The Odyssey: Autumn in Austria

We headed North from sunny Italy and drove across the stunning as always Alps. Autumn had arrived and for us Australians, the patchwork of coloured trees on the mountains was really exciting.

An hour later and it was winter.

We were driving Austria's famous panoramic path, the Großglockner High Alpine Road. We were looking forward to the drive and fortunately for us, we can maintain that wonder and suspense, because we had an excellent fog.

In the picture below are several of Austria's highest peaks. You can use the diagram at the bottom of the picture to work out which is which.

The following day we visited the Eisriesenwelt, the largest ice cave in the world.

The ice stays frozen year round due to cool air coming through the cave entrance. This formation is known as the elephant.

Our guide, Franz (or Otto, or Johann or something equally Austrian) led the way with burning magnesium so as to allow the colours to look most natural.

Outside the cave.

Then it was off to Sunny Salzburg.

The first reason that you've heard of Salzburg is that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born here. Yaz explored his birthplace while Josh drove back to the ice caves to recover his forgotten backpack.

The second reason that you've heard of Salzburg, is that the Sound of Music was set and filmed here. Amazingly, we got a great deal and stayed at the original Von Trapp residence. We can now confirm, that in Salzburg, the hills really are alive with the sound of music.

Steps featured in the film. They too are alive with the sound of music.

Pegasus also had a minor role in the film. Even he was once alive with the sound of music.

The third reason you've heard of Salzburg is because of its incredibly beautiful and ornate baroque architecture. The Mirabell Palace is just one example.