Austria: Snow-Capped Salzburg

A 2.5-hour snow-capped train trip from Vienna had us arrive in Salzburg, a smaller Austrian city dominated by castles, palaces, and churches.

Here, we've happily clocked up thousands of steps around its historic old town of baroque architecture.

Even though it's a smaller city, it sparkles with festive spirit equally, with a Christmas market at every corner, including a remarkable one atop the Hohensalzburg Fortress, a medieval castle.

Atop this fortress, the views were truly breathtaking, revealing the entire city under a snowy blanket – from the church domes to the winding river. The type of view in Europe typically earned by climbing hundreds of stairs, thankfully made avoidable by a mountain cable car.

A snowy train ride from Vienna lead to Salzburg, where cosy cafes and baroque streets await.

A winter fairy tale at the Christmas market atop Hohensalzburg Fortress.

Sparkling lights, endless stalls, and delicious meringues.

Salzburg’s snow-covered strolls were filled with charm and wonder.