Rachel’s Interrail Adventures

After a super long night of rest (was actually laying on my bed at just after 7pm last night, showered and everything), I made my way into town around 9.30am.

First stop – Mozart’s residence which is now, predictably a museum.

Mozart lived here with his parents from 1773-1781 when Mozart was 17-25. During that time he wrote many symphonies, concertos and string quartets as well as music for the church who employed him in the later years. He wanted to write opera though and eventually was able to do so in Vienna from 1781 onwards.

Interesting to see Mozart’s first pianoforte, see a famous family portrait and also just contemplate the view and situation of the house: across the way from the State Opera and 5-10 minutes walk from the Dom Quartier – cathedral and other religious buildings.

I then visited Mozart’s birthplace house which is 5 minutes away. This backs onto the main church/cathedral and the residence of the Prince Archbishop. There is nothing startling to see but interesting to note the location. Mozart lived there up to 1773 when they moved to the other place I visited earlier.

I followed this with a visit to the Dom Quartier, where the Prince-Archbishop had his residence – very posh and palatial and to round the morning off visited MOMA – museum of modern art. This last had an exhibition of theatre photography but was a bit boring apart from that. They have a small cafe where I stayed for ages, reading and relaxing in the shade.

I visited all these places on the ‘Salzburg Card’. EU45 for three days includes public transport and entry to most tourist spots. I have already paid for the card on money saved!

In the afternoon I took the funicular up to the fortress on the hill above the town (also included on the card).

Beautiful views of the hills and town.

As it was Sunday, most supermarkets were closed and many restaurants were too. I ended up with an overpriced chicken salad in a tourist area. A small packet of butter added EU2 to the bill!!

However my most favourite part of the day was the concert I went to in the evening. I booked it months ago as it is part of the Salzburg Festival. A Spanish renaissance composer was featured – Tomas Luis de Victoria – as well as recent and contemporary composers. The choir were fantastic – the second really brilliant choir I have seen this trip.

And that’s it. Do you have any budget cafe/restaurant recommendations for me? There are plenty more things to do on the Salzburg Card so that’ll keep me busy.