Winter hiking on the Gaisberg
A winter hike from the Aigner church up the Salzburg Gaisberg to the Zistelalm is a wonderful experience, especially on a sunny day after a fresh snowfall. The scenery offers an idyllic mixture of untouched winter landscape and bright sunshine that enchants every hiker.
The starting point, the Aigner church, is enveloped in the stillness of the wintry morning. The cool air is filled with the freshness of the snow and the gentle glow of the sun as it slowly rises above the horizon. With every step through the crunching snow, you feel more connected to nature as you approach the summit of the Gaisberg.
The path first leads towards the Hexenloch through and along the forest, whose treetops are covered in a delicate blanket of snow. The sun's rays penetrate the branches and conjure up sparkling reflections on the ground. It is as if nature itself is awakening and presenting itself in its winter dress.
The silence is only occasionally broken by the soft crunching of snow under your hiking boots. It is a time of peace and contemplation as you tackle the ascent and enjoy the majestic view of Salzburg and the surrounding landscape.
The route continues via a descent on a small mountain road. You walk past a farm towering over Salzburg and some residential buildings and cross the Gaisbergstrasse before continuing your hike back into the forest.
After a while you finally reach the Zistelalm, a cozy mountain inn/mountain hotel, which lies in the middle of the snow-covered landscape. The warm smoke rising from the chimney promises warm hospitality and a well-deserved break.
Over a hot drink and a traditional meal, you can let your gaze wander over the wintry splendor and enjoy the tranquillity of nature to the full. It is a moment of gratitude for the beauty of the world and the opportunity to experience it in such an authentic way.
The hike back to the Aigner church is just as exhilarating as the ascent. The descent through the snow-covered paths offers new perspectives and insights into the wintry landscape, which changes with every moment.
At the end of this unforgettable adventure, you will be left with the memory of a hike through an almost untouched winter landscape, accompanied by the warming sun and the magic of the snow.
Morning walk along the Salzach river
Salzburg, the charming city known for its baroque architecture, rich culture and majestic Alpine backdrop, invites visitors to take an unforgettable stroll along the banks of the Salzach. This lively river promenade not only offers breathtaking views, but also a wealth of sights to enchant every visitor.
The walk begins, for example, in Mirabell Gardens, one of the most beautiful baroque gardens in Europe. Here, visitors can admire the magnificent flowerbeds, stroll along the well-tended paths and enjoy the famous view of the Hohensalzburg Fortress, which towers majestically over the city. From here, it is only a good 100 meters to the Salzach, where the path along the water begins.
As you stroll along the banks, you come across Salzburg's famous old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The narrow streets and colorful houses give the city a unique charm. The Getreidegasse, one of Salzburg's most famous streets, is lined with historic buildings, small stores and cozy cafés. Here, visitors can experience the flair of times gone by and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the old town.
A walk along the Salzach also offers the opportunity to discover some of Salzburg's most important sights. The famous Mozart site, the birthplace of composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, is located in Getreidegasse not far from the riverbank.
For nature lovers, the walk along the Salzach also offers the opportunity to enjoy the picturesque surrounding landscape. The green banks of the river offer an idyllic retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city and are ideal for relaxing walks or cozy picnics. When the weather is fine, visitors can also take a boat trip on the Salzach and experience the city from a completely new perspective.
A walk along the Salzach is not only an opportunity to admire the beauty of Salzburg, but also a chance to discover the city's rich history and culture. Whether alone, with family or with friends - a walk along the Salzach is an unforgettable experience for every visitor to the city.
Salzburg Festival - Don Giovanni
The Salzburg Festival's open-air cinema on Kapitelplatz is undoubtedly an outstanding cultural highlight that attracts thousands of visitors every summer. This unique event not only offers the opportunity to enjoy top-class performances of the Salzburg Festival free of charge, but also an incomparable experience in the open air.
Located in the heart of Salzburg's picturesque old town, Kapitelplatz becomes a stage for recordings of past festival years in summer. The screen becomes a stage for classical music, opera and theater art, while visitors settle down on the benches or take a seat on blankets they have brought with them.
The ambience is unique: the historic buildings such as Salzburg Cathedral around Kapitelplatz form a majestic backdrop as dusk slowly falls over the city, creating a romantic atmosphere. The gentle breeze carries the sound of the music through the air, adding an extra dimension to the experience.
While the audience is immersed in the performances, they have the opportunity to enjoy refreshments in the adjoining restaurant. Here you can indulge in culinary delights, from traditional Austrian dishes to exquisite wines. It is a perfect symbiosis of culinary delights and cultural enrichment.
In August 2023, I had the extraordinary pleasure of experiencing a performance of Mozart's "Don Giovanni" in the Salzburg Festival's open-air cinema. Thrilling music and a gripping production while sitting under the twinkling starry sky and following the drama on the screen.
It was an unforgettable experience that showed the unique atmosphere and artistic richness of the Salzburg Festival in all its glory. The open-air cinema on Kapitelplatz is undoubtedly a cultural highlight that inspires and enchants visitors from all over the world year after year.