Amazing History and Sights from Munich, Germany to Salzburg, Austria and into the Alps to Hallstadt
With dear friends, the Hill's, the Smith's, and the Johansen's, we took advantage of the closed offices and headed out in a two car caravan to see some of the well known destinations in this part of Europe. The weather was chilly and often rainy but that did not dampen our spirits or our excitement to venture out.
These interesting men were among our first points of interest as we entered the beautiful city of Munich, the real birth place of the Nazi Party.
This is the amazing Neues Rathhaus, built in 1867-1908. It's done in the magnificent neo-gothic architecture and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Munich. The size and the ornate details of this building are pretty awe inspiring as are so many of the buildings in Germany. The workmanship and detail is something we are not acquainted with in 21st century buildings.
Another view from the courtyard statue
At 11am, 12pm and 5 pm the building's Glockenspiel springs to life and re-enacts scenes from Munich's history on three levels as forty bells chime in the background.
This is the extended turret in one of the squares that Hitler painted below in 1914 entitled "Courtyard of the Old Residency". He was a self-taught artist whose works sold very well during the Third Reich period and which now are very pricey collector's items, as you might imagine.
It's sobering to be reminded that Adolf Hitler developed oratory skills in beer halls and delivered one of his first speeches in the Hofbrauhaus you see above which was frequented by many beleaguered and disenchanted WWI soldiers who were desperate for better times. Hitler was demonstrative and eager and helped them envision a new and empowered Germany.
The hyperinflation during this time was absurd and necessitated the people bringing box loads of bills to pay for a single day's food shopping.
This is the Eternal Flame of the Human Soul that stands alone in the square and burns to commemorate all those whose lives were lost during the unspeakably horrific reign of Adolf Hitler. The cage covering the flame represents the bars of oppression and defeat suffered by so many in the concentration camps.
This was one of the earlier buildings that housed the increasingly powerful leaders of the Nazi Party.
This monument honors those who
fearlessly spoke up against Hitler's
deceiving philosophies and openly
demonstrated against him, forfeiting
their lives for a brave cause.
The Smith's and the Johansen's listening to our tour guide. Elder Smith's father, Max Smith (and Sister Smith) and his grandfather, Titus Coombs, were wonderful neighbors of ours in Preston. We have many wonderful memories of them all.
This is the place where Hitler staged many of his first speeches as the leader of the Nazi Party.
Here you can see his picture in the crowds at this very site.
It was refreshing to get back in the car and head for more positive places. In the distance you can see the first glimpse we had of the Austrian Alps, high mountains that we see very few of in Germany.
A short distance from Saltzburg were a series of five beautiful Lakes in Bavaria, Germany. We took the time for a pleasant side trip to Chiemsee Lake, one of five in the same area, where we boarded the ferry to one of the islands where King Ludwig built his extravagant palace and grounds which became known as the Bavarian Versailles. The grounds, as you can see below are
magnificent too. Unfortunately, we didn't have time to tour the palace which we knew was very spectacular.
This is a one of two huge fountains in the front of the palace. The statues portray characters of mythology, a great fancy of the King.
Sister Mills and Sister Smith in a closer shot.
The reason we had to hurry somewhat was that we had reservations to a Mozart dinner concert in Saltzburg. Julie Johansen heard about this from friends who said it was a "must do" activity . I can tell you it was a definite highlight of our whole trip. The location, an old restored cathedral, was quite magical and very inspiring to put you in a true Mozart mood. It's the only venue of its kind that they still allow to be lighted by candles held on ornate, high standing candelabras at each table.
We felt a little (a lot, actually) under dressed as we didn't have time to change our clothes from our travels. It was a very formal setting although people were dressed in all degrees of formality or lack thereof.
This is the beautifully painted ceiling which is very characteristics of the German cathedrals.
These are the Hill's, the Church History missionaries.
This is Elder and Sister Johansen who are the
Executive Assistants to the Area Presidency.
These great people are the Smith's. They work as Infield Representatives who handle all the BIG problems and crises in each of the European Missions.
This is our amazing dessert, a sculptured pyramid of ice cream with smears of toppings and a cocoa silhouette of Mozart as a garnish. It was a little dainty for the men but the women loved it!
The dinner itself was served in 3 courses. After each course, an excerpt from three of Mozart's famous operas were performed by an excellent pair of opera singers who were accompanied by a marvelous chamber orchestra. Total delight. That's all I can say!
The Salzburg City Square on a very rainy day. This is where the well known St.Peter's Abby is and where you see so much medieval and Baroque architecture. It's, of course, Mozart's birth place and the renowned filming location for "The Sound of Music". We women could not talk our husbands into taking the movie tour, unfortunately!
Up on top of the stoned-faced mountain you can see the Hohensaltburg Castle, 900 years old, and one of the very few castles that remained unconquered. You can reach it by way of a steep climb on the funicular railway.
Beautiful views from the great fortress. It was primarily the residence of the Prince archbishops in its day. Later it became a military barracks and eventually a prison.
Here are the Smith's on the very top of the castle in a misty rain.
This is a very ornate porcelain heating stove used in a grand hall in the castle.These stoves were always an important centerpiece of the royal rooms which required serious heating.
Various relics of by-gone eras.
This woman is the owner of the oldest clothing store in Saltzburg. It has been in her family for several centuries. She sells the very highest quality Bavarian clothing available and I can attest to that from her very high prices.I can also attest to the fact that the quality of her products merit the prices.
Her store from the outside.
Window and street shopping here are the very best for my fantasies!
Unique and colorful handmade marionettes.
Such a quaint walk through the narrow streets.
Easter time in Europe is all about the Easter Bunny and elaborate eggs and seldom about the Savior or the Resurrection.
This is Julie Warner Johansen from Utah who grew up with my sister-in-law, Jan Adams. It's a small world, isn't it!
The happy (chilly) travellers.
This was a beautiful baroque monument with murals of horses which I knew our grand daughter Addie would love.You also get a better view of the immense rock wall of the mountain on which the castle is located.
Just for you, Addie!!
Our last view of Salzburg before heading to the Alps. We shall greatly miss it!
A short hour drive up into the mountains brought us to Hallstadt, a picture postcard town of just over 900 on the edge of a pristine lake and surrounded by majestic mountains. I think I'm in heaven, for sure!
This town is famous for its productive mountain salt mines which, unfortunately, we didn't have time to explore on this trip.
A very fascinating fact about Hallstadt is that a Chinese mining company was so impressed with it and it's beauty that they went home and "cloned" it in their own country. You MUST look it up online. I was very sceptical until I saw the pictures for myself. It's pretty unbelievable. This cloned town is located in Huizhou Guangdong, China. Take a minute and see for yourself!
This is a beautiful church tucked into the mountainside.
These are some of the leased grave sites outside of the church. You have to maintain them yourself for your deceased. After 30 years the resident is dug up and another takes the plot.
The skulls are not discarded, however, but are retrieved and become a piece of art with carvings and engraving made by the above artist. They become part of the skull museum right next to the little cemetery. If you look carefully at the museum doors, there are skulls engraved into the wood too. Interesting concept, wouldn't you say?
Our last stop was down the freeway a bit a this very quaint restaurant were everything down to the little salt and pepper shakers and the staff were 100% German through and through! The food was delicious. I haven't found a schnitzel I haven't liked yet!! Perfect ending to a perfect, fun and cold trip!
