Sphaera by Stephan Balkenhol

Male part of the Sphaera at the Kapitelplatz in Salzburg

Memories! Years ago, I used to play chess with local people on the board depicted above. I am glad to see the public chessboard is still in use. By the way, the man on the sphere is a sculpture created by Stephan Balkenhol. The official name is ‘Sphaera’, but people call it ‘Mozartkugel’.

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Krampus procession in Gnigl

Krampus procession in Gnigl, Austria

The Krampus procession (Krampuslauf) is a tradition generally performed on a day from the beginning of the Advent season up to the first half of January. People, organised in groups named Pass, run through the streets. They try to frighten the spectators in their self-created costumes.

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Steingasse in Salzburg

Impression of the Steingasse in Salzburg, Austria

The Steingasse in the city of SaIzburg is a pretty old street. During ancient Roman times it was a trade road connecting Iuvavum (Salzburg) with the south of the Roman Empire. The buildings on the left side are attached directly  to the rocks of the Kapuzinerberg Hill which creates some fascinating views along the street.

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Shop for Easter eggs in Salzburg

Shop for Easter eggs in Salzburg, Austria

Many people travel from far away to buy something traditional from Austria. Unfortunately some traditions last for only a few days in the year. Nethertheless you can buy Easter eggs all year round in a shop in the city of Salzburg. This shop is situated in the Judengasse 11.

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Sundial at Ankerhaus in Salzburg

Huge sundial at Ankerhaus in Salzburg, Austria

Huge sundial seen at the Ankerhaus in the city of Salzburg. The house is named after the insurence company DER ANKER (engl. the anchor). In earlier times the building housed the hotel ‘Erzherzog Karl’ where famous persons like the Austrian Empress Elisabeth of Austria (‘Sisi’) or the German Minister President Otto von Bismarck used to stay.

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Panorama Museum in Salzburg

Panorama Museum in Salzburg, Austria

In the period before photos were invented, there was a different method of learning something new about the world. Landscapists created huge paintings of cities and sceneries. Inside the Panorama Museum, visitors find a depiction of Salzburg dating back to 1829.

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Hellbrunner Adventzauber

Gate at the Hellbrunner Adventzauber in Salzburg, Austria

The Hellbrunner Adventzauber is a Christmas market with a splendid atmosphere. It is situated on the grounds of Hellbrunn Palace (Schloss Hellbrunn) in Salzburg. About 400 trees decorated with 13,000 red Christmas balls make the market special.

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Rising bollard system in Salzburg

Rising bollard system in Salzburg City, Austria

A very dangerous species living in Salzburg City is the rising bollard. Joking apart it is important to know, they are very strong and are able to damage a car if they hit it from below. Not sure if this species will live there forever but for now it is worth a look to check out the attached website.

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