Author: Amy
While in Austria we stayed in the town of Salzburg. We decided not to rent a car and knew we probably could venture out to the beautiful ski towns with the bus or train. While I was researching where to stay there were many options in the ski towns but it seemed that we’d have to rent a car. I spent many hours deliberating because we love cool summer weather, being from a warm climate, but I didn’t want to be stranded out on some deserted mountain – I just didn’t have input from anyone that had spent time in the summer there. Our apartment was “fine”. We were overpromised and under delivered a bit, but such is life. We were just across the street from the beautiful Mirabell gardens and were lucky to spend a lot of time there – it had a great park for the kids and random school chorus/bands would play each day. It was fun to see their enthusiasm and talent. One day we took the “Fraulein Maria, Sound of Music Bike tour”. We saw all the sights from the movie; the Von Trapp home (two were used for the movie – we saw them both); the famous Gazebo (I am sixteen, going on seventeen . . .); and the Abby. Many of the scenes were shot in the Mirabell Park that we were staying near. It was a fabulous day – a 4-hour bike tour. It also included most of the sights of Salzburg – Mozart’s home and the Salzburg castle. Salzburg is set upon the river Salzach, which makes it a very pretty city. Another day we took the local bus out to a ski village called “Jenner” and took a gondola up to the very top (which is in the Berchtesgaden National Park). The view was breathtaking. We enjoyed a light lunch and hiked down to the midpoint gondola, a 1.5 hour hike straight downhill. The path was gravel and you really had to concentrate on not slipping. Along the path we encountered some gorgeous cows with bells around their necks. It just seemed so cute and rustic, until I got closer and saw how massive these animals were and my non-animal instinct/fear overtook me. Good thing Kendal stayed calm. We enjoyed our time in Salzburg and a week was long enough to see what we wanted to see.
Looks Like a pretzel but it's really a donut
View of the Salzburg Castle
Great bike tour
Is Fräulein Marie home?
Von Trapp home
I am 16 going on 17...
A view from Berchtesgaden National Park
Keegan took this shot and kept saying, "Dad, do not move back"!!
Stop saying, "Mooo" just keep moving!
Journey For 4 
Sharon C.
July 13, 2011 at 9:38 am
I will have to watch the “Sound of Music” and bring out those beautiful scenes in a second hand way. Enjoy them for real!
Anne & Al
July 13, 2011 at 11:06 am
Hi,
Hope you had some apple strudel or sacher torte – Vienna’s finest.
Anne & Al
Grandpa & Grandma, Mom & Dad
July 13, 2011 at 2:18 pm
When I read this I want to sing all of those songs. Amy I love those cows sitting right next to you. My animal lover. It is all so breathtaking. We love it.
Dad says after you leave Germany your legs will be able to climb anything.
We love all of you
George and Iris
July 14, 2011 at 9:58 pm
We love each chapter and have read with interest each one. What a joy.
Tina (Sis)
July 13, 2011 at 5:11 pm
Awesome pictures!
Love ya
Heather
July 13, 2011 at 9:00 pm
Sounds like a great stop. I loved the Sound of Music when I was a kid. Wish we were there! From the sound of things, you whole family is going to be very fit by the end of the year – not that you weren’t already!
Anthony R I.
July 13, 2011 at 10:25 pm
are you guys going to be anywhere near Prague between August 22 and 25th. We are going there from England that week, would love to hook up! Anthony
Caroline
July 14, 2011 at 7:42 am
Haven’t posted in a while because we’ve had company. Now we are going to Montreal to see Taylor Swift. They better let me in that country- I’ve been waiting for this concert forever. I hope they have donuts that look like pretzels, or something good like that. I’ll tell my grandma and papa to get them- they are in austria today!!!!! We are dog sitting for zsa zsa- yay for me ;( My song-
(your post makes me feel like singing) Kendal is 13 going on 14, keegan is 10en going on 11, I want a pretzel that really is a donut, too bad i cant have one cause i’m stuck in the us with this dog 😦 The End
Aunt Julie
July 14, 2011 at 2:39 pm
Well I guess we will put in the video tonight. Great to hear all wonderful. Americaaaa Sunday at 2PM in Charlotte!
love ya enjoy each moment..
julie
Aunt Nancy
July 15, 2011 at 12:19 am
The hills are alive with the sound of music…(pretend this is in tune) Great story and loved all the photos of my favorite movie in the whole world!!! So jealous! Enjoy your next stop!!! Love you all!
Carey
July 31, 2011 at 8:54 am
BEAUTIFUL scenery! I am sure you enjoyed the fresh mountain air!
Brian C.
August 3, 2011 at 11:48 am
At Berchtesgaden, you were not too far away from Hitler’s mountain retreat called Kehlsteinhaus (Typically called Eagle’s Nest in English). Impressive view from that mountaintop and the green Königssee lake in the distance. Great memories for me…