Music - The Creative Adventurer https://thecreativeadventurer.com A Travel Guide for Exploring the World Sat, 18 Mar 2023 14:28:43 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://i0.wp.com/thecreativeadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/cropped-NewCreativeAdventurerLogo_250x250_v1.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Music - The Creative Adventurer https://thecreativeadventurer.com 32 32 171399271 Everything You Need to Know About Abba Voyage and if It’s Worth the Price https://thecreativeadventurer.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-abba-voyage-and-if-its-worth-the-price/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=everything-you-need-to-know-about-abba-voyage-and-if-its-worth-the-price https://thecreativeadventurer.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-abba-voyage-and-if-its-worth-the-price/#comments Sat, 18 Mar 2023 14:28:07 +0000 https://thecreativeadventurer.com/?p=39100 When I was a teen, my mom took me to see Mamma Mia! the Musical. As a child...

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]]> When I was a teen, my mom took me to see Mamma Mia! the Musical. As a child of the 80s, ABBA’s music always permeated the air around me, but nothing I would remember. But seeing the musical as a teenager, those tunes that once danced around my room as a child suddenly felt both familiar and brand new. I was hooked. We bought the musical album when we left the theatre, and I soon managed to dig out some of my parent’s old vinyl albums from the basement to dive into the total majesty that was ABBA. I loved the hooks, the lyrics and most of all, the sequinned costumes!

Those older than me will probably laugh at my ignorance since you grew up with ABBA being one of the biggest bands in the world. But I felt like I was discovering it for the first time. I would dance around my front room to ‘Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!’ in full view of my utterly confused neighbours as they passed. As I grew up and started attending my first concerts, I was heartbroken when I learned that the band had broken up and I would never get to see them live onstage. That was until ABBA Voyage…

Table Of Contents
  1. Is ABBA Voyage Worth the Money? 
  2. The Story of ABBA
  3. What is ABBA Voyage?
  4. The Digitial Concert Experience
  5. The Location
  6. Getting to the ABBA Arena
  7. Tickets & Seating for ABBA Voyage
  8. Are Photos Allowed?
  9. Food & Drink
  10. ABBA Voyage Merch

Is ABBA Voyage Worth the Money? 

Coming to London, you can’t miss ads for ABBA Voyage. They are everywhere you look; on the underground, on the bus and in the paper. But even I wasn’t sure what it was all about. And once you see the price tag, you might think twice about going. I loved ABBA, but I didn’t know what a virtual musical experience was, let only if it was worth the money. But I’m here to tell you it is.

After my mom passed away, I looked for things that reminded me of her. And things that could bring me joy when I felt so low. When I saw the details about this concert, I remembered how she was the one who first took me to see Mamma Mia! and was the one to introduce me to ABBA. It felt like she was telling me to go. And I’m so glad she did. I know mom would have loved seeing me dancing, singing, smiling and laughing throughout the show.

This kind of show feels like an injection of happiness straight to the heart. Even those with minimal exposure or knowledge about ABBA should experience it. If you weren’t a fan before, you are going to come away a newfound fanatic. In the end, the idea of something’s “worth” is incredibly subjective. But I hope this post gives you an idea of what to expect and whether you think it will be worth your money.

The Story of ABBA

ABBA was a Swedish pop group that gained international fame in the 1970s and early 1980s. The group consisted of two couples: Agnetha Fältskog and Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad. The group’s name is an acronym of the first letters of their first names arranged as a palindrome. 

They skyrocketed to fame in 1974 when they won the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Waterloo.” ABBA proceeded to top the charts with songs like “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” The Winner Takes it All,” and “Take a Chance on Me.” They were also known for their flamboyant costumes, which helped to create a distinctive and memorable image that lives in our minds even today. Sadly, popularity and the pressures of fame took their toll on the couples, and their marriages ended in divorce,. Leading to the eventual split of the band altogether.

What is ABBA Voyage?

ABBA officially broke up in 1982. For years their music remained dormant. But when the musical Mamma Mia! was released and the movie was a subsequent box office hit, there was an ABBA resurgence. Suddenly, ABBA’s music was back in the cultural zeitgeist. After years apart, rumours of a reunion began circulating. But the band members were adamant about never touring together again. This is where the concept of a virtual tour came into conception. The band members returned to the studio in 2018 to record a new album. And began the development of their virtual concert idea.

ABBAtars

They joined up with team members from Industrial Light & Magic, an American motion picture visual effects company. With their help, they created virtual avatars (dubbed ‘ABBAtars‘) that digitally captured the group members as they appeared in 1977. They employed the same motion capture suit technology animated movies use to capture the singer’s unique and subtle movement. Allowing their personalities to translate onto the stage through their digital ABBAtars.

The ABBA Voyage Venue

A purpose-built venue at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London was created using state-of-the-art technology to bring these ABBAtars to life. It was going to be an undertaking like no other that reportedly had a budget of £140 million. Once again, ABBA set a new bar for performance art and music more than 30 years after its first album.

The Digitial Concert Experience

The digital concert is 90 minutes long with no intervals. The show features the ABBAtars as they take the stage to recreate their live concert experience. They sing and dance in front of the audience as the would have appeared in the 1970s. When the ABBAtars first took the stage, I gasped. I thought, “no, those have to be the real people.” They looked too lifelike. A lot of people refer to them as “holograms,” but they are so much more than that! Holograms often look two-dimensional, slightly transparent and overall just fake. But these could have been real people. The lighting is just that good. At times it felt like you could walk up and touch them. Even their pores could be seen when the tv screen zoomed in on their faces. Their mouths make these subtle expressions that only the real ABBA could have recreated.

There were only a few moments when the ABBAtar’s faces fell into the uncanny valley. Uncanny valley is a phrase that refers to the unsettling feeling people experience when visual simulations too closely resemble humans in many respects but are not quite convincingly realistic. But for the most part, I was in total disbelief at how realistic these projections were. And halfway through the show, you just forget they are projections at all. And you’re just at a concert, somehow transported back in time.

Lighting

Part of what makes the ABBAtars look so lifelike is the advanced lighting effects that support digital technology. But the lights aren’t just to hide the ABBAtars’ secrets; they are a character within the show all to themselves. Mirrors reflect the singer’s faces and the audience’s own awed reflection. Beams of light flash across the arena like shooting starts. Coloured lights descend from the ceiling like streamers to the delight of the dance floor, and they attempt to reach up to touch them! There isn’t a minute of this show when the arena isn’t trying to delight your eyes in some fashion or another.

Costumes

Speaking of fashion…the costumes! ABBA was always known for its outlandish ensembles and iconic coordinated outfits. While I perhaps expected a costume change after every song, they provided an excellent array of styles for which the band was known. Feathers, sequins, and velour graced the stage at one point. Always throwing the crowd in a series of roars when a new costume change would be revealed.

The Music

Since the members of ABBA aren’t really singing live, you might expect the music itself to be pretty lacklustre. But nothing could be further from the truth. The vocals they used were taken from original track recordings from their albums. The mixing is super high quality, and it truly sounds like a live show, not just a recording. This is helped by the fact the ABBAtars are accompanied on stage by a live band. Featuring ten musicians and singers. This live band can be seen on the side of the stage throughout the show. The fact that there are times when you can’t tell the difference between the band and the ABBAtars goes to show how lifelike the projections really are! But the band adds more than just live music. They add their own personal touch to vocals, and their exuberant energy and love for the performance really comes through in their smiles.

The Location

ABBA Voyage is located in the western London neighbourhood of Stratford at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The Arena was purpose-built for ABBA’s modern concert spectacular. This show couldn’t be put on just anywhere. They had to literally build it, so you could come.

Getting to the ABBA Arena

By Rail

The closest station to the venue is Pudding Mill Lane on the DLR (Docklands Light Railway.) The ABBA Arena is immediately opposite the station making the journey practically step-free!

If you are instead planning on taking the underground, the closest station is Bow Lane on the District line. From Bow Lane, it is only a 20-minute walk to the Arena. You can also transfer at Bow Lane onto the DLR, but the 20-minute walk isn’t difficult and saves you the extra fare on the DLR.

After the show, the DLR station is PACKED with people leaving the show, so I’d definitely recommend the 20-minute walk to Bow Lane on the return journey. Unless you’re the first one out of the station, you’ll end up waiting more than 20 minutes to be able to board a train anyways.

By Car & Taxi

Parking is very difficult to come by around the ABBA Arena, so if you’re not taking public transport, it is recommended that you take a taxi or uber and are dropped off at the Arena. If you wish to hail a black cab, there is an appointed black taxi rank on Barbers Road.

Accessibility

If you have specific access needs, contact access@abbavoyage.com and inquire about reserving a spot in one of their ten parking spaces reserved for blue badge holders. These spaces must be booked in advance to ensure availability.

Tickets & Seating for ABBA Voyage

The ABBA Arena includes Dance Floor, Auditorium, and Dance Booth ticket areas. There are also special accessible seats available in dedicated sections to ensure those get the best visibility possible.

Dance Floor Tickets

The Dance Floor is my top recommendation for anyone attending this show who can stand for 90 minutes. It is a standing room only with general admission, so the earlier you get there, the better spot you can stake out. Tickets for the dance floor start at £70, with cheaper tickets on weeknights and weekend matinees. The Dance Floor gets you as close to the stage as possible and right into the thick of the party! It’s called a dance floor for a reason.

The minute the music started, everyone around us started dancing and singing along. It wasn’t anything crazy, so don’t worry about that, but the atmosphere and energy were absolutely infectious. In my older age, I tend to think I’m getting a little jaded with concerts, but I was smiling ear to ear throughout the entire show, and I think that was partly due to the exuberance of the crowd on the dance floor. 

From your vantage point on the dance floor, you can really admire how incredible the technology of the ABBAtars is. I think the farther away you are, the harder it is to appreciate how lifelike they look. The back of the dance floor does have a wall you could lean on, but for the most part, there is nowhere you can sit. If this is an issue (which I can absolutely understand), you can instead opt for the seats in the Auditorium.

Auditorium Tickets

The Auditorium is spread out on two different raised levels of inclined seats. Auditorium seats start at £55. The pricing is based on the location of the seats. The closer and more centred to the stage, the most expensive. But since the theatre is only so large, there really isn’t a “bad” seat in the house. And if you feel like you won’t be able to see the ABBAtar’s close-up, just like in a real concert, large projector screens show all action happening onstage. As well as some unique digital effects that surround the entire theatre.

The seated area is excellent for people who don’t think they can stand throughout the show. And while I did see everyone in the auditorium get up and stand to dance during the encore, I found that, for the most part, they stayed seated for the rest of the performance. So keep that in mind if you think you’d prefer to be on your feet, dancing to the music.

All accessible seating is located in the Auditorium on the first level.

The Dance Booth Tickets

If you’re looking for a splurge, you can book one of their eight Dance Booths that can hold up to 12 people. Each booth is named after a special person from the ABBA universe and features plenty of seating and a private dance floor. These tickets start at £153 per person and are located on the second level of the Auditorium. While they are private, they definitely don’t get the best view.

Discounted Tickets

Today Tix London sometimes offers discounted tickets, but I found that buying through the official site was often where you could find the best prices. But it never hurts to look, especially if you’re looking for last-minute tickets during less busy times of the year.

Are Photos Allowed?

Taking pictures or video recordings is strictly prohibited. If you are caught taking pictures during the show, you will be removed from the concert hall. Thankfully their official Instagram has a few photos of the show to help tell this story. I think, aside from ensuring people have a phone-free concert experience, one of the reasons why they are so strict is that they want to protect the proprietary technology they created for this unique show. But going to a concert phone-free was truly extraordinary and left you completely at the moment and utterly immersed. 

Before the show, you can take photos outside the arena and inside the main arena concourse. Inside the arena, I asked if we could take a picture of our group, and they said that was ok so long as the show hadn’t started and we were capturing ourselves.

Food & Drink

Doors to the ABBA Arena open 1 hour 45 minutes before the concert, so you can arrive early to make the most of the bar and food outlets, which will be open before the concert starts. Be aware the food and drink area of the arena is located outside, so think about this before checking your coat or leaving the house without one altogether.

The main concourse has two large bars serving cocktails, wine, draught beer, spirits and soft drinks. They also have traditional British favourites like Pimms! We visited during the holiday season, and they even had mulled wine!

There is also a dedicated food area serving a selection of hot & cold options for you to choose from. We arrived an hour before the show, around dinner time, and since the area surrounding the arena is pretty devoid of food spots, we decided to eat inside. We indulged in their fanciful hot dogs. The Mergues dog was a lamb sausage served with chipotle mayo and topped with carrot and onion slaw. Have to say, it was pretty delicious for a concert dog.

If you don’t want to wait in line to get your drinks and snacks, you can pre-order and collect them when you arrive. There are various collection points around the Arena, so choose the one that works best for your seats. You can leave the arena during the show to get a drink, but as the show is only 90 minutes long, I’d recommend simply bringing in whatever you plan on drinking so you don’t miss a minute!

You are entitled to bring water, and they have refill stations for water bottles. This is great as the dance floor can really get hot, and it’s good to keep hydrated.

Coat Check

Especially if you have dance floor tickets, make sure you coat check since it gets really hot with the energetic dancing. But be aware that the queue to collect your coat at the night’s end can get pretty lengthy. So if you have a seat, you’re probably best to just sit on your coat if you get too hot. Rather than check it.

ABBA Voyage Merch

One of the most exciting parts of the wait before the show is perusing the merch booth. And the one at ABBA Voyage certainly didn’t disappoint! Their “vintage collection” was phenomenal and felt like recreated pieces from their original tour merch. I’m still upset I didn’t buy that enamel mug…But we did come away with the tea towel (love me a tea towel) as well as the souvenir programme. If you’re interested in learning more about the creation of the show, the programme is an invaluable resource and well worth the £15.

This show meant a lot to me; it felt like a connection to my mom when I needed it most. But aside from that, it was a genuine BLAST. I still am talking about it to all my friends who are planning trips to London. While the ticket prices may seem a bit steep, I believe that the overall quality of the experience justifies the cost. If you’re a die-hard ABBA fan or simply appreciate innovative entertainment, I highly recommend checking out the ABBA Voyage experience in London. It’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity that you won’t want to miss!

Happy Travels, Adventurers

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]]> https://thecreativeadventurer.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-abba-voyage-and-if-its-worth-the-price/feed/ 15 39100 The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Skansen’s Historic Christmas Market in Stockholm [UPDATED 2023] https://thecreativeadventurer.com/why-you-need-to-visit-skansens-historic-christmas-in-stockholm/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=why-you-need-to-visit-skansens-historic-christmas-in-stockholm https://thecreativeadventurer.com/why-you-need-to-visit-skansens-historic-christmas-in-stockholm/#respond Sun, 30 Aug 2020 16:25:31 +0000 https://thecreativeadventurer.com/?p=17484 If you find yourself in Stockholm during December, there is one thing you absolutely must do, and...

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]]> If you find yourself in Stockholm during December, there is one thing you absolutely must do, and that is to visit the Skansen open-air museum! The bonfires spread throughout the park surrounded by traditional Christmas music floating through the air, and the smell of mulled wine (or glogg as they call it in Sweden) mixed with freshly baked bread is so intoxicating it can get anyone into the Christmas spirit! Suppose you’re lucky enough to visit on a snowy day? In that case, it is genuinely the most picturesque place to spend a winter’s morning!

I had been clamouring to visit Skasen at Christmas ever since my last visit to Stockholm. This park’s themeing changes throughout the year, and there is always something new to experience. Even if you’ve been before, visiting during a particular time of the year, especially a holiday, will always bring about new activities to explore, and you’ll be able to dive into one specific part of Swedish history.

Skansen might seem like it might be more for children, but I found that there was so much to see here for adults, especially those with a heightened sense of wonder and curiosity. Walking in the gates of Skansen allows you to transport yourself back in time to experience Sweden of years past before there were iPhones or wifi. When questions were answered by the people you knew, not the internet. Every baker, farmer, ironworker or shopkeeper here in Skansen will eagerly answer all your questions! Skansen is a place that piques your sense of questioning and intrigue and allows you to feel that sense of childish wonder once more.

Guide to Skansen
  1. History
  2. Visitor Information
  3. Self-Guided Tour of Skansen
  4. Christmas Market at Skansen

History

Skansen was established in 1891. It was initially proposed as a way of preserving historic buildings that were in the process of being torn down throughout the country, replaced by more modern incarnations.  Artur Hazelius, a former teacher, had become one of the country’s most prolific conservators. Hazelius had previously funded the construction of the Nordic Museum on the island of Djurgården. During a visit to King Oscar II’s open-air museum in Kristiania, Hazelius was inspired to create his own minature version of historic Sweden here in Stockholm.

Hazelius himself travelled around Sweden, collecting and selecting the most iconic houses and buildings to save and bring to his museum. Almost all of the buildings you see inside the park are original structures. Each one was carefully taken apart from elsewhere in the country and rebuilt here in Skansen. No modern techniques were used in any of the reconstructions to preserve the authenticity of the structure. Only three of the buildings you’ll see in Skanse are new constructions. Even these were made with traditional techniques, using historical floorplans and blueprints.

Visitor Information

Hours & Admission

Especially during Christmas, the park can get very busy, so it’s advisable to buy your tickets in advance. But if you arrive early in the morning and enter via the entrance mentioned below, you shouldn’t have to wait too long to get inside and buy your tickets.

Adults: 220kr ($25 USD)
Students & Seniors : 200 kr ($22 USD)
Children 4-15: 70 kr ($8 USD)
Children 0-3: free

Skansen is open from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm on weekdays, and 10:00 am – 4:00 pm on weekends.

The Christmas season at Skansen runs from the end of November into the first week of January. However, if you want to see the incredible Christmas Market, it is only open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 26 November until 19 December. Check the website for exact details.

Location & Access

Skansen is located on the island of Djurgården. While it is possible to get here on foot and public transit, I think the best way to get to Skansen is via the ferry! I love the short but scenic journey onto Djurgården island on the ferry. The ferry number which will get your onto the island is ‘Djurgården 82‘. 

If you are taking public transit, hop on the tram #7 or #13 to arrive at the front gates. 

To get there on foot is a pretty enjoyable walk if you’re interested in taking the scenic route. Make your way to the Djurgårdsbron bridge, which will quickly lead you onto the island. From there, head along the sidewalk, enjoying the views of all the other museums on the island until you reach Skasen’s front gates.

Hazelius’ funicular entrance

There are two entrances to the park. One is called the ‘Hazelius’ entry, which is where you’ll find the old funicular. While Hazelius’ funicular entrance is perhaps a fun experience, this old method of transporting visitors up the hill is a relatively slow one. Far fewer people can enter the park via this entrance at one time. The funicular also costs 30 SK per adult. 

Djurgårdsvägen Entrance

The other entrance is further along Djurgårdsvägen. Use this entrance to get inside as it’s line moves much quicker than the previous one. Plus, the Djurgårdsvägen gate will lead you into the park right up to our guided tour’s starting point. Plus, the entry at Djurgårdsvägen is directly across from a tram station, making transit to the park super simple. 

Accessibility

If you are in a wheelchair or have mobility issues, you can take the funicular up the hill free of charge. While the Hazelius’ funicular entrance is slower, it’s much much less strenuous. Many of the Skansen’s paths aren’t paved, so if you do not have a powered wheelchair, you might find you need to work a little harder around those rougher areas. There are ramps and elevators around the park to help you get around. Most of the buildings have been adapted to provide wheelchair and disabled access. They also offer free wheelchair rentals with a valid ID.

Accessible washrooms can be found at the main entrance, the Hazelius entrance, at the Forestry Center and behind the Högloftet.

Guide dogs are allowed in the park for disabled guests. They must wear a designated vest and have proper proof of vaccination since other animals in Skansen need to be protected.

When to Visit

The best time to visit the park is right when it opens! There is SO much to do here, and since on most days, the park is only open until 3 pm, its best to arrive early to maximize your experience. During the winter months, it also gets dark really early in the day, as early as 2 pm! Coming first thing in the morning will mean you can explore the park both during the daylight and after the sun goes down.

One of Skansen’s most unique events during the Christmas season is the St. Lucia celebration. St. Lucia (or Saint Lucy) was made a martyr after since brought food and aid to Christians hiding in the Roman catacombs. She wore on her head a candlelit wreath to light her way in the darkness, which allowed her hands to carry as much food as possible. Her feast day, which coincides with the shortest day of the year, is widely celebrated as a festival of light, and the festival in Skansen is a great way to celebrate this momentous Swedish tradition. The other event not to be missed here is Skansen’s, Christmas Market. The market starts on the first weekend of advent and runs until December 22nd. Check their calendar for the exact dates.

How Long to Spend

I would advise you to spend at LEAST three hours inside the park. But if you like shopping (like me), I could have spent a good three hours shopping alone! The Christmas market is such a great place to buy unique Christmas presents. If you have kids, they will really enjoy the animals at Lil Zoo within the open-air museum. Christmas time is busy at Skansen, and many of the historic buildings are relatively small. You might need to line up or return later to get inside and explore the scenes within. Remember, don’t try to rush through the park. Take your time and allow yourself to follow your interests or anything which excites you.

Essential Tips

If you have any questions along the way or just want to chat more about something you’re engrossed in, head right up to one of the people dressed in costume. They are happy to speak to you and will stay in character the whole time. Everyone speaks both Swedish and reasonably good English so don’t be shy!

Dress warmly. Most of the park is outdoors, and even the indoor buildings on the property don’t have central heating, so you must dress for winter success. I would recommend thermal layers that can go under your regular clothes, which help retain the heat but don’t require a wardrobe overhaul.

Your entry into the open-air museum will cover all access throughout the park, but things like food and souvenirs can rack up quite the cost as you’ll find out. Set yourself a budget. Skansen is a little bit like a historic Swedish Disneyland. You’ll want to have some money set aside to indulge in various traditional treats and buy some great keepsakes.

Self-Guided Tour of Skansen

After entering the park, head up the escalator to the left of the stairs. This will lead you to Skansen’s Old Town Quarter. This is a replica of what a Swedish town would have looked like at the turn of the century. 

At Christmas time, the entire street smells like a giant campfire. Large bonfires are placed throughout the park to create a more enchanting atmosphere and help guests keep warm!

Glasswork Shop

Stop in on the left into the Glassworks building. Here, you can see craftspeople at work, demonstrating how glass Christmas ornaments were made. Glasswork was a massive industry in Sweden in the 19th century. The area between Växjö and Kalmar was once known as the “glass district,” and their wares were world-famous. Although other European cities would eventually overtake the market, it is interesting to learn about this art period in Sweden. A small shop is attached to the studio where you can also purchase some handmade ornaments for yourself!

The Potter Workshop

Inside this traditional workshop, you can see the old potter at work. Inside the studio, craftspeople make mugs, jugs and pots right in front of excited guests. After chatting in here, you can even head into the gift shop adjacent to buy some items made on-site using only old-school techniques. The various products’ designs have been modelled off original designs that that were brought for preservation to Skansen. Mugs and vases are always great Christmas gifts, and this is a gift with a great story behind it!

Bageriet

If you see a line out the door, this is no doubt the old bakery or Bageriet. I would still advise lining up even if it’s a bit of wait since backtracking back here is a pretty lengthy process. And these treats are really worth the wait! The bakery building is from 1870. Entering into the hot and smokey interior, you’ll notice that the room is dominated by the large brick oven. To get these ovens up to the proper temperature took hours. Once the oven was hot enough, it needed to be carefully maintained to not lose any heat. Bakers often work 16 hour days along with their apprentices, to create all the baked goods to feed a hungry city.

During the Christmas season, the bakery here bakes over 6,000 Pepparkakor cookies. These cookies are one of the most iconic seasonal treats eaten by Swedes. They are similar to gingersnaps but are much spicier as they do contain pepper (just like the name indicates)! A souvenir tin of these cookies is a perfect gourmet souvenir from Skansen. 

Another item baked inside the Bageriet is lussekatter. You can watch bakers rolling out large sheets of golden dough ready to be formed into their popular “s” shape design. Lussekatter are saffron buns traditionally eaten on December 13th to celebrate St. Lucia (the patron Saint of Light). The buns shape resembles a cat curled up in a ball, and the raisins are placed as its’ eyes.

The Printer’s Shop

At the end of the quarter is the Printer’s shop, inside an old building from 1740. Here, you can see how books and papers were printed as late as the first part of the 19th century. This building contains enormous pieces of equipment used to hand-set type and rolls out the local newspapers across the country! As a designer, I shudder to think how long and painstaking it must have been to hand-place each lead letter to create one page of text alone!

At the back of the workshop, there are beautiful engravings on display, used to create Christmas cards. Designs would be etched unto a rubber piece, which was then inked (just like the type was in the newspaper room) and stamped onto the paper cards. You can even take a free souvenir card with you from the collection they have there.

Printer’s home

Inside the Printer’s home, connected to the workshop, you can see a young couple who has prepared a Christmas dinner typical of the 1840s. Many of the early Swedish celebrations were influenced by pagan festivals. These included a midwinter celebration called “Jul,” where the aim was to eat and drink well. They baked bread and drank ale, still apart of traditional Christmas celebrations today! In this scene, you might notice that there is no Christmas tree to be found. This is because the custom of a Christmas tree wouldn’t be imported to Sweden until the 1880s. 

Ironmonger & his Apartments

Besides, the cafe is the Ironmonger apartments. The ironmonger owns the hardware store in Skansen, located nearby inside an old building from 1930. He made goods for all the farmers, builders and households in town and therefore did quite well for himself and his family. His apartments are considered very modern for the 1930s. Inside, you can find all the mod-cons such as a water closet, electric stove and even a vacuum cleaner! During the Christmas season, his family is even baking cookies inside their brand new electrical oven!

During the winter holiday, you can visit the ironmonger’s apartment and see the family prepare their ice skating field trip with a packed lunch and warm clothing. In the ’30s, people started to have more leisure time to spend with their families. 

Co-Op Store

Be sure to step inside the Co-Op grocery store Konsum. This is a 1930’s recreation of where locals would come to buy everything from butter, margarine, beer, soft drinks and sweets. You can also still buy some of these items from the shop, such as Christmas cookies. During the 30s Sweden had begun to embrace cooperative solutions as a way of changing society. 

Herb Garden

Although there is not much to see in the Herb Garden during the winter, the view over Stockholm from this point is fantastic as it is one of the highest points in the park. Although it was a bit misty out when we visited, the eerie sight was still something to admire!

Café Petissan

If you feel the need to escape into the indoors’ warmth, head inside the Café Petissan. Here you can find all the traditional Swedish cakes, coffee and sweets your heart desires. You can try everything from; hot chocolate with whipped cream, freshly baked saffron bread, juicy chocolate cake, and their lovely gingerbread, a specialty in the winter. The Café Petissan was based on a real cafe that was popular with students from Stockholm University in the late 1800s. This quaint little shop gives you a sense of what dining as a bourgeois student would have felt like.

Apoteket Kronan

The Pharmacy or Apoteket Kronan isn’t perhaps the most “Christmassy” thing to do, but I’m a sucker for old pharmacies. Most of the items found in this shop are from the old royal pharmacy in Drottningholm, dating back to the latter half of the 18th century. During the colder months, people would come here frequently searching for remedies for their colds or sore throats. But back then, there wasn’t just a bottle at the ready with whatever you needed. In the 18th century, the pharmacist would have had to manually create a remedy from one of their ancient remedies. Everything from drugs, tinctures, ointments, powders, and pills was made in the dispensary laboratory.

Post Office

Stop by the Post Office to see delivery sacks filled to the brim with Christmas greetings! You can also find one of the traditional Yuletide trees decorated in the reception room. This building harkened from the early 20th century when Christmas trees were becoming en-vogue.

The Älvros Farmstead 

The Älvros Farmstead shows what life was like in Härjedalen, located in northern Sweden. Take note of the people’s clothing at the various farmsteads as they change depending on their location and period. During the weekends, you can enter the farm and see them preparing the traditional Yule goat, an old symbol for Christmas.

The Bakehouse

Stop inside the Bakehouse from Jämtland where the women inside are busy making barley meal and turning it into fresh flatbread. After coming inside, they will even offer you some free flatbread straight from the oven.

The Bollnäs House

The Bollnäs House was a building brought from Dalarna, a county is located in the middle of Sweden. This house has the most richly decorated interior. The walls are all handpainted, signifying that this building was of utmost importance. It was used to hold celebrations such as weddings, christenings and Christmas feasts. The different murals on the walls depict scenes from the bible.

The Forestry Center

The Forestry center is primarily an educational facility. It also functions as a workshop for children where they can make traditional Christmas decorations during the holidays. This is a great place to get out of the cold if your kids need a break, but be aware there is a small fee for the craft supplies.

Delsbo Farmstead

Delsbo Farmstead is a building from the 19th century from the Swedish province of Hälsingland. This area was famous for the flax that was grown in the countryside. This raw material was very lucrative as it was used to make beautiful textiles and linseed oil. Walking inside, you can see the Delsbo farmstead’s magnificent interior. Since they had a little more money than some of the other ranches, they could decorate their interior with unique wall paintings and gorgeously furnished rooms.

The entire Christmas table is laid out in the kitchen and dining room as it would have been on Christmas eve. The housewife is on hand to explain all the different cultural traditions incorporated into the food and dining.

In the living room, beside the hearth, fiddle players entertain guests with traditional Christmas music. We sat here, keeping warm and listening to the mesmerizing tunes. It was one of my favourite moments of the entire day.

Animal Enclosures

Reindeer

Continue walking north along the cobblestone paths towards the animal enclosures. Here you’ll find one of the most iconic Christmas animals, the reindeer! Every day at 12:30, you can stop by the pen to learn more about the park’s reindeer during their daily lectures. For instance, did you know that the hairs in the reindeer’s winter fur are hollow? This helps the reindeer keep warm all winter, so they do not need to hibernate.

Moose

Moose are another animal worth seeing while in Skansen due to their importance in Sweden. Sweden has a denser Moose population than any other country in the world. There are around 400,000 moose in Sweden. Just under one third will be culled annually during the autumn moose hunting season, as moose is a popular meat eaten throughout Sweden.

Stables

The stable near the Skansen Zoo is a great place to spot the Christmas Gnome, Tomte. He is known to take care of the animals in addition to being the symbol of Christmas for the Swedes. The horses are all decked out for Christmas with bells on their harnesses and red and white carriage.

Lill-Skansen

The Children’s Zoo or Lill-Skansen is an excellent place for the kids to play, but if you’re only a group of adults, it might be worth skipping. The Zoo has over 30 different animal species. The indoor area features small Scandinavian animals like toads, mice, guinea pigs, bunnies, goats and chickens. All of their cages were adorably decorated for Christmas, which was a nice little touch.

Bredablick Tower 

Behind the Lil, Zoon is the great Bredablick tower. This 30-metre high brick structure was one of the buildings built on the site based on historical references. The name of the tower, Bredablick, is the name of the Norse God Balder’s home.

There are pony rides available outside the Christmas holidays outside he twoer from 12 pm to 3 pm on weekends and from 1 pm to 2 pm on weekdays. They cost SEK 50 ($5.50 USD) each.

Seglora Church

The grand Seglora Church is from the 18th-century church from Västergötland. To this day, you can still rent out the church to have your weddings, christenings, and even host concerts—all for the right price that is.

At Christmas time the best part about visiting the church is the Christmas musical performances which take place here. The music schedule will be on the brochure upon entry but are around 1 pm and 2:30 pm. There is something so peaceful about listening to this old kind of music style in this ancient setting lit only by candlelight.

Christmas Market at Skansen

After wandering through the old farmhouses, you come out onto the Marknadsgatan or Market Street. Here is where you’ll find the incredible Skansen Christmas Market! Since its inception in 1903, Skansen’s Christmas Market has become a beloved holiday tradition for Swedes and tourists alike. During the winter, all sellers must all dress in traditional garb, making visiting the market feel all the most festive!

The number of stalls here was almost dizzying. But the very first item on our list we needed to check off was to grab ourselves a glass of Skansen’s specialty, Saffron Glögg. If you haven’t tried glögg at Christmas time in Sweden, you haven’t been to Sweden. Glögg is sweetened, mulled red wine blended with a spice mixture of cloves, cinnamon, cardamom and ginger. Here in Skansen, they add saffron to the wine, making it taste even more delicious. Glögg can be purchased by the glass at the market or even buy entire bottles to take home with you!

Eating at the Christmas Market

If you’re looking for something to eat, then you’ve come to the right place. There are both items to eat there in the park or bring home with you all with a distinctly Swedish Christmas flare! Taste traditional sausages,  holiday cheese, Skansen’s own handmade mustard, freshly made bread and cakes, sugared almonds, marzipan, crispbread, smoked turkey, jams and marmalades, more!

One of the most famous things to eat at Skansen is the Kolbullar. Kolbullar means “coal bun” as the dish is cooked over an open fire. They place cast iron pans on the bonfire and fry open a pancake covered with bacon and lingonberries (a local Swedish fruit). The batter bubbles away and steams like crazy in the freezing cold temperatures. After it’s finished cooking, it’s covered in brown sugar syrup. There is really nothing like it and so tasty!

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Shopping at the Christmas Market

If you’re looking to purchase some Christmas presents, the marketplace has you covered! There are all kinds of handicrafts, Swedish Christmas decorations, embroidery, leather goods, hand-knitted mittens, and one of a kind children’s books.

One fun little stall which I found in the market sold ‘mystery Christmas gifts.’ Each one cost 95 kr ($10 USD) and contained a secret gift. The items inside were all taken from the Skansen gift shop and related to the park itself or were Christmas themed. While most are valued at around 95, you might get lucky and pull a mystery item worth even more! These are great little surprises for both kids and adults alike! Plus, you can buy yourself a present and be able to still be surprised by what you find when you open it.

Be sure to try out the chocolate lottery! You buy a ticket, reach into the tombola to pull out a number and see if you won! You could get nothing but could also win a chocolate gift ranging from small chocolate coins to a colossal gift basket! These games made the market place feel like a giant funfair, and the jolly atmosphere it created was infectious.

Bollnäs Square

In front of the marketplace is a large square called Bollnäs square. This is where you’ll find the enormous Skansen Christmas tree. Throughout the day, there are performances on stage by musicians in traditional attire. You can get into the spirit of the holidays and dance around the Christmas tree. Swedes dance hand in hand, in a circle around the tree as they sing.

Oktorp Farmstead

​​The Oktorp farmstead (Oktorpsgården) from Halland shows what a farm in the flat countryside looked like in the 1870s. As the room appears at Skansen, it has been decorated for a festive occasion. It’s Christmas Eve around 1870, and the family is about to sit down for their dinner. The wall and ceiling are hung with woven linen cloths. The cloths are painted with biblical motifs and used for special occasions.

Farm Labourer’s Cottage

The Farm Labourer’s Cottage is an example of the more impoverished families who lived in Sweden in the 1900s. This small one-room cottage was inhabited by a large family. Despite the family being slow, they still celebrated Christmas in their own unique way.

Vala School 

Across the Farm Labourers Cottage, you’ll find Vala School. This school building dates back to the 19th century when a law was passed requiring school-aged children to attend class all across Sweden. A Christmas party is held inside the school for one week before Christmas, where children can decorate gingersnap cookies.

Galejan Fairground 

Market Weekends. Swings and roundabouts for small children. Galejan is the most charming funfair with swings and roundabouts for small children.

Stora Gungan Tavern

I would highly recommend booking a reservation at Stora Gungan Tavern to eat an early dinner before you leave. Inside this traditional tavern, built-in 1880, you can sample a traditional Swedish Christmas Smorgasbord. This includes rye bread topped with everything from pickled red onions, cold-smoked salmon, cod, egg, shrimps, and more. You can sip on carrot and ginger soup with a side of Christmas crispbread. For the main course, try the Swedish staple, meatballs with lingonberry jam, horseradish, cream sauce, cucumber, potatopurée. For dessert, sample their Skansen Pastry!

Christmas at Skansen is such a joy to visit, and just wandering the streets here brought a smile to my face! I hope you enjoyed your guided tour, and you left the park filled with the Christmas spirit!

Let me know in the comments if you’ve ever been to Skansen before or what you’re most looking forward to during their Christmas celebrations.

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Skansen’s Historic Christmas Market in Stockholm [UPDATED 2023] first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

]]> https://thecreativeadventurer.com/why-you-need-to-visit-skansens-historic-christmas-in-stockholm/feed/ 0 17484 Review of Lisbon Under Stars, a Historical Spectacle https://thecreativeadventurer.com/a-review-of-the-incredible-and-immersive-multimedia-experience-lisbon-under-stars-a-historical-spectacl/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=a-review-of-the-incredible-and-immersive-multimedia-experience-lisbon-under-stars-a-historical-spectacl https://thecreativeadventurer.com/a-review-of-the-incredible-and-immersive-multimedia-experience-lisbon-under-stars-a-historical-spectacl/#respond Tue, 30 Jul 2019 18:14:51 +0000 https://thecreativeadventurer.com//a-review-of-the-incredible-and-immersive-multimedia-experience-lisbon-under-stars-a-historical-spectacl/ If you're visiting Lisbon in late spring, early summer, you'll have the chance to see something truly spectacular at the Carmo Convent. The Carmo Convent is already a pretty astonishing place, but from May to July, when the sun sets, there is a phenomenal transformation which it undergoes. This phenomenon is called 'Lisbon Under Stars'. In 2018 over 30,000 people came to see this award-winning show and in 2019 those numbers should almost double since they added another month onto the performances dates due to its overwhelming popularity. I was lucky enough to see the show when we were travelling to Lisbon this summer. I was really blown away by the performance and the technical ingenuity it took to bring the whole piece together.

The post Review of Lisbon Under Stars, a Historical Spectacle first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

]]> If you’re visiting Lisbon in late spring, early summer, you’ll have the chance to see something truly spectacular at the Carmo Convent. The Carmo Convent is already a pretty astonishing place, but from May to July, when the sun sets, there is a phenomenal transformation which it undergoes. This phenomenon is called ‘Lisbon Under Stars‘. In 2018 over 30,000 people came to see this award-winning show and in 2019 those numbers should almost double since they added another month onto the performances dates due to its overwhelming popularity. I was lucky enough to see the show when we were travelling to Lisbon this summer. I was really blown away by the performance and the technical ingenuity it took to bring the whole piece together.

What is ‘Lisbon Under Stars’?

Lisbon Under Stars is called an “immersive and multidisciplinary spectacle” which aims to tell the story of Lisbon’s history through a mesmerizing visual performance. The entire show takes place inside the ruins of the Carmo Convent. But it doesn’t just happen inside the ruins, but the show is actually projected onto them! The multimedia projections are cast onto the remains of the convent walls and arches. Covering them like a painting, but one which moves bends and turns the space from a two-dimensional surface into a three dimensional trip back in time.

The 600 years of history steeped within the city of Lisbon is brought to life through these projections and told through the eyes of the convent itself. The convent is given a personality and embodied by a single female dancer. All the dancers were also filmed, and their performances have been woven into the multimedia projections. The dancer’s expressions and movements set against the powerful historical events help convey to the audience, wordlessly, the feelings and emotions the city was thrown into during those times. The visuals help us see through their eyes what it must have looked like during that time to be here in Lisbon. Parts of the show are narrated, and the spoken words are in both Portuguese and English, but the images are so compelling that words are almost unnecessary.

All the dancers featured in the show are from Clara Andermatt‘s Company and National Ballet. Despite the dancers not being there in real life, still interact with the space around you, even as the walls are transformed throughout the show. They react to this shifting world and truly bring another level of dynamism to the show.

Another critical aspect of making the viewer feel like they’re really embedded into the performance is the music. The entire show is set to a beautiful soundtrack performed by famous Portuguese names such as Rão Kyao, Teresa Salgueiro and accompanied by the Symphonic Chorus Lisboa Cantat, Symphonic Orchestra of GNR and Tocá Rufer. There are also a few iconic Fado songs performed by the Queen of Fado, Mariza.

Where to Find ‘Lisbon Under the Stars’

The Carmo Convent plays host to ‘Lisbon Under Stars‘. You can find the Carmo Convent in one of my favourite little town squares, aptly named ‘Carmo Square’. The Carmo Convent is located in the Chiado neighbourhood, just up the hill from Rossio station. Right outside the convent are one of those iconic drink kiosks, the perfect place to grab a ginja under the Jacaranda trees before or after the show.

About the Carmo Convent

Instead of a stage or a traditional venue, this show takes place inside the ruins of the Carmo Convent. The ruins were once the site of the Catholic Convent of ‘Our Lady of Mount Carmel’. The convent was built in 1389 in the traditional, yet restrained, Gothic style which was synonymous with religious orders of the time. The great rose window over the portal was one of the most awe-inspiring parts of the church before it’s destruction. The great earthquake, fire and flood of 1755 caused immense damage to the building, collapsing the entire roof, leaving the interior open to the sky above.

Due to a multitude of reasons (most of which you’ll discover throughout the show), the convent was left in disrepair. The rest of Lisbon was restored to its former glory or rebuilt in a newer style, so the stark ruins of Carmo were one of the only reminders, to this day, of that great earthquake. Eventually, the convent found a new life and was transformed into the Carmo Archaeological Museum. Despite its new modern role, the structure was left untouched, a living example of Gothic architecture. Some parts of the building were given some structural reinforcements, but for the most part, the building looks as it would have hundreds of years ago, albeit without a room. Inside you can see all different archaeological discoveries which tell the story of Portugal’s history.

Times & Tickets

There are two shows per evening, at 9:30 pm and 10:45 pm. Tickets cost €15 for adults, children from 6 to 11 years, 65+ and students cost €12.50 and children under 5 are free! Tickets are available at the booth next to the Carmo Convent. We quickly were able to grab tickets right before the show and didn’t need to purchase them online or in advance. The space inside is so vast that there really isn’t a bad seat in the house, so no need to arrive super early either. There are stools available for senior or people with disabilities. Don’t be shy asking for one if needed but don’t take one if you don’t require it.

The best place to sit is right in the middle since you have the best view of the walls around you as well as the front portion of the church where some of the main scenes take place. During the show, you are free to move around the convent instead of having to stay in one place. In my experience at other immersive multimedia performances, I found that walking around actually translated into seeing the show in a new perspective. But here I found that sitting in once spot and turning your head was sufficient enough. I think that creating more spaces to explore would really enhance the experience, something they can focus on for next year!

My Experience at ‘Lisbon Under the Stars’

I have seen a few different examples of these types of projections throughout my travels, and I find that they’re always so inventive and astounding. They transform spaces and turn a dull wall into a work of art. Other multimedia shows I’ve seen were only projected onto a flat surface. At ‘Lisbon Under Stars’ the visuals interacted with the three-dimensional church making it an entirely more complex installation. It really brought the entire place to life. And being outdoors, literally under the stars, just made the show feel more raw and authentic.

While some parts of this show are a little cheesy (the cheap wigs were my biggest complaint), all-in-all the show is fun and wildly creative. If you don’t know anything about Lisbon’s history, it’s such a great introduction to the city’s past. And the cost, I think, is perfectly lined up with the experience you’ll get. It’s a fun little thing to do in the evening, and it would be awesome if you’re travelling with kids.

The show begins with the introduction of the women we will come to know represents the spirit of the Carmo Convent. She will be our guide throughout the show and is truly the best of the dancers. She manages to give a cold and unmoving building emotion and a fierce personality which we can relate to. We can see and feel the effects of history on her face, and by the end of the entire show, it feels like she is an old friend.

The first scene from history we see depicts the great Battle of Aljubarrota. The Battle of Aljubarrota is represented by two men dance-fighting to illustrate the great war between the Kingdom of Portugal and the Crown of Castile. This battle was so significant since it was the moment in which Portugal showed it’s dominance over the country and asserted itself as a force to be reckoned with across Europe. I will say, I wish they had skipped this part or at least re-did the choreography. I think authentic fighting from 1385 is a little strange to watch from a 21st-century perspective and it does seem to drag on a bit. It’s one of the cheesiest parts of the show which doesn’t make excellent use of the fantastic projections. So it kind of felt like instead of starting with a bang, they began with a dud.

After that initial introduction, I was a bit concerned about what the rest of the show would be like. The following scene depicts the construction of the Carmo Convent in 1389. Musicians playing medieval instrument pop up all around you, playing a rhythmic tune as the walls of the convent begin to manifest in front of your eyes. The darkened walls appear to be magically being restored, bricks stack one upon the other and suddenly the true glory of the entire convent, as it once would have appeared when it was first built, reveals itself to you. So many parts of this show really feel like getting into a time machine, and this is perhaps the most impressive one. From this point forward, I had no more doubt and was entirely enraptured.

The convent and the church played a hugely important role in the collection of books and spreading knowledge to the people. The first Portuguese writers and their manuscripts are shown across the walls and books fly around the space, opening their secrets up like doves wings as the scatter.

The walls begin to appear to bob and weave, and before you know it, you are stepping onto a huge ship, setting sail for the new world. This is the great maritime voyage of Vasco da Gama in 1497 which departed Lisbon in search of the sea route to India.

Vasco da Gama succeeded in his attempt to find it, and once there he brought back spices, textiles, animals and more home to Portugal. Trade is where a vast majority of Lisbon’s wealth came from, and the richness of that voyage comes to life here before you. We are transported through the projections, to the ports of India. We can hear and see all the brightly coloured fabrics and foods which would have stunned Portuguese importers at the time as they stepped off the boats into this strange and beautiful new land.




The years past and Portugal was thriving. It seemed like this city was unstoppable. And yet, on November 1st, 1755, an earthquake shook the town and brought destruction, unlike anything anyone has ever seen before. This scene throws us right into the action, the earthquake shakes the interior of the convent and beams, archways and bricks begin to fall. So lifelike you feel like you need to duck to avoid getting hit! The music booms and it feels like you’re right there! A fire breaks out and destroys what the earthquake left behind, the convent is in ruins with fires burning all around, but it’s not over yet…

The fires begin to burn away and just when you think the worst is behind you, a great rush of water swells over the convent walls. This was the tsunami which followed the earthquake and literally swallowed most of the city. The dancers are now submerged underwater and swim like fishes across the empty blue expanse. This part was so lifelike, you could almost feel the weight of the waves crashing down on you. It was like magic.

After the earthquake, there were many attempts to reconstructed the convent, but they all were in vain, for lack of funding, commitment or even just manpower. In 1835 Joaquim António de Aguiar, the prime minister of Portugal and minister of justice, was hell-bent on the extinction of religious orders. On May 39th, 1834 he created a law which extinguished “all convents, monasteries, colleges, hospices and any other houses of the regular religious orders”. This resulted in his famous nickname “O Mata-Frades” (the Friar-Killer). With the dissolution of the monks, the convent’s reconstruction was halted for good, and the church once more fell into ruins, left for the sands of time. The words of Joaquim António de Aguiar are spread across the walls of the convent like he was writing its death warrant.

Time goes one, and all-around Lisbon things were changing…all except for the convent itself. Carmo remained a ruined memory of the earthquake’s destruction. Everywhere you looked, there were new modern inventions and exquisite architecture being constructed, and yet the convent sat untouched. The iconic tiled walls which Lisbon is famous for begin to be plastered all across the convent walls, almost like they represented the modern era overshadowing the past.

In the 1820’s we saw the emergence of Fado music into the mainstream. Fado music played in the background as the walls were covered in the traditional floral, tasselled shawls which the singers usually wear during performances. Fado music can best be described as mournful music. The Portuguese word ‘saudade’ which means ‘longing’ perfectly encapsulates the feelings which Fado attempts to explain. The lyrics in Fado songs often revolve around the life of the poor. The songs are filled with resignation and melancholia, and yet they are so beautiful it’s hard to imagine they’re about something so dark.

In this portion of the show, we are entertained by the music of famed Fado singer, Mariza. She performs a stunning ballad, surrounded by stars projected against the walls of the convent. If you take this chance to look up, on a perfect night, you’ll also see the stars shining above you as well.

The sad Fado music seemed to be the ideal soundtrack for the soul of the convent at this time. She was alone, abandoned and lonely. She performs a last melancholic dance, her swan song, as a last attempt to have the world see her once more. Although things seem lost for her in 1864, something happens to pull her out of the darkness of the past. In 1864 convent was converted into the Archaeological Museum of Lisbon. In here, thousands of treasures from antiquity were collected and displayed for the viewing pleasure of the public. Now the convent is filled with people all the time, and the woman is no longer lonely anymore.

The modern era comes in with a bang! Contemporary art explodes all over the walls. The colours so bright and vibrant they come to life even without the animations. The most impressive works of art were from Amadeo de Souza Cardoso, one of the most famous Portuguese modern artists. Amadeo de Souza Cardoso was influenced both by cubism and by futurism. His colours are so vivid they seem almost aggressive, and yet there is always a nuanced balance to his paintings, which ensure they don’t feel chaotic or confused.

Images frame in the tiled archways around the church, and we see black and white pictures from the fall of the dictatorship of 25 April 1974. This event was called the ‘carnation revolution’. The coup was organized by the Armed Forces and military offers who opposed the regime. As they gathered, the civilians of the city joined them since they knew finally there was no army to resist them, and this was their moment to overthrow the autocratic regime.

What is surprising about this revolution is that not a single shot was fired. An unsuspecting hero in the revolution was a simple restaurant worker, Celeste Caeiro who came out to give red carnations to the soldiers to celebrate their freeing of the Portuguese people from the dictator. Other women followed her lead, placing carnation into the muzzles of guns and onto the soldier’s uniforms. Projected onto all the walls of the convent are falling carnations, stacking up as high as the walls themselves until everyone is buried under a bed of red flowers. The convent spirit is dressed in red in these scenes and performs a dance of freedom as the carnations fall around her. This was one of my favourite visuals of the entire performance.

To end the show, the projections featured urban artists, graffiti and street art were sprayed across the convent walls. The visuals featured images from artists such as Add Fuel, Daniel Eime, the Super Van by Vanessa Teodoro and Alexandre Farto aka Vhils. These aren’t like paintings you’ll always see hanging in fancy art galleries. Instead, these are examples of art which everyone in Lisbon can view every day on their walk to work or passing by on the streetcar. There is no cost of admission, only a sense of discovery which will help you find these beautiful works of art. There is something extraordinary about elevating this kind of artwork, giving it credence in the show featuring mostly “high” art, which I found refreshing and inspiring.




The show ends with one last beautiful Fado song. As the lights go down, all you’re left with is the most incredible view up to the stars, framed by those iconic Gothic columns and archways. The music continues to play as you exit, and we literally danced our way out the door!

If you happen to be in Lisbon while this show takes place next year, it is really worth checking out. I thought it was incredibly fun, funky and the perfect way to spend a warm, summer evening. If you don’t know anything about Lisbon’s past, it’s a fantastic history lesson! What you’ll learn will help contextualize so much of what you’ll see around Lisbon during the rest of your stay. Don’t miss it if you get the chance!

The post Review of Lisbon Under Stars, a Historical Spectacle first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

]]> https://thecreativeadventurer.com/a-review-of-the-incredible-and-immersive-multimedia-experience-lisbon-under-stars-a-historical-spectacl/feed/ 0 997 The Best Free Self-Guided Walking Tour of Salzburg, the city of the Sound of Music https://thecreativeadventurer.com/self-guided-walking-tour-of-salzburg/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=self-guided-walking-tour-of-salzburg https://thecreativeadventurer.com/self-guided-walking-tour-of-salzburg/#respond Mon, 17 Sep 2018 19:21:19 +0000 https://thecreativeadventurer.com//self-guided-walking-tour-of-salzburg/ Salzburg is not only a historical and picturesque, baroque utopia, but it was also the setting for the classic film The Sound of Music. Any place deemed charming enough to be the backdrop for such an extraordinary film is undoubtedly worth your time. Getting the chance to see the actual locations where this quintessential movie was made is a treat for cinema lovers as well as music aficionados.

The post The Best Free Self-Guided Walking Tour of Salzburg, the city of the Sound of Music first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

]]> Salzburg is not only a historical and picturesque baroque utopia but also the setting for the classic film The Sound of Music. Any place deemed charming enough to be the backdrop for such an extraordinary film is undoubtedly worth your time. Seeing the actual locations where this quintessential movie was made is a treat for cinema lovers and music aficionados.

Table Of Contents
  1. Mirabell Gardens
  2. Zwergerlgarten
  3. Salzach River
  4. Mozartplatz
  5. Cafe Tomselli
  6. Fisch-Krieg Fish Market
  7. Balkan Grill
  8. Getreidegasse
  9. Mozart's Birthplace
  10. Franziskanerkirche
  11. St. Peter's Cemetery
  12. Hohensalzburg Castle
  13. History of the Castle
  14. Augustiner-Bräu

Mirabell Gardens

The best place to start your walking tour is in the Mirabell Gardens. Before arriving, stop by any local cafe or bakery to grab a few snacks and a hot (or cold) cup of coffee to enjoy while inside. Here, you’ll be able to sit and enjoy your Austrian breakfast in one of the most elegantly designed royal gardens in Europe. The park gates open at 8 am, so we are sure not to arrive before then. Mirabell Gardens is a serene oasis that has long been the secret gateway for the Austrian aristocracy.

The palace that served as the garden backdrop was built in 1606 for Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau. He had the heavenly white mansion designed for the love of his life, Salome. The Prince ensured the gardens were as impressive as the interiors since Salome adored being outdoors. In 1721, after a fire destroyed many buildings, Prince-Archbishop Franz Anton von Harrach had it redesigned by the famous Baroque architect Lukas von Hildebrandt who integrated all the various structures that were spread out into one self-contained complex. This allowed the gardens to surround the palace and flow alongside it like a river so that no matter where you exited, you were always greeted with lush greenery and brightly coloured flowers.

Hedge Theatre

The Mirabell Gardens are truly a preserved treasure of a bygone age. The Hedge Theater, created between 1704 and 1718, is one of the oldest hedge theatres in the northern Alps and is the same hedge theatre used in the film The Sound of Music. The Von Trapp children can be seen running through it during the “Doe A Deer” musical number. 

Zwergerlgarten

Another ancient oddity still lingers within this garden is the Zwergerlgarten, or “dwarf garden.” This small alcove is located just up the stairs from the Pegasus statue. Most visitors pass right by it but make sure you make a point to explore. Within this petite corner is a collection of exquisite, yet grotesque, figures of dwarves modelled after actual people who lived in the palace in the 17th century. Back then, it was thought to be good luck to employ a dwarf. The Archbishops of Salzburg adored them so much that he even had their likeness cast into stone. Nowadays, we might look at these statues and feel like they are slightly offensive, but at the time, they were meant to be an honour and were revered by all those who passed by them.

Flowers in the Gardens

The original landscape designer went to great lengths to create a sumptuous structure for the garden beds, which could be seen from the palace and the top of the hillside Fortress. This way, all those around Salzburg could see the greatness that was Mirabell Palace Gardens. The gardens are always changing up their flower designs and colours for guests and locals alike, so there’s consistently something new to discover.

As you circle the perimeter, you’ll notice towering white statues acting as the garden’s guardians. Sculpted by Gerard van Opstal, a skilled artist of classical mythologies from Antwerp, these glorious scenes of lust, triumph and pain, while not as proficient as some pieces from Italy’s Renaissance masters, are nonetheless wonderfully powerful works of art.

Salzach River

As you finish your tour of the Gardens, pass through the Northern Exit, which will lead you towards the Salzach River. Walk southeast along the river’s edge, where you’ll find a pretty pedestrian walkway. This little trail is a great place to admire the cake-topper, pastel baroque houses which dot the riverside. Soon, you’ll reach the Mozartsteg bridge, a great place to stop and watch tourist boat putter by, much as the salt boats would have floated up and down this same river hundreds of years ago. Salzburg’s mines were rich with salt, a hot commodity as early as the 8th century. Salt is the reason the city became wealthy, and as such, gave the town its name. Salzburg means “Salt Castle.”

Mozartplatz

After you get off the bridge, head down to the Mozartplatz or Mozart Square. Mozart Square is named after Salzburg’s most famous resident, you guessed it, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The statue looming in the middle of the square, dedicated to the legendary composer, was unveiled on September 5, 1842, by sculptor Ludwig Schwanthaler. Although Mozart wasn’t alive to see it, his sons were present as the entire city came together to honour their father’s work. The buildings surrounding Mozartplatz are lovely examples of 16th and 18th-century architecture so take a minute to sit and admire the surroundings.

Residenceplatz

Residence Square is located nearby and comprises the New Residence of the Princes of the Salzburg, the Salzburg Cathedral, various aristocratic townhouses and a dozen famous bakeries and cafes. In the middle of the square stands the centrepiece, the enormous Italian Baroque fountain of Tommaso di Garone. It is one of the most magnificent baroque fonts in Europe. Four horses burst out of a rocky mound, rearing up their legs as water shoots from their mouths. Triton stands upon the rocks, holding up a scalloped upper basin that three dolphins balance atop.

Royal Residence

While exploring Residence Square check out the Royal Residence courtyard. Although you can also explore the interior, this might be better left for a more extended stay. From the exterior, you can still see where the Royals would have lived during their time in Salzburg and get a glimpse of their lifestyle in Austria.

Salzburg Cathedral

Next, it’s over the famous Dom zu Salzburg or Salzburg Cathedral for some spiritual awakening and awe-inspiring architecture. The first Christian church was built in here Salzburg in 774. The original foundations of that church remain here today, underneath the new DOM. When that first church was built, it was one of the largest sacred buildings in Europe. But in 842, lightning struck it and burned it to the ground. 

History of the Cathedral

In 1181 a late Romanesque structure was restored, but it was also burnt down in 1598. Some say the fire wasn’t an accident but was initiated by the then Prince-Archbishop, Wolf Dietrich, who wanted to build a new church in his preferred style. But his plans were thwarted, and Italian architect Santino Solari oversaw the current design. It was consecrated in 1628 by Archbishop Paris Count Lodron. The Salzburg Cathedral is one of Germany’s best examples of early Baroque architecture. Its imposing Untersberg marble facade is framed between two twin towers with bright green domes. Atop the towers are four statues; Peter and Paul hold a key and a sword, respectively and Salzburg’s two patron saints, Rupert and Virgil, each clasp a salt vessel (the symbol of the city) and a model of the church. 

Exterior

The church’s exterior has a huge bronze statue of the Virgin Mary, which stands outside to greet visitors. She is flanked by various other expressive characters, and her loving embrace of her son warms your soul on even the coldest day.

Interior

Three doors allow you to enter the church, each one illustrating a theme; Faith, Hope and Love. The interior of the church is both minimal and elaborate at the same time. The church’s structure is painted a soothing and peaceful shade of white. Despite the simplistic white paint, ornate stucco designs in baroque shapes are embedded onto the walls, columns, archways and ceiling. We have brightly painted frescos along the roof, their colours sharply contrasted against the white of the rest of the Cathedral.

Near the entrance is a Romanesque font where Mozart was baptized. The font is made entirely of bronze and decorated with reliefs of various biblical saints. Be sure to take a moment to study the magnificent organ. Many of Mozart’s compositions were written for this very instrument. They were initially meant to be played in this very place.

Alter Markt

Now, I bet you’re getting slightly hungry after all this walking. So it’s time to start searching for something to eat. Walk over to the Alter Markt, where you have various options. During the middle ages, farmers from all over the country would come here to sell their goods. The St. Florian Fountain in the middle of the square was built in 1488, with the Salzburg’s coat of arms emblazed. The buildings surrounding the marketplace date back to the middle ages, designed in the old burgher’s style of architecture.

Cafe Tomselli

There are many different cafes to grab a bite at, but if you have a few extra euros to spend and want an exceptional experience try Café Tomaselli. This cafe is over a hundred years old, and Mozart used to come in here to drink, of all things, almond milk. The cafe is full of history and is decorated with old paintings curated by their various owners. The stories this place could tell if only the walls could talk. But this atmosphere comes with a price. If you still want a chance to visit but are short on cash, simply order a coffee and split a simple pastry with a friend.

Fisch-Krieg Fish Market

If you decide that the Alter Market is too rich for your blood, head to Fisch-Krieg Fish Market. This adorable restaurant along the water is half fish market, half restaurant. All you need to do is pick which variety of fish you’d like, choose how you want it cooked (grilled or fried), and they will serve it up to you alongside one of their many traditional Austrian salads. All their dishes are very reasonably priced, and they have a great taste of traditional Salzburg cuisine. The shop’s interior, with its unique plastic tree growing right up through the floor, is one of those unforgettable touches that will stay in your memory forever. I cannot recommend this place more!

Balkan Grill

Lastly, if you’re looking for something really, really inexpensive that’s just as delicious as it is authentically Austrian, you have to check out the Balkan Grill. Balkan Grill is located at 33 Getreidegasse, one of the city’s most upscale neighbourhoods. They have been serving sausages in this tiny booth for over 50 years, and there is always a line-up. They only have one thing on the menu: a grilled pork sausage covered in your choice of; onions, fresh parsley, and a secret blend of spices served on a white bun with some curry mustard and ketchup. There is something about the fresh parsley that really brightens up the greasy sausage.

Getreidegasse

Once you have sated your hunger, take a few moments to explore Getreidegasse. Getreidegasse, or “grain lane,” is Salzburg’s most prestigious shopping street. It’s most recognizable for its tall and narrow houses, which seem to lean over the sidewalk below.

Ornately designed wrought iron signs hang off the sides of the buildings. These signs were wordless symbols in the middle ages to help citizens who couldn’t read find bakeries, cobblers or butcher shops. The signs have been updated with logos featuring iconic fashion brands, but they have kept up their antique look.

Mozart’s Birthplace

One building worth a second look at is #9 Getreidegasse. This is Mozart’s “Geburtshaus,” or Birthplace. Its golden yellow exterior makes it unmissable as you walk along the street. The Mozart Family lived on the third floor of the “Hagenauer House” from 1747 to 1773. Mozart spent his childhood in Salzburg, developing his incredible musical talent. Inside is a small museum which still holds many objects from the Mozart household and recreations of what the home would have looked like in the 18th century.

Franziskanerkirche

Once you’re finished exploring Getreidegasse, head north, down Wiener-Philharmoniker-Gasse to see the Franciscan Church. The FranciscOnce you’re exploring Getreidegasse, head north, down Wiener-Philharmoniker-Gasse to see the Franciscan Church. The Franciscan Church, or Franziskanerkirche, is the architectural opposite of the Salzburg DOM. Whereas the DOM is bright and white, the Franziskanerkirche is dark and GOTHIC! I love both for different reasons, and both are worth checking out.an Church or Franziskanerkirche is the architectural opposite of the Salzburg DOM. Whereas the DOM is bright and white, the Franziskanerkirche is dark and GOTHIC! I love both for different reasons, and both are worth checking out. 

History of the Franciscan Church

The first church built on these grounds was erected in the 8th century. It was frequently ravaged by fires and rebuilt time after time. The Salzburg middle class of the 15th century was reasonably well off. When their church needed renovation, they gathered up the required funds themselves. They hired the famous architect Hans von Burghausen to design a newer and more magnificent church. His work was a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Throughout the church, you’ll find slender, dark marble columns that reach up to the sky and open into refined rib vaulting, like a pair of hands whose fingers open to the heavens.

St. Peter’s Cemetery

Continue onwards to St. Peter’s Cemetery. St. Peter’s Cemetery is the oldest in Salzburg. Looking at the gravestones, they don’t appear so ancient but take a look behind the headstones, along the rockface, to see where the real history lies. Carved into Mönchsberg are a set of caves which served as catacombs for the earliest settlers. The oldest surviving tombstones inside date back to 1288. If you decide to go inside, you can climb up the 48 steps to see the “Gertrauden Chapel,” which dates back to 1178.

Back on the ground, you can see several crypts flank the nearby church’s exterior. These elegant wrought-iron fences protect the crypts of some of Salzburg’s wealthiest families. These crypts also were the setting for one of the iconic scenes in The Sound of Music when the Von Trapp family was hiding from the Nazis during their daring escape.

Hohensalzburg Castle

To end your walking tour, head to the Mönchsberg funicular, which will take you all the way to the top of the hillside to the crowning glory of Salzburg, the Hohensalzburg Castle.

History of the Castle

The first castle built on this site was raised in 1077 and was little more than four wooden walls. It was made high up on the hills to serve as a lookout post to protect the city against Imperial troops from the Holy Roman Empire.

Over the years, towers were built, stone walls were added to fortify the castle, and the fortress grew in size. Inside the castle, the portrait gallery is the first room you’ll pass through. It’s filled with more than a dozen portraits of all the Prince whose legacy it was to grow the size and strength of this impressive Castle Fortress. Unlike many others across Europe, modernization has not touched this building. Salzburg was never subject to attack, so its historic castle was never destroyed or rebuilt. This treasure of the past is truly a unique experience to walk through.

Interior

Inside you’ll get to see some of the furnishings used by the royals who once lived within these walls. Opulent wallpaper, lush bedding and even the most ornate heaters you’ve ever seen. In addition to exploring the life of the royals, there are also various exhibits displaying the might of their army. Armour, weaponry and even medieval torture devices are displayed for viewers to discover.

After exploring the castle, take advantage of the vantage point atop the mountain and walk along the pedestrian path toward the perfect dinner destination. As day turns to dusk, you’ll have a wonderful view of the city’s lights as you make your way toward the Austinger Brau.

Augustiner-Bräu

The Augustiner-Bräu is an old beer hall frequented by locals and tourists alike. If you arrive on a colder night, don’t be surprised if you walk in and think it’s closed (that’s just because all the action is happening downstairs, as the beer garden is only open in the warmer months). Head down the stairs and turn the corner. Any silence you might have experienced upstairs will be broken by laughter and the occasional singing accompanied by the smell of cooking sausages and freshly poured beer. This place is indeed the ideal location to finish your day exploring Salzburg! If you’re lucky and the beer garden is open, you’ll enjoy food and drink beneath a canopy of ancient Austrian trees under the starry sky.

How to Order

But first, you’ll need to know how to serve yourself. Yes, that’s right. There are no waiters here. To get a beer, go to the register and pay for as many drinks as you’d like; they will give you one ticket, which you use to trade in for a stein and another for your beers. Once armed with your stein, hand the barman your drink ticket to fill er’ up! The trade for doing all this yourself? Cheap beer, which tastes great. Once you’re done drinking as much as possible, wash out your stein and place it on the rack for someone else to use.

The food available is a traditional Bavarian fair. Small vendor stalls are located in the basement. They have everything from appetizers to desserts. Perfect for whatever you’re craving! Once you’ve got your food and beer tray, find a table and make some new friends. We witnessed friendly Austrians singing happy birthday to a group of tourists to welcome them into the country.

No doubt this tour has worn you out, but after a few Austrian beers, all you’ll feel is that warm fuzziness from good friends and a beautiful day in a fantastic city.

The post The Best Free Self-Guided Walking Tour of Salzburg, the city of the Sound of Music first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

]]> https://thecreativeadventurer.com/self-guided-walking-tour-of-salzburg/feed/ 0 557 The Ultimate 24-Hours in Salzburg, Austria https://thecreativeadventurer.com/24-hours-in-salzburg-austria/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=24-hours-in-salzburg-austria https://thecreativeadventurer.com/24-hours-in-salzburg-austria/#comments Wed, 29 Nov 2017 19:04:00 +0000 https://thecreativeadventurer.com//24-hours-in-salzburg-austria/ Salzburg is not only a historical and picturesque, baroque utopia, but it was also the setting for the classic film The Sound of Music. Any place deemed charming enough to be the backdrop for such an extraordinary film is undoubtedly worth your time. Getting the chance to see the actual locations where this quintessential movie was made is a treat for cinema lovers as well as music aficionados. 

The post The Ultimate 24-Hours in Salzburg, Austria first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

]]> Salzburg might not be at the top of your list of places to visit on your next European vacation, but it should be. If you’re travelling through Austria, it’s worth stopping for a day or two to see what this fantastic city offers. 

Salzburg is not only a historical and picturesque baroque utopia but also the setting for the classic film The Sound of Music. Any place deemed charming enough to be the backdrop for such an extraordinary film is undoubtedly worth your time. Seeing the actual locations where this quintessential movie was made is a treat for cinema lovers and music aficionados. 

The best way to spend 24 hours in Salzburg is to get here early in the morning, hopefully by overnight train from your last destination. This way, you’ll save one night’s accommodation and splurge a bit the next day. Overnight trains in Europe are excellent and are an experience everyone should have once in their life. 

Table Of Contents
  1. Map of Walking Tour
  2. Salzburg Hauptbahnhof
  3. Mirabell Gardens
  4. Salzach River
  5. Mozartplatz
  6. Residenceplatz
  7. Royal Residence
  8. Salzburg Cathedral
  9. Alter Markt
  10. Fisch-Krieg Fish Market
  11. Balkan Grill
  12. Getreidegasse
  13. Mozart's Birthplace
  14. Franziskanerkirche
  15. St. Peter's Abbey & Cemetery
  16. Hohensalzburg Castle
  17. Augustiner-Bräu

Map of Walking Tour

Salzburg Hauptbahnhof

After stepping off the train, your first stop should be at a local cafe. This doesn’t have to be anywhere fancy or famous. Train stations in Europe have marvellous cafes open as early as the trains start arriving, where you can sample all of Austria’s delicacies. Often, when merely transferring trains in a country I might not have visited, I will spend time waiting for my connection and sampling local treats. I’ve had legendary Belgian waffles in Belgium without stepping outside the station. Salzburg is most notable for its “Nockerln,” a cream-and-butter fluffy souffle served with a fruit sauce. So if you want to start your day off with a particularly Salzburgian flare, see if you can find one of these.

Mirabell Gardens

After grabbing a few pastries and coffee to get you started, head down to Mirabell Gardens. Here, you’ll be able to sit and enjoy your Austrian breakfast in one of the most elegantly designed royal gardens in Europe. The park gates open at 8 am, so we are sure not to arrive before then. Mirabell Gardens is a serene oasis that has long been the secret gateway for the Austrian aristocracy.

History of Mirabell Palace

The palace that served as the garden backdrop was built in 1606 for Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau. He had the heavenly white mansion designed for the love of his life, Salome. The Prince ensured the gardens were as impressive as the interiors since Salome adored being outdoors. In 1721, after a fire destroyed many buildings, Prince-Archbishop Franz Anton von Harrach had it redesigned by the famous Baroque architect Lukas von Hildebrandt who integrated all the various structures that were spread out into one self-contained complex. This allowed the gardens to surround the palace and flow alongside it like a river so that no matter where you exited, you were always greeted with lush greenery and brightly coloured flowers.

Hedge Theater

The Mirabell Gardens are truly a preserved treasure of a bygone age. The Hedge Theater, created between 1704 and 1718, is one of the oldest hedge theatres in the northern Alps and is the same hedge theatre used in the film The Sound of Music. The Von Trapp children can be seen running through it during the “Doe A Deer” musical number. 

Zwergerlgarten

Another ancient oddity still lingers within this garden is the Zwergerlgarten, or “dwarf garden.” This small alcove is located just up the stairs from the Pegasus statue. Most visitors pass right by it but make sure you make a point to explore. Within this petite corner is a collection of exquisite, yet grotesque, figures of dwarves modelled after actual people who lived in the palace in the 17th century. Back then, it was thought to be good luck to employ a dwarf. The Archbishops of Salzburg adored them so much that he even had their likeness cast into stone. Nowadays, we might look at these statues and feel like they are slightly offensive, but at the time, they were meant to be an honour and were revered by all those who passed by them.

Design of Mirbaell Gardens

The original landscape designer went to great lengths to create a sumptuous structure for the garden beds, which could be seen from the palace and the top of the hillside Fortress. This way, all those around Salzburg could see the greatness that was Mirabell Palace Gardens. The gardens are always changing up their flower designs and colours for guests and locals alike, so there’s consistently something new to discover.

As you circle the perimeter, you’ll notice towering white statues acting as the garden’s guardians. Sculpted by Gerard van Opstal, a skilled artist of classical mythologies from Antwerp, these glorious scenes of lust, triumph and pain, while not as proficient as some pieces from Italy’s Renaissance masters, are nonetheless wonderfully powerful works of art.

Salzach River

As you finish your tour of the Gardens, pass through the Northern Exit, which will lead you towards the Salzach River. Walk southeast along the river’s edge, where you’ll find a pretty pedestrian walkway. This little trail is a great place to admire the cake-topper, pastel baroque houses which dot the riverside. Soon, you’ll reach the Mozartsteg bridge, a great place to stop and watch tourist boat putter by, much as the salt boats would have floated up and down this same river hundreds of years ago. Salzburg’s mines were rich with salt, a hot commodity as early as the 8th century. Salt is the reason the city became wealthy and, as such, gave the town its name. Salzburg means “Salt Castle.”

Mozartplatz

After you get off the bridge, head down to the Mozartplatz or Mozart Square. Mozart Square is named after Salzburg’s most famous resident, you guessed it, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The statue looming in the middle of the square, dedicated to the legendary composer, was unveiled on September 5, 1842, by sculptor Ludwig Schwanthaler. Although Mozart wasn’t alive to see it, his sons were present as the entire city came together to honour their father’s work. The buildings surrounding Mozartplatz are lovely examples of 16th and 18th-century architecture so take a minute to sit and admire the surroundings.

Residenceplatz

Residence Square is located nearby and comprises the New Residence of the Princes of the Salzburg, the Salzburg Cathedral, various aristocratic townhouses and a dozen famous bakeries and cafes. In the middle of the square stands the centrepiece, the enormous Italian Baroque fountain of Tommaso di Garone. It is one of the most magnificent baroque fonts in Europe. Four horses burst out of a rocky mound, rearing up their legs as water shoots from their mouths. Triton stands upon the rocks, holding up a scalloped upper basin that three dolphins balance atop.

Royal Residence

While exploring Residence Square, check out the Royal Residence courtyard. Although you can also explore the interior, this might be better left for a more extended stay. From the exterior, you can still see where the Royals would have lived during their time in Salzburg and get a glimpse of their lifestyle in Austria.

Salzburg Cathedral

Next, it’s over the famous Dom zu Salzburg or Salzburg Cathedral for some spiritual awakening and awe-inspiring architecture. The first Christian church was built in here Salzburg in 774. The original foundations of that church remain here today, underneath the new DOM. When that first church was built, it was one of the largest sacred buildings in Europe. But in 842, lightning struck it and burned it to the ground.

History of the Dom Cathedral

In 1181 a late Romanesque structure was restored, but it was also burnt down in 1598. Some say the fire wasn’t an accident but was initiated by the then Prince-Archbishop, Wolf Dietrich, who wanted to build a new church in his preferred style. But his plans were thwarted, and Italian architect Santino Solari oversaw the current design. It was consecrated in 1628 by Archbishop Paris Count Lodron. The Salzburg Cathedral is one of Germany’s best examples of early Baroque architecture. Its imposing Untersberg marble facade is framed between two twin towers with bright green domes. Atop the towers are four statues; Peter and Paul hold a key and a sword, respectively and Salzburg’s two patron saints, Rupert and Virgil, each clasp a salt vessel (the symbol of the city) and a model of the church.

The church’s exterior has a huge bronze statue of the Virgin Mary, which stands outside to greet visitors. She is flanked by various other expressive characters, and her loving embrace of her son warms your soul on even the coldest day.

Interior of the Dom Cathedral

Three doors allow you to enter the church, each one illustrating a theme; Faith, Hope and Love. The interior of the church is both minimal and elaborate at the same time. The church’s structure is painted a soothing and peaceful shade of white. Despite the simplistic white paint, ornate stucco designs in baroque shapes are embedded onto the walls, columns, archways and ceiling. We have brightly painted frescos along the roof, their colours sharply contrasted against the white of the rest of the Cathedral.

Near the entrance is a Romanesque font where Mozart was baptized. The font is made entirely of bronze and decorated with reliefs of various biblical saints. Be sure to take a moment to study the magnificent organ. Many of Mozart’s compositions were written for this very instrument. They were initially meant to be played in this very place.

Alter Markt

Now, I bet you’re getting slightly hungry after all this walking. So it’s time to start searching for something to eat. Walk over to the Alter Markt, where you have various options. During the middle ages, farmers from all over the country would come here to sell their goods. The St. Florian Fountain in the middle of the square was built in 1488, with the Salzburg’s coat of arms emblazed. The buildings surrounding the marketplace date back to the middle ages, designed in the old burgher’s style of architecture.

Café Tomaselli

There are many different cafes to grab a bite at, but if you have a few extra euros to spend and want an exceptional experience try Café Tomaselli. This cafe is over a hundred years old, and Mozart used to come in here to drink, of all things, almond milk. The cafe is full of history and is decorated with old paintings curated by their various owners. The stories this place could tell if only the walls could talk. But this atmosphere comes with a price. If you still want a chance to visit but are short on cash, simply order a coffee and split a simple pastry with a friend.

Fisch-Krieg Fish Market

If you decide that the Alter Market is too rich for your blood, head to Fisch-Krieg Fish Market. This adorable restaurant along the water is half fish market, half restaurant. All you need to do is pick which variety of fish you’d like, choose how you want it cooked (grilled or fried), and they will serve it up to you alongside one of their many traditional Austrian salads. All their dishes are very reasonably priced, and they have a great taste of traditional Salzburg cuisine. The shop’s interior, with its unique plastic tree growing right up through the floor, is one of those unforgettable touches that will stay in your memory forever. I cannot recommend this place more!

Balkan Grill

Lastly, if you’re looking for something really, really inexpensive that’s just as delicious as it is authentically Austrian, you have to check out the Balkan Grill. Balkan Grill is located at 33 Getreidegasse, one of the city’s most upscale neighbourhoods. They have been serving sausages in this tiny booth for over 50 years, and there is always a line-up. They only have one thing on the menu: a grilled pork sausage covered in your choice of; onions, fresh parsley, and a secret blend of spices served on a white bun with some curry mustard and ketchup. There is something about the fresh parsley that really brightens up the greasy sausage.

Getreidegasse

Once you have sated your hunger, take a few moments to explore Getreidegasse. Getreidegasse, or “grain lane,” is Salzburg’s most prestigious shopping street. It’s most recognizable for its tall and narrow houses, which seem to lean over the sidewalk below.

Ornately designed wrought iron signs hang off the sides of the buildings. These signs were wordless symbols in the middle ages to help citizens who couldn’t read find bakeries, cobblers or butcher shops. The signs have been updated with logos featuring iconic fashion brands, but they have kept up their antique look.

Mozart’s Birthplace

One building worth a second look at is #9 Getreidegasse. This is Mozart’s “Geburtshaus,” or Birthplace. Its golden yellow exterior makes it unmissable as you walk along the street. The Mozart Family lived on the third floor of the “Hagenauer House” from 1747 to 1773. Mozart spent his childhood in Salzburg, developing his incredible musical talent. Inside is a small museum which still holds many objects from the Mozart household and recreations of what the home would have looked like in the 18th century.

Franziskanerkirche

Once you’re exploring Getreidegasse, head north, down Wiener-Philharmoniker-Gasse, to see the Franciscan Church. The Franciscan Church, or Franziskanerkirche, is the architectural opposite of the Salzburg DOM. Whereas the DOM is bright and white, the Franziskanerkirche is dark and GOTHIC! I love both for different reasons, and both are worth checking out.

The first church built on these grounds was erected in the 8th century. It was frequently ravaged by fires and rebuilt time after time. The Salzburg middle class of the 15th century was reasonably well off. When their church needed renovation, they gathered up the required funds themselves. They hired the famous architect Hans von Burghausen to design a newer and more magnificent church. His work was a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Throughout the church, you’ll find slender, dark marble columns that reach up to the sky and open into refined rib vaulting, like a pair of hands whose fingers open to the heavens.

St. Peter’s Abbey & Cemetery

Continue onwards to St. Peter’s Cemetery. St. Peter’s Cemetery is the oldest in Salzburg. Looking at the gravestones, they don’t appear so ancient but take a look behind the headstones, along the rockface, to see where the real history lies. Carved into Mönchsberg are a set of caves which served as catacombs for the earliest settlers. The oldest surviving tombstones inside date back to 1288. If you decide to go inside, you can climb up the 48 steps to see the “Gertrauden Chapel,” which dates back to 1178.

Back on the ground, you can see several crypts flank the nearby church’s exterior. These elegant wrought-iron fences protect the crypts of some of Salzburg’s wealthiest families. These crypts also were the setting for one of the iconic scenes in The Sound of Music when the Von Trapp family was hiding from the Nazis during their daring escape.

Hohensalzburg Castle

To end your walking tour, head to the Mönchsberg funicular, which will take you all the way to the top of the hillside to the crowning glory of Salzburg, the Hohensalzburg Castle.

The first castle built on this site was raised in 1077 and was little more than four wooden walls. It was made high up on the hills to serve as a lookout post to protect the city against Imperial troops from the Holy Roman Empire.

Interior of the Palace

Over the years, towers were built, stone walls were added to fortify the castle, and the fortress grew in size. Inside the castle, the portrait gallery is the first room you’ll pass through. It’s filled with more than a dozen portraits of all the Prince whose legacy it was to grow the size and strength of this impressive Castle Fortress. Unlike many others across Europe, modernization has not touched this building. Salzburg was never subject to attack, so its historic castle was never destroyed or rebuilt. This treasure of the past is truly a unique experience to walk through.

Inside you’ll get to see some of the furnishings used by the royals who once lived within these walls. Opulent wallpaper, lush bedding and even the most ornate heaters you’ve ever seen. In addition to exploring the life of the royals, there are also various exhibits displaying the might of their army. Armour, weaponry and even medieval torture devices are displayed for viewers to discover.

Salzach at Dusk

After exploring the castle, take advantage of the vantage point atop the mountain and walk along the pedestrian path toward the perfect dinner destination. As day turns to dusk, you’ll have a wonderful view of the city’s lights as you make your way toward the Austinger Brau.

Augustiner-Bräu

The Augustiner-Bräu is an old beer hall frequented by locals and tourists alike. If you arrive on a colder night, don’t be surprised if you walk in and think it’s closed (that’s just because all the action is happening downstairs, as the beer garden is only open in the warmer months). Head down the stairs and turn the corner. Any silence you might have experienced upstairs will be broken by laughter and the occasional singing accompanied by the smell of cooking sausages and freshly poured beer. This place is indeed the ideal location to finish your day exploring Salzburg! If you’re lucky and the beer garden is open, you’ll enjoy food and drink beneath a canopy of ancient Austrian trees under the starry sky.

How to Order at Austrian Beer Halls

But first, you’ll need to know how to serve yourself. Yes, that’s right. There are no waiters here. To get a beer, go to the register and pay for as many drinks as you’d like; they will give you one ticket, which you use to trade in for a stein and another for your beers. Once armed with your stein, hand the barman your drink ticket to fill er’ up! The trade for doing all this yourself? Cheap beer, which tastes great. Once you’re done drinking as much as possible, wash out your stein and place it on the rack for someone else to use.

The food available is a traditional Bavarian fair. Small vendor stalls are located in the basement. They have everything from appetizers to desserts. Perfect for whatever you’re craving! Once you’ve got your food and beer tray, find a table and make some new friends. We witnessed friendly Austrians singing happy birthday to a group of tourists to welcome them into the country.

No doubt this tour has worn you out, but after a few Austrian beers, all you’ll feel is that warm fuzziness that comes from good friends and a beautiful day in a fantastic city. Salzburg is a city that truly has something for everyone, from its stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage to its delicious cuisine and lively atmosphere. Whether you have just 24 hours or a little longer, be sure to take advantage of all this beautiful city has to offer.

Happy Travels, Adventurers

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]]> https://thecreativeadventurer.com/24-hours-in-salzburg-austria/feed/ 7 361 Exploring Hibiya Park, Tokyo https://thecreativeadventurer.com/exploring-hibiya-park/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=exploring-hibiya-park https://thecreativeadventurer.com/exploring-hibiya-park/#respond Fri, 08 Sep 2017 00:32:18 +0000 https://thecreativeadventurer.com//exploring-hibiya-park/ After walking around the Imperial Palace Gardens all morning, we were due for a bit of rest before facing the rest of the day. Half way towards our next destination we decided to take a rest in the next large park we came across. This turned out to be Hibiya Park. 

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]]> After walking around the Imperial Palace Gardens all morning, we were due for a bit of rest before facing the rest of the day. Half way towards our next destination we decided to take a rest in the next large park we came across. This turned out to be Hibiya Park. 

Hibiya Park is a 16-hectare public park that was built in the late 19th century as Japan’s first Western-style park. In addition to the standard park features such as trees, playgrounds and benches, western sports facilities, like tennis courts were built alongside western flower gardens and rose bushes. We saw down on a large hill looking over a large portion of the park. In front of the benches, we sat on was a humongous bell. This was donated by the US in 1952 and is crowned with a Liberty Bell. 

After a short rest, we continued throughout the park and made our way down to the large fountain in front of an outdoor concert hall. We sat there watching children dip their toes in the cold fountain water and couples walking hand in hand around the dreamy landscape.

Across from the fountain where some of the parks largest rose gardens. Nothing was blooming while we were there, but the park does hold one of the best public collections of flora and fauna in the city. They even are known to have Kingfishers, rare ultramarine sparrow-like birds, perch on the bushes surrounding the park.

Throughout the park, there were dozens of small drink and food carts selling all sorts of different treats. Since it was so hot out we both treated ourselves to soda and some odd flavoured popcorn.

The popcorn we picked out was lemon tea flavoured and despite being such an odd combo for popcorn was surprisingly delicious.

Despite the park being dubbed as a “western style” park one had to admire how beautiful the Japanese architecture even something so simple as the washrooms were.

Drinks in had and complete with snacks, we sat and listened to a little musical group practice their routine, no doubt for an evening show later that day.

 Throughout the park there are also other smaller fountains and sculptures which are worth checking out. They pop up all over the place and even without plaques or information they are a treasure to spot as you walk about.

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