Days 1-2: Planes, Trains, & Copenhagen, Denmark


Our first travel day was quite the experience with a 2-year-old in tow! We made the trek up to Chicago (because that's where the cheap international flights are), and hopped on a plane Thursday evening. We slept (as much as possible), kept the squish entertained with plane toys and Bluey, and woke up to a smooth landing in Copenhagen! We had a long layover (per my own brilliant design), so we were able to catch a train to the city center and wander along the colorful canals of Nyhavn. SUCH an iconic sight, and it absolutely left me saddened to leave the country so quickly! We made our way back to the airport, boarded our flight to Zurich, and headed straight to our Airbnb just over the border in Germany for the evening.


(P.S. If you like the landscape images in this post, several of them can be purchased as wall art HERE.)

 

Historic buildings with traditional German architecture line a cobblestone street in the old town district at sunset.
Wooden sailboat with tall masts moored at a marina dock against a bright blue sky.
Panoramic view of historic brick buildings with green shutters along a waterfront street in Venice, Italy.
Rustic green double doors with graffiti art on a brick building facade with windows above and cobblestones below.
Person in white puffer jacket stands along scenic waterfront with boats and buildings at sunset.
Scenic panoramic view of colorful historic buildings along Nyhavn canal in Copenhagen at sunset with boats and reflections.
Historic wooden sailing ships docked along colorful buildings in Nyhavn canal harbor of Copenhagen on a sunny day.
White ornate hotel buildings decorated with Christmas garlands and flags line a town square in Denmark.
Historic railway station building with ornate architecture photographed from multiple angles against a blue sky.

 

Day 3: Castle Ruins in the Cold


With an end goal of traveling to Sauerlach (just outside of Munich), we decided to stretch our legs with a bit of a light hike! We drove to the town of Eisenberg to wander around Burgruine Eisenberg & Burgruine Hohenfreyburg, where we marveled in the fact that we were standing on history! Europe always feels so old (in the best of ways) to us Americans, and this was absolutely one of the times where that fact stood true. After getting thoroughly chilled, we headed on to our hotel for the next two nights.

 

A row of residential rooftops with dormers and windows against a cloudy sky in a suburban neighborhood.
A scenic panoramic view of a historic church spire rising above bare autumn trees against an overcast sky.
A family takes a winter walk together on a snowy path with evergreen trees in the background.
Small child in navy coat and brown beanie takes steps on snowy path while wearing winter boots.
Scenic mountain landscape panorama with snow-covered peaks and dramatic cloudy sky during winter season.
Two people walking together on a snowy road against a cloudy winter sky.
A parent carries a child wearing a brown beanie and navy coat on their shoulders in a snowy winter landscape.
Snow-capped mountain peaks rise above evergreen forests under moody winter clouds.
A group of people walking along a snowy winter path with one person carrying someone on their shoulders.
Snow-covered mountain landscape with dark evergreen trees and cloudy winter sky in panoramic view.
A winter walk along a snowy mountain path with a child and adult enjoying the scenic views together.
Two people walk along a snowy mountain path with scenic winter views in the background.
Parent and child in red winter jacket playing together on a snowy mountain path surrounded by wooden fences.
A snowy winter forest scene with a wooden railing and snow-covered evergreen trees in the background.
Family walking together on a snow-covered forest trail surrounded by frost-covered evergreen trees.
Snow-covered evergreen branches create a serene winter scene against a bright sky.
Snow-covered ruins of an ancient stone castle with crumbling walls against a cloudy winter sky.
People walking through a snow-covered stone archway passage in winter.
Ancient stone ruins covered in snow stand against a mountainous winter landscape.
Snow-covered stone archway entrance of an ancient fortress ruin against a moody winter sky.
Snow-covered stone walls and walkways of a historic fortress with visitors exploring in winter.
A pair walking through snowy stone ruins on a winter day wearing red and blue winter coats.
Close-up view of weathered stone wall texture with snow dusting in mountain setting.
Snow-covered stone walls create a narrow passage between ancient fortress ruins on a winter day.
Winter scene with snow-covered rocks as two people share a moment outdoors.
Family enjoying hot beverages outdoors in winter while wearing warm coats and beanies.
Panoramic winter landscape showing snowy hills and communication towers under cloudy skies.
Two people in winter clothing and beanies share a joyful moment in the snowy mountains.
People explore a snow-covered mountain viewpoint overlooking a scenic winter landscape.
Ancient stone castle ruins covered in snow against a bright blue winter sky.
Ancient snow-covered castle ruins perched on a hilltop surrounded by evergreen trees in winter.
Dramatic sunbeams pierce through clouds over a snow-covered winter landscape.
Crepuscular rays shine through clouds onto a snowy mountain valley with evergreen forests.
Person wearing a white knit sweater and brown beanie smiles while enjoying a winter mountain landscape.
Visitors enjoying a snowy winter day at an ancient castle ruins site.
A scenic winter landscape with snow-covered ground and evergreen trees along a wooden bridge or walkway.
Ancient stone castle ruins covered in snow against a bright blue winter sky.
Snow-covered medieval fortress walls with wooden viewing platforms along the ramparts.
Detailed view of weathered stone castle walls with snow accumulating in the crevices.
Snow-covered castle walls silhouetted against a dramatic sunset sky.
Snow-covered hillside landscape with evergreen trees under moody winter clouds at sunset.
A panoramic view of a cloudy sunset sky over snow-covered mountains with silhouetted peaks.
Misty mountain peaks rise above snow-covered evergreen forest in winter landscape.

 

Day 4: History as a Teacher


This was a somber day, as our only true activity besides lunch was to visit Dachau. The most shocking thing out of the time spent in the museum and looking around the grounds there? The fact that it all started so SIMPLY. My mind kept wandering back to "Huh, so this really wasn't all that bad when it started? They were just stuck here, but they didn't really do anything?". Circumstances can change seemingly in the blink of an eye...even thought it might have truly been a steady, gradual decline. Just something to take note of. Visiting left us with no real appetite for food OR adventure, so we headed back to the hotel to rest up for the day to come.

 

Entrance gate to Dachau concentration camp with guard tower and iron gates under cloudy sky.
Historic white barracks buildings line a gravel path at a former concentration camp memorial site in Europe.
A panoramic view of barracks buildings at Buchenwald concentration camp memorial site under cloudy skies.
A concrete memorial wall with text stands alone in a barren landscape under cloudy skies.
A person in an orange jacket and jeans kneels down in front of a large wall mural in a gallery setting.
A panoramic view of the former Sachsenhausen concentration camp memorial site with barracks and guard towers at sunset.
White barracks buildings at dusk with silhouetted trees against a fading sunset sky at a historical site.
Memorial wall with 'Never Again' text painted in black letters on concrete surface in multiple languages.
Silhouette of barbed wire fencing against a dusky sky at a historical concentration camp memorial site.
Row of white buildings with damaged roofs at a former concentration camp memorial site at sunset.
A panoramic view of tall poplar trees silhouetted against a dusky sky with a building visible in the distance.
Historic entrance gate to the Dachau concentration camp memorial site with gravel path leading to stone building.
Rustic wooden Orthodox church with striped log walls and onion dome stands in a snowy winter forest setting.

 

Day 5: Konigssee & Tree Lighting in Salzburg


In a rather abrupt change from the day before, we loaded into the car to see the sights at Konigssee. The town was shut down for the season for the most part, so we took advantage of the lack of crowds to hike along the lake into Nationalpark Berchtesgaden. We enjoyed the snow-dusted mountains, then continued our drive on to Salzburg. Once in the city and settled into our Airbnb, we headed to the Christmas Market at Mirabellplatz, where we were pleasantly surprised to witness the year's tree lighting ceremony! We capped off the evening with a delicious dinner at Gablerbrau & some gelato, then got some rest for our next day's adventures!

 

A series of snowy mountain landscape photos featuring a modern house nestled among snow-covered peaks and evergreen trees.
Small child wearing winter gear stands on a snowy trail in the woods wearing a brown beanie and patterned snowsuit.
Small child in winter clothing smiles and raises arms while playing in snowy outdoor setting.
People walking along a snowy winter trail through bare trees wearing warm winter coats.
Person in bright orange quilted jacket and brown pants walking through snowy winter forest path while carrying supplies.
Child wearing red and patterned winter coat stands on snowy forest trail with adult nearby.
A panoramic view of snow-capped mountains surrounding a serene alpine lake with dark reflective waters and forested shores.
Close-up view of people's legs walking on a forest path covered in light snow and fallen leaves.
Close-up macro shot of brown autumn leaves and delicate spider webs covered in morning dew drops.
Snow covered evergreen branches create a serene winter forest scene in golden sunlight.
A group of hikers walk along a snowy mountain trail with steep rock walls on either side.
A person wearing a brown beanie and pink winter coat walks along a snowy path in winter.
Group walking together on snowy forest trail with bare winter trees in background.
Two people walking together on a snowy forest trail during winter while wearing warm coats and winter accessories.
People walking along a snowy forest trail surrounded by bare winter trees and snow-covered ground on a cloudy day.
Snow-covered traditional Alpine chalet with green shutters nestled against dramatic mountain peaks in winter landscape.
Reflective mountain lake surface creates mirror-like effect of surrounding snow-capped peaks and winter scenery.
Snow-covered information board or sign mounted under a wooden shelter in a mountainous area.
Historic church facade with twin towers photographed at different times showing people walking past in Salzburg, Austria.
A person wearing a brown beanie and red jacket looks upward against a dark background.
Military personnel in ceremonial uniforms march in formation during a traditional parade through historic city streets.
A festive outdoor Christmas market with twinkling lights and vendor stalls draws crowds in the evening hours.
A festive crowd gathers beneath large illuminated Christmas trees at a nighttime holiday market celebration.
Illuminated display of traditional Venetian carnival masks and decorative items at a market stall in Venice.
Illuminated stone statues and architectural features create a dramatic nighttime scene in a park or garden setting.
Historic church with twin towers illuminated at night alongside classical buildings reflected in calm water.
A sequence of photos shows someone learning to skateboard at night in an illuminated outdoor plaza.
Illuminated Christmas decorations hang over a cobblestone street in a historic European city at night.
Small child in orange beanie and floral print jacket enjoys chocolate cupcake at wooden table in sequence of photos.
A couple in orange winter coats and brown beanies share tender moments in a photo collage sequence.
Decorative illuminated signs and ornate light fixtures hanging between historic buildings at night in a European city.
Baroque architectural details with ornate stone arches and sculptural elements on a historic building facade.
Nighttime urban street scene with illuminated buildings, traffic lights, and utility poles casting warm glows.

 

Day 6: Festung Hohensalzburg & Christmas Markets


Is there a better way to experience Salzburg than to gaze on it from a truly ancient fortress? I think not. Our first order of business for the day was to head up a lift to Festung Hohensalzburg, which has one of the most complex, immersive museum experiences I've ever seen. We ate at the restaurant in the fortress grounds, meandered both through and on top of the time-worn walls, and marveled at the fact that this building is still standing! While construction at home is...well...we won't get into that. After coming down from the fortress, we perused the wares at the Domplatz & Residenzplatz Christmas Market, then went back to pack up and head to our next destination in the morning.

 

Ancient stone castle tower with white walls and dark base against an overcast sky.
Medieval stone corridor with white walls, antique lanterns, and patches of snow visible in a historic fortress.
Person in a red jacket stands in front of a dark background with climbing gear visible.
Stone archways with cobblestone floors lead down a dimly lit medieval corridor.
Two people sharing a tender winter moment outdoors in warm winter clothing.
Geometric wooden ceiling with ornate pattern of lights creating an elegant architectural detail.
People walk through a dimly lit Gothic archway corridor with wooden panels and vaulted ceilings.
Medieval-style hall with wooden panels and ornate ceiling featuring candelabras and gothic arches in warm lighting.
Interior view of a dark wooden room with ornate ceiling details and bright windows letting in natural light.
Ornate metal door with decorative scrollwork illuminated by warm lighting against blue walls.
Intricately carved religious altarpiece with multiple tiers displaying colorful religious scenes and figures.
Two people in winter coats share an intimate moment in a rustic indoor setting.
Visitors exploring a dimly lit historic wooden interior space with arched architectural details.
A child in a pink winter hat and blue patterned coat looks down at an ice fishing hole in a wooden floor.
Dark rustic interior space with wooden floors and dramatic lighting casting shadows through windows.
People looking out through windows of a historic building on a winter day.
People examining an interactive display screen in a dimly lit museum or exhibit space.
People in winter coats viewing exhibits in a warmly lit museum space.
Ancient stone statue of a medieval king or noble figure wearing a crown and holding a sword in a regal pose.
A heartwarming embrace between two people wearing winter coats indoors.
Aerial view of a snow-covered courtyard surrounded by beige buildings in a mountainous setting.
People walking on a snowy path between buildings in a winter mountain village setting.
White church exterior with multiple bell towers and spires against an overcast sky.
Gothic church interior with vaulted arches, religious statues, and decorated Christmas trees near the altar.
Child in pink hooded winter coat and patterned snowsuit sits on a wooden bench in snowy weather.
A decorated Christmas tree stands in the snow against a white building with wooden doors and windows.
Panoramic aerial view of a historic European city with traditional architecture and church spires against cloudy skies.
Visitors using mounted viewfinders to observe scenic mountain views.
Two people sharing a playful moment against a snowy mountain backdrop.
Panoramic winter view of a mountain town with snow-capped peaks in the background.
Person in white winter coat and orange beanie with plaid scarf poses against snowy cityscape backdrop.
People walking through snow-covered stone archways of a historic fortress wall.
Historic stone fortress walls against a cloudy mountain landscape.
Long corridor of a historic building with snow-covered walkway and cream-colored walls.
Snowy cityscape viewed through a diamond-patterned window with mountains in the background.
Colorful geometric play blocks and shapes in a children's museum exhibit area.
Panoramic winter cityscape view of snow-covered buildings nestled in mountainous terrain.
Panoramic winter mountain landscape with snow-covered peaks and cloudy skies.
Panoramic cityscape view of Salzburg with river, buildings and mountains in winter.
Person walking down dimly lit historic corridor with slanted wooden ceiling and white walls.
A couple in blue and orange winter jackets share joyful moments outdoors against a snowy mountain backdrop.
Person in a cream puffer jacket and orange beanie poses against a snowy mountain backdrop.
Snow-capped mountains and city buildings visible in the background of a scenic winter overlook.
Child in a red winter coat smiling and playing in the snow.
People walking down stone-walled pathway with archways in historic European setting.
Large golden spherical art installations outside a classical building with visitors exploring.
Panoramic view of a hilltop fortress and surrounding buildings in a European town.
Haunting bronze sculpture of a hooded figure with empty dark void where face should be.
Evening cityscape with festive string lights illuminating historic buildings at dusk.
A small child in a red hooded coat and floral print outfit crouches on a textured metal floor.
Crowd enjoying an evening gathering under twinkling string lights at an outdoor venue.
People walking through a festive plaza illuminated by overhead string lights at dusk.
Model train display with miniature village scenes and tracks illuminated with warm lighting at night.
Outdoor evening celebration with string lights illuminating a historic church courtyard during a festive gathering.
Historic European cathedral and buildings lit up at night with a deep blue twilight sky.

 

Days 7 & 8: Reutte & the REAL Disney Castle


The morning brought inclement weather, in the way of a heavy snowstorm. Thinking that it would be the safer route to take, we took the northern option to drive from Salzburg to Mittenwald, not realizing that while skirting some of the snow clouds, we were headed....right over a mountain pass. Whoops. But, hey! All's well that ends well, and our rental car took that mountain like a CHAMP. We stopped for lunch in Mittenwald, before heading to our Airbnb in Reutte. It was an absolute winter wonderland in this quaint corner of Austria, and we chose to walk through the gently falling snow to eat dinner at Alina. The trek back was full of snowball fights, marveling in the calm, quiet streets, and jealousy at the walkable nature of town in Europe - even in inclement weather.


After waking in our cozy Airbnb (complete with view of Burgruine Ehrenburg), we drove through Fussen to spend a day touring castles! We were able to explore Schloss Hohenschwangau, learn our fill of Bavarian history at the Museum of Bavarian Kings, and finished up with the inspiration for the Disney castle itself - Schloss Neuschwanstein. This whole day felt all-around magical, and I would absolutely be willing to relive this experience over and over again!

 

Snow covered mountain village with traditional wooden houses nestled in a scenic winter landscape.
Snow covered mountains and houses create a serene winter landscape in a small village.
Snow-covered mountain peaks rise against a cloudy sky in a dramatic winter landscape.
Two people walk together through a snowy winter landscape with snow-covered trees lining their path.
Snow-covered trees frame a historic castle tower with orange-tinted stone walls against a winter sky.
Person in red quilted jacket and jeans bends down to make a snowball in snowy winter landscape.
People enjoy sledding down a snowy hill near an orange brick castle-like building on a winter day.
Snow-covered stone archway and path leading through a medieval castle gate in warm orange tones during winter.
Architectural details of arched stone passageways and columns in a historic European building.
Snow covered entrance to a medieval castle with orange stone walls and turrets in winter.
White European-style building facade with green shutters and ornate architectural details against a bright sky.
Person in black winter clothing stands at snowy lake shore with mountains and reflective water in winter landscape.
A serene panoramic view of a misty lake surrounded by snow-covered mountains reflecting in calm winter waters.
Snow-capped mountain peaks reflect in a pristine alpine lake surrounded by evergreen forest on a winter morning.
Snow-covered evergreen forest on a misty mountainside with fog rolling through the trees in winter.
Snow covered trees reflect in still winter lake waters creating a mirror-like effect.
Orange castle-like structure with turrets perched on a snowy hillside surrounded by frost-covered trees.
Panoramic winter landscape of a serene mountain lake surrounded by snow-covered evergreen trees and misty peaks.
Snow covered trees frame historic brick buildings on a winter day against a cloudy grey sky.
Snow-covered mountain peaks rise against a cloudy winter sky in a panoramic landscape view.
Panoramic view of Hohenschwangau Castle with snow covered trees against bright blue winter sky.
Person in red winter coat and blue jeans walking on a snowy path through a winter forest.
Neuschwanstein Castle perches dramatically on a snowy mountainside with evergreen trees in Bavaria.
Snow-covered trees frame a white castle tower with ornate architecture against a bright blue winter sky.
Neuschwanstein Castle's massive stone walls and towers rise above snow-covered winter landscape.
Person wearing beanie and beige jacket photographs snowy mountain landscape from scenic viewpoint.
Person in a red jacket relaxes on a stone wall with snowy mountain peaks in the background.
Panoramic winter mountain landscape with snow-covered peaks and cloudy sky.
Stone archways frame a scenic mountain vista with snow-covered peaks against a bright blue sky.
Snow-capped mountain peaks rise above evergreen forests under bright blue skies in an alpine winter landscape.
Group enjoying a winter mountain sunset wearing warm outdoor gear in orange and blue colors.
Snow-covered Neuschwanstein Castle perched on hillside with snow-laden trees in Bavarian winter landscape.
Snow-covered mountain peaks and evergreen forest under bright blue winter sky in alpine landscape.
Panoramic winter landscape of snow-covered fields and distant mountains under a pale blue sky.
Snow-covered turrets and spires of Neuschwanstein Castle rise against white winter sky.
Snow covered trees line a winding path as sunlight filters through branches creating a serene winter landscape.
Snow-covered castle tower rises against a bright blue winter sky with frosted tree branches.

 

Days 9 & 10: Liechtenstein & Zurich


We traded in the historic charm of Reutte & Hohenschwangau for the modern streets of Liechtenstein. It felt surreal being in one of the world's smallest countries, essentially a moderately-sized town encompassed by a bowl of mountains. The royal family's residence loomed over the streets as we traversed them, and we spent the evening with one of the best hotel views I've ever seen.


We said farewell to Liechtenstein the next day, and hello to the hustle and bustle of Zurich. After dropping our car & bags off at our hotel, we took the train into the city center. We ate lunch, perused the Landesmuseum Zurich, took in the (rather overwhelming) Christmas Market inside the central station, and walked along the Limmat River. A very good ending to an absolutely WONDERFUL trip.

 

A series of four photos showing a narrow European street with shops and buildings in diminishing light.
Panoramic cityscape view of a waterfront town with church spires and buildings reflecting in calm waters at dusk.
Historic European buildings line a city street with ornate architecture and traditional design elements in daylight.
A person wearing a white puffer jacket smiles while standing near a waterfront on a bright day.
Close-up view of love locks attached to a bridge railing with blurred water in the background.
Panoramic view of historic buildings and boats along the waterfront in Bayonne, France under bright blue sky.
Ornate architectural details of a classical building facade with columns and decorative stonework against a blue sky.
Panoramic view of a historic indoor marketplace with arched windows, Christmas trees, and festive holiday decorations.
Historic stone tower with spire and banner stands against blue sky in Swiss architectural style.
Historic stone facade of the Landesmuseum building with gothic architecture and arched entryways in warm sunlight.
Illuminated reindeer and sleigh decorations glow against blue-lit buildings in a starry winter night display.
Art installation features large orange fabric suspended from ceiling above steps in gallery space.
Gothic church spires and towers silhouetted against dramatic cloudy sky at sunset create a moody architectural scene.
Medieval stained glass window panels depicting religious scenes with ornate details and vibrant colors.
A series of three photos showing a person standing in a sunlit hallway with decorative windows.
Gothic church spires and ornate architecture viewed through decorative stained glass window frames.
Gothic church spires and towers silhouetted through an ornate window frame at sunset.
A parent holds a small baby by a decorative window in a series of three connected photos.
Church spires silhouetted against cloudy sky seen through geometric stained glass window patterns.
A series of wooden church pews shown in warm lighting with two people sitting together in one of the alcoves.
Miniature model display of snow-covered winter village with tiny houses and trees arranged in a circular formation.
Ornate medieval heraldic display with blue and white flags adorning a stone wall under gothic arches.
Person lying down on bench in museum hallway with orange wall and speckled floor.
A panoramic sequence showing a decorated indoor market hall with festive Christmas lights and vaulted glass ceiling.
A sequence of photos showing a large decorated Christmas tree in a modern indoor venue with red and gold ornaments.
Person in white shirt and dark pants climbing concrete steps in a progressive sequence of photos.
A sleeping child in pink clothing is gently cradled in someone's hands against a blurred background.
A tender moment shows a child resting peacefully against a person wearing a gray sweater and baseball cap.
Historic stone tower illuminated with festive winter projections showing snowflakes and holiday scenes at dusk.
Panoramic view of a bustling city street at dusk with illuminated storefronts and pedestrians.
Panoramic twilight view of illuminated buildings and boats along Hamburg's historic harbor waterfront reflecting in calm water.
Night market scene with festive string lights illuminating trees and vendor stalls.
Hotel balconies decorated with numerous photographs and a decorative cow statue on display.
A sequence of candid moments showing two people interacting while seated on public transportation.
Small child in pink sweater holding yellow pole while riding public transportation.
Purchase Landscape Prints Here
Inquire for Your European Elopement Here