Salzburg: Mozart’s birthplace and one of Austria’s most picturesque cities. It was even catapulted to Hollywood fame with the film version of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical “The Sound of Music.” While I, and now my two-year-old daughter, grew up singing “Do, Re, Mi” with the Von Trapp family, most Europeans are oblivious of the movie and probably scratch their heads when they read “The Sound of Music tour” noted in Salzburg’s city guide and tourist attractions.

I have to admit that my daughter’s love for the film lured me to visit Salzburg again, but that was not the main reason for this short trip. We went to attend the vernissage of photographer Thorsten von Overgaard‘s exhibit “We the People” at the Leica Galerie.

Guests, including Leica’s Chairman of the Supervisory Board and owner Dr. Andreas Kaufmann, mingle at the Leica Galerie Salzburg.

Salzburg can be easily reached with the RailJet, Austria’s fast-speed train. It’s less than three hours from Vienna or just a little over five hours from Zurich. In first class, which didn’t really cost me much as I had vouchers to use (yay!), the seats are similar to those of airplanes and you get a complimentary orange juice and chocolate bar. In addition, there’s a wagon service, meaning you can order food and drinks straight from your seat.

As our trip was short, Sophie and I weren’t able to explore the whole city. However, we did enjoy a lovely stroll in the old town, had sausages in the local market and window shopped, especially admiring the boutiques selling antique jewelry. We wanted to visit Mozart’s Birthplace Museum (not to be confused with Mozart’s Residence Museum), but there was a long and steep staircase that made it quite challenging for Sophie’s stroller. Oh, well, next time.

where to stay
Hotel Sacher Salzburg — ♥♥♥♥
Schwarzstrasse 5, 5020 Salzburg
* Famous for the Sacher Torte chocolate cake and café, I chose the hotel for its location. Just across the river from Salzburg’s historical center, you can reach the city’s main attractions from the hotel, not to mention a mere five-minute walk to the Leica Galerie. While I’m not a big fan of the Sacher Torte, I find it too heavy and rich, I did enjoy the hotel’s chocolate bathroom amenities. Yes, the shower gel, shampoos, conditioner and body lotion were specially formulated using cacao beans. There were also chocolate treats everywhere, a haven for my daughter.

where to eat
Cafe Bazar — ♥♥♥♥♥
Schwarzstrasse 3, 5020 Salzburg
* This is a fantastic place for brunch, coffee or a light meal. Right by the river, not only does it offer a wonderful view of the historical center, it’s also a great place for people watching. Oh, and free WiFi. We literally had brunch for three hours!

Hotel Sacher Salzburg — ♥♥♥♥
Schwarzstrasse 5, 5020 Salzburg
* Either I was very hungry or the Wiener Schnitzel at the hotel was the best I’ve ever had.

Until my next post … take care!

Read: “We the People” by Thorsten von Overgaard
Read: Vernissage in Salzburg — What to wear