SALZBURG TRAVEL TIPS

Salzburg is a beautiful City of Austria. It is situated near Austrian German border. Salzburg got its name from the trading of salt (Salz) defended by a fortress (burg). So, it literally means salt fortress. Salzburg is internationally renowned for its original baroque style architecture due to which it was declared as a world heritage site in 1997. The city is also renowned for music as it is the city where Mozart was born. Apart from this, nearby salzkammergut region is very famous for glacial lakes and Alpine forests.

Most of the times the city was independent under the Reign of Arch - bishops. The word arch-bishop signifies that they were having both political and religious powers. Mighty Hohensalzburg Castle also added to their independence. During World War 2 there was heavy bombing on Salzburg town, but luckily it was mostly on new Salzburg town which lies on The Other side of the Salzach River. Hence Salzburg is considered to be the best preserved City which holds the original baroque architecture.

When To Go

 May to August is the tourist season you will find a lot of tourists and high Hotel rates. There will not be any need for woollen clothes as the temperature is moderate. It may rain at times during the season so better Pack raincoat or umbrella. During September and October the temperature begins to fall and the place will be comparatively less touristy. The temperature being still quite comfortable. November to February is the winter season in Salzburg. You will get cheaper hotels during the season but visiting hours of the main attractions would be reduced due to shorter days. This season is best suited for skiing.

Getting around in Salzburg

I would recommend to use SVV 24 studentkarte Salzburg ticket which is for 4 euros and for child the fare is 2 euros. The validity of ticket is 24 Hours. Through this ticket one can make any number of trips in Salzburg city zone. Better to purchase online or mobile app or from ticket machines as these options are cheaper. One can purchase the ticket from bus driver also but it will be dearer. Point to point tickets are also available. Ticket fares are listed below.

24 Hour Ticket (CENTRAL ZONE)	FULL FARE
(1) Conductor/Bus driver	5.70 EURO
(2) TVM/SMARTPHONE/INTERNET	4.00 EURO
(3) CHILD	2.00 EURO
POINT TO POINT TICKET
(1) Conductor/Bus driver	2.60 EURO
(2) Advanced purchase (pack of five available)	9.50 EURO (1.90 EACH)

There is a mobile app named OBB. You just need to show up the m-ticket in your mobile while checking .This is so simple and hence I preferred this method. Through this application one can book ticket either point to point or day ticket. One important information. If somebody purchasing ticket from vending machine, then it must be stamped in the bus else it will be considered invalid. Fines are very hefty in European countries. For tickets booked online through internet banking, one need to take print out of tickets.

Tourist Information Centres  

It is available at Hauptbahnhof (main/central train station) and at Mozartplatz. They can guide you for making a trip or booking a hotel etc.

Free WiFi and SIM

 Salzburg offers its visitors free WiFi access at public locations. Hotspots are located in Mirabell Gardens, at the town hall on the Getreidegasse, on Mozartplatz, Kapitelplatz AND Train station also known as hauptbahnhof. I used free WiFi during my whole trip. If somebody wants to purchase SIM , then I was recommended to use LAIKA by local people. For further information , you can contact internet café (I have forgotten the name of café ) just besides Burger king and TABAK shop at CENTRAL TRAIN STATION).

Food

 Schnitzel , mozart chocolate,strudel,bosna grill,pizzas,kebap,hotdogs,curry-wurst are some of the delicacies of Salzburg. One may get many bakery items also .Most of the fast foods are between 2 to 4 euros per person. Coffee is between 3 to 5 euros depending upon type of restaurant and coffee.one full meal will be between 12 to 15 euros. For those who are on a budget may take meal in the afternoon and a fast-food at night. Shops begins to close from 1900 hrs so plan accordingly. Super markets starts closing after 1930 hrs. After 2000 hrs , Burger king at Central station remains open.

Water

Keep water bottle along with you as purchasing mineral water will be a very costly affair.

WC

 It cost anywhere between 0.40 to 1 euro. These are automated machines. Even if one does not have change , one can insert 5 euro note and get the change.

Transportation 

Very efficient bus operating whole of the city. Central bus station is adjacent to central train station. Signboard of “H” signifies Bus Stand. If somebody has taken ticket from vending machine , then do not forget to time stamp the ticket. The Ticket vending machine accepts both cash and card. Taxis are readily available but they are very expensive.

Bycycles can also be used for roaming in the city. Separate lanes are there for bikers and pedestrians. Salzburg is known for its vast pedestrian zones. And it is not a big city. Most of the sites can be visited on foot.

Another way to visit all places in city is to opt for HOP ON HOP OFF BUS TOURS. More information on  https://www.hop-on-hop-off-bus.com/ . one can book online.

Facilities at Salzburg train station

 Free Wifi , OBB Ticket counter , SPAR Super Market , Lost And found office , tourist information Center. Apart from this , Burger king and other eating outlets are available just outside the train station.We found fruits at SPAR very fresh and tasty.

Hotel

It can be searched online according to personal preferences .One thing must be bore in mind that it should be near any public transport station. It brings a lot of convenience. Try to book directly from the hotel, it will going to save you some money.

Salzburg is an amazing city. It is rich in culture, architecture and food. People here are awesome and always ready to help. Spectacular Salzach river flows between the old and new town. It has got all the traits that allure travellers from all over the world.