Europe Tour 2010

Day 4 		Wednesday 23rd June

Today was spent exploring Salzburg on foot. We awoke a little late and drank a coffee in the room before walking down to the Mirabell Gardens.  Elaine sat on a bench in the sun and people watched whilst I photographed the gardens – very nice formal gardens with parterres of box and flowers or box and grass. Outside the walled garden, further grass beds with narrow flower beds in patterns were very pleasing. There were good views of the Schloss from the gardens. The river in Salzburg is fast flowing and a greeny colour, with foot bridges and cycle tracks either side for the many bicycles.

Afterwards we continued into the old town and had a light breakfast at the Café Mozart. Then up to the funicular (FestungsBahn) up to the Schloss. The building of the Schloss gave much work and enjoyment to many for many centuries. After looking round the castle, the museum of weapons and torture implements and kitchens, we found the State Apartments dating from the late middle ages (a bit before Elizabethan). These were nicely appointed with ensuite early lavatories, large majolica heating stoves and decorated ceilings and walls. Later we had a cappucino on a terrace overlooking the valley far below. We could also see the mountains that circle Salzburg. Weather all day was warm, sunny periods with cloudy bits 

 After descending on the funicular we shopped in the market and bought a large pretzel shaped doughnut (about 9” across) and some fruit for lunch, which we ate sitting on some steps outside a church in the market place. All were delicious. The old town is in a slow traffic area ie pedestrians, bikes and cars can get access if necessary. On our way to the funicular, we saw half a dozen old Morgan cars picking up their luggage from a hotel. They must have been garaged somewhere else overnight. There are a lot of alleyways leading from one street to another and many of the courtyards have cafes or restaurants. After a rest we went to the Mozart Birth Place Museum (Mozarts Geburtshaus) and later to the Mozart Living House (Mozart Wohnhaus). Both were very interesting and the explanations were in German or Austrian and English with music playing. After a drink in a square, we had a rest in the sun in the Mirabell Gardens and then walked to Spaghetti & Co again for dinner, this time to eat Vienna Schnitzel. After that it was back to the hotel.

Miles travelled today = 0					Trip miles total - 833