Beyond Salzburg’s renowned musical legacy lies a city where rich history and modern life blend seamlessly. Graceful arcades and narrow lanes wind past intricate guild signs that hint at the city’s centuries of skilled craftsmanship. Salzburg’s three hundred-year-old coffeehouse culture endures in establishments such as Café Tomaselli and Café Bazar, once gathering places for artists and intellectuals. In these cafés and historic inns, regional dishes like savory tafelspitz and sweet Salzburger Nockerl offer a taste of local tradition. After breakfast, check out of your hotel and begin your transfer to Passau.
Founded by the Celts over 2,000 years ago, Passau is one of Bavaria’s oldest cities. Known as the “City of Three Rivers,” it rests at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz and Danube rivers. The city has long enjoyed its strategic position and grew to great economic and political power because of it. The legacy of its past prosperity lives on in graceful arcades, colorful houses with rococo facades and the glorious baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral, home to one of Europe’s largest pipe organs. Passau is also where two nations meet; it is here that the German-Austrian border begins. Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom.
Shore Excursions
Shore excursions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.
The Sound of Music
Explore Salzburg and its surroundings as you visit some the iconic filming locations of The Sound of Music.
Videos
At home in Salzburg with Viking guides Peter Staudinger and Julia Hattinger
Discover one of Austria’s most picturesque cities, Salzburg, the birthplace and childhood home of Mozart and setting of the beloved film The Sound of Music. During an informative tour led by Viking guides Peter Staudinger and Julia Hattinger, follow along as they show us some of their favorite places and delve into the history of this elegant Alpine destination. Should your curiosity be piqued, you will be delighted to know that you, too, could stroll the old-world streets of Salzburg when you join us there as part of an optional excursion on our Grand European Tour or European Sojourn river voyages.
German Language Lesson
Learn a few useful German words and phrases with Rebecca, your Viking tutor. Prost!
Shopping in Passau
Passau is one of Germany’s most charming cities. Karine shows you that the city’s gift ideas hold equal charm when she takes you to her favorite shopping spot.
Wreath-Making Workshop
Join Karine in Passau, Germany, as she has a good laugh making traditional and modern German Advent wreaths with a local wreath maker.
Cooking with Karine: A German Treat
Join Karine for a private cooking lesson with pastry chef Joanna Hajn, who teaches her student how to make a German holiday favorite: a tasty gingerbread house.
