Europe trip 2013, Day 4

I failed to mention that we rented a car for our trip. While driving all over Europe was a daunting task, we wanted the liberty that comes with being "in charge" of our transportation. It gave us different experiences than we would have had otherwise!
En route to Austria, we stopped at lake Chiemsee and took a ferry to the middle of the lake. From there we took a 20 min walk to Herrenchiemsee, one of Ludwig II's (unfinished) castles modeled after Versailles. It was huge and impressive to say the least! The crazy part was that Ludwig never even intended to live there!

The ferry ride across beautiful lake Chiemsee

The ferry we took across

Picture of the castle from afar. The gardens and fountains were sprawling!

Proof we were there!

Next up, we drove to Salzburg, Austria. This city is famous for Mozart and The Sound of Music. Old Town Salzburg is BEAUTIFULLY situated beside a mountain with the Salzach River running alongside. Towering above the city is Hohensalzburg Fortress. We stayed on the Getridegasse (narrow, cobblestoned street in heart of Old Town). Our accommodations were perfect yet again, and our window looked right out onto the bustling, shop-lined street. We both LOVED Salzburg and would highly recommend a visit there . It was a wonderful blend of that old charming feel and beauty, yet there was plenty of modern represented as well. There was lots to do and see!

Getridegasse-our hotel is to the right-The Blue Goose!

Touring Mozart's home/birthplace

Out front of Mozart's home. Our hotel was just a few doors down!

The fortress above-view from Old Town

We rode the funicular up the mountain to tour the fortress. This was the first funicular we had ever ridden in, but it wouldn't be the last! These are all over Europe!

As if just touring the fortress weren't enough, just the views of Salzburg from up there made it worth it!

Taking it all in!

Another view of Salzburg from the fortress-mountains in the distance. The hills are alive!