Salzburg, Austria. Photo courtesy of malouette via Flickr.

Owing to its status as the birthplace of the great Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Salzburg has been playing host to influential classical music and drama festivals for more than a century. One of the most prestigious of these is the annual Salzburg Festival. With a history that dates to 1920 (it launched with a play directed by no less a talent than Max Reinhardt), this festival is one of the premier showcases of opera, drama and classical music in Austria.

Once a hotbed of reactionary Catholicism and conservatism (more than a few passion plays have been staged over the years), the modern incarnation of the festival is an open and inclusive celebration of refinement and creativity.

This year, the festival will span a full 44 days (July 20th-September 2nd). With performances in nearly 20 venues around Salzburg, the 2012 program includes Haydn’s Ouverture Spirituelle, a number of “Mozart Matinees” from the likes of Ivor Bolton and Christopher Hogwood, and music by Dvorak, Handel and Schubert. There will also be performances of Peer Gynt, Everyman and Carmen, among others. For aspiring musicians, there are a number of master classes, lectures and tutorials on offer. The Vienna Philharmonic will be making appearances, as will the London Symphony Orchestra and many other smaller ensembles, youth troupes and soloists. For a complete listing of all performances, see the festival website.

Note: The Salzburg Festival is expected to attract more than 250,000 visitors this year, so be sure to arrange for tickets and accommodations well in advance.

-John Reality

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The Salzburg Festival in Austria from Salzburg Things to Do

On the Danube River in Austria

Wine lovers traveling through Austria would be remiss to skip out on the beautiful, historic, Wachau Valley and all the grapes it has to offer. Voted the Best Historic Destination in the World in 2008, this valley is situated in the lovely lower Austrian country, formed by the Danube River. With its settlement history dating back to prehistoric times, these clusters of castles, monasteries and vineyards will appeal to both the wine enthusiast and the history buff.

Well worth a day trip from Zurich, one of the best ways to see the Wachau Valley is by bike. Whether you go two or four wheels, you will be free to pick from your choice of dozens of wineries to try. Sample local wines paired by the experts with local foods, all while enjoying stunning views. A few wineries to note include the Denk wine garden in Weissenkirchen, the Hirtzberger family estate, home to the world-famous Singerriedel Riesling and the Nikolaihof winery, which dates nearly 2,000 years, making it Austria’s oldest vineyard. In the nearby Kamptal region, there is even a wine museum for those who want a historical look at Austrian wine.

If you’re inclined to stay in the city, Vienna has plenty of options. Heuringen, family-run wine gardens and restaurants, are to be found all around the country, but there is a particular ring of these intimate spots in the hills above Vienna that are not to be missed. Accessible by public transportation, many offer delicious local fare to go with your wine tasting. For the urbanite, there are countless shops and cafés on street corners and down hidden alleyways in Vienna that sell Austrian wine by the glass and bottle. If you’re in the mood for some bubbly, check out Le Cru, a champagne bar, where you’ll be charmed by both good music and their impressive “Wall of Champagne.”

-John Reality

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Wine Tasting in Austria from Salzburg Things to Do

The Bregenz Festival in Austria. Photo courtesy of frankartculinary via Flickr.

Easily the biggest annual event in the capital of the westernmost state in Austria, the Bregenzer Festspiele, or Bregenz Festival, features performances of famous operas on the largest floating stage in the world. You may have noticed this iconic structure in 2008’s Quantum of Solace. In any case, it is truly a sight to behold.

Adventurous architecture combines with beautiful natural scenery to create a unique performance venue and an exciting festival that you won’t forget. During this popular month-long event, the city’s modest population of less than 30,000 swells to a staggering 200,000. Needless to say, you’ll want to make hotel reservations a good deal in advance. If it is peace and quiet that you’re after, steer clear of Bregenz from mid-July to mid-August.

The festival features more than 100 performances each year, with works by Verdi, Puccini, Bernstein, and countless others. This year’s festival begins July 18th. Highlights from the program include operas by Umberto Girodano and Detlev Glanert (Andre Chenier, and Solaris, respectively), as well as a chamber opera titled The Diary of Nijinsky (also by Detlev Glanert) and guest performances by the Schauspielhaus.

While visiting Bregenz, make sure to check out the city’s most famous landmark, Martin’s Tower, which is situated on the summit of the Pfänder. Essentially a lookout tower, the structure features panoramic views from an elevation of 3,500 feet. Thankfully, it is easily accessible by cable car. Also popular with cyclists and strollers is the promenade emanating from the downtown core along the shore of Lake Constance (note the many pleasant, outdoor restaurants along the route).

-John Reality

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The Bregenz Festival in Austria from Salzburg Things to Do

St Wolfgang Lake in the Austrian Lake District

Austria’s Lake District, known officially as Salzkammergut, is one of the best places in the country to go for a relaxing weekend in the presence of an unforgettable landscape and beautiful traditional Austrian infrastructure. Known for its spanning meadows, broad ridges and of course, its crystal lakeside, the town is in itself what photographers dream of when plotting the design of their next postcard.

Brought to life with its idyllic villages, with lovely modern accommodations, a trip out to the Lake district is perfect for either a lovely get away weekend with a loved one, or a pleasant and relaxed break for the whole family.

Part of the landscape and area, the area is a protected Unesco World Heritage Site. The inhabitants of Hallstadt, next to the Hallstättersee Lake are as traditional as they come, with many still adorning the customary Lederhosen and Dirndls, while eating only local Austrian fare caught in the nearby lake.

While in the area, it is best to explore the great outdoors to its full potential, and there are certainly plenty of ways to do that here. Take up some mountain biking or hiking on one of several available trails. In the summer go take a dip in the lake, or go skiing if you are here in the winter. For the adventurous traveler, put an exclamation point on your trip by indulging in some paragliding, where you get the opportunity to soar 5,000 feet (1,524 meters) over the valley.

-John Reality

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Exploring Austria’s Lake District from Salzburg Things to Do

Hiking Trails in Austria. Photo courtesy of Leo-setä via Flickr.

The possibilities for hiking in Austria are as numerous and they are diverse. Whether its spontaneous trekking in the Alps amid the network of well-marked trails, or a day trip out of Vienna, Salzburg, and other destinations, the country is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. The following are just a few of the countless ways to make the most of what’s available.

1) Be your own guide. Thanks to the efforts of Austrian, Dutch, Italian and German alpine clubs, the Alps are dotted with mountain huts. While somewhat Spartan in their aesthetic, these make it possible for amateur adventurers to spend days and even weeks trekking from station to station. The huts are connected by long trails that are marked with the red and white striped Austrian flag. Take care to bring along the proper gear, however. The huts are open to anyone, but they’re hardly full service hotels.

2) The Pinzgau Ridgeway. Running parallel to the Salzach Valley in picturesque Pinzgau, this trail is a good choice for aspiring trekkers seeking a route that isn’t as technically demanding as other options in the Alps. It’s possible to break the 15.5-mile trip up into several days (by making use of the Pinzgau Hut), but it can be tackled in a single day without too much difficulty.

3) Soak and stroll. Among the many beautiful spa towns in Austria, Bad Aussee is well known for its recuperative qualities and the many excellent hiking and cross-country ski trails in the immediate vicinity. Nestled into the junction of two important tributary rivers, Bad Aussee is justly famous for its health-giving waters, its relative affordability, and its natural beauty.

-John Reality

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Hiking Ideas in Austria from Salzburg Things to Do

Spanish Riding School in Vienna, Austria

If Vienna was not beautiful enough on its own merits, take it to a new level with the classy and wondrous Spanische Hofreitschule, better known as the Spanish Riding School. Perhaps the world’s oldest equestrian academy in the world, this over 400 year old school has become not just a staple of the Viennese high-society, but an important stop for anybody who appreciates the elegance of the horse riding art form.

Filled with lots to do and see, the Spanish Riding School has several events. These include, performances, relaxing morning exercises, and even guided tours, including Gala performances, which are held on pre-chosen Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, so call in advance to make a booking. Watch as stallions perform some of the most beautifully executed, and difficult manoeuvres possible—a pirouette, a passage, and piaffe—as well as wonderful jumps above-ground, all accompanied by classical local music. What a pleasure.

The interior of the performance center is absolutely magnificent, and the very definition of class. When the Lipizzaner stallions perform in a hippodrome, the roman columns, as well as the white and gold backdrop, play beautifully on the majestic white creatures. Once reserved for the royal family, the hippodrome is now a stunning playground for some of the world’s greatest horses.

Bookings and events can be found on the schools website or via box office at Josefsplatz. Hours for the visiting center at Michaelerplatz are from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Tuesday to Sunday. Performances can be filled quite fast, so make sure you book as soon as possible.

-John Reality

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The Spanish Riding School in Vienna, Austria from Salzburg Things to Do

The scene from the end of The Sound of Music, Salzburg Alps

The Sound of Music is the seminal Julie Andrews musical that set the hills alive with music on this amazing adventure in Salzburg. Check out where this Oscar winning film was shot and see the places that inspired the music from the film plus the actual places of filming the Mirabell Palace Gardens, dating back to the 1730s.

This is a full day tour that will delight even the most devoted of Sound of Music aficionados and you will learn more about the film – including special on-location secrets – you never knew existed! Photo opportunities abound and you will feel like you really are on set as you journey through the various twists and turns of the beloved tale.

First up is the Mirabell Palace Gardens, part of where ‘Do Re Me’ was filmed. This beautiful landmark is covered with familiar sites, including the Pegasus fountain and the gnome dwarf park. Afterwards, head to Winkler Terrace, the ancient horse bath and the festival hall complex, where the Von Trapps performed ‘So Long, Farewell.’ But that won’t be the end of your trip, there are at least a dozen places to recreate moments from the influential tale, including the Sound of Music Meados in Marktschellenberg and Mozart Bridge, where Maria and the kids skip along in the film.

There is the additional option to tack an extra day onto your journey that will take you outside the city limits of Salzburg and winding through the glorious Austrian hills nearby. You will visit the Ice Caves and a plethora of other special filming stops.

-John Reality

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Sound of Music Sights in Austria from Salzburg Things to Do

Salzburg, Austria

For those of you who are not familiar with the occasion, St. Philip’s Night, or “Philippinacht” is one of the more interesting traditions in Europe. It occurs the night of April 30 in Austria in celebration of the apostle Philip, the patron saint of order. That night, the young men of the villages stroll along the streets picking up anything and everything considered to be not be kept properly or untidy and brings them to a collection point usually formed by the nearest church.

The next day, anybody who realizes their possessions are missing can go to this collection point, pay a small unofficial “fine” and shamefully carry their belongings back home. For a glimpse of this particularly odd practice, many places in Austria carry out Philippinacht, but your best chance of seeing it are in Salzburg and in and around the Berchtesgaden area.

Perhaps it does not sound as fun as it was designed, but in fact, many of those who “celebrate” the event use the opportunity as a social occasion to gather with friends and family over a few drinks and watch the young alcohol influenced, men gather belongings of their neighbors. Now that is something I can drink to.

As one of the 12 apostles, St. Philip is known as a disciple of Jesus and was tested by him on how to feed 5,000 people. Later, he was known to preach the word of Jesus in Phrygia, Syria and Greece.

-John Reality

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St. Philip’s Night in Austria from Salzburg Things to Do

Rathaus Vienna Film Festival, Vienna, Austria. Photo courtesy of Ivan C via Flickr.

Austria’s capital city is nearly always bustling with cultural activity. Whether it’s because of the famous Vienna International Film Festival (October 20-November 2), which attracts more than 90,000 cineastes to the city every year, or any of the other theatre, music, food, film, and holiday festivals that take place annually, it’s well worth checking the calendar before visiting Vienna. For travelers with impending travel plans, the following events should prove of particular interest.

1) Accordion Festival

Both international and native accordion artists performed more than 40 concerts on 15 different stages during the thirteenth incarnation of the Vienna Accordion Festival. This year’s program included a silent movie matinee, and performances by greats like Riccardo Tesi, Sophie Cavez, Baltazar Montanaro and Rosi Ledet. February-March 25

2) Wiener Festwochen

Visited by nearly 200,000 revelers every year, the Vienna Festival features dozens of film and video productions, hundreds of live performances, and more than 50 concerts performed by Elite opera and theater directors, conductors, and orchestras from all over the world. May 11-June 17

3) Vienna Spring Festival

Culminating in film and live music performances, and featuring chamber music, jazz, and world music concerts, this festival is dedicated to the works of Beethoven and Schubert (both of whom lived and worked in Vienna during the transition from classical to romantic music).  All of the former’s compositions for string quartet will be performed, as will all of the latter’s symphonies. March 2-May 13

-John Reality

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Top Annual Spring Events in Vienna from Salzburg Things to Do

Hohe Tauern National Park in Austria. Photo courtesy of thisisbossi via Flickr.

The powers that be generally designate national recreation areas or areas of significance for good reasons, and this certainly holds true in Austria. The country’s parks are great places to enjoy the outdoors and revel in the splendors of the natural world. The following should help the uninitiated begin to familiarize themselves with some of the better scenic areas in the country.

1) Hohe Tauern

Hohe Tauern National Park covers an area of nearly 700 square miles, making it far and away the largest of its kind in central Europe. The region features pristine evergreen forests, alpine meadows, striking rock faces, cliffs, peaks, and glacial ice fields and floes. On the northern edge of the park is the spa town of Bad Gastein, which dates back to the 15th century, and recently played host to the snowboarding and boarder-cross world cup.

2) Donau Auen

One of the last large river meadow landscapes in Central Europe, Donau Auen (or “Danube River Meadows”) stretches from edge of Vienna along both sides of the Danube roughly 20 miles to the border of Slovakia. The park is home to hundreds of species of plants, 30 species of mammals, 100 species of birds, 8 species of reptiles (including the country′s only native turtle), 13 species of amphibians, and 60 species of fish.

3) Kalkalpen

Not exactly a large park by national standards, National Park Kalkalpen in Upper Austria is nonetheless perfectly situated for visitors to take in views of the Sengsengebirge Mountains and Reichraminger Hintergebirge Mountains, as well as parts of the Northern Alps.

-John Reality

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Top 3 National Parks in Austria from Salzburg Things to Do