I am a student in the first year at Jesus College, Oxford studying Philosophy, Politics and Economic...
I am a student in the first year at Jesus College, Oxford studying Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE). I have a pretty unhealthy fascination with the internet, which keeps my life on track.
Member since:06.12.2000
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I visited Salzburg this summer (2001) as a part of a backpacking summer trek around Europe. It was intended as a short and convienient stop-over between Munich and Budapest. In many ways, the sole motivation for us visiting was that the train timetables worked out. That, and the fact that there was a youth hostel there.
Having experienced the grey anonymity of Munich, the train ride south was very pleasant and green. The scenery was lovely all around. When we came into Salzburg, we were astounded by the view from the train tracks. We crossed the river and we could see down this through the centre of the town. One of the guidebooks we had called the centre ‘a living baraoque museum’. It wasn’t far wrong, as we were soon to discover on our first wander.
Although the station isn’t in the best part of town, you can get out of it reasonably easily over an odd bridge. There is also an airport, so if you have the cash you can fly into this most fantastic of Austrian cities. Aside from the area around the station (which was a long way from being unfomfortable or unsafe anyhow) the rest of the town glistened in a way only Austria and Singapore seems to manage. Great pride is taken in the condition of the streets, buildings and thoroughfares. Things are ‘im ordinung’ and carefully arranged, much to a tourist’s delight.
To call the centre fantastic would be an understatement. Mozart was born here (you can visit the house and se his first tiny violin) and although he left the town as soon as he was old enough too, his legacy lives on here. There are Mozart talks, concerts and tours everywhere. They can get a little annoying... until you realise that the only other option is the Sound of Music tours. I didn’t go on these. They are everywhere, but not, seemingly, that cheap. If you love the movie, you have to come to Salsburg. Even the Youth Hostel I stayed at played the video once EVERY day. Some hotels do the same. But it is avoidable, if you try!
If you are going to Salsburg on a budget, good luck. The YoHo Hostel I stayed at (get a map, it’s marked) was fantastic fun and not dear. At the same time, it wasn’t cheap. Beer was about £1.20. Although there was some good beer to be had due to the proximity of Munich and some wicked schnapps too. The town is what will really kill you – the fernicular railway up to the fortress is not cheap, neither are the restaurants. Having said that – you have to do it all. The castle is interesting to visit just for the view, even if, like us, you don’t go inside. You too could find out why the Salzburg inhabitants are called ‘Bullwashers’. Topically, it is written on the side of a huge bull statute.
The view over the city is fantastic. The city is in a little river decline between three large outcrops of mountains/hills and looks fab from up at the castle. The only criticism of this place is that it seems a little as though it is waiting for Christmas. One of my new ambitions has been to visit this beautiful and refined city in the winter, when I am sure it would absolutely fantastic. It is already more intimate and more romantic than Paris. It is certainly a more individual and unique place to take your paramour.
If I went back, it would be in winter for a honeymoon. Mind you, that could be some years off!
Hi, I live in Munich at the moment and so have been to Salzburg quite a few times. Everybody who visits me HAS to be taken to Salzburg! I LOVE this place! Good op, Susan.
julietta 25.09.2001 20:03
You're right - it is clean and lovely - a rarity in any place these days. A fab place to go and your op justifies this!!!
Versatile 25.09.2001 19:31
I read this last night ~ Still a great op ~ Versatile :O)
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Advantages: Very picturesque town, Lots of cultural things going on, friendly locals Disadvantages: Can see everything in a weekend, not cheap, very croweded during the festival
outonalimb 15.06.2001 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Salzburg (Austria)
Sep 25th, 2001
(Nov 22nd, 2001)
very helpful by (100%):
