Salzburg and Vienna Austria: Where life is steeped in tradition, music, history and culinary delights

Author: Johanna Chasse, CIS, CTA

Sr. Destination & Experience Design Consultant

Meetings & Incentives Worldwide, Inc. 

I recently was given the opportunity to travel to Salzburg and Vienna, Austria. Both amazing destinations for a group incentive.  I was hosted by Rosewood in both of these cities and both properties are centrally located, with easy access to many experiences.  In this blog, I am going to share five reasons why to make either Salzburg or Vienna home to a group incentive.  There are many, many more but for the purpose of this blog, I am going to share my favorites!

Salzburg:

1.      I had the opportunity to stay at the Rosewood Schloss Fuschl .  Imagine a castle on a hill, surrounded by the cleanest of lakes, listening to the chirping of birds and enjoying fine dining followed by an after dinner digestif in an historic lounge. The Rosewood Schloss Fuschl is rooted in history. As you enjoy the grounds, you can just feel it.  The property has a substantial artwork display – enough to spend an afternoon just perusing the hallways learning everything you can about the different artists.  If you like wine and want an outstanding wine experience, the wine cellar is sure to please.  At the end of the day, sink into your bed with the windows open and listen to the sounds of nature that offers a sense of pure peace and serenity.  I promise your stay at this property in Salzburg will be once in a lifetime.

2.      Are you a fan of Sound of Music?  Come to Salzburg.  In this city is where the famous Do-Re -Mi scene was filmed at the Mirabell Gardens.  Several scenes were set in Nonnberg Abbey including the scene where Maria is sent to work as the governess.  Finally, the Leopoldskron Palace was used to film the von Trapp Family home.  It is a fun step into the movie for all fans.

3.      How about Mozart?  This pianist became famous at the young age of 7 years old where he first performed in public in front of diplomats.  He was purely a genius with a young heart.  Salzburg and Mozart just go together.  You can pass by his birthplace, a family home, several churches where he was known to perform, a grand hall often used for important functions where his music was part of the experience.  A fun Mozart experience while in Salzburg is to try the famous “Mozart Balls”, a famous chocolate known to have been created by Mozart.  It is a very sweet delight. 

4.      For any of you who love to discover new restaurants especially locations that you will never find in any other city in Europe, come to Salzburg. The oldest restaurant in Europe is St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, located in Salzburg’s Old Town within the historic St. Peter’s Abbey complex.  As you walk in the restaurant still has the walls and ceilings of many centuries in the past. You can only imagine all of who have dined there (including Mozart and Christopher Columbus)  This restaurant dates dates back to 803AD and it is believed to have been serving guests for over 1200 years.

5.      If you want a truly lively experience, enjoy the Volkstanz.  This is a Austrian folk dance which you will truly never forget.  Between the stomps and the claps and the flips of the dancers while the accordion is playing -  it is a jaw dropping experience.  Quite frankly, I have watched it in the United States but until I went to Austria, I did not realize how I had not actually experienced the true dancing. Honestly, you will never forget it!!

Vienna:

1.      A great hotel right in the heart of Vienna, come to the Rosewood Vienna. It is like walking into a fairy tale in the middle of a magical, musical city.  Walk out front door and the city of Vienna is at your fingertips.  Perfect for the ultimate Vienna experience.  The hotel offers a beautiful rooftop lounge, a delightful restaurant, exquisite rooms and ultimate service.  Be sure to enjoy those culinary delights in your room because they are so incredibly wonderful!

2.      Vienna is home to some of the most famous composers of the world including Mozart, Beethoven, Strauss, Schubert.  If you are a fan, Vienna is a must see.  And, even if you are not a fan just stepping into the paths where these great composers lived and performed can leave a person speechless. 

3.      Walk the streets and enjoy the food.  Food , Glorious food.  A must try is the Wiener Schnitzel.

4.      There are vineyards within city limits!  Now how cool is that for some amazing wine tasting!   Then of course the pastries, desserts and cakes!  For those that have a sweet tooth, they are everywhere!

5.      Vienna is a very safe and very clean city.  It is just so walkable.  If you want to take a picnic lunch and sit in the gardens – it is a great way to spend an afternoon.

Overall, I would encourage everyone to consider both of these amazing destinations for group programs and at least once in their life to visit on personal.  They truly are very special places!