Winter Wonderland Expedition - Part 2
Salzburg
Alighting in Salzburg on a crisp winter evening, just days before the year's end, we found ourselves in luck – the Christmas markets still adorned this charming European city, adding an extra layer of excitement to our visit. Nestled close to the mountains, Salzburg unfolded its beauty in a unique alpine setting. While renowned as Mozart's birthplace, we were particularly thrilled about this leg of the journey. As we transitioned into colder climates, our attire evolved, with an additional layer of wool becoming the armor against wintry chills. If Italy captivated us with its rich history and culture, its northern neighbors beckoned with enchanting wintry wonders.
Pic Credit: Sai Venkatesh Nistala
Opting for a Salzburg day pass granting complimentary entry to key city attractions, we found ourselves captivated by the breathtaking vistas from Hohensalzburg Castle. The sweeping panoramas offered a visual delight, with the castle perched atop a hill accessible by a scenic funicular ride. Atop the castle, a collection of engaging museums awaits exploration, and a must-visit viewpoint—accessible via a few flights of stairs—reveals an unparalleled scene that shouldn't be missed.
Panoramic views atop the iconic castle
Following our descent from the castle, we explored the Mozart Birthplace Museum—a three-story haven of knowledge that unraveled the mysteries of Mozart's prodigious childhood. Housed in the former residence of the Mozart family, where the composer was born, the museum provided an immersive journey into his remarkable life. On the evening of the 31st of December, our focus shifted to absorbing the festive atmosphere of the Christmas market, reveling in the enchanting decorations that adorned the city.
Christmas markets with the background of the Cathedral
The streets glowed with festive lights, and the echoes of "Happy New Year" filled the air. Following local customs, residents exchanged beads of luck on New Year's Eve, creating a charming tradition. Warm wishes and colorful tokens of good fortune were generously shared by kind strangers we encountered during this joyous celebration.
Hallstatt
To kick off the New Year, we chose a truly enchanting destination—Hallstatt. Nestled in the Austrian Alps, this hidden gem is a unique little village waiting to be discovered. Accessible in just two and a half hours from Salzburg via public transport, we embarked on a train journey with one changeover. Upon reaching the Hallstatt train station, a delightful mini ferry transported us to the iconic village. The 20-minute ferry ride was nothing short of magical, with clouds gracefully dancing over the lake against the backdrop of majestic snow-capped mountains—a scene straight out of a Frozen movie.
Glimpse of Hallstatt
Strolling along the lakeside amid vibrant houses and picturesque scenery was truly serene. Pausing intermittently to capture memories, we found ourselves immersed in the beauty of the surroundings. Upon disembarking from the ferry, the choice to veer left or right unveiled access to the iconic bell tower and a lake view that could easily be deemed postcard-worthy.
Isn’t this postcard worthy?
Embark on a unique experience with the SKYWALK, offering a breathtaking perspective of the town suspended midair. Despite my slight exaggeration, rest assured it's a perfectly safe viewpoint accessible through a funicular. While my mom initially harbored some skepticism about walking on the structure, she eventually embraced and thoroughly enjoyed the mesmerizing view.
Following the SKYWALK, you have the option to embark on a tour of the world's oldest salt mine. Unfortunately, the tickets were sold out on the day of our visit. I highly recommend booking them in advance online to avoid any potential disappointment. Nonetheless, we felt incredibly grateful to have seized the opportunity to explore Hallstatt on a beautiful, sunny morning at the dawn of the new year. It's undeniably one of those places that gifted me with the most memorable pictures.
The panoramic view from the top offered a fascinating perspective to appreciate the beauty below.
Zermatt
Emerging from the enchanting wintry landscapes of Austria, we found ourselves unprepared for the breathtaking beauty that awaited us in Switzerland. Following a slightly extended train journey from Salzburg to Bern and inspired by favorable weather predictions, we spontaneously decided to explore Zermatt and the iconic Matterhorn the next day. This impromptu decision proved to be incredibly rewarding, as every aspect of the journey became a source of joy. The train ride to Zermatt provided a tantalizing glimpse of the wonders that awaited us. Ascending on one of the world's most renowned cogwheel trains, we reached the summit of Gornergrat glacier, where stunning views of the majestic Matterhorn unfolded at every turn. Despite the myriad winter sports opportunities available, we chose to reserve the thrill of skiing for a future trip, as this particular adventure was centered around showcasing the beauty of Europe to my parents.
That little train was the one we took to reach the top.
Grindelwald
I highly recommend diligently monitoring the weather before embarking on any mountain adventure. Fortunately, during our two days in Switzerland, we were blessed with exceptional weather, and we made the most of this fortuitous circumstance. Our next destination was Interlaken, where we hoped to visit the Harder Kulm viewpoint and enjoy a relaxed day before our evening train to Paris at 5 pm. To our disappointment, we discovered that Harder Kulm is closed in winter. Faced with the prospect of wandering aimlessly in the city, we identified a risky alternative. By hurrying, we could still make it to Grindelwald First and be just in time for our train. Inspired by the chance to experience the mountains once more, my mom and cousin eagerly set off to Grindelwald. A charming special train transported us from Interlaken to Grindelwald, followed by a thrilling three-stage gondola ride that ascended to the mountain's summit. Although one could alight at each stop for a leisurely exploration of the snowy wonderland, time was of the essence, so we ascended directly to First. A long-held desire of mine was to traverse the First Cliff Walk, and it surpassed all expectations. The railing, seemingly clinging to the mountain, offered a thrilling experience that pushed the boundaries of adrenaline. The viewpoint at the summit rivaled the SKYWALK, underscoring the inexplicable fulfillment that comes with experiencing the world from the mountain's peak—a sentiment perhaps only comprehensible to avid mountaineers.
The cliff walk at First.
As I reflect on the trip while typing this, a broad smile creeps across my face, reliving the joyous moments spent in the mountains. The pinnacle of the journey unfolded unexpectedly in Grindelwald, a gift that surpassed all expectations. The serendipity of perfect weather and timing aligned seamlessly, and, to our delight, we even managed to catch our train to Paris. In a meticulously planned trip, this spontaneous moment of going with the flow was the icing on the cake.
We lodged in a fantastic apartment on the outskirts of Paris, perfectly accommodating our group. Our Parisian venture included visits to the Louvre, the iconic Eiffel Tower, and a scenic Seine cruise. Transitioning from the mountainous landscapes to city life posed a slight challenge, but Paris, being one of the world's most visited cities, lived up to its reputation. Having previously resided in France during my doctoral days, Paris had somewhat become a cliché for me. Nonetheless, seizing the chance, I explored Versailles, a destination I had yet to discover. Despite waning energy levels within our group, a collective determination propelled us forward.
As we bid you Ciao from my family, we extend heartfelt wishes for a fantastic year ahead. Thank you for joining us on this journey, and I sincerely hope that our story has ignited a spark of inspiration within you to venture out and explore the wonders of the world. Safe travels!
