Exploring the World: Day 3 of the Germany-Austria-Hungary-Czech Republic-Slovakia Tour

Day 3: Salzburg, Mozart Square, Getreidegasse, Mirabell Garden, Hallstatt, St. Wolfgang

Salzburg is the birthplace of the musical prodigy Mozart and the conductor Karajan. In the old town of Salzburg, on the Getreidegasse, a street that retains the medieval European character, there is a six-story yellow house. This is Mozart's residence, and on the second-floor window, you can still see a portrait of Mozart. On a breezy, cool, and pleasant morning, most shops were still closed. The entire street exuded a lazy and tranquil atmosphere, making it delightful to wander around at leisure. Through the glass shop windows, you could see a variety of exquisite goods, especially the local specialty—Mozart chocolates, which must be taken away.

This beautiful city, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is also a filming location for "The Sound of Music." With blue skies, white clouds, fountains, flowers, and statues from Greek mythology, Mirabell Garden looks exceptionally beautiful. It is the place where the governess Maria sang "Do-Re-Mi" with the seven children in "The Sound of Music."

Those who have watched "The Sound of Music" surely remember the lake and mountain scenery at the beginning of the film, which was filmed in St. Wolfgang. The small town of St. Wolfgang is serene yet lively, with colorful houses that make you feel as if you are in a fairy tale. There are many hotels in the town, attracting tourists from all over the world, and the famous White Horse Inn is located here. It is said that over a hundred years ago, Empress Sisi of Austria often came here to escape the summer heat.

Hallstatt, a UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage site, is the oldest town in Austria. Built on the mountainside, its distinguishing feature is the overlapping wooden houses. Many of the handmade wooden crafts sold in the town's shops are made by the residents themselves, and even the street signs are made of wood. The townspeople have a special affection for wood. The town is as picturesque as a painting, and strolling through it feels like stepping into a picture.