Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do

With the birthplace of Mozart, the setting for the Sound of Music, and baroque architecture lining the streets, how could we miss the alpine city of Salzburg? First on our agenda was locating Sound of Music sites. The kids had watched the movie and, while in Vermont, we tracked down the lodge that the Van Trapp family built after fleeing Austria and coming to America, so our hopes were high. We began our day climbing up to the Hohensalzburg castle, one of the largest castles in Europe, which rests on the top of a hill with sweeping views of the city. 

 On our way down, we passed the Nonnberg Abbey, where Maria from the Sound of Music was a nun. We wandered the grounds a little and then pushed open the heavy wood door. We had the interior to ourselves, or so we thought. We walked past the gates behind which the Von Trapp family hid at the end of the movie and imagined the children racing to the nunnery to find Maria. Just as we were about to leave, nuns began singing, hidden high above the nave, in the most pure tone. It was one of the most beautiful moments of our adventure. The Nonnberg Abbey was founded in 714 and is the oldest women's house of worship in the German speaking world.

 We then explored the world of Mozart who was born in Salzburg in 1719. Some of Steve's favorite candies are Mozartkugels, found throughout the streets of Salzburg. We toured Mozart's birth home where his violin was on display, as well as his living room and other treasures from his life.

 On our way through town, we passed the Hotel Sacre and had to stop in to buy Steve, who would be arriving the next day, a Sacre Torte. As soon as we were married, Steve began asking if I would find a way to make a Sacre Torte for him. I was never successful, so I had to buy one to find out what I was trying to create.

 We wandered the streets and neighborhoods of Salzburg long enough to explore quaint parks, stunning architecture, shops and restaurants.

As we headed out of town, we searched for the Von Trapp Manor. We never found the actual house, but we ended up at Hellbrunn Palace, which did have the gazebo where "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" was sung. A tour passed and thought that it was so wonderful that they happened upon a large family, apparently similar, at least in size, to the Von Trapps. They asked if the kids would pose in front of the gazebo for photos! The kids were happy to oblige.

Unbeknownst to us, the main attraction at the palace was the trick gardens. The palace was just a day residence for the the Prince-archbishop of Salzburg and thus didn't even have a bedroom. It was always expected that he would return to Salzburg each night. Apparently the archbishop had a sense of humor, because he created trick gardens. As his guests would walk through the grounds, water would spray them at different points. There was even a stone dining set. When activated, a spring would suddenly douse his guests. Of course this was a highlight for the kids!