Salzburg for a day!

Austrian and German bakeries look good in the window, but they're not as sweet generally as Americans like. It's more eye candy.

When I'm in Salzburg a short time, I spend my time at the Augustiner--one of the great authentic beer halls. And they've got good, cheap German food. I suggest the pig's knuckle.

If you're going when the weather's good, there's nothing better than spending an afternoon outside in the beer gardens.

RE David's comments on German/Austrian bakeries. I don't eat pasteries or deserts that often, so I won't comment further on that specific issue. But the bread is usually fanstastic. I'll go out on a limb and declare German/Austrian bread consistently the best on the continent.

Hi,

I agree that the amount of sweetness found in Ger/Austrian pastries is less or way less than in American ones. That's my preference too in Germany, but, then again, I don't indulge very often in pastries, am not a sweet tooth, here nor there. Tom is right on the bread in Germany, a great assortment can be had not just the typical Brötchen at breakfast. which is very good.

I agree with Tom, not so much with David. Bread and rolls are so much better than here because they are not so soft but crusty. Konditorei (sweet pastry, cakes etc.) is incomparably better (IMHO) than here exactly for the reason that it's not so terribly sweet. Visit any bakery or konditorei and you will feel like in paradise.

I visited Salzburg recently, and I stumbled upon a tasty baked treat that I haven't seen elsewhere- "Mozart Bretzen". As the name implies, it's twisted like a pretzel, but made of a softer, sweeter dough. Filled with apricot jam, and dipped in chocolate. Probably diet-killing, but still delicious. Bought it from a market stall.

Jill you are now obligated to report back on what you find.

I will definitely Stan! I am just so appreciative of all the advice and tips I have received on this forum, has helped me plan our trip to Germany and Austria so much!!!

I'm in David's camp - the pastries look pretty in Austria, but don't taste especially good to me. Give me an ugly apple strudel any day. In my experience, the uglier the baked good, the better it tastes. I guess I am just a Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe girl at heart and like my baked goods on the softer, sweeter side.

Hey, let me hop back in here. You're right about their breads being fantastic. When I lived in Innsbruck, we knocked off those round hard rolls for breakfast every day. As the week went on, they'd get chewier and chewier--until the next crisp batch came in on Wednesday. I have seldom come across such good rolls in the U.S. German and Austrian pastries generally are not as sweet as I like--but some items are very good.

But when in Salzburg, it's that great beer hall that I love. But there are very decent restaurants all over the city.

I'm just sorry you're going to be there just one day. We especially enjoy the people of Salzburg who are very proud of their small city. It's like everyone you run into is a tour guide, and they'll go out of their way to advise you on what to see and where to go.