Beer Travels Day 6

"Beautiful train ride, exploring the old town of Salzburg Austria, then a scenic hike, castle visit, Sound Of Music Abbey and world class beer gardens"

Epic View From The Beer Garden

Day 6 – Salzburg, Austria

After another hearty breakfast in Munich, we hopped on an early regional train across the border to Salzburg, Austria. The journey was smooth, and soon we were walking across the Salzach river into the old town with the mighty Festung Hohensalzburg looming above. What a sight—it set the stage for an epic day.

The main river that flows through Salzburg is the Salzach River. This Alpine river separates the city's old and new districts and is a significant landmark with wide paths, numerous bridges, and opportunities for scenic walks, boat cruises, and relaxing by its banks

We found a steep path with staircases winding up to the castle ridge trail. Each turn gave us a new, dramatic view of the castle and the Alps. The hike was spectacular, weaving past historic buildings, forest paths, cemeteries, and new scenic vantage points with each step. Halfway up, we took a break at Naturfreunde Haus for a Meininger Lager – slightly bready, with a metallic edge, but paired with world-class views. It was one of the best views in a beer garden setting I've ever experienced.

Finally, we reached the castle itself—one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Europe. Touring the grounds with the Alps as a backdrop was simply staggering. At the top, the castle grounds impressed us with their preservation and panoramas. From there we walked down to Nonnberg Abbey, a peaceful Gothic monastery with a serene cemetery and sweeping alpine vistas. A serene contrast to the bustling castle above.

Benedictine Nonnberg Abbey lies a little above the city at the foot of the Festungsberg and is famous for its Gothic architectural elements and its murals and smaller works of art. The historic convent in Salzburg, Austria, is famously featured in the film The Sound of Music as the location of Maria's novice training, the church where she was educated, and the gates through which she runs to the bus stop. It is the world's oldest Benedictine nunnery, founded in 713 AD, and offers a glimpse into the setting where the real Maria von Trapp once lived. Visitors can see the exterior gates and courtyard, with the nuns' singing often heard in the church.

Lunch was at the legendary Stieglkeller, where we sat on a sunlit patio overlooking Salzburg below. The sausage salad and dumplings were perfect, and the beers—Pilsner, Helles, IPA, and Spezial—were outstanding. A world-class stop, not to be missed.

Afterwards, a short bus ride took us to the legendary Augustiner Bräu Mülln, where we toasted with an exceptional Märzen in their historic beer garden.

Back in Munich, we regrouped at the hotel gym (much needed!) before heading out again for dinner at Augustiner Keller—this time sitting outside in their massive beer garden. It was packed, buzzing, and gemütlich. We feasted on pork roast with dumplings and Obazda, paired with Edelstoff, naturally. Our waiter was fantastic and made the experience even better.

To finish the night, we ducked into Ayinger Rechthaler Hof near the hotel just as the rain began to fall. We enjoyed their excellent Helles and Dunkel—though John somehow got locked in the bathroom, which became the night’s comedy highlight.

An epic day, spanning borders, castles, abbeys, and unforgettable beer stops. 🍻

🗺️ Map of Day 6 Stops - view map

Festung Hohensalzburg

Salzach River

Stadtalm Naturfreundehaus Salzburg

Nonnberg Abbey

Stieglkeller

Augustiner Bräu Mülln

Augustiner Keller

Wirtshaus Rechthaler Hof

🍺 Beer Highlights – Day 6

• Meininger Lager – Naturfreunde Haus (trail beer with epic views)

• Stieglkeller Flight – Pilsner, Helles, IPA, Spezial (all excellent)

• Augustiner Märzen – Mülln Abbey Brewery (classic, malty, flawless)

• Augustiner Edelstoff – Keller beer garden (Munich, massive & lively)

• Ayinger Helles & Dunkel – Nightcap at Ayinger Hof (smooth, rich finish)