Salzburg: Not Just a Salt Fortress

Years ago, Salzburg, Austria served as one of the wealthiest regions on its continent. Remaining as a separate entity from Austria until the early 1800s, Salzburg has since become a sacred place to many. Not only does Salzburg boast being the birth place of Mozart but it is also the home to the Von Trapp family, the family who has given us one of the greatest gifts the film industry has ever seen: "The Sound of Music."

Recently, I got the opportunity to take a day trip to Salzburg, Austria to explore and learn more about the film ("The Sound of Music") and the rich history of the area.

Salzburg Highlights:

1. Schloss Leopoldskron: My first stop of the day just so happened to be one that took my breath away. Schloss Leopoldskron, now serving as a hotel, is a beautiful palace that sits on a pond right outside of the center of Salzburg. For all big "The Sound of Music" fans, this is the pond that was used to film the canoe-tipping scene in the movie! It was really interesting to learn about how they filmed that scene and to also admire these beautiful views. I wouldn't mind waking up and seeing this every morning!

2. Schloss Hellbrunn: This is a big highlight for "The Sound of Music" fans. While Schloss Hellbrunn is another famous palace in Salzburg that is unrelated to the movie, the gardens outside of the palace now house the famous gazebo that was used in the movie. The grounds see millions of people each year who come to visit the gazebo. It's also a beautiful palace to explore and the gardens are filled with wonderful walkways and dogs too if you need some puppy love!

3. Wolfgangsee Lake: This lake was definitely one of my favorite spots on the tour. Outside of the city center in the Lake District lies the village of Sankt Gilgen, sitting on Wolfgangsee Lake. This is the town that the famous musician Mozart's mother grew up in. Additionally, the lake was named in Mozart's honor as he was born "Wolfgang." While I didn't get the chance to fully explore the town, the views of the water and mountains were truly breathtaking.

4. Cafe-Konditorei Braun: Further into the Lake District is the town of Mondsee. This town, which also sits right on a lake, is home to the church where the wedding in "The Sound of Music" was filmed and is home to Cafe-Konditorei Braun, a famous cash-only Austrian cafe known for their warm apple strudel. Even if you aren't a big apple fan, the apple strudel is truly to die for.

5. Mondsee and Basilika Saint Michael: Within Mondsee, there is the Basilika Saint Michael which is where the wedding scene in "The Sound of Music" was filmed. If you are with a tour group, you won't be able to go inside. However, you are free to go inside individually to look around and walk down the aisle that Maria walked down. Just be sure to respect those who are praying inside the church.

6. Makartsteg: Back in the city center of Salzburg is Makartsteg. As many people know, the locks have been removed from the infamous lock bridge in Paris, France. However, that doesn't mean that your love can't be locked onto a bridge forever anymore. In the heart of the historic part of the city, the Makartsteg is filled with locks from all over the world. In addition to housing the locks, the bridge will bring you across the river with beautiful views of the city.

7. Museum der Moderne: Here's a little secret part of the city that might not be on your radar. Even though walking around the city is wonderful, there's nothing like a cliff-top view. Here in Salzburg, you can have just that for a small price. There is a modern art museum called Museum der Moderne that sits on top of a cliff and overlooks the city. Even when the museum is closed you are able to go up and have a fantastic view of the city. For me, this view is most enjoyed at night as you can see the city light up within the mountains.

For me, Salzburg was a beautiful, hidden gem and an unexpected adventure. I never would have thought of going to Salzburg and am so grateful that the opportunity arose for me. The funny part about it all is that I had never seen "The Sound of Music" before going! I still enjoyed it just as much.

If I had more than a day, I would have loved to continue exploring the Lake District to see more quaint towns with beautiful views. The modern-styled Red Bull Headquarters is even located in the Lake District too!