Statesman Klemens von Metternich was born on 15 May 1773 in Coblenz (Koblenz). His birthplace is generally known as Haus Metternich or Metternicher Hof. The building was built in 1674 and burned down in 1944. The reconstruction took place in 1976.
Railway museum in Ampflwang
Me and two steam locomotives at the railway museum Ampflwang. This photo reminds me of how huge these steam locomotives really are. The museum is actually a collection of locomotives but also a museum for mining. A short railroad connects the museum with the public railroad and is open for special trips with old locomotives and coaches.
Schloss Burgau in Styria
On a sunny fall day I visited an exhibition at Burgau Palace (Schloss Burgau). The palace with a water filled moat is placed in the Styrian town Burgau and was an important stronghold against Hungary many centuries ago.
Grave of Hedwig and August Trapp in Pula
While walking along the tombs at the Austro-Hungarian naval cemetery in Pula, I came across the graves of Hedwig and August Trapp. They were der parents of Baron von Trapp. Fans of “Sound of Music” may know this name. Baron von Trapp was the father of the singing Trapp family. Christopher Plummer played him in the movie.
Muzej Sergej Mašera in Piran
The museum offers a collection of the maritime past of the Slovenian coast, Slovenian naval history and related economic activities. It includes an archaeological, a maritime, and an art-history collection. Besides that, the museum informs about salt-making and fishing in the region.
Frauenberg pilgrimage church
Sitting on a train on the Rudolfsbahn (Rudolf Railway), passengers have this view of a pilgrimage church on top of the Frauenberg. The german title of the church is Pfarr- und Wallfahrtskirche Maria Opferung am Kulm.
Donaustauf Castle in Donaustauf
Donaustauf Castle (Burgruine Donauaustauf) is a castle ruin near the Danube River in the Bavarian region of Upper Palatinate (Oberpfalz). From the ruins, you have a good view of the nearby Walhalla memorial. In the photo above, one can see the columns of the former castle chapel.
Museum of Celts in Hallein
At the Museum of Celts (Keltenmuseum), I learned a lot about the history of the Celts, especially in the region of the Austrian state of Salzburg. The exhibition also told me about the history of the salt mines in this area. [German]
Restaurant St. Peter Stiftskeller in Salzburg
A dreamy place for a dinner in Salzburg is the inneryard of the restaurant St. Peter Stiftskeller. This site was first mentioned in the year 803 by the scholar Alcuin – a follower of Charlemagne.
Chiemsee Railway in Prien
It is pretty old: The Chiemsee Railway (Chiemseebahn) dates back to 1887. Though this railway doesn’t exactly meet the definition of a tramway, it is considered the oldest still operating steam tramway in the world.
Monument to Sisi in Szeged
On my first walk through Szeged, I came across a monument to Elisabeth of Austria, who was also Queen of Hungary. Her Hungarian name is Erzsébet, but many people of the 21st century know her by the name Sisi or Sissi.
Gate at Upper Belvedere Palace in Vienna
Main gate in front of the Upper Belvedere Palace (Oberes Belvedere). The lions are showing the crest of Prince Eugene of Savoy. He was the first owner of the palace. Today the Upper Belvedere houses a great collection of paintings.