DANUBE RIVER CRUISE: LINZ, MONDSEE & SALZBURG

The following day, we reached Linz, known for the Linzer torte, which we didn't try as we didn't stay there. Instead, we embarked on a scenic 2-hour bus ride to Salzburg, a city renowned for being the birthplace of the illustrious composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The journey itself was quite picturesque, offering us glimpses of the beautiful Austrian countryside, with rolling hills, lush green fields, and charming villages dotting the landscape. As we approached Salzburg, the majestic peaks of the Alps loomed in the background, enhancing the allure of this historical city.

Upon our arrival, we were immediately struck by the stunning architecture that characterizes Salzburg. The city is a harmonious blend of baroque buildings, medieval structures, and modern amenities, which together create a unique atmosphere that is both vibrant and rich in history. However, it quickly became apparent that we were not alone in our admiration for this beautiful destination; the streets were packed with tourists from all corners of the globe, eager to explore the same sights that have captivated visitors for centuries.

We made our way towards Mozart's birthplace, a modest yet charming house located in the heart of the city. This historical site, now a museum, celebrates the life and works of the musical genius and draws in countless visitors who wish to pay homage to his legacy.

Despite the throngs of people, we found moments of tranquility in the city's beautiful gardens and along the banks of the Salzach River. The Mirabell Gardens, with their meticulously manicured hedges and vibrant flowerbeds, provided a stunning oasis amidst the hustle and bustle. Here, we took a moment to relax and soak in the beauty of our surroundings, all while the sound of classical music echoed faintly in the background, a fitting tribute to the city's most famous son.

The excursion to Salzburg broke my "hiking rule," which is that if the travel time to and from a hike is longer than the hike itself, it's better to find another hike. The bus journey there and back took more time than we spent in Salzburg, so for future day trip excursions, consult Google Maps before heading out, and check with your tour leader!!

An interesting detour on the way to Salzburg was Mondsee, where we visited the wedding chapel from The Sound of Music. The hills were alive!!! This side trip inspired us to watch the movie with some new friends in the ship's cinema; it was fun to recognize some of the places we had just seen that day in the film.

After departing Salzburg, we met back up with our ship further downstream in Grein, where there is another castle, this one privately owned by the Saxe-Coburg family, who are related to the Windsors and have their own castles.