hiking in hallstatt

We've had quite a bit of rain this last week (after three weeks of sunshine) and today was another rainy day. We started the day wondering around Hallstatt again, and then, as often happens, we somehow ended up on the other side of the town on a hiking trail that lead us further and further down a beautiful valley (I think it's called Echern valley) with a stunning forest and following a crystal clear river. We passed one very high waterfall and finally reached a very nice, fairly big waterfall at the end of the valley. We also got completely soaked because I forgot the umbrella at the supermarket entrance, and we weren't really planning on a hike so we weren't dressed for it... but it was definately worth it.

hallstatt

We're almost at the end of our four week holiday in Austria. The last few days we'll be resting in Hallstatt.

zoo at hellbrunn

Another zoo... this one had more (interesting) animals that I haven't seen before (except in books).

monatsschlössl hellbrunn

Another natural history museum... but this one is much smaller, and has more masks.

wasserspiele schloss hellbrunn

We did the tour of the "trick fountains" at Schloss Hellbrunn today. This was very impressive and entertaining, I can honestly say I have never seen anything like this before. The whole thing was built in the 17th century, and consists of various display areas with statues and hidden fountains that spray the "guests" when activated. There are also these small moving figures that are completely powered by water. It's like a very old water amusement park.

The gardens outside the trick fountains are also very beautiful. Huge pools with blue water, statues and fountains...

catacombs

And a quick walk through St. Peter's cemetery and catacombs.

hohensalzburg fortress

Another day another fortress... Hohensalzburg fortress is the largest, fully-preserved fortress in central Europe. With some rooms containing old military weapons, really great views, and a interesting little marionette museum.

salzach cruise

And a short boat trip to end the day.

mirabell garden

Went for a short walk in the Mirabell garden, which is much smaller than the gardens we looked at in Vienna, but in my opinion the flowers are much nicer here. They also have a little section with fifteen dwarf statues... nice to see something different for a change.