Day 128: Military History Nerd Day

Today Kieran was a good sport and joined along in a museum trip to Fortress Hohensalzburg. As part of UMD’s military history degree, great emphasis is placed on how warfare changes politically, socially, and economically over time, from feudal war lords to royal families to ethno-nation state militaries. The Hapsburg Empire and Wars of Austrian Succession, Seven Years War, and German Wars of Unification are heavily covered because major advances in weapons/tactics and military science occurred at this time; it was also a major shift from dynastic family wars VS ethnic/nationality based wars, all occurring in Central Europe and specifically Austria.

The fortress itself started as early as 1077 and continually morphed and built into one of the largest European medieval castles existing today. In more recent history, it had been used to hold Italian and German prisoners in World War II.

There was a special exhibit that featured rifles/weapons and their improvements from 14th century up until World War I which Kieran really enjoyed. It followed a specific Austrian regiment that lasted during this time period and discussed all conflicts/battles they participated in over hundreds of years. It was a great nerd day for Mary and it was nice to recount a few lessons from her favorite Professor Jon Sumida. Also we broke the daily record for a marble labyrinth game!

After the fortress, we visited Augustiner Bräu Mülln on recommendation from good friend Hannah Shockley. You show up, grab a stein, pay for a ticket , and then the beer man fills it up with the brew. There were little food stalls, meals, and deserts to enjoy in the beer hall.

We ended our day touring the Mirabellgarten Palace Gardens and then catching up with good friends Andrea and Japan Trip Planning squad!

Restaurants:
Augustiner Bräu Mülln
Bäckerei Raha
Familie Pavlovic

Food:
Pretzel
Schweinsstelze
Austrian Potatoes
Chocolate Cake

Spots:
Fortress Hohensalzburg
MirabellgartenRead more