Mozart - Quick Stop in Salzburg

I talked to a number of people in Munich who said that Salzburg, Austria was a nice town. So, I figured I would swing by there on my way to Vienna. Turns out that it was a great choice!

I didn’t know a single thing about Salzburg, so I consulted Google and ChatGPT. They told me to check out the Fortress Hohensalzburg - a giant fortress atop a tall hill near town center - and the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

On my way to the fortress, I stopped at an antique store. I picked up a small collection of buttons and chatted with the Irish store owner.

(photo of buttons coming soon)

I also noticed these little flags before leaving the shop… A uniquely dichotomous display.

“Altstadt Salzburg”, or Old Town Salzburg, was situated at the foot of the fortress’ hill, so I meandered around there for a minute before hiking the hill.

The top of Hohensalzburg provided a beautiful view of the Alps to the south, and the Salzach River and city center to the north.

I didn’t care much to read much of the museum’s information after hiking up the massive hill and the many stairs inside the fortress - I was tired! But while skimming, I discovered that people settled in Salzburg when they found of all the nearby salt deposits. The name Salzburg came from the German words for salt and castle - “salz” and “burg”.

I hiked back down the hill and headed for Mozart’s birthplace. On the way, I smelled some delicious bratwurst at a street food stand. I got myself an Austrian bosna - 2 sausages on a bun with onions, ketchup, mustard, and curry seasoning - and an Almdudler soda. It was a perfect reward for the little hike up the hill.

Mozart’s birthplace was… underwhelming. It was just a museum wedged between a Spar grocery store and an H&M. I snapped a photo of the outside and caught a bus back to the “Hauptbahnhof” (Central Station).

I listened to some Mozart on the railway to Vienna, and I have to say, the man was a musical genius and his music truly transcends time. Movement I of his Symphony No. 25 gave me chills on the first listen. Music gives me the chills from time to time, but very rarely does this happen on a first listen.

If classical music isn’t your jam, you can also check out this big band jazz arrangement of Mozart’s 40th Symphony.