The Hills Are ....... Wet

Awoke to the sounds of church bells and rain.  After a light breakfast we headed off to Hohensalzburg Fortress (Festung).  

Anybody that knows me knows I am a sucker for a good funicular and the one to the fortress is very good.   This castle was built over a number of years but was primarily used to intimidate as it was never conquered.  It's primary use was in the Thirty Years War - a war that was fought between the church and the state to see who could squeeze the taxes out of the peasants.  The castle itself is very imposing but with the exception of the state chambers not very interesting.   The best part for us were the amazing vistas even in the rain. 

After a stop for strudel and beer we headed along the path that lead from this fortress to Mönchsberg Castle, a very scenic hike along the ridge line.   Another amazing view at every corner.   A walk in the woods was very restful after jostling with tourists for two days.   Arriving back in the city we did a little more exploring and shopped for trinkets and trash.  A little people watching at Café Tomaselli and then across the river to Biergarten die Weisse, an enormous brewery beer garden/hall complex for dinner.  Then back to our hotel for an early night.