A Solo Cultural Retreat in Salzburg

A Day of Lakeside Bliss

Today, I traded the city bustle for the tranquil beauty of the Austrian Lake District. Leaving Salzburg behind for a day, I ventured into the countryside to explore the picturesque villages of St. Gilgen and Fuschl. It was a day filled with stunning scenery, delightful culinary experiences, and moments of peaceful reflection.

The drive itself was a treat, with rolling hills and verdant meadows stretching as far as the eye could see. I was especially grateful that I remembered to pack my camera this morning. I’m still kicking myself for forgetting my umbrella, though; the weather forecast threatened rain, but thankfully, the sun decided to stay out and play. Perhaps I'll pick one up tomorrow when I am souvenir shopping.

My first stop was St. Gilgen, a charming village nestled on the shores of Lake Wolfgangsee. The drive was easy and relaxing and I found parking without any issues. The village is known as Mozart's village, as his mother was born here. The quaint streets were lined with colourful houses adorned with flower-filled balconies, creating a postcard-perfect scene. I wandered through the village, soaking in the atmosphere and admiring the traditional Austrian architecture. The air was fresh and clean, carrying the scent of wildflowers and the gentle sound of lapping water.


Discover the enchanting beauty of St. Gilgen, a charming Austrian village by Lake Wolfgang, perfect for outdoor adventures and cultural experiences.

I started my exploration at Mozartplatz, the main square of St. Gilgen. The square was bustling with activity, with locals and tourists alike enjoying the sunshine. I admired the beautiful fountain in the center of the square and the Rathaus (Town Hall), with its lovely oriel and beautiful line art decorating the top of each window on the building’s facade. I took a few photos, trying to capture the charm of this idyllic village.

Sometimes, the most beautiful destinations are the ones that surprise you with their simplicity and serenity.

Next, I visited the Parish Church of Saint Egidius, a beautiful Baroque church that dominates the St. Gilgen skyline. The interior was just as impressive, with ornate decorations and stunning frescoes. I lit a candle and took a moment to reflect on the beauty and history of this place. I am not particularly religious, but I do find solace in visiting places of worship when I travel.

Of course, no visit to St. Gilgen would be complete without experiencing the beauty of Lake Wolfgangsee. I decided to take a boat tour of the lake, which offered stunning views of the surrounding mountains and villages. The boat glided effortlessly across the crystal-clear water, and I felt a sense of peace and tranquility wash over me. The captain provided interesting commentary about the history and landmarks of the area, adding to the experience. I learned about St. Wolfgang, another charming village on the lake, and the famous Schafberg Railway, a cog railway that climbs to the summit of the Schafberg mountain.

After the boat tour, I decided to take the Zwölferhorn Cable Car up to the top of Mount Zwölferhorn. The cable car ride was exhilarating, with panoramic views of the lake and surrounding landscape. At the summit, I was rewarded with even more breathtaking views. I could see for miles in every direction, with the Salzkammergut lakes region stretching out before me. I took a leisurely walk along the Panorama Circuit, an easy circular trail that offered amazing views over the Wolfgangsee Lake and the Salzkammergut lakes region.

It was then time for lunch, and I headed to Restaurant taste.it in Salzburg for a bite. The restaurant was easy to find, and I was immediately charmed by its cozy and inviting atmosphere. The service was friendly and efficient, and I soon found myself perusing the menu. I decided to try one of their pasta dishes, which was cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor. The restaurant is known for its Italian cuisine, and I could certainly taste the authenticity in every bite. I savoured every mouthful, accompanied by a glass of local white wine. It was the perfect way to refuel after a morning of exploring.


Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Restaurant taste.it, where every meal is a celebration of flavor in the heart of Salzburg.

With renewed energy, I continued my journey to Fuschl am See, another picturesque village located on the shores of Lake Fuschlsee. The drive from St. Gilgen to Fuschl was short and scenic, and I soon arrived at my destination. Lake Fuschlsee is known for its crystal-clear water and stunning natural beauty, and I was eager to explore it.


Discover the serene beauty and rich culture of Fuschl, Austria, a lakeside retreat perfect for outdoor adventures and relaxation amidst stunning landscapes.

I took a leisurely stroll along the lake promenade, admiring the views and soaking in the sunshine. The lake was dotted with sailboats and swimmers, and the atmosphere was relaxed and cheerful. I couldn't resist dipping my toes in the water, which was surprisingly refreshing. I imagined how lovely it would be to return here with Andreas and Sophie during the summer holidays.

Fuschl am See itself is a charming village with a rich history. I explored the village center, admiring the traditional Austrian houses and the quaint shops. I stumbled upon a local market, where I purchased some fresh produce and local crafts. It was a great opportunity to interact with the locals and learn more about their way of life. I am always drawn to local markets when I travel; they offer a glimpse into the heart and soul of a place.

For lunch, I chose WeiherWirt, a restaurant known for its fish and seafood cuisine and its beautiful location on Leopoldskroner Weiher. The restaurant was elegant and inviting, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. I decided to try their signature dish, the fish soup, which was a delicate and flavorful concoction of local fish and spices. It was absolutely delicious, and I savoured every spoonful. The service was attentive and friendly, and I felt well taken care of.


Discover exquisite Austrian cuisine at WeiherWirt in Salzburg - where tradition meets flavor in every dish.

After lunch, I decided to take a hike in the surrounding mountains. There are many hiking trails around Fuschl, offering stunning views of the lake and the surrounding landscape. I chose a relatively easy trail that led to a scenic viewpoint overlooking the lake. The hike was invigorating, and I enjoyed the fresh air and the stunning scenery. I felt a sense of accomplishment as I reached the viewpoint, and I took a moment to admire the beauty of the Austrian Lake District. I made a mental note to bring Andreas and Sophie here; they would love the hiking trails.

As the day drew to a close, I made my way back to Salzburg. But before heading back to the hotel, I decided to treat myself to a drink at Darwin's Cafe Bar. I had heard good things about their cocktails, and I was eager to try them out. The bar was located in the heart of Salzburg Old Town, and it had a cool and trendy atmosphere. I ordered a gin and tonic, which was expertly prepared and refreshing. The perfect way to end a day of lakeside bliss.


Discover the perfect blend of cocktails, coffee, and garden tranquility at Darwin's Cafe Bar in the heart of Salzburg.

Tomorrow is my last day in Salzburg, and I plan to make the most of it. I'm excited to visit Königssee and The Eagle's Nest, two iconic landmarks in the Bavarian Alps. I also plan to do some souvenir shopping at Heart Of Mozart - Souvenirs und Geschenkartikel. I want to bring back something special for Andreas and Sophie, a reminder of my solo cultural retreat in Salzburg.

Before heading back to the hotel, I had dinner at Restaurant Riedenburg. This restaurant combines French, Mediterranean, and Austrian influences, and has been recognized by Gault Millau for its exceptional cuisine. I chose the Wiener Schnitzel vom Kalb, a classic Austrian dish, and it was cooked to perfection. The service was impeccable, and the ambiance was elegant and refined. It was the perfect way to end a day of culinary delights.


Experience exquisite Austrian cuisine at Restaurant Riedenburg in Salzburg, where tradition meets innovation in every dish.

As I reflect on my day, I feel grateful for the opportunity to experience the beauty and charm of the Austrian Lake District. St. Gilgen and Fuschl are two villages that I will never forget, and I hope to return here someday with my family. The stunning scenery, the delightful culinary experiences, and the peaceful atmosphere made this a truly unforgettable day. It’s moments like these that make me appreciate the beauty of solo travel, the freedom to explore and discover at my own pace.

Back at the hotel, I am already looking forward to my final day in Salzburg. I am also starting to think about the drive back to Bonn. I might have to break it up into two days, as I am sure I will be tired after nine days of exploring. I am also looking forward to seeing Andreas and Sophie again. I miss them dearly, and I can't wait to share my experiences with them. But for now, I will savour the last few hours of my solo adventure, and dream of the day when we can all return to Salzburg together.