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Salzburg lies on the northern side of the Alps and because of this location it is provided with a temperate rainy climate. The infamous Salzburger Schnürlregen, or "string rain," appears as a result of North accumulation, and föhn, which has a tendency to develop throughout the Alpine chain. This weather pattern has been illustrated not only in countless books, poems, films, and operas, but also has earned local, as well as international notoriety.
There’s no other place that gets rained upon so surprisingly hard and wonderfully as it does here in Salzburg, and the Schnürlregen is every bit a part of this city as Mozart, the Festival, or even Salzburger Nockerl. Actually, the Salzburger Schnürlregen is a sudden downpour which comes from out of the blue on account of a particular wind pattern. The rain pours from the sky in slanted lines, is soon over, and finally illuminates this lovely city in a whitewashed, spectacular sunlight.
Researchers in Salzburg began recording the weather here a long time go. Climate readings have been measured in this city since 1874 and are still available in a complete series. These records are of great importance in determining climatic developments in the area, because hardly any studies have been documented in Central Europe that date back so far. The Salzburg Municipal Association has played an important role in making this research available to the public. On Alter Markt, a square located in the heart of the city, a continual sequence of weather conditions have been on display in magnificently designed weather houses since 1888.
Nevertheless, a walk in the rain through such a lovely city as Salzburg, with its beautiful surrounding areas, can be quite stimulating. And besides – there’s no such thing as bad weather – just improper clothing! The Salzburg population has specialized in proper and stylish raingear throughout history. The flattering loden coat, with or without the hood, is a classic example, or the rustic Wetterfleck, (the all-embracing loden cape) as well as the virtually indestructible Walkjanker or loden jacket, available in every color. But even the less aesthetically pleasing clear plastic rain jacket can be a lifesaver during a sudden downpour.
Sturdy, waterproof footwear is truly an earmark of the city of Salzburg, and the choice of colors in rubber boots is virtually unlimited. The fact that practical raingear carries a long tradition in Salzburg is most evident, as the oldest, and most renowned umbrella, and raingear store in the Old City was founded in the year 1544. Even the umbrella, which was originally conceived as just a protection against the rain, has since undergone numerous transitions. Today, the designs range from a simple rain cover to extravagantly styled fashion objects, which are decorated with colorful, cheerful slogans, and can be matched to satisfy every individual customer!
Countless poets and songwriters soon recognized that rain also has its positive sides. In his enchanting novel, “Der Kleine Grenzverkehr" ("The Local Border Traffic,”) Erich Kästner pays immortal tribute to the city of Salzburg in writing that a truly beautiful side of Salzburg can be experienced with a walk in the rain. In his poem “Wet November,” he writes, among other things, “put on the oldest pair of shoes that you have stowed away in your closet. Because now and then, you really ought to go for a stroll through the city in the rain.” A very agreeable suggestion, particularly when the wet streets he recommends are situated in a city as lovely as Salzburg, which unveils its unique magic even in the rain.
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