Salzburg

This holiday season travel with RTT to the Christkindl Market of Salzburg, one of the oldest advent markets in Europe. Salzburg combines all the quintessential ingredients of European charm and Christmas magic into a dream destination for sightseeing, shopping and a massive dose of holiday spirit. The city is set against the stunning backdrop of castles and monasteries and Austria’s regal, natural beauty, creating a special atmosphere at Christmas time. Here, you will find music, art, architecture, delightful culinary offerings coupled with five different Christmas Markets, each offering different specializes, hand crafted items, sweet treats and heartwarming drinks.

There is plenty of free time to shop for Christmas gifts and take in the sites on foot or by the famous “Fiaker,” a traditional horse-drawn-carriage. A stunning view of the city can be found on the funicular ride and Castle Hohensalzburg, the towns most visited landmark. Music lovers won’t want to miss seeing Mozart’s birthplace, the possibilities are endless. As the sun sets over the city a close, enjoy a romantic stroll under the glowing sea of  lights, through the lavishly decorated streets that gently weave through a labyrinth of quaint half-timbered houses.

As the evening draws near something dark is about to decent on Salzburg. Tradition has it that in the days leading to the eve of St. Nicholas day, goat-footed, hairy, devilish looking figures with horns called "Krampusse" are accompanying St. Nicholas and roaming the streets of Salzburg. In mythologically they are representing the concept of "good and evel". Saint Nicholas, representing the pure good who gives out candies but only to well behaved children while the Krampus representing all that is bad, carrying a willow rod to punish the lesser behaved ones. The tradition dates back to the 17th century Alpine countries and had it’s origin in convent schools. Today, the Krampus parade is a spectacle to behold and will make you ask..... Have you been good this year?