Viehscheid, bringing the cows down to the valley

Watching the Almabtrieb spectacle in Austria

The Almabtrieb is an annual event in the Alpine region of southern Europe which takes place in late September, early October. It refers to a cattle drive that brings the cow herd down from the mountain pastures to their barns in the valley During summer, cattle herds feed on alpine pastures high up in the mountains. This practice known as Transhumance, meaning the action of moving livestock … Continue reading Watching the Almabtrieb spectacle in Austria

Rumtopf

Rumtopf, a popular dessert, not only for Christmas

Rumtopf is a German and Austrian dessert made of mixed fruit and Rum traditionally eaten around Christmas. It is made by preserving pieces of fruit that have been soaking in Rum for months, to which other fruits are added in the summer and early fall. In Austria the Rumtopf is often made with a strong, spiced Austrian Rum called Stroh.  Each season brings different fruit, … Continue reading Rumtopf, a popular dessert, not only for Christmas

Salzburger Nockerl Sticky post

Salzburger Nockerl, a sweet, light and fluffy Dumpling

Salzburger Nockerl are light and fluffy, they are delicate vanilla-flavored dumplings, which reminds me of a soufflé. Like so many wonderful Austrian desserts this dish has a long history. The Nockerl were invented in Salzburg in the 17th century. Eating Salzburger Nockerl in Cafe Mozart in the Getreidegasse not far where Mozart was born When preparing the Nockerl batter, the airy mass is arranged on … Continue reading Salzburger Nockerl, a sweet, light and fluffy Dumpling

View to Salzburg, Austria

Three days in Salzburg, Austria

On the way to Austria, we stopped for a couple days in the Salzburger Land area. Salzburg is located on the border with Germany at the foot of the Eastern Alps Salzburg translates to “Salt Castle” and is the fourth-largest city in Austria and the capital of Federal State of Salzburg. The old town is renowned for its baroque architecture and is one of the best-preserved north of the … Continue reading Three days in Salzburg, Austria

Käsespätzle, Cheese spaetzle,

Austrian Käsespätzle, or Cheese Spaetzle

While on vacation in Sankt Gilgen, Austria I had this typical Austrian dish called “Käsespatzen”. It consists of Spaetzle noodles and grated hard cheese that is alternately stacked and garnished with fried onions, then baked in a hot oven In Swabia, the Käsespätzle are traditionally prepared with mountain cheese and/or Emmentaler cheese. In Vorarlberg there is a  different type of preparation; you can find Montafon Käsespätzle with … Continue reading Austrian Käsespätzle, or Cheese Spaetzle