Salzburg | A Mozart fairytale town that captivated me even more than Vienna
Salzburg
This time, we took the train from Munich to Salzburg. Although it's located in Austria, it's very convenient to travel from Munich, making it a great option for a short international trip. Salzburg is Mozart's birthplace. Unlike Vienna, which has the grandeur of a capital city, Salzburg has a gentler, quieter, and fairytale-like atmosphere. If Vienna is a magnificent classical concert hall, then Salzburg is more like a little winter melody—it doesn't need to be overly dramatic to feel romantic.
Lakeside, mountain views and old town streets
What attracted me most to Salzburg was the atmosphere of the entire city. The lakeside scenery was stunning, with the distant mountains and city lights reflected in the water, especially at dusk, creating a tranquil and romantic atmosphere. Walking into the old town was also very pleasant. Salzburg's streets don't require any special angles; every alleyway is charming. The buildings, signs, shops, and cobblestone streets all have the feel of a small European town, unlike the oppressive atmosphere of big cities, making you want to stroll around at your own pace.
Mozart Square
Salzburg is Mozart's birthplace, so you can see many elements related to him in the city. Mozart Square is a classic stop. When we were walking near Mozart Square, we happened to see an ice rink and decided to try it out. This trip was not originally planned, but it turned out to be a very memorable part of my trip to Salzburg.
Skating near a market filled with Christmas atmosphere felt completely different from skating at the Taipei Arena. Surrounded by an old European town, Christmas decorations, and the cold winter air, the whole atmosphere was dreamy and added an unexpected touch of joy to the trip.
Upon arriving in Salzburg, we visited Bärenwirt, a famous local restaurant known for its fried pork cutlets. This place is very popular, so I highly recommend making a reservation, as it's usually packed. The pork cutlets are quite large, with a crispy exterior, and they're very filling when paired with potatoes or rice. Overall, I thought it was pretty good, but because the portions are quite large, you should consider your appetite before ordering.
We also saw some posts online about Balkan Grill Walter / Bosna Grill hot dogs in Salzburg, so we went to try them out. The combination of sausage and bread had a street food vibe, but I wouldn't say it was amazing. It's more like a snack you can try since you're already there. If you happen to be nearby or want something simple, you can buy one to give it a try.
During my trip to Salzburg, my favorite food was actually ice cream. The place was called Gelateria La Romana dal 1947, and they had many flavors to choose from. My personal favorite was the pistachio flavor. It had a strong pistachio taste but wasn't too sweet, and the texture was very smooth.