Many immediately recognized the inside of this abbey from the wedding scene in the movie “The Sound of Music.” The choir sang a few selections to test out the sonorous acoustic – it was quite a treat!
Abbey at Mondsee
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Category Archives: Salzburg, Austria
Proud directors at the Mozarthaus
As part of the concert at the Mozarthaus, we had the pleasure of hearing a local choir that performed several numbers for us. It was a lovely opportunity to share cultures through song. Pictured here are Dr. Thornton and the director of Die Kirchenchor St. Gilgen.
Mozarthaus, St. Gilgen
The choir performed a wonderful concert at the Mozarthaus, the birthplace of Mozart’s mother.
A Day off: to the Alps!
Yesterday we were sent out on our own to explore Salzburg and the surrounding countryside. While many stayed to explore the city, a group of us decided to return to St. Gilgen to climb to the top of the alps there. After a bus ride, we hopped on a boat across the lake to the base of the mountain. From there we caught a train ride up the side the mountain,
which has been running since 1911 and still remains one of the steepest grade trains in Europe. Once at the top, well, a picture is worth a thousand words.
Needless to say, we were awestruck, and almost lightning struck as well as a thunderstorm boomed in from the west. We caught a train back down just in time to escape the rain and hail.
On the boat ride down Providence smiled on us yet again by bringing the sun out for our ride back, painting a rainbow across the place we had just left. We returned home with tired feet, wet clothes, and full hearts. I hope that the others had equally fantastic experiences on their free day in Salzburg.
Goodbye Germany, Hello Austria
After a very packed and long 2 days, we are finally in the Hotel Salzburg with beautiful accommodations and (thank goodness) wifi in all the rooms! Now that we are reconnected we can finally update you on our adventures!
Neuschwanstein Castle.
Let’s begin with yesterday the 18th. We ventured out of the city for some sightseeing in the Bavarian alps to visit Neuschwanstein castle, the famous home of Ludwig II that Walt Disney used as a model for his design of Cinderella’s castle. Since the castle is literally sitting in the mountains, we were all quite in awe as we approached both of the castle and the view from it.
View from Neuschwanstein Castle.
Our next stop was to the Wieskriche, a beautiful Roccoco church built in the town of Wies. We were given a lively tour by a very friendly minister, and then allowed to sing in the amazing acoustics of the church. Besides the beauty inside the sanctuary, we were also greeted by the scenery outside the church’s walls. It was an amazing seam where the beauty of man’s work for God,
The inside of the Wieskirche
and God’s work for man
The Bavarian Alps.
met in one place.
After returning to munich for a late last night in the city, we headed to bed and woke up early this morning with Salzburg, Austria in our sights.
The ride to Salzburg. Everyone was very attentive to the scenery. : )
Our tourguide Hans.
We arrived early and were given a little time to explore the city ourselves before taking a very lengthy tour with Hans Lugstein, one of the more colorful characters we have met on our trip thus far. He took us all over the city, showing us Mozart’s birthplace, Hohensalzburg fortress, and the gardens used in the filming of the Sound of Music.
Inside the Dom
We also were able to enter the Salzburg Dom, whose majestic architecture had been lighted for a large festival coming into town. There we were granted the privilege of singing a few songs both to our and the churchgoers’ enjoyment.
View of Salzburg from Hohensalzburg Fortress.
As fun as the tour was, we were all very happy to get a chance to sit as we hopped back on the bus to drive to St. Gilgen. There we were again greeted by the alps, touching down gently into a crystal blue lake, as well a very friendly local population. We gave a concert at the Mozarthaus, the birthplace of Mozart’s mother. During the concert, we were happily serenaded by Die Kirchenchor St. Gilgen, the local choir. We are all still in awe of the scenery and the culture of Austria and can’t wait to go exploring on our own in Salzburg tomorrow. Stay tuned!