Sunrise in winter at Gaisberg in Salzburg | © Tourismus Salzburg GmbH / B. Schneider

Sunrise in a winter wonderland

As we all know, it's early bird that catches the worm. In this case, it's about catching the first rays of the sun. Hence, on a cold winter morning, we venture out onto one of Salzburg's city mountains to bask in the sunrise.

Comfortable ascent

It's Saturday, 7.30 am. We are already on our way up the Gaisberg. Usually we'd cover this distance on foot, but today we decide on the comfortable journey by car because temperatures are 8°C below zero. But it is precisely these temperatures that create these amazing spectacles of nature. Already in the first curves of the Gaisberg road, a stunning view of a snow-covered, but still half-asleep Salzburg awaits us. The anticipation of the view from the summit begins intensifies.

Gaisberg Winter Wonderland

Once we arrive at the top of the Gaisberg, we cast an eye over a twilit Salzburg. We are already captivated by the colours evolving in the skies behind the lightly snow-covered Mozart town. It would probably be quite an endeavour to capture this fascinating pink ambiance even on canvas. However, the highlight of this excursion is still to come. Surrounded with snow-covered trees and bushes, we trudge through the thick powdery snow on the path to the summit cross – a true winter wonderland, a sight to behold.

Magical sunrise

We make it to the summit cross just in time before the first rays of sun flash out from behind the Alpine panorama. Next to a tree covered in ice crystals, we watch the magnificent sunrise. It simply takes our breath away as the winter wonderland turns into a sea of glitter. This is definitely the most magical sunrise we have ever seen on a winter morning. Despite the cold, we start to feel the warmth of the sun on our faces, so we enjoy this magical experience until the saffron-yellow sphere has risen completely above the mountains.

Panorama as far as the eye can see

Still captivated by what we have just experienced, we hike around a little on the top of the Gaisberg. We immediately notice the beautiful panoramic view, not only of the now awakened baroque town, but also all of Salzburg's surrounding countryside. What fascinates us most is the contrast between the flat north with its lakes and the south with its mighty mountains. We agree that the morning trip to the Gaisberg was definitely well worth it.

Breakfast on the mountain

After these great impressions and to warm ourselves up again, we then enjoy a hearty breakfast at the Kohlmayer's Gaisbergspitz inn. Over a fragrant cup of coffee and fresh bread, we notice that other mountain enthusiasts have arrived. Some of them took a bus from the town centre. But it doesn't matter how you get to the Gaisberg, because you are always rewarded with a stunning view. After this wonderful start to the day, we make our way back, full and satisfied. We have decided to visit the Gaisberg again soon. The next time, however, it will be on foot.