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Salzburg is a compact, picturesque Austrian city celebrated for its baroque old town, musical heritage (Mozart), and nearby alpine scenery. It's easy to explore on foot and by short public-transport hops, but plan around seasonal crowds and local events like the Salzburg Festival.
Visa & entry requirements
- Schengen rules: Austria is in the Schengen Area. Many nationalities (EU/EEA, UK, US, Canada, Australia, Japan, etc.) can enter visa-free for short stays (typically 90 days in any 180-day period). Check the Austrian embassy website for your specific nationality.
- Passport: Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure from the Schengen Area; some nationals need 6 months—confirm for your country.
- ETIAS (from 2024/2025 onward): Travelers from visa-exempt countries to the Schengen Area will need ETIAS authorization once implemented—check current status before travel.
Best time to visit
- Peak season: Late spring–early autumn (May–September) for warm weather, festivals, and longer daylight; expect crowds and higher prices.
- Winter: December–February for Christmas markets, snow-covered scenery, and nearby skiing; cold but atmospheric.
- Shoulder seasons (April–mid-May, October): Fewer tourists, lower prices, and pleasant weather—good balance.
Safety tips
- Overall safety: Salzburg is very safe; low violent crime. Use normal precautions against pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas and on trains.
- Night safety: Well-lit and safe, but avoid poorly lit alleys and be cautious after late-night drinking.
- Emergency numbers: 112 for EU emergency services, or 133 (police), 144 (ambulance) in Austria.
Local customs & etiquette
- Politeness: Austrians are formal and polite. Use “Grüß Gott” (hello) in southern/central Austria or “Servus” casually; say “Danke” and “Bitte.”
- Punctuality: Be on time for reservations, tours, concerts, and transport.
- Dress: Smart-casual; nicer restaurants and concert halls may expect tidy attire.
- Silence in sacred spaces: Museums and churches often expect quiet and respectful behavior.
Currency & payments
- Currency: Euro (EUR).
- Cards & cash: Credit/debit cards widely accepted (Visa, Mastercard). Small shops, market stalls, some cafes, and rural services may prefer cash—carry some euros.
- ATMs: Readily available; select Austrian ATMs to avoid high foreign-bank fees where possible.
Transportation
- Getting there: Salzburg Airport (W. A. Mozart) has flights across Europe; rail connections are excellent—direct trains from Munich (~1.5–2 hrs) and Vienna (~2.5 hrs).
- Public transport: Compact city center is walkable. Buses and S-Bahn serve suburbs and attractions. Buy single, day, or 24/48-hour Salzburg cards for unlimited public transport and museum discounts.
- Taxis & rideshares: Taxis available; apps like Bolt operate but check coverage.
- Driving: Not necessary for central Salzburg; narrow streets and limited parking. If driving to alpine areas, winter tires required in snowy conditions.
Must-know tips & local insights
- Salzburg Card: Offers free entry to many museums, Hohensalzburg Fortress, and public transport; can save money if you plan multiple visits.
- Old Town (Altstadt): UNESCO-listed—explore Getreidegasse (Mozart’s birthplace), Residenzplatz, and Mirabell Gardens early morning or late afternoon to avoid cruise-ship crowds.
- Salzburg Festival: Held in summer; book concerts and accommodation months in advance.
- Day trips: Salt mines (Berchtesgaden/Werfen), Hallstatt, Lake District (Salzkammergut), and the Eagle’s Nest/King’s Lake are excellent choices.
- Food & drink: Try Salzburger Nockerl (soufflé), schnitzel, and local beers; coffeehouse culture is strong—enjoy a relaxed coffee and cake.
- Museums & music: Mozart-related sites, Mozarteum, and Staatsballett/Residenz concerts are highlights—reserve tickets early for popular shows.
- Hiking & outdoors: Short hikes and cable cars (Kapuzinerberg, Untersberg) provide great views; check seasonal hours.
- Language: German is official; English widely spoken in tourist areas. Learning basic greetings is appreciated.
Practicalities
- Voltage: 230 V, plug type F (two round pins).
- Tipping: Service charge often included; leaving 5–10% for good service or rounding up is customary.
- Water: Tap water is safe to drink.
- Wi‑Fi & SIM: Free Wi‑Fi common in cafes and hotels. Consider a local EU data SIM for continuous connectivity.
Quick checklist before you go
- Check visa/ETIAS requirements and passport validity.
- Book festival or concert tickets and accommodation early if visiting in summer.
- Buy Salzburg Card if visiting multiple sights.
- Pack layers and a waterproof jacket—weather can change quickly.
- Carry a small amount of cash and a card with low foreign-transaction fees.
Enjoyment note
Plan time for slow exploration: Salzburg’s charm is in wandering its alleys, enjoying live music, and taking short excursions into the surrounding alpine landscapes.