Clarets on tour

But this trip was not all about watching the two matches but taking in some of what the region had to offer. Apart from Salzburg itself, and what a stunning place it is, places such as Munich, Innsbruck and Vienna were also more than accessible.

And for the brave and adventurous there was always the cable car adventure at Untersberg where you can even choose to be more adventurous (or just plain daft) by taking in a bit of paragliding.

In Salzburg itself it is currently the Festspiele and wherever you go there will be music playing and there will be street entertainers. For those of you searching for a drink there are more than enough places to visit.

But some Burnley fans wanted to take in the culture and one Stoke-on-Trent based Claret was seen wandering round with points of interest marked on his map. Not the bars and breweries for him but Mozart’s birthplace and the entrance to the fortress, presumably to be followed by a nice meal and Eine Kleine Nachtmusik.

Clarets Mad went looking at some football stadia, you just never know when the Clarets might be playing here again. We visited Lehen Stadion the recently closed home of Austrian Bundesliga club SV Wüstenrot Salzburg and their brand new home the EM Stadion which is already in place for Euro 2008.

Not only did we visit but we saw the first game there and were the first to make use of the excellent press box facilities. We didn’t bother with a match report as the Salzburg Under-23 team drew 1-1.

Then it was off to Munich on the cheapest day return ticket ever and off we went to the Olympiastadion with its strange roof and memories of a 5-1 England win. We also took a look at the Allianz Stadion which is in the building stage for the 2006 World Cup.

What is worth noting is that they all have terraces for those who want to stand at the football. When will we learn in England and stop forcing things on people?

There was an opportunity to spot some celebrities and in Vöcklebruck as we joined other Clarets prior to the first match we were excited to see the Austrian Cluedo Champion Colonel Mustard walking down the street with his wife (although she certainly didn’t look like Mrs. Custard).

In the Old Town at Salzburg we even found that a former Claret was appearing during the Festspiele, you will need to check out the pics to see who along with the Cluedo champion.

There’s much more to see, much more to do, but that will have to wait until we return. Might even be next year.

Salzburg was certainly brightened up on the Saturday as fans were coming in from all over, everywhere you turned you would see a Burnley shirt. And to those nice Salzburgers – no, we don’t support Aston Villa or West Ham.

We’re home – the team’s home – and what a fantastic experience its been watching the Clarets play in Europe. Now to the business of the league and we can look forward to a trip next summer.

But please no cats without tails.