Outskirts of Salzburg, Austria Trip

At the end of June, we went to Austria (outskirts of Salzburg) and Germany (Berchtesgaden) with Frank and Emily and their children.

The forecast wasn't in our favor for half of the trip, but it started out hot and sunny on Wednesday so we went to the swimming pool. There were water slides and kid pools with a dreamy view of the Austrian countryside and mountains.

Between the rain falling on Wednesday night, we went to the town center and enjoyed traditional Austrian band music and traditional Austrian slap dancing.

Thursday morning gave us good weather one more time and we went to one of the most gorgeous places we have ever been - Hallstadt, Austria. The city is on a lake up in the mountains and has a salt mine that dates back to the 1500's.

Uncle Frank and Aunt Emily took Abram and Frankie out on a boat.

Walking through town.

We happened to be there on a Catholic holiday. We were pleasantly surprised to see so many Austrians dressed in traditional dress - lederhosen and dirndls.

Here is the Bergeinfahrt (Mountain Entrance). We have a picture of Jacob's dad in front of this sign too. Makes for a fun photo with these Berg men!

Here we are getting suited up to go in the salt mine. They even have a little suit for a one year old. Those Germans think of all the details!

Here we are going down into the salt mine as a family. Weeee! All of our expressions speak for themselves.

Recognize this church? Monsee Cathedral where Maria gets married in the Sound of Music.

It was pouring rain the entire time we were there. Unsuccessful attempts to stay dry!
A funny one of Hans there at the church in Monsee.

Before we parted ways on Friday, and in the pouring rain, we went on a gorgeous drive through the mountains in Austria. They have mountain huts that serve food that they make old world style still up in the mountains. The hut we visited made their own bacon, milk, butter, bread, and soups that were unique to Austria. We enjoyed a meal together.

Here we are in front of the hut that dates back at least 400 years.

And here is Hans barefoot in the hut. I seriously felt like we stepped back in time - I couldn't tell what century we were in!