soft natural light.
A carved stone altar with candles and wooden benches sits inside a rock-cut chamber in the St. Peter’s Catacombs.

We climbed the Nonnbergstiege, the historic stairway leading up to Nonnberg Abbey, founded between 711 and 715 and considered one of Europe’s oldest continuously operating convents. Visiting early allowed us to hear the nuns chanting Gregorian chorales—unseen, but deeply moving. The abbey also offers a beautiful perspective over the city below and is where The Sound of Music story begins.

Salzburg Nonnberg Abbey seen from above the Old Town, with its long pale buildings and red-domed clock tower set against forested hills.
The Gothic interior of Salzburg Nonnberg Abbey church with tall stone columns, ribbed vaulted ceilings, wooden pews, and the ornate high altar at the far end.
A Romanesque stone doorway with carved figures and a wooden double door at the entrance to Nonnberg Abbey in Salzburg.

Other church visits included the Franciscan Church, Collegiate Church, and the small but distinctive St. Blasius Church, each offering a very different atmosphere and style. Together with many other churches across the city, they reflect why Salzburg is often called the “Rome of the North,” known for its dense skyline of church towers and domes.

Franciscan Church (Franziskanerkirche)

A cityscape view of Salzburg shows the towers of Salzburg Cathedral and the Franciscan Church rising above pastel buildings with forested hills in the background.
A tall Gothic nave with stone columns rises toward a vaulted ceiling, framing an ornate gilded altar at the center of Salzburg’s Franciscan Church.

Collegiate Church (Kollegienkirche)

The white Baroque exterior and central dome of the Salzburg Collegiate Church rise above trees and pathways under a cloudy sky.
A large suspended globe depicting Earth hangs inside the bright white Baroque interior of the Salzburg Collegiate Church, with ornate stucco walls and an altar in the background.
The white domed Collegiate Church seen from above, surrounded by Old Town rooftops and backed by a wooded hillside.

St. Blaise’s Church (Kirche St. Blasius)

Kirche St. Blasius on Getreidegasse framed by historic buildings and shop signs in Salzburg Old Town.
A view over Salzburg’s Old Town showing pastel historic buildings along the Salzach River with St. Blasius Church and the steep rock face of the Mönchsberg rising behind it.

Salzburg from Above and Into the Evening

Beyond the main landmarks, Salzburg really opens up once you start wandering. We spent time on Kapuzinerberg, climbing paths that quickly lift you above the Old Town. From up here, the city feels quieter, with layered views over rooftops, church domes, and the fortress across the river. Along the way, we passed the Capuchin Monastery (Kapuzinerkloster) and a small Mozart bust tucked into the hillside. It’s an easy walk to overlook, but it offered some of the most beautiful views of the city.

A wide city view showing Salzburg Cathedral, dense rooftops, and Hohensalzburg Fortress on a green hillside.
A narrow stone archway built into a rough limestone wall opens onto a paved path on Kapuzinerberg in Salzburg.
A weathered religious painting set into a stone wall, showing a bearded figure with a halo in vivid blues and golds.
A church tower in the foreground with Salzburg’s riverside buildings and rocky cliffs lining the Salzach River behind.
A stone archway framing a statue of Mozart set on a grassy hillside with steps leading up through the trees.
A wide view of Salzburg’s riverside buildings along the Salzach River with forested cliffs rising behind them.

We also made our way up onto the Mönchsberg to the Bürgerwehr and Richterhöhe, part of the historic Salzburger Bürgergarde fortifications and one of the highest points along the ridge. Walking here, the views shift constantly—sometimes looking directly toward Fortress Hohensalzburg, other times out over the rooftops of the Old Town or across to the opposite side of the hill. From Richterhöhe in particular, the perspective of the fortress rising above Salzburg is wide, open, and especially striking.

For an easier way up, there’s also the Mönchsberg Lift, which connects the Old Town with the top of the hill near the Museum of Modern Art Salzburg (Museum der Moderne Salzburg)—a helpful option if you want the views without the climb.

A wide view over Salzburg’s Old Town with church domes and towers below and Hohensalzburg Fortress rising on the forested hill in the distance under a cloudy sky.
A grassy area with a small reflective pond below stone walls and trees near the Richterhöhe fortifications.
A historic stone building with shuttered windows and a small tower, set into the greenery near the Mönchsberg fortifications.
Hohensalzburg Fortress rising above dense forest on a steep hill under an overcast sky.
A narrow path running beside thick stone fortification walls with square towers along the Burgerwehr on the Mönchsberg.
A city view along the Salzach River with bridges, historic buildings, and a tree-covered hill rising behind the Old Town.

After full days of exploring Salzburg, we enjoyed slowing down in the evenings. One night, we had dinner at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, a restaurant documented as early as 803 and often described as the oldest restaurant in Europe. The historic setting beside St. Peter’s Abbey, paired with excellent food and an amazing Salzburger Nockerl—a light, soufflé-like dessert dusted with powdered sugar—made it an easy highlight of our time in the city.

A dining room with low brick vault ceilings, wooden tables, upholstered benches, and soft lighting inside St. Peter’s Stiftskulinarium.
A stone fountain surrounded by plants sits beneath arched ceilings in the softly lit courtyard of St. Peter’s Stiftskulinarium.
An elegant dining room at St. Peter’s Stiftskulinarium with a set table, wooden chairs, framed artwork, and large floral arrangements near a window.
Outdoor seating with blue patterned chairs, small round tables, and a pink umbrella beneath arched walls in the courtyard of St. Peter’s Stiftskulinarium in Salzburg.
Small round tables with colorful chairs, woven placemats, and hanging lanterns are arranged in a stone-walled courtyard dining area.
Dining tables and colorful woven chairs arranged around a thick stone pillar inside an arched interior space at St. Peter’s Stiftskulinarium.
A large Salzburger Nockerl dessert dusted with powdered sugar sits in a white dish on a metal platter at a restaurant table.
A turquoise crest with crossed keys and the text “seit 803” is mounted above an arched entrance at St. Peter’s Stiftskulinarium.
A stained glass window depicting a historical figure, set within leaded glass panels at St. Peter’s Stiftskulinarium.

Location & Getting There

For this trip, driving gave us the flexibility we needed—especially with changing weather in the Alps and stops that don’t always line up easily with public transportation. Distances are reasonable, roads are well maintained, and having a car made it easy to adjust plans as we went.

Approximate driving distances and times:

  • Stuttgart → Augsburg: ~170 km (106 miles), about 2 hours
  • Augsburg → Berchtesgaden / Eagle’s Nest: ~240 km (149 miles), about 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Eagle’s Nest → Hallstatt: ~75 km (47 miles), about 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Hallstatt → Salzburg: ~75 km (47 miles), about 1 hour 20 minutes

If you’re driving into Austria, don’t forget that an Austrian motorway vignette is required for most highways. These can be purchased online or at fuel stations near the border, and short-term options work well for trips like this.

Helpful Tips for Planning a Similar Trip

  • Check mountain conditions close to your visit. Places like Eagle’s Nest and lake viewpoints are highly weather-dependent, so flexibility can make a big difference.
  • Look into the Salzburg Card if you plan to visit several attractions—it can save both time and money and simplifies entry at popular sites.
  • Expect seasonal closures. Mountain attractions, funiculars, and salt mines may close or operate on limited schedules outside summer months.
  • Dress for changing weather. Even on warm days, higher elevations can be cool or windy, so layers are essential.
  • Plan to explore Salzburg’s Old Town on foot. Much of the historic center is pedestrian-only, and walking is the easiest and most enjoyable way to get around.
  • For souvenirs, popular local options include Mozart chocolate balls, pine or gentian schnapps, Austrian crystal, and salt products from the Salzkammergut. These are easy to find throughout the region.
  • For deeper planning, official tourism sites are your best resource. Regional tourism boards for Salzburg, Hallstatt, Augsburg, and Berchtesgaden offer up-to-date information on hours, closures, and lesser-known options if you want to dig further.
  • Bring a Type C or Type F plug adapter. Germany and Austria use the same plug types, but travelers from countries like the U.S. or UK will need an adapter.
  • Carry some cash in euros. Smaller towns, mountain restaurants, and cafés—especially around Hallstatt and alpine areas—may not always accept cards or prefer cash for smaller purchases.
  • Book accommodations and popular attractions early in summer. June through September is a busy travel season in Austria and Bavaria, and places like Hallstatt and Salzburg can fill up quickly.

Final Thoughts & Looking Ahead

This first part of our road trip took us from historic cities to alpine landscapes—from punk rock in Augsburg to a quiet morning by the lake in Hallstatt, and finally into the layered history of Salzburg. Each stop offered something different to explore, and together they made for a memorable start to our journey.

In the next post, we’ll continue deeper into the mountains with stops at Eisriesenwelt, Burg Hohenwerfen, the Sound of Music Trail, and the Königssee and Obersee area—shifting the focus even more toward hiking, alpine scenery, and time in nature.

Have you visited any of these places Germany or Austria? Share your thoughts, questions, or favorite memories in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!

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