Travel has a unique way of introducing us to experiences we never knew we needed. It’s a journey of unexpected discoveries, where every turn can reveal something entirely new and wonderfully surprising – whether it’s a breathtaking sight, a delightful culinary adventure, or a profound cultural immersion. These serendipitous moments are often the most cherished, weaving themselves into the fabric of our memories and shaping our perception of the world. While some travel moments might test our patience, they invariably contribute to a richer, more authentic understanding of a place.

My recent journey to Austria aboard a Viking River Cruise perfectly encapsulated this spirit of unexpected delights. It was a trip filled with moments I hadn’t anticipated, yet now consider absolutely essential to my life experience. Our adventure allowed us to explore several captivating Austrian cities, each offering its own charm and set of surprises. From the historic elegance of Salzburg to the serene beauty of Melk, the imperial grandeur of Vienna, and the picturesque lakeside village of St. Gilgen, every stop was a revelation. This particular Viking River Cruise also included a fascinating land tour of Salzburg, and even a brief foray into Germany, making for a truly comprehensive Central European exploration.

For a glimpse into the equally memorable moments from the German leg of our journey, feel free to explore my post on things I didn’t know I needed to experience until I visited Germany.

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Unforgettable Austrian Adventures: Experiences I Never Knew I Needed

Indulge in the Wonderful World of Austrian Pretzels

Before my Austrian journey, I thought I knew pretzels. Oh, how delightfully wrong I was! In Austria, the humble pretzel, known locally as “Breze,” transcends its typical form to become a culinary art form. Our first encounter with this incredible variety was at the enchanting Salzburg Christmas Market, where strings of these doughy delights hung like edible decorations, each promising a unique flavor adventure.

The sheer diversity was staggering. We discovered everything from sweet, apple-filled pretzels, reminiscent of a warm pastry, to savory pizza pretzels, brimming with cheesy goodness and herbs. It felt like an endless array, with varieties so numerous that one could easily dedicate a month to sampling them all without trying the same one twice. I can enthusiastically report that the pizza pretzels were absolutely divine – a perfect blend of crispy exterior and flavorful filling. My only regret was missing out on the cheese pretzel, which was regrettably sold out when we returned for a second round. But perhaps that’s just the universe’s way of ensuring a return trip to this wonderful country.

Falling Head Over Heels for European Christmas Markets

I had heard whispers and seen captivating photos of European Christmas markets from fellow travel writers, but I honestly didn’t believe I’d get the chance to experience one during our trip. My initial itinerary suggested we were a couple of weeks too early for the official opening season, so my expectations were low. Imagine my pure delight and uncontainable excitement when I realized our visit to Salzburg perfectly coincided with the grand opening day of the Salzburg Christmas Market!

Stepping into the market was like entering a festive wonderland. The air was crisp and filled with the scent of roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and gingerbread. Twinkling lights adorned every stall, casting a warm glow on the artisanal crafts, festive decorations, and eager faces of visitors. The joyous chatter, the carolers’ melodies, and the general atmosphere of goodwill were utterly captivating. It was love at first sight, and a profound realization that I absolutely needed more of this magic in my life. I’m now actively dreaming of booking a future Viking River Cruise specifically designed around exploring Europe’s renowned Christmas markets – the thought of combining the luxurious comfort of a Viking Cruise with the enchanting allure of these festive hubs is, quite frankly, pure vacation magic!

We even brought home a sweet souvenir: a gingerbread heart that my husband, John, bought for me. He humorously admitted to not being entirely sure what the German inscription said, leading to a playful tease. Luckily for him (and me!), it turned out to be a heartfelt “I Love You.” It’s a small token, but one that perfectly captures the warmth and joy of that unforgettable market experience.

Embracing the Melodies: Singing Sound of Music Songs Daily

Just a week before embarking on our Viking River Cruise, John and I watched “The Sound of Music” for the very first time. I mentioned this experience in my weekly diary, and it turned out to be a stroke of pure genius. The iconic movie and its unforgettable songs were fresh in my mind as we arrived in Austria, and what a delightful backdrop they provided!

The melodies became an internal soundtrack to our journey. I found myself humming and silently singing “Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things,” and “Edelweiss” throughout the day, every day. It was an involuntary, joyful response to being in the very landscapes that inspired such cinematic magic. The experience reached its pinnacle on board the Viking Vili, where we were treated to an evening of entertainment by the talented group, Sounds of Austria. Their performance culminated in an enthusiastic “Sound of Music” sing-along, bringing the movie to life in the most immersive way imaginable. It was a truly amazing and incredibly fun evening.

Though, if I’m being completely honest, my contributions to the sing-along were rather quiet. Let’s just say my singing voice is more of an acquired taste, and I preferred not to inflict it upon my fellow passengers. But the spirit was there, soaring with every note!

A Future Promise: Returning to Vienna for its Dazzling Christmas Lights

Our Viking River Cruise included a wonderful walking tour of Vienna, allowing us to absorb the grandeur of this imperial city. What truly surprised and captivated me, however, was the sheer extent to which Vienna decorates for Christmas. As we strolled through the elegant streets, my gaze was constantly drawn upwards to the intricate webs of lights already strung across the avenues. Each street seemed to be preparing for its own spectacular display, hinting at a city transformed into a twinkling wonderland.

The awe quickly turned to a slight pang of longing when we learned that these magnificent lights were not yet illuminated. They were merely being set up in anticipation of the upcoming holiday season, scheduled to be switched on just a few days after our departure. The thought of missing Vienna in its full, radiant Christmas glory was almost unbearable! This revelation instantly solidified a new item on my travel bucket list: I absolutely must return to Vienna to witness these Christmas lights in their full, breathtaking splendor, illuminating the historic architecture and festive atmosphere. It’s an image I can’t get out of my head, and a promise I’ve made to myself.

Savoring a Mozart Punch in a Traditional Boot Mug

One of the most charming traditions of Austrian Christmas markets is the unique collection of mugs and boots used for serving glühwein (mulled wine) and other hot beverages. Each market often features its own distinctive design, adding a layer of collectibility to the festive experience. When you purchase a drink, you typically pay a small deposit – around 3 euros – for the mug. You then have the delightful choice: return the mug to reclaim your deposit, or keep it as a cherished, functional souvenir of your visit.

At a quaint Christmas market in Vienna, we spotted an irresistible red boot-shaped mug. It was absolutely adorable, and we knew instantly it had to come home with us. Inside this charming vessel, I decided to try a Mozart Punch. Be warned: if you ever get the chance to taste it, prepare yourself – it truly packs a punch! This potent, flavorful concoction was incredibly warming and surprisingly strong. Within moments, my cheeks were glowing a rosy pink, and I can assure you, it wasn’t just from the crisp winter air. It was a memorable and wonderfully potent taste of Austrian holiday spirit!

Witnessing My Husband’s Charms: A Fiddle Player Encounter

This is one of those travel anecdotes that will forever make me smile and laugh! During our delightful Heurigen Dinner in Vienna, hosted by Viking River Cruises, I had the unique pleasure of watching my husband, John, engage in what I can only describe as a charming, if slightly goofy, flirtation with a fiddle player. “Flirt” might be a strong word, but his playful “goo-goo eyes” and batting eyelashes at the musician certainly brought the house down!

The Heurigen evening itself was a wonderful experience – a traditional Austrian wine tavern setting, filled with lively music, hearty food, and, of course, plenty of local wine. The atmosphere was convivial and relaxed, which perhaps explains John’s spontaneous antics. His theatrical display of admiration for the fiddle player sparked uproarious laughter from our entire table. It was one of those genuinely funny, unscripted moments that become the stuff of legend within your travel group, amplified, no doubt, by the few bottles of excellent Austrian wine we had already enjoyed. It’s these kinds of joyful, lighthearted memories that truly define the magic of travel.

Adding the Viennese Waltz to Our Bucket List

One evening on the cruise, we chatted with a wonderful couple who shared a captivating story: they had learned to dance the Viennese Waltz right there in Vienna! The idea immediately resonated with me, striking a chord of delightful possibility. It’s akin to savoring Black Forest cake in the Black Forest – some experiences just feel incomplete unless enjoyed in their authentic birthplace. Learning the Viennese Waltz in Vienna, the very city where this elegant dance originated, felt like an absolute must-do.

I instantly added it to my personal travel bucket list, marking it as an experience I truly need to make happen soon. The thought of John and I attempting a proper waltz, perhaps with a few comical missteps, brings an immediate smile and giggle to my face. Whether it’s the romance of the dance or the humorous mental image of our attempts, it’s now firmly on our future travel agenda. It’s an aspiration that embodies the spirit of embracing new cultures and trying something truly iconic in its rightful setting.

My Whimsical New Obsession: A Unicorn Statue

Among the many wonderful sights on our Sound of Music tour with Viking River Cruises, there was one unexpected discovery that completely captured my imagination: a majestic unicorn statue! Nestled within the grounds of a beautiful palace, this whimsical sculpture instantly stole my heart. It was such an unexpected and charming sight, and I found myself utterly captivated by its presence.

Now, I am on a mission to convince John that our home in Spokane absolutely needs a unicorn statue. I’m quite certain our neighbors will find our new garden ornament perfectly normal and not quirky at all! It’s a lighthearted souvenir aspiration, a tangible reminder of the unexpected joys and unique discoveries that make travel so enriching. Our entire Viking River Cruise experience in Austria was simply magnificent. We are incredibly grateful to Viking for crafting such an unforgettable journey, filled with these unexpected, yet utterly cherished, life experiences.