Salzburg

Today was a rainy day, so we wandered around Salzburg. We went up to the Hohensalzburg fortress perched up above the town. Looked around the castle and museum, this castle also dates from the 11th century. Fantastic views over Salzburg from up there.  We were cold and hungry by then, so we found a nice warm cafe and had lunch.  Topped it off with a warm piece of apple strudel with ice cream. Yum!  Still raining after we finished so we went back to the hotel and just relaxed for awhile.  

We went back out about 5pm and headed for the Domquartier and Residenzplatz area because today starts the St. Rupert's Festival in town.  There are food kiosks, carnival games, handcraft booths, a beergarden tent and a stage with live music and dancing. Despite the wet weather, there were a good number of people out and about. We bought the largest pretzel we have ever seen and a handmade Christmas ornament for our tree.  Watched a little Austrian folk dancing and an oompah band. The folks in the beer garden were having a great time. Oh! We saw a kiosk with a still outside of it. The guy was actually making his own schnapps right there! 

I figured out the John Denver thing! It turns out that "Country Roads" is one of the 10 most popular Octoberfest songs!?! John Denver was part German and is still hugely popular over here. Who knew, right?