Since I’ve been gone so long I thought it’d be a nice treat to share with you my favorite spots during my time in Salzburg. I lived there for about a year while studying at the Universität Salzburg, and loved every moment. I hope to go back soon since this post is allowing me to relive my time there. Alrighty on with the post.
My bench in Salzburg is located just outside the Dom (the Cathedral) in the Kapitel-Platz. It sits between two pillars that hold up an archway connected the Dom and just behind the life sized chess board. I used to love to sit there with my book and watch the old men challenge the tourists or local school kids to a game of chess. Some games would last for hours, often leading to a stall and coffee break for the opponents while someone guarded the board from others who'd like to play.
Across the courtyard, past the giant Goldene Kügle (giant gold ball with man standing on top), and though the stone archway you'll see a water wheel. Just before the water wheel is a set of stairs that lead down to a hidden gem. A bakery run by the brothers of the St Peters called Stiftsbäckerei St. Peter.. The sweet bread (Sußebrot) is amazing. This is a favorite spot for locals so go early to be sure you get first choice of all they have to offer.
If you happen to visit Salzburg in the winter the Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Market) is a wonderful place to visit. There are stalls all throughout the Altstadt that have handmade gifts that your friends and family will love. You also have to try Glühwein, which is a mulled wine served warm. It’ll keep you warm from the inside out during the cold Austrian winters. There is also an ice skating rink that you can rent skates and try to not fall on your bum like I do every time I try to skate. There’s something special about Christmas time. Everyone is happy, loved ones visit from out of town, and you get to create memories and uphold traditions with family and friends. Oh, just be sure to watch out for the Krampus. These are the half-goat men/monsters that is pretty much the opposite of Saint Nicholas. While Saint Nicholas rewards good children, Krampus punish bad children. Legend says that on the eve of the start of the feast of Saint Nicholas (Which begins December 6th) Krampus comes down from the Alps and gets the bad children. If you're lucky enough to see someone dressed as a Krampus, don't be afraid they usually welcome pictures, after giving you a little fright haha.
I could go on and on about Salzburg, but theres another blog for that. I hope this inspires you to get out there and maybe one day visit Salzburg. There are benches all over the city and everywhere you turn you’ll see something new.
Thanks for reading and for bearing with me for that extended lull.
View of the Mirabell Gardens
Piano player performing right behind my bench
Life sized Chess
Weihnachtsmarkt
Me singing "I have confidence" from the Sound of Music
