Exploring Salzburg

After a good nights sleep, we wrapped up warm to brave Salzburg's cold weather and find some breakfast.

Today we wanted to try as much food as possible and of course, top up on as much Gluhwein as we could.

We wandered through the different pretty markets, working up an appetite. I can't say that Austrian food is the prettiest but it definitely tastes better than it looks.

This probably looks very unappealing but it was one of the best things we tried all weekend....Goulash. It's a meaty stew seasoned with paprika and spices. Very hearty and delicious, despite it being served in a plastic bowl.

We also noticed that everything is served with a bread roll. Even the sausages were served in bread rolls.

This is called 'Leberkäsesemmerl' (try pronouncing that) which consisits of corned beef, pork, bacon and onions and is made by grinding the ingredients very finely and then baking it as a loaf in a bread pan until it has a crunchy brown crust. 

It was interesting...

Tucking into my cheese filled Kasekrainer (sausage to you and me).

Oysters.

Unfortunately the weather turned just as we decided to go up and explore Fort Hohensalzburg, a huge 11 century fortress complex on top of the hill. 

On a clear day you can see for miles but even on a foggy day you could see the beautiful town of Salzburg nestled in the mountains. 

On the other side, we had a beautiful view of the snowy alps. 

Back on the ground, the millions of fairy lights were glowing and we wandered round the stalls in search of more warming treats.

The 'ChristKind' market outside the beautiful Cathedral is where you will find the main Christmas Markets. The traditional stalls and the twinkling lights overhead create such a warming and inviting feeling.

We were lucky on our last night to experience something quite traditional and very quirky.
In Austro-Bavarian Alpine folklore, Krampus is a horned anthropomorphic figure who, during Christmas, punishes children who have misbehaved.
Although the Krampus can appear in many forms, he is usually black, hairy and has horns of a goat. He has a long tongue which lolls out and has fangs.

In Salzburg it is tradition that on the last 4 Sundays before Christmas, the Krampusses parade the streets, ringing bells and thrashes chains for dramatic effect. It really was a sight to see and a little scary actually. You can completely understand why children would be terrified of this creature. 

As they run round the Cathedral and the square, swatting visitors with their Rute (switch made of birch branches) we managed to get closer for a few cheeky pictures.

Before they swatted me and run away.

It definitely was a highlight to the trip and I felt quite lucky that I got to experience something very traditional.

Before we left I noticed that you could get a horse and cart ride around the city. I couldn't resist. 
We hopped in to a beautiful carriage and wrapped up warm beneath the blankets. Our driver asked if we wanted a quiet ride or whether we wanted to learn a little about the city as we went past, which we did. 

It was thoroughly enjoyable and if you get the chance I would highly recommend that you do take a trip round the city. 
We learnt so much about the city and not only that but it was nice to sit back, relax and watch everything go by. 

Salzburg was a wonderful trip and would be perfect for any getaway not just Christmas. 

What's on your list of places to visit? Do you have anywhere I should go next?

A winter Trip to Salzburg

Just before Christmas we set off for a new adventure and made our way to Salzburg to visit the Christmas Markets.

It’s become quite a tradition to visit the traditional markets every year and this year was no exception. Last year we went to Berlin and this year we decided to see what the Austrian markets had to offer.

Opting for Salzburg, the home of Mozart and The sound of Music we were excited to explore and see what it had in store for us.
Boarding an extremely early flight to Salzburg we landed at about 10am and were welcomed by a very cold, crisp wintery morning and bright blue skies.
Wrapped up warm we made our way to the hotel. 

One of the best things about travelling to Salzburg is not only is the flight quite short, the town is about 15 minutes from the airport. So for a weekend break, it’s perfect.

We stayed in the Crowne Plaza and after being surprised with a room upgrade, strawberries in the room and the biggest bathroom I have seen, we were ready to explore the town.

The town is extremely picturesque and when we went it was fairly quiet too. Which allowed us to happily wander through the cobbled streets admiring the views. It wasn't long before we started to crave something to keep us warm and what could be better than a glass of Gluhwein. 

Similar to Berlin you pay for a glass of Gluhwin and a small deposit for your cup which you can hand back afterwards or keep it if you wish. If you've read my Berlin posts from last year, I'm sure you'll have guessed by now that I kept quite a few.

We wandered around the pretty market stalls of which there were lots, offering all different kinds of trinkets and presents to take home to your loved ones. 

The toys above are what I call 'Smoking Men'. You fill them with incense and once lit the smoke starts to escape through their mouth or whatever instrument they made be holding. Very traditional and a great present, we spent a while picking out the best Australian looking figures. 

And of course, if food is something you are more interested in...then there is plently of that too. 

From fresh fruit to sausages and amazing sweet treats, there is something here for everyone. 

We were particularly keen to try the marshmallow filled pastries which seemed something of a tradition and unlike anything I had really tried before. 

My advice....share one. They are very filling. 

 Homemade warm bread with delicious raclette cheese topped with bacon and leaks. Exactly what you need to keep warm on a chilly evening. 

More on the Austrian food tomorrow. 

In the evening I was surprised to return to the hotel to receive a 'turn down service' I didn't really realise that this actually happened. Not only where our covers turned down but they left us mini chocolates and a Sudoku puzzle each.
Which naturally we raced each other to see who was the fastest.

Tucked up in the biggest and comfiest bed I've slept in in ages. We fell fast asleep ready for another day of adventuring.

Things to do at Christmas

It’s Nearly Christmas!

Well, almost. Every year I always tell myself I will do lots of festive things and never really get round to it. So this year I am starting early and have come up with a long list of Festive activities.

1. Decorate the house with candles and fairy lights
2. Visit a Christmas market, be it in the UK or abroad. I'm thinking of going to Salzburg this year.
3. Make mulled wine or cider
4. Buy a Christmas Jumper
5. Make a wreath for your door
6. Go festive shopping and look at all the Christmas window displays
7. Kiss under the mistletoe
8. Go to a carol service
9. Make a Christmas playlist
10. Make an advent calendar
11. Do some home Christmas baking and give these away as presents.
12. Build a snowman
13. Watch as many Christmas Movies as you can
14. Make a Christmas cake
15. Sit around a winter fire
16. Go to Winter Wonderland
17. Go Ice skating at Somerset House
18. Roast Chestnuts on an open fire
19. Try eggnog
20. Organise secret santa
21. Start a new Christmas tradition
22. Make a gingerbread house
23. Knit a woolly hat
24. Make mini gingerbread house for your mugs - Try this recipe 
25. Go for a winter walk in your wellies
26. Go and see a pantomine or a show at Christmas
27. Make mine pies from scratch
28. Take the children in your family to Santa's Grotto
29. Tell someone you Love them.
30. Read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas' on Christmas Eve

What's on your Christmas 'To Do' List this year?

Winter To Do List

With Winter creeping in around the corner, Here is a list of fun things that I am looking forward to doing this Winter.

1. Decorate the house with cosy blankets, candles and cushions
2. Wrap up warm and go for a Winter stroll
3. Snuggle up by the fire and read a good book
4. Donate food and toys for Christmas to people who need it more than we do
5. Toast marshmallows by the fire
6. Have a long bubble bath with a glass of wine
7. Go and see your local Christmas lights turn on
8. Make hot chocolate
9. Decide on the one New Year's resolution that important to you
10. Plan a Winter escape to somewhere warm. (Even if it's a fantasy trip)
11. Host an impromptu Champagne only party
12. Have a Wintery manicure
13. Learn how to knit and make a scarf
14. Get a blowdry or makeover (or both) before the Office Christmas Party
15. Make Winter Cider, check out 'The Londoner's' recipe
16. Go sledding (if it snows)
17. Learn to bake something new. Try these or these
18. Start thinking of Christmas gifts for people. I love this idea
19. Go and see 'The Nutcracker''
20. Light some sparklers on Bonfire Night

Check out my Winter page on Pinterest for more Wintery ideas. 

What's on your To Do List this Winter?

Day 3 in Berlin

Our last day in Berlin had finally arrived and unlike yesterday, instead of lazing in bed, we ordered room service for breakfast and checked out fairly early so that we could enjoy our last day in Berlin.

I’ve never ordered room service before, mainly because I always thought it would be ridiculously expensive, which surprisingly enough, it wasn’t.

We ordered eggs benedict and a selection of croissants, bread rolls and jam.

After sadly packing up the room and checking out of the hotel we went for a stroll in the crisp morning air.

We wandered through many of shopping galleries, gazing at all the beautiful Christmas decorations and taking far too many photos before we made our way to the market I had saved for last.

I had heard the Gendarmenmarkt was one of the Berlin’ most traditional markets so naturally I was keen to end our German market experience on a good one…..and it didn’t disappoint.

One of the things that makes this market different is that all the tents are covered in fairy lights with a star sitting perfectly on the top, tempting you inside to view whatever treasures and treats are on offer. 

Set in a square at the site of the Konzerthaus, you have the French cathedral at one end and the German Cathedral at the other.

It is an especially beautiful sight at night time, when the lights glow against the Cathedral, making the atmosphere extremely warm and Christmassy.

It is a brilliant square which arguably hosts one of Berlin’s best markets.

The square is lined with symmetrical looking white tents that glow with a warm yellow/amber colour even in the day time.

You do have to pay 1 Euro to enter which isn’t really an issue but I wanted to mention it...just in case. 

It was at this market that I had one of my favourite things to eat.

In a little hut at the end of the market, the staff busy themselves making bread. Kneeding it, roling it out and then topping it with the most gorgeous tasting cheese. Not to mention is it then covered with bacon.

They then put it in a oven and the final product is amazing.

Warm, hot dough and cheese that simply just melts in your mouth.

It was so good, I even had two!

Berlin has been a wonderful trip and my first experience in Germany. 

I would highly recommend coming here for the Christmas markets but even if you don't come during the festive period, there is so much to do and see here. 

Day 2 in Berlin

I would love to say that we were up bright eyed and bushy tailed today. Unfortunately we weren’t but we were here to relax so it felt good to lie in for once in a while. 

After consulting our top Berlin Market picks, we decided to go to Alexander Platz first.

We wandered by the river into the Museum quarter (which I’ll have to save for another visit) and stopped in a little coffee shop for a late breakfast.

p.s. That coffee tasted as good as it looked.

It wasn’t until afterwards did we release that this wasn’t Alexander Platz and instead we had stumbled upon Karl Marx market. Luckily we had intended to go here, although probably not in that order.

Karl Marx – One of my favourite markets I think. The little wooden huts are centered around a circular ice rink.

It was here we tried ‘Langos’ a German dough, deep fried and then covered in a variety of toppings.

Can you tell already that these posts are not going to be filled with the healthiest of foods?

We went for a garlic spread (which was amazing) with cheese and ham on the top.

Deliciously unhealthy and very naughty too. Oh well. 

It wasn’t long before the storm clouds gathered and the hail and wind descended upon us.

Unlike some of the other markets, what I particularly liked about this one was they had little German wooden huts, with benches and cosy red blankets that you could snuggle up in and keep warm. 

With a bar in every one, it was a perfect place to shelter from the rain.

After drying off and getting warm again back at the hotel, we planned our evening.

We made our way firstly to the Eisenhower Market which was our top 10 list of Markets. 

Again, it took us a while to find it but when we did our initial reaction was that the market seemed a bit run down and not to our liking.

We couldn’t have got it more wrong. Yes it was very different to any of the other markets but that’s what made it special.

This market felt very family orientated and extremely traditional. There were lots of stalls selling homemade produce, gifts and all kind of sweet treats.

We stopped for a Gluhwein (of course) and noticed families sitting round a fire, cooking fresh bread on sticks. We joined them, not only to keep warm but also to watch the children happily eating their bread by the fire.

It was here I bought myself a rather nice, warm pair of gloves.

Not wanting to miss out on new food – We tried Kartoffelpuffer. 

Deep fried shredded bits of potato covered in sugar with apple sauce on the side. I can’t say I enjoyed this as much as I thought but I’m glad I tried something new.

After a few hours we left this market and made our way closer to the centre of Berlin to go to the Alexander Platz market.

The feel of this market was very different to the one we had just left.

The market was loud and colourful and buzzed with a very different atmosphere.

The bright lights reminded me more of the English Winter Wonderland.

It had a bit more of an arcade feel with rides, colourful signs and loud party music. This seemed more of a tourist market rather a local German speciality but a great one to explore none the less. 

Never the less, we gorged ourselves on nutella covered pancakes, more Gluhwein and probably some of the best mushrooms covered in a garlic sauce I have ever tried.

I would still recommend going to this one but don’t expect it to be as good as some of the other more traditional German Markets.

After quite a busy day, we made our way back to the hotel and spent the rest of the evening relaxing in the Jacuzzi.

A perfect end to a rather chilly but wondferul day in Berlin.