Pace of Nature. Poetry of Earth.

“The hills are alive, with the sound of music, with songs they have sung, for a thousand years.”  Based on the 1949 memoir “The Story of the Trapp Family Singers”, the American musical “The Sound of Music” is an all-time masterpiece. Visitors do not have to seek for security in life as the von Trapp family, but they need to escape from the hustle and bustle, starting in Austria.

As an UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hallstatt is one of the most-visited destinations in Austria. Its storybook appearance is the primary draw, coupled with the colorful houses and its market square. Situated in the Salzkammergut region, the salt extraction started in the 2nd millennium B.C. Hallstatt has its charm in winter. This ice kingdom offers its warm hugs with its mountain.

Situated 45 km from Hallstatt, St. Gilgen welcomes us on the shore of Wolfgangsee Lake. Salzburg was home to the Austrian composer Mozart for 25 years of his brief 35-year life. His mother was born in St. Gilgen and his sister Nannerl moved here after marriage. Wander in the city square Rathaus and dive into a sense of alpine surrounded by mural paintings.

Leaving the Mozart Village, a 30-minute drive brings us to St. Wolfgang. It is believed that the saint has hidden here from persecution over 1000 years ago. Its Marktplatz is surrounded by traditional Austrian buildings with ornate details. The Pilgrimage Church surely draws our attention with its Baroque style, featuring the Michael Pachar Altar dating back from 1481.

Salzkammergut is a region which belongs to three provinces, spanning Upper Austria, Styria and Salzburg. It is known as the “land of lakes”, with over 60 lakes spreading around, while Tyrol is famous for mountains. In fact, thousands of jewelry are hidden in the box, besides the above three lake towns. Save enough time for further exploration if you are a nature lover.

When the dog bites,

When the bee stings,

When I'm feeling sad,

I simply remember my favorite things,

And then I don't feel so bad.

— “The Sound of Music” (1965)