ECLAIT VOYAGER : Salzburg

The Festung Fortress had a fantastic view of the city of Salzburg. Much of it has remained as it was first built in 1077, though throughout the years the Archbishops have expanded the castle to prevent the Turkish invasion. Luckily, Salzburg also remained its neutral position during the 30 year's war, that largely helped to protect the baroque architecture to remain as it is today.

View from the fortress

This somehow reminded me of the town from Beauty and the Beast

the night view of Salzburg is just as dazzling!

The Bräustübl Tavern

We came across this gem when we found we were still a little early for our Michelin star dinner Esszimmer. The Bräustübl Tavern is a 1000 seat monk brewery since 1621. There were no clear signs and I believe we couldn't get any more local than this.

We felt the air froze when we entered, since we were the only Asian (and possibly tourist) there, but they soon resumed to their normal day to day conversations.

In 1936, Marlene Dietrich took a seat at the patio of Cafe Bazar, and the whole town came over to get a glimpse of her glamour. Much of the interior has remained the same, with exotic chandeliers, a tint of Art Nouveau of wood paneling and geometric forms.

Situated on the banks of the Salzach, close to the Staatsbrücke bridge, it gets a perfect view of the across of the old Salzburg city.

After taking a train ride from Vienna to Salzburg, apart from visiting the local's farmer's market, I suggest taking up a newspaper and do some people watching here. (Most cafe's in Austria provide a wide range of local and some international newspapers, which I really think is the predecessor of an Internet Cafe - think about how information gets spread through these Viennese cafes in the 1900s!)

You will find families coming out for a Sunday brunch. On weekdays businessmen engaging in debates and fervent conversation on the economy. Men talking mysteriously (with their mistress?) on the phone, so what better ways to learn about a city than seeing all the action taking place in a cafe?