Major city · Austria
Salzburg
Give Salzburg 2 nights: one full day for the Altstadt and fortress, one for Hellbrunn or the lakes. Add a third only if you want Untersberg or a Sound of Music tour.
Salzburg is compact enough to walk end to end in about 30 minutes, so the old town, fortress and Mozart sights fit into one full day. Two nights is the standard stop on the Vienna–Munich rail line; the extra day goes to Hellbrunn, the Untersberg cable car or a lake. Book accommodation early for July–August and the Advent weekends, when the city fills and prices jump.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Sep, Dec
- avoid Jul–Aug (crowds and heat), Advent weekends (peak rates)
- Airports
- SZG · MUC
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 7Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Central Europe ↗Six of the nine countries here — Austria, Switzerland, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary and Slovenia — charge a time-based motorway vignette, mostly digital and linked to the number plate; buy it before the first motorway past the border, because cameras, not toll booths, do the checking.
- Central Europe ↗Temporary police checks at internal Schengen borders are common in this region in 2026 (Germany, Austria, Poland, Slovenia among others — check): keep your passport on you on every cross-border train, bus and road even though there is no fixed control post.
- Austria ↗Austria is in the EU and the Schengen area: check entry rules, the EU Entry/Exit System and any travel authorisation requirement for your passport on official sources.
- Austria ↗Motorways and expressways need a vignette (digital or sticker); driving on them without one brings on-the-spot fines.
- Austria ↗Winter tyres or chains are required in winter conditions; hire cars from outside Austria may not have them fitted.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Salzburg112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Salzburg, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR).Austria-wide
- SIM or eSIMA1, Magenta and Drei are the networks; prepaid SIMs from shops and supermarkets (registration with ID).Austria-wide
- Tap waterTap water is excellent.Austria-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Round up or 5–10%, told to the server when paying.Austria-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Austria-wide
- SafetyVery safe for a city of its size.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets in cities cost €0.50 (≈ under US$1); cafés and museums have free ones for guests.Austria-wide
- Emergency numbers112 All emergencies · 133 police · 144 ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysShops close on Sundays and holidays; Saturday afternoon closures in small towns.Austria-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportSZG Salzburg W.A.
- Getting aroundWalk.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee and a pastry€4–7 (≈ US$5–9)
- BeerSchnitzel or goulash in a beer hall€14–22 (≈ US$17–30)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week€15–30 (≈ US$18–35)
- Museum or sight ticketFortress funicular and fortress entry, adult€13.60 (≈ US$16) (check)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person€30 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, mid hotel, a night, per room€150 (≈ US$180)
- High-end bedDouble room, mid hotel, a night, per room€300 (≈ US$350)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €70 (≈ US$85) · Mid €120 (≈ US$140) · High €220 (≈ US$300)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- SZG Salzburg W.A. Mozart (About 20 min from the centre by trolleybus; small and quick to clear.) · MUC Munich (About 1 h 30 min to Salzburg by train; use it for long-haul flights.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Feb
not flagged
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Mar
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Apr
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
May
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jun
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Jul
Care
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Aug
Care
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Sep
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Oct
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Nov
not flagged
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Dec
Best
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep, Dec. Mixed: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)), coolest Jan (−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C) low), wettest Jun (13 rain days), driest Feb (9). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Salzburg: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
10 rd
Feb
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
9 rd
Mar
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
11 rd
Apr
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
11 rd
May
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
12 rd
Jun
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
13 rd
Jul
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
13 rd
Aug
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
12 rd
Sep
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
10 rd
Oct
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
10 rd
Nov
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
11 rd
Dec
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
11 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Walk. The Altstadt is car-free in practice and the two banks are linked by footbridges. StadtBus trolleybuses cover the rest; buy a 24-h ticket from a machine rather than a single from the driver. From May 2025 overnight guests pay a small daily mobility contribution and ride public transport in the state free — ask your host for the card. Bikes work well; there are riverside paths both ways.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Hellbrunn Palace and trick fountains
goDoor to door: About 40 min
Bus 25 from the centre, about 20 min
Trick fountains run on guided tours only; sit away from the guide if you want to stay dry.
Untersberg cable car
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Bus to St. Leonhard, then the cable car
Clear-day trip; check the cable car runs before you go.
Hallein (salt mine)
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Train or S-Bahn from the Hauptbahnhof, about 20 min
Book the mine tour; it is a wet, cold underground walk.
Hallstatt
overnightDoor to door: 2.5–3 h
Train to Attnang-Puchheim, change to Hallstatt, then ferry
Too far for a comfortable return day; sleep one night.
Berchtesgaden and Königssee
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Bus 840 from the station, about 50 min
Crosses into Germany; carry your passport or ID.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Altstadt (left bank)
Walk to everything; the most expensive beds and the noisiest rooms.
Right bank / Neustadt
Around Linzergasse and the station; 10–15 min walk to the old town, cheaper.
Station area (Hauptbahnhof)
Best for one-night rail stops and early trains; plain but functional.
Nonntal / south of the fortress
Quiet, residential, 10 min walk to the cathedral.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €60–90 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- €90–150 (≈ US$110–180) excl. bed
- High
- €150 (≈ US$180)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, mid hotel1 × 2 nights × €150 | €300 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × €120 | €480 |
| Salzburg Card, 48 h2 × €41 · check | €82 |
| StadtBus 24-h ticket2 × €5 · check | €9 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €20 | €40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €91 |
| Trip total≈ €251 per person per day, bed included | €1,002≈ US$1,200 |
2026 estimate in euro; flights and rail passes excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee and a pastry | €4–7 (≈ US$5–9) |
| Schnitzel or goulash in a beer hall | €14–22 (≈ US$17–30) |
| Beer, 0.5 l in a pub / supermarket can | €4–5.50 (≈ US$5–7) / €1–2 (≈ US$2–3) |
| StadtBus single / 24-h ticket | €3 (≈ US$4) / €4.70 (≈ US$6) (check) |
| Fortress funicular and fortress entry, adult | €13.60 (≈ US$16) (check) |
| Salzburg Card, 24 h / 48 h / 72 h | €34 (≈ US$40) / €41 (≈ US$50) / €47 (≈ US$55) (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | €15–30 (≈ US$18–35) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Old-town streets are cobbled and the fortress climb is steep: wear flat shoes.
- Drivers sell single tickets only; strip tickets and day passes are cheaper from machines.
- Last buses leave the centre early — a late night means taxi or a long walk.
- Winter tyres are required by law from October to April if you drive; snow chains in heavy snow.
- Motorway driving needs a vignette; parking garages near the centre run about €14–20 (≈ US$17–25) per 24 h.
Emergency numbers
- All emergencies
- 112
- Police
- 133
- Ambulance
- 144
- Fire
- 122
- Mountain rescue
- 140
Pocket card
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SalzburgSalzburg
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Bitte zu dieser AdresseTo this address, please
Emergency
- All emergencies112
- Police133
- Ambulance144
- Mountain rescue140
Embassy
Austria has no US embassy in Salzburg; the US embassy is in Vienna. Most countries keep embassies in Vienna and consulates in Salzburg or Innsbruck (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Airport → centre, trolleybus: about €3 (≈ US$4) single, about 20 min (check)
- Hauptbahnhof → Altstadt, on foot: about 15 min
- Vienna → Salzburg, Railjet: about 2 h 30 min; book ahead for the cheapest fare (check)
Say or show
- Entschuldigung — Excuse me / Sorry (ent-SHOOL-dee-goong)
- Danke — Thank you (DAN-keh)
- Die Rechnung, bitte — The bill, please (dee REKH-noong, BIT-teh)
- Wie viel kostet das? — How much is it? (vee feel KOS-tet das)
- Kann ich mit Karte zahlen? — Can I pay by card? (kan ikh mit KAR-teh TSAH-len)
- Wo ist die Toilette? — Where is the toilet? (voh ist dee toy-LET-teh)
Tipping: round up or add about 10% and say the total to the server.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Salzburg. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep, Dec · avoid Jul–Aug (crowds and heat), Advent weekends (peak rates) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for SZG: trolleybus times, taxi fallback, late-arrival rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Altstadt, fortress and Mönchsberg, right bank, Hellbrunn.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (fortress, cathedral, Mozart houses, Hellbrunn) and eat pages with last orders.
- Advent and festival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialSalzburg tourism
- officialCity of Salzburg
- officialSalzburg Airport
- officialSalzburg Verkehr (public transport)
- officialHohensalzburg Fortress
- officialHellbrunn Palace
- secondaryWikivoyage: Salzburg, revision 5272035 (CC BY-SA 4.0)