The roadtrip continued. From Knetzgau, Germany, we drove towards Salzburg, Austria. On the way, we visited the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bamberg, one of Germany’s most beautiful villages dating all the way back to the 9th century. Although we got stuck in traffic for a moment on the way out of Munich, we still had plenty of time to get to know Mozart’s hometown – another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Salzburg in Austria when we arrived.
Here’s our entire route for the trip, c/o Google Maps:
We had a good night sleep in KNG Hotel by WMM Hotels in Knetzgau. Their concept was simple – it was an apartment like building, with stairs on the side. There’s also automatic check in with a code-protected door lock. We left the accommodation with this review: “We had a good night sleep in KNG Hotel by WMM Hotels in Knetzgau. Their concept was simple – it was an apartment like building, with stairs on the side. There’s also automatic check in with a code-protected door lock. We left the accommodation with this review: “A good one night stay: Very nice accommodation. Free parking. Amenities okay, with a fridge. Big bed, nice surroundings. Fast wifi!“
At 8:30 am, we found ourselves in a grocery store with a little kiosk. We got ourselves some nice (cold) breakfast sandwich, with hot coffee of course! I’m not really a huge fan of long bread with hard crust, but that did the trick on that beautiful, chilly September morning in Germany. I also bought some stamps and mailed postcards to my pals.
We reached Bamberg at 9:40 am. We were actually pondering whether to go to Nuremberg instead, because Carl was telling me that his boss went there and had a good time learning about history and such. In the end, we opted for Bamberg, which was closer to Knetzgau and smaller than Nurember. We wanted to arrive in Austria early.
So, Bamberg it was. It gave a very good impression, with its beautiful architecture and old-style atmosphere. However, it was a bit difficult to find a parking spot. The city seemed to prioritize the local living there, which is totally understandable. Lesson here: do not trust Google maps when it says public parking. We arrived in that small area and there was a sign saying that it’s for residents only. We found an underground parking lot by the Visitor Office, so still no stress.
It was nice to stop over the Visitor Office. The staff were helpful, and they sell souvenir items. They also give out free promotional postcards! They’re elongated and cost a bit more to mail though. After a short while, buses and vans with tourist groups started arriving. It seemed that many of them were senior groups. That’s a nice way to enjoy retirement, I guess – traveling!
Did you know that Bamberg was the center of the Holy Roman Empire for a brief period? Emperor Henry II and his wife Kunigunde was buried in the city. His tomb is situated in Bamberg Cathedral, along with Pope Clement II’s. It also became the seat and residence of many bishops. In latter years, the region became a military headquarter for German and American troops, until 2014. The city center is teeming with old, traditional buildings. Some attractions include the old city hall (rathaus) and the cathedral. Bamberg is also home to 11 breweries.
The Old Town House was very fascinating. It is located in the middle of the river (or canal?), connected by arch stonebridges (pictures above). We went closer and examined the building better. The house connected to it was covered in beautiful reddish murals (and there was a leg statue portruding out of its wall! I giggled when I spotted it.)
It was very refreshing to visit Bamberg in September and in early morning. Less crowds..
Here’s the leg:
Here are more shots of Bamberg:
We enjoyed the stroll, and getting to know Bamberg. I also like its name.. like a bamble bee.
Anyway, we left Bamberg at 11:30 am. The drive south was okay in the beginning, until we got stuck in traffic on the way out of Germany. Luckily, I was only on the passenger seat. So, I napped, and chatted with my husband in the moments I was awake. We tried to keep our cool.
We reached the border to Austria at 3:40 pm. This time, we had to get the Austrian road vignette, good for 10 days. The process went smooth though.
It’s funny when I remember how we had to drive behind a slow farm truck twice or thrice during the whole trip. XD
At 4pm, we checked in at Hotel Gasthof Mostwastl in Salzburg. It seemed like it is ran by a family, and they waited on guests in the dining hall wearing their traditional dresses. We got a lovely room upstairs, with a wooden balcony overlooking the parking lot and the nearby mountains.
After napping for 30 minutes, we went out to visit the city center. I was excited to see Mozart’s birth place! And I thought that it must had been cool to get a feel of how the place inspired him.
On the way to the city center, we were welcomed by the sight of the Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of the biggest medieval castles in Europe.
When in Salzburg, it is a must to try the local cuisine! I had Wiener schnitzel, or Viennese cutlet, with potatoes and salad – and it was huge! haha
After dinner, I tried to find the postoffice and asked the lady in the visitor information desk. She told us to go straight and into the courtyard. But it was on the other side.. so I missed the opening hours and couldn’t send cards from Austria in the end. Meh.. Saw this beautiful courtyard at least.
Walking on, we went through the narrow streets in search of Mozart’s home.
When I was in Denmark aupairing for a Danish family with an 8 month old baby in 2014, the host mom came home one day with a Baby Mozart tv program. She said that it helps the baby become a genious or something. Well, Mozart’s music is soothing. I also enjoyed listening to it when I was younger and it helped me focus on my homework, or helped me destress after a tiring day. I also love Beethoven. Well, here we go: where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in 1756! It was a narrow bright yellow building, made alive by a band playing his music. It was a lovely afternoon!
Salzburg, like Bamberg, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We exited the city center and walked by the river. Aside from Mozart, Salzburg is also the filming location for the famous movie Sound of Music (1965). The pedestrian bridge below appeared in the movie, for example.
It was a beautiful afternoon in Salzburg. We went back to the hotel at 6:30 pm, filled with good images of the city in our mind, and phone. 🙂 I’ll end this entry with a picture of the Hohensalzburg Fortress. We saw it only from afar.. perhaps we’ll see it up close in the future. Until Day 4!
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PinayOdyssey 
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