On January 27, 1756 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born. In 1965 The Sound of Music hit theaters to critical acclaim. If you are wondering what these two things have in common it is that both events took place in Salzburg, Germany, an outstanding day trip from Munich, Germany.
Salzburg, Germany is located about 90 miles east of Munich and while it is easily accessible via private car, there is also rail travel available. The train system in Germany is considered one of the best in the world and you will find the trip relaxing and comfortable. There are snack bars, restrooms and it’s a great way to see the countryside. Salzburg itself is on the banks of the Salzach River, near the northern boundary of the Alps. The southern mountains contrast spectacularly with the rolling plains of the north. This is considered to be some of the most beautiful scenery in all of Germany and taking the train allows you to enjoy it. The train trip takes about 2 hours.
When you get to Salzburg you have several options, depending on preference. The town itself has been well preserved since medieval times and you will want to take a walking tour around to admire the architecture and pay a visit to the Salzburg Cathedral and the Mirabell Gardens. There are several other churches that date to medieval times and the palace of Leopoldskron along with Anif Castle shouldn’t be missed. Of course it goes without saying that you will want to visit the birthplace of Mozart as well as the filming locations of the Sound of Music.
If shopping in on your list of things to do, Salzburg provides a treat. Getreidegasse is one of the oldest streets in Salzburg but it contains dozens of little shops. There are also a myriad of places to stop and get a bite to eat; everything from fast food to top of the line haute cuisine.
If you decide to turn your day trip into an overnight or weekend excursion, there are several hotels and inns to choose from. The most fun to be had is in the quaint inns rather than the hotels. In contrast to many European locations, Americans will find all necessary amenities available and there are unlikely to be unwelcome surprises.
It’s possible to join a tour group in Munich if you would prefer a guided tour. All guided tours will allow you from 3-5 hours to explore on your own after the tour before meeting for the trip home. These tours, according to one tour site, Viator, run about $50 per person but include both meals and train tickets.