Right now I'm debating between taking the Sound of Music tour or the Salzkammergut Lake District tour that Panorama offers. How much of the lake district do you actually get to see on the Sound of Music Tours with either Bob's or Panorama? I'd be much more inclined to see the S.O.M. sites on my own and enjoy a nice four hour trip to the lakes if the lake district visitation on the S.O.M. tour is minimal.
I'm considering doing the Mozart Dinner Concert at Stiftskeller on my last night in Salzburg. Has anybody attended this show? Would you recommend it?
Is it possible to do Mozart's Residence, Mirabell Gardens, the fortress, and downtown Salzburg all in one day?
Thanks in advance!
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
6 posts
Caroline- Mozart's Residence, Mirabell Gardens, the fortress, and downtown Salzburg are certainly possible in a day. I would advise 2 days for these sites so that you can take your time in each, linger outdoors, etc., but if all you have is 1 day, than you are fine. Salzburg is a beautiful and charming city...but it is also VERY compact. You'll have your bearings there in no time. Re: SOM tour-- I was determined NOT to do this (thought it would be korny), BUT ended up taking this bus tour and was glad I did. Yes, they play some music from the movie on the bus and that IS a bit korny, but the bus tour does take you out to the lake district (which is somewhat tough to navigate on your own w/o a car), so for the lake and mountain views, the SOM tour is certainly worth it (and just accept the music and such as the "kitch" part of your day). Salzburg is a wonderful city- views of the fortress and surroudnig countrywise are memorable-- you'll enjoy it.
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
I visited Salzburg last summer and enjoyed it. I recommend Bob's special tours. It's a small van and so you can here the guide and ask lots of questions. You do see some of the lake district. We stopped for a snack overlooking one of the lakes, but were given the option of eating down in the town on the lake shore. One of the real fun parts was the luge ride. We road it twice and would have done more with time. They pick you up at the hotel and drop you off at a location of your choice. We ended at the Mirabell Gardens. I can't remember is the Stiftskeller the one that says "Charlamagne ate here?" If so, then I had dinner there my last night in Salzburg and enjoyed it and the concert. I was a single and put at a table of other English speakers--American, British and I think a stray Canadian. ; ) I did see all the sites that you're talking about, but one day might be pushing it. It depends on how much time you spend in the fortress. Don't forget the cathedral. If you are there on a Sunday AM check out the Mass. The music was great.
Pam
Posted by
Pearland, TX, USA
852 posts
Hi Caroline,
... sure, it's possible to visit Mozart's birth house, Mirabel, the Festung and Getreidegasse all in one day.
... One further suggestion: directly across the Salzach river from Hohensalzburg (fortress) is a small mountain called Kapuzinerberg (Capuchin Mountain). At the top is a small castle (30 years war action). Midway up is a monestery. Along the way to the top you're walking in a beautiful beech forest. (At the monestery, there's a gate to go through - don't be intimidated, just proceed - and please close the gate). The walk to the top of Kapuzinerberg begins at the foot of Linzergasse (arch to walk under, then stations to the cross along the walkway). The castle at the top has a nice, shaded garden for refreshments and incredible scenic views. Alternatively, you could take a taxi to the top and walk down, which is easier, of course.
Gute Reise! P