Silent Night, Holy Night - Christmas Carol from Salzburg

There are so many Christmas songs today! Most of them were written in the 20th century and popularized by contemporary pop culture. However, there are also some compositions with deeper roots. One such song is sung worldwide on Christmas Eve, and many people don't realize its origin is Salzburg!

New Year's Eve in the Old Town of Salzburg

Christmas celebrations end on December 26. However, the Christmas market on the Residenzplatz and Domplatz keeps working until January 1. From the 27th, stalls with traditional New Year's symbols appear on the city's streets.

Christmas Traditions and Events in Salzburg

I love the pre-Christmas season. No other time of year offers so many festivities and cultural events. On November 21, local politicians turn on the lights of the city's main Christmas tree on the Residenzplatz, kicking off six weeks of Christmas markets.

Narcissus Festival - Austria's largest flower event

The Salzkammergut lake district is rich in folk traditions. The festival of NARCISSUS flowers is one of the region's most colorful and largest events. It lasts four days and is held annually in the last days of May—early June in the Styrian town of Bad Aussee, 90 kilometers from Salzburg. 

Easter traditions and events in Salzburg, Austria

Easter and Christmas are two of the most significant Christian feasts despite their pagan roots. 

The Alm Canal (Almkanal) - a medieval water supply system of Salzburg

In the Middle Ages, the urban population faced an acute shortage of clean water. Typically, the wealthy preferred fermented drinks like beer and wine while only the poor consumed fresh water.

The Village Fucking was renamed (posted in 2020)

The residents of the small village of Fucking in Upper Austria have become fed up with the overwhelming popularity and bizarre tourists.

Obauer - Gourmet restaurant in the suburbs of Salzburg

I believe that we travel the world not only for visual experiences but also for unique gastronomic encounters. Salzburg and its surroundings have several restaurants where fine cuisine enthusiasts go, considering sightseeing as a secondary goal. One of these establishments is situated in the town of Werfen, which is about 50 kilometers (30 miles) away from Salzburg.

Grüll fish farm, shop and restaurant of delicacies

Production of white (golden), black and red caviar in Grödig bei Salzburg

Austria is a country that has a relatively low consumption of fish. Statistics show that Austrians consume 90 kilograms of red meat annually, while only 8 kilograms of fish are consumed annually. Additionally, out of the almost 70,000 tons of annual fish consumption in Austria, only 3,800 tons are produced domestically as the country does not have access to the sea.

Tradition of initiation into butchery in Salzburg - Metzgersprung

Butcher is one of the oldest and respected professions that involves working with the most desired food. The tools used by butchers, such as knives and cleavers, have made them intimidating figures throughout history. Therefore, they gained the most privileges, joined guilds, and had their own banners.

Augustiner Brewery and the Tavern in Salzburg

Austria is famous for its centuries-old traditions of winemaking and brewing. Wine production is typical of the southern and eastern areas, where the climate is more favorable for growing grapes. The northern and western regions are characterized by their brewing culture. Salzburg has dozens of breweries but only a few wineries.

Carnival in Salzburg

February is a quiet time for tourism in Salzburg with most visitors being skiers who come from ski resorts for a day of sightseeing and shopping. However, this month is not without events. The carnival period (called in Austria FASCHING) is ending, so balls and masquerades are held in large drinking establishments. 

Krampus runs and Saint Nicholas Day

As Christmas approaches, Salzburg is renowned not just for its dazzling markets and calming carols. It also has a special place for processions of evil creatures - Krampus! This ancient pagan tradition in the Alpine region is closely linked with the Christian festival of St. Nicholas (6th December). During this festival, Krampus terrifies disobedient children while St. Nicholas rewards the obedient ones. The events featuring Krampuses usually start around two weeks before St. Nicholas.

The Grossglockner - the highest mountain in Austria

The Hohe Tauern National Park is undeniably one of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth. It spans an area of 1,850 square kilometers, making it the seventh-largest national park in Europe. It is only surpassed in size by the parks of Iceland, France, Russia, and Sweden.

The glory of baroque music in Salzburg

The term "baroque" has its origin in the Portuguese language, which means "pearl of irregular shape". Italian translates it as "strange" or "bizarre". It is worth noting that the term "Baroque" was first used in relation to music by the musicologist Kurt Sachs in 1919.