Roadtrip to Salzburg and The Sound of Music

Salzburg (pronounce “Zalsbook”) is the fourth-largest city in Austria and the capital city of the federal state of Salzburg. Salzburg’s “Old Town” (Altstadt) has internationally renowned baroque architecture and one of the best-preserved city centres north of the Alps. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. The city is noted for its Alpine setting. Salzburg was near the birthplace of 18th-century composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. He was born at Wolfgangsee in St. Gilgen. In the mid-20th century, the city was the setting for parts of the American musical and film The Sound of Music.

[quote]Being so optimistic (on paper) that i can cover 3 countries in 3 days whilst I failed to took into account that I’m travelling with 2 ladies.[/quote]

It was a last minute plan during Easter break to go to Salzburg. The plan was Frankfurt – Munich – Salzburg (Austria)- Zurich  (Switzerland) – Stuttgart – Frankfurt. It was a 3 days trip trying to cover 3 country with a small car – Fiat 500 rented at Euro120 for 3 days.

Being so optimistic (on paper) that i can cover 3 countries in 3 days whilst I failed to took into account that I’m travelling with 2 ladies. You know how ladies manage their time…especially when come to shopping and taking pictures. We always 2-3 hours behind schedule, so the trip have to be cut short and so we skipped Zurich.

There’s an excitement in everyone face when we talk about Salzburg..especially about the film. The Sounds of Music. I dont know whether you ever heard of it of ever watched it. It was a musical film, hence full of songs. I first watched in in my schooldays 25 years ago. Still remember one of my friend Ibrahim or we called him Baem, was so influenced by the songs and keep singing Do Re Mi around the house.

For a music and movies lover, it is a must see film.

The Sound of Music Trailer

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEcKXr3mJ_o&w=500&h=340]

So, the mission is to retraced all the places, scenery and monument that featured in the film.

Arrived Salzburg at midnite after almost 8 hours drive through local road (we avoid highway on purpose to enjoy more scenary in kampung) and countless stop for rest, taking photos, picnic and etc. Checked in a pre-booked hotel and snores till morning.

We decided to walk around town since driving is a crucial task and to find a parking place just adding more headache. So, got a city map from the hotel and we walk…and walk.

As I said earlier, the “mission” is to go for The Sound of Music Tour on our own to retraced the place, scenery, location and monument that featured in the movie. We went to the tourist centre for help and the staff there is helpful enough to circles the “must see” location on the map.

I dont wanna go through item by item here. Just some photos to show you (as usual-taking from my handphone)

Below is some photo (screenshot from the movie) and together with the one that i took.

Cemetery at Nonnberg Abbey – Featured in the movie. Scene – Maria leaving the abbey

Cemetery at Nonnberg Abbey – Featured in the movie. Scene – Maria leaving the abbey

Liesl & Ralph singing Sixteen Going on Seventeen

The Gazebo or Pavillion – featured in the movie. Scene – Sixteen Going on Seventeen song.

The Gazebo or Pavillion – featured in the movie. Scene – Sixteen Going on Seventeen song.

Ending of the song at Mirabell Garden

Mirabell Garden – Featured in the movie. Scene – Do ReMi

Scene fromthe song – Do Re Mi

As featured in the movie. Dont Mind the model 😉

We did skip a few good places such as Salzburg Lake district ( begining of the movie) , Leopoldskron Palace (Captain Von Trapp backyard) due to the time constrain.

On the way back..we stop by Munich for a tea-break. I also took the opportunity to visit Allianz Arena – Home of FC Bayern Munchen or Bayern Munich, among the biggest and top football team in Europe.

Bayern Munich fans..are you out there? Allianz Arena – home of Bayern Munchen

We then drove to Stuttgart and reach the hotel at 10.30pm. Its an an old hotel building, built in 1817….and it was creepy..and ….nothing happened. As was told by a German, all “hantu” already fled to Asian country. He knows how to make jokes..really.

Our third day – nothing good for me. It was a shopping day for the ladies. We went to Metzingen Outlet City, the home of Hugo Boss and other big name in fashion. The small car is really stuffed now.

We head back to Frankfurt at 3.00pm and reached home 4 hours later. It is supposed to be a 2 hours drive but due to the bad weather and traffic (Easter Break), it took us 4 hours.

It was a fun road trip and its worth it.

So..where’s next? Entahlah..I dont know.