Salzburg is a beautiful, vibrant city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an astonishingly rich cultural heritage.
The birthplace of Mozart, it’s also the gateway to the lovely Salzkammergut region, with its fabulous lakes and mountains. The city also plays host to one of the world’s greatest classical music festivals. While it’s marvelously easy to feel at home here soon after you arrive, familiarizing yourself with the lay of this Alpine land ahead of time will help you make the most of your visit.
Accordingly, here are 12 things every Salzburg local knows – and that first-time visitors should, too.
What to Do in Salzburg (Including Winter Activities)
Salzburg has some unmissable museums and sights – Mozart’s Birth House, the DomQuartier (comprising the Cathedral and former Residence of the Prince-Archbishops of Salzburg), the Hohensalzburg Fortress, and the remarkably beautiful 17th-century Mirabell Palace and Gardens, to name just a few.
However, the real star of the show is the city itself: Salzburg has a beautifully preserved old baroque town center, which simply oozes atmosphere and charm at every corner. Therefore, make sure you allow time to just wander down streets like Goldgasse and Getreidegasse, and alongside the River Salzach. If it rains, duck into a cafe to enjoy some seriously good coffee and heavenly cakes, or spend some time in one of Salzburg’s rich museums.
Festivals abound in Salzburg – the world-famous Salzburg Festival in July and August, but also Mozart Week (on and around the great composer’s birthday every January), the Easter Festival, and the Whitsun Festival. Additionally, Jazz in the City in October, and the large Christmas market in December offer unique experiences. You can also embark on any number of day trips from Salzburg. Popular destinations include Hallstatt and the Eagle’s Nest. The Salzkammergut region boasts endless lakes for swimming and unparalleled opportunities for hiking.
How Long to Spend in Salzburg
Salzburg is an intriguing and delightful city to explore at any time of year. It’s advisable to allocate at least three days in town to thoroughly appreciate its offerings and experience it at a relaxed, leisurely pace. For those looking to delve deeper and explore the region through day trips, staying a few days longer is beneficial.
Is Salzburg Expensive?
Salzburg is one of the more expensive cities in Austria, although not necessarily pricier than many other well-known cities in Western Europe. It remains considerably more affordable than Paris or London. You can find cheaper yet high-quality accommodation by looking outside the city center. Restaurant prices vary, yet you can dine quite well in Salzburg without straining your budget.
Visiting outside the high season (July or August, coinciding with the Salzburg Festival) allows for lower accommodation costs. Entry fees to museums and other attractions are reasonable all year long, and free walking tours provide an economical way to get familiar with the city. Consequently, purchasing a Salzburg Card often proves to be an excellent method of saving money while enjoying the city.
The city center is small and easy to navigate on foot, minimizing the need for costly taxi fares. A reliable bus service connects the airport to the city at a reasonable price. When public transport is necessary, purchase tickets from the machine at the bus stop rather than from the driver to save money. Public transport facilitates easy and affordable day trips from Salzburg, and children under 6 ride free on trains in Austria, with half-price fares available up to the age of 15.
Moreover, attending open rehearsals by skilled music students at Mozarteum University is free. You can also secure cheap tickets if you plan ahead. For operas at the Salzburg State Theater, seats with slightly restricted views cost under €20 (US$20.80). In January, try to secure standing tickets for concerts at the Salzburg Festival as soon as reservation requests open.
What to Pack for Salzburg
Summer temperatures in Salzburg are pleasantly warm. Attire such as shorts, skirts, or summer dresses, along with short-sleeved shirts or T-shirts, are ideal between June and September when average highs range from 20–24°C (68–75°F). Nevertheless, cooler days may occur, necessitating the inclusion of long pants and a lightweight fleece.
Moreover, packing a smarter outfit for concerts will help you blend in, and when visiting churches, it’s advisable to avoid overly revealing clothing. Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat, particularly for summer hikes.
Bring a refillable water bottle, as the tap water is drinkable, eliminating the need for disposable plastic bottles. Additionally, a swimsuit is highly recommended for summer, given the region’s numerous swimming options in lakes and rivers. Since Salzburg experiences considerable rainfall year-round, including summer, a lightweight, packable waterproof jacket or small umbrella is wise. Winters in Salzburg can be quite cold, so include warm gloves, a hat, and an extra fleece layer. As snow covers the ground during winter months, warm, waterproof boots are a necessity. Finally, good hiking boots will enable you to explore winter walks or snowshoeing in the surrounding hills and mountains.
Does Salzburg Get Snow?
Yes, the city experiences snow, particularly due to its proximity to the Alps. The first snowfall typically occurs in November (with the surrounding mountains often seeing snow in October), becoming heavier in December and lasting through to March. You might even witness snow as late as April. January and February are the coldest months, with temperatures hovering around or dipping a few degrees below freezing.
Tips for Using the Salzburg S-Bahn
Salzburg’s S-Bahn rail network serves as the fastest means of traveling lengthy distances across the city; for shorter distances, walking or bus services are more convenient. The network features four lines plus one extension, covering both the city and its suburbs, including routes extending into Germany. Trains generally run every hour, with low-entry doors accessible for wheelchair users, and bikes are permitted onboard (for an extra charge). Tickets can be purchased from machines at the station.
Getting to and from the Airport
Buses 2 and 10 run frequently between the airport and Salzburg Hauptbahnhof, with a journey time of around 20 minutes. The fare is approximately €2.50 ($2.60), substantially less than a taxi. Upon exiting the main airport doors, head straight across the car park where you’ll find the bus stop.
Finding Your Way Around Salzburg Hauptbahnhof
Most visitors will utilize the Hauptbahnhof (main railway station) at some stage during their stay. The station features an ÖBB (Austrian Railways) office for ticket purchases, along with ticket machines, an ATM, restrooms, cafes, and a Spar supermarket. Escalators lead to the platforms from the concourse, with elevators available for step-free access.
The station has two primary exits – one leading to Südtiroler Platz, where you’ll find the local bus and trolleybus station, and another leading to Lastenstraße, from which it’s a 20-minute walk to the old town.
Bike and E-Bike Rentals in Salzburg
Exploring Salzburg by bicycle is delightful and a safe option. The infrastructure includes numerous cycle lanes (though not on all streets), with dedicated cycling paths adjacent to both sides of the Salzach River. Rent a bike or e-bike at several locations, including aVelo.
Is Salzburg an Accessible City?
Accessibility in Salzburg is generally very good. Most buses are equipped with low-entry doors and a ramp for wheelchair users, and accessible elevators lead to the platforms at Salzburg Hauptbahnhof. The SalzburgMobil app (available for iOS and Android) offers live bus times and details regarding wheelchair access. While traffic levels within the old town are low, cobblestones can create some challenges, although they are typically manageable.
Typically, Salzburg’s museums provide step-free access, though unfortunately, Mozart’s Birth House does not. The Tourist Office website maintains a list of wheelchair-accessible accommodations.
What to Wear at the Salzburg Festival
While formal dress is not mandatory for the Salzburg Festival, many attendees choose to dress up for performances. Consequently, packing something that feels a bit more upscale than casual attire is wise if you’re fortunate enough to secure tickets.
Do I Need to Tip in Salzburg?
Tipping is customary in restaurants and cafes in Salzburg and within Austria more broadly; not tipping may suggest dissatisfaction with service. A guideline is to leave around 10% as a tip.
Should You Get a Salzburg Card?
A Salzburg Card provides free access to various museums and attractions, along with complimentary use of buses and trolleybuses (excluding the S-Bahn), offered in 24, 48, and 72-hour options. Some hotels offer packages that include a three-night stay alongside the 72-hour Salzburg Card, which is worth considering when arranging accommodation. Cards can be purchased online or collected at hotel receptions or tourist information offices.
Day Trips to Hallstatt and Across the Salzkammergut
Popular day trips from Salzburg include visits to the picturesque (and UNESCO-listed) lakeside town of Hallstatt and its historic salt mine. This can be easily accomplished via public transport. The 150 bus to Bad Ischl departs from Salzburg Hauptbahnhof. Although tickets can be purchased from the driver, obtaining them online is advisable due to the popularity of the route.
From Bad Ischl, trains head south toward Hallstatt and Obertraun. The Hallstatt station is located across the lake from the town, connecting via a small passenger ferry. It’s essential to obtain train tickets ahead of time to avoid fines for riding without a ticket.
Although Hallstatt is a must-see, countless other stunning destinations within Salzkammergut await exploration, whether for swimming, hiking, or enjoying magnificent mountain vistas.
Is Salzburg Safe?
Austria boasts one of the lowest crime rates globally, and Salzburg ranks as a protected city for travelers. Nonetheless, employing common sense is advisable. Avoid leaving bags unattended, and refrain from placing valuables like wallets or cameras on tables in cafes.
In Case of an Emergency…
While we hope you never have to reference this section, in case of an emergency anywhere in Austria, call 112 (the European Emergency Number, accessible even from a locked phone). An operator will direct you to the necessary emergency service.
For direct emergency service contacts, dial: police at 133, ambulance at 144, emergency doctor at 141, fire services at 122, mountain rescue at 140, and traffic emergencies at 120.
