Day 7: Salzburg

I definitely believe that some of the most rewarding travel experiences come when you venture outside your comfort zone.

Also, beer helps.

After a busy morning of sightseeing, we were ready to relax over a couple brews in the early evening. I was able to convince Brendan to head to Augustiner Braustubl, a traditional Austrian beer garden. Thanks to my guidebooks, we had a basic idea of what to expect and managed through the beer garden process as best we could:

1. Pay for your preferred sized mug at the cashier and pick it up from a nearby shelf.
2. Rinse your mugs in the water fountain.
3. Take your mugs - and your receipt - to the keg man, and he'll fill 'em up!
4. Find an empty seat and enjoy.

That Step #4 became a little intimidating since even though the beer garden had more than 1,000 seats around large tables, almost every single one of them was filled with German-speaking patrons. After a few awkward minutes of debating our next step, we were able to snag a table as it was being vacated by a large group of older Austrians. Not two minutes later, we were joined by a local father and his 20-something son.

Beer makes easy conversation and easier friends, and soon we knew everything about each other. They lived in Salzburg and enjoyed practicing their conversational-level English with tourists. The son was visiting New York City in the fall. Dad had recently restored a 1960s Vespa, of which he proudly showed us several photos via his phone. He jokingly asked if the name of our hospital was "Seattle Grace" (thanks, Grey's Anatomy) and told us about an Austrian tradition that involves how to make a daughter --- to his son's great embarrassment.

They bought a round, we bought a round. Then the father left for a few minutes and came back with a smorgasbord of traditional Austrian snacks from one of the beer garden's food booths - and insisted we share with them. Now pleasantly tipsy, we bid "Auf Wiedersehen" to our new pals and began the lovely 20 minute walk along the river back to dinner in Old Town.

Since we were too busy enjoying the moment to take pictures of the beer garden, I'm including a bunch of photos below of our other adventures that day:

First stop of the day: the Hohensalzburg Castle overlooking Salzburg! We took a funicular up but enjoyed hiking down the steep hill. We also participated in a 30-minute audio tour that took guests through a dungeon and to the top of one of its towers. 

Enjoying the views from the castle's walls. Originally built in the late 1000s, this castle is one of Europe's largest medieval fortresses.

Next stop: Cable car up the Untersberg! About a 25 minute bus ride from Salzburg, a cable car takes visitors up the Untersberg, an Alps mountain that straddles Austria and Germany. This was another example of stepping outside (at least my) comfort zone! I was glad that at least our cable car wasn't packed peak-season style, but I had major heart palpitations as we skyrocketed to the top, suspended by a mere cable.

By the way, the Austrian father from the beer garden said he'd never been up the Untersberg because it was, quote, too scary.

We survived!
At the top of the Unterberg, there were a couple restaurants and hiking paths.

Looking down at Salzburg from the Untersberg (at about 6,100 feet).

Looking away from Salzburg, to the Alps and Germany.

Enjoying a couple beers with the world's best view atop the Untersberg.

At the top cable car station, looking down. The terrifying ride was worth it!

Ahhh, back on solid ground. Each side of the Salzburg River included large walking paths and separate bike trails. Perfect for walking off all that beer!

Needless to say, I was in love with everything about Salzburg -- creepy cable cars and all.

Auf Wiedersehen!