A recount of my time in one of Europe’s most charming cities
Earlier this fall, I had the chance to join a small group of travel professionals on an immersion trip to Salzburg — a destination famously known through the voice of Julie Andrews and the soundtrack of The Sound of Music, yet I had never experienced for myself. I chose Salzburg over Vienna not only because I’d been to Vienna before, but because I had clients dreaming about a family trip in the region. It felt like the perfect moment to understand this city beyond its postcard charm.
The journey in, set the tone. Watching the landscape shift from the grand sweep of Vienna into storybook mountains, forests, and alpine villages, I felt my pace soften. There’s something about train travel — the way the scenery pulls you in and time seems to stretch — that makes arrival feel like a transition rather than a rush.
Checking into the iconic Hotel Sacher Salzburg only added to that feeling. Grand, elegant, and perfectly placed along the river and the Old Town, it’s a property that holds its history with grace. And yes — the famous Sachertorte is every bit as delicious as legend suggests.
Over the next several days, I explored Salzburg with wonderful hosts and fellow advisors, moving between the Old Town and the quieter outskirts. Everything has a story here, and everywhere you turn, the city’s deep connection to music, culture, and tradition is beautifully visible.
A few moments that continue to stay with me:
• A walking food tour where I discovered pretzels with butter (life-changing), coffee with pastries, and Mozartkugeln chocolates; learned about traditional salt culture — Salzburg literally means “Salt Mountain” — and slipped into cafés tucked inside alleyways older than most countries.
• Discovering Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s world in the very buildings that shaped him, and attending elegant concert dinners that brought his music to life in the most enchanting way.
• Touring the centuries-old Hotel Goldener Hirsch on the famous Getreidegasse — a street lined with boutiques and craftsmen’s shops marked by ornate medieval guild signs. Once created for a largely illiterate population, these signs are now a beautiful reminder of Salzburg’s preserved heritage. Mozart was born just steps away at No. 9, where the Geburtshaus museum now stands.
• Wandering the expansive grounds of Hellbrunn Palace, the prince-archbishop’s summer residence built between 1613–1619, where playful trick fountains and quiet gardens felt refreshingly calming. It’s also home to the famous Sound of Music gazebo featured in the scenes and songs “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and “Something Good.”
• An unforgettable evening at Red Bull’s Hangar-7, where aviation, art, and culinary creativity collide in an almost cinematic way. Historical airplanes, helicopters, Formula 1 racing cars, motorbikes, and art installations fill the space. The complex also houses the Michelin-starred Restaurant Ikarus, along with two bars and a lounge.
• The Sound of Music tours were another fun way to explore Salzburg, visit filming locations, learn behind-the-scenes facts, and hear more about the real Von Trapp family. These moments awakened memories of childhood afternoons watching the film. My favorite stop was the abbey, where I could hear the faint sounds of the nuns singing in their quarters.
. We enjoyed an afternoon with Edelweiss Cooking, where we learned how to make traditional apple strudel and the Salzburger Nockerl — a hands-on, fun experience. Good times, and great company.
• Another highlight was cruising across the serene Wolfgangsee Lake, strolling through the picturesque town of St. Wolfgang, and riding the Schafberg railway for lunch at the top of the mountain — taking in panoramic, breathtaking views high above the clouds of the Austrian Alps and lakes.
Later in the trip, we moved to Hotel Schloss Mönchstein, a romantic castle perched above the city — refined, quiet, and the perfect retreat after full days of exploration. Dinner at M32, a short walk down the hill and set inside the Museum of Modern Art overlooking the city at sunset, was another standout.
The finale was extraordinary: attending the 60th Anniversary Sound of Music Gala, held in the same venue where the film’s final scene was shot — the setting for the Von Trapp family’s performance of “So Long, Farewell” and “Edelweiss” before their escape.
Salzburg truly surprised me. It’s beautiful, yes — but it’s also layered, cultural, deeply musical, and filled with small, lingering moments.
After the trip, with plans to depart from Munich, I wrapped with a short stay there — wandering the Old Town, visiting Viktualienmarkt, enjoying beer and bratwurst, and scouting luxury hotels for clients including Kempinski, Rosewood, and Mandarin Oriental. I spent two nights in the city: the first at the sleek, modern Hotel Koenigshof, with its warm staff and vibrant rooftop restaurant, Greta OTO — buzzy, stylish, and delicious. The second night was at The Charles, a Rocco Forte hotel set beside a peaceful park. My solo dinner at Florio was outstanding — elevated by paired wines and thoughtful surprises from the team. Moments like these remind me why I love traveling alone just as much as traveling with others.
Until next time, Prost!
