Near the Salzach River and only a few kilometers from Salzburg, Austria is the bewitching town of Freilassing. It’s here, high in the Bavarian Alps, where you’re going to find historic castles, wonderful museums, and stunning scenery.
Some of the wonderful castles here in the Berchtesgadener Land are privately own, like the Gruttenstein, originally built around the year 800, but what stands today mainly comes from the 13th century. So is the Schloss Marzoll, a white fairy tale Renaissance castle from the 16th century with four commanding towers.
Or the Staufeneck, a 12th century fortress, while now in privately owned, was once a museum in the early 20th century.
Schloss Berchtesgaden is filled with opulent artwork. Music is big here at the castle, considering this is the land of Mozart (he was born only a few kilometers away in Salzburg). There’s the ruins of the 12th century Castle Karlstein and the 12th century Raschenberg Castle to visit too.
Even though these castles are only a shadow of their once former grandeur, there’s still something peaceful and serene to be found here.
Not to be overshadowed by the big city, Freilassing has a great pedestrian district filled with outstanding shopping, mouth-watering beer gardens, and the parking is free around town. And speaking of shopping, the town’s Farmer’s Market is held on Wednesdays and Saturdays and the smaller Green Market is on Thursdays.
When not shopping (or drinking) hop on a bicycle and scope out the countryside on any of its countless biking trails here. Don’t worry… there’s something for everyone, from easy family trails to more severe for serious bikers. :-)
And speaking of rolling, Freilassing has a lovely Railroad Museum, making it a remarkable stop for kids of all ages who just love trains!
After all that sightseeing, shopping and touring, you may wanna take a breather at Freilassing’s Badylon, a great spa for a massage and relaxing by the spa’s waterfall. The spa is set amid lush untouched landscape, and the view from the outdoor pool is extraordinary!
