Getting There
Centrally-located Salzburg is easily reached by rail from almost any point in Europe. Munich is a mere 2 hours away, Vienna about 3. From Paris, Berlin, Budapest, Amsterdam, or Rome, a bit less than a day’s journey will bring you to Salzburg; if you prefer to wake up there, sleeper services are available from each of those cities. To be certain of seeing spectacular Alpine scenery along the way, arrange to arrive from the west, by way of Innsbruck; from Innsbruck to Salzburg be sure to opt for the slower train which goes through Schwartzach St Velt, rather than the quicker route via Kufstein (the latter is quick because it avoids high mountain terrain — which, needless to say, is where Alpine scenery tends to reside.)
For drivers, major highways lead to Salzburg from Munich/Nuremberg to the north, Verona/Bologna to the south, Vienna/Budapest to the east, and Innsbruck/Zurich to the west. If you’re arriving by car be sure to arrange at the border for a permit sticker, which you must have to drive anywhere in Austria — steep fines await those who forget or shrug it off.
Staying There
Salzburg is filled with hotels and pensions, from the grand to the grandmotherly. The Salzburg City Tourist Board’s web site (www.salzburginfo.at) also has detailed hotel information, with many special hotel deals offered. There is a list of youth hostels there as well.
Whatever your lodging choice, reserve early if you’re going for one of the major festivals, as the town will be packed with visitors and beds tend to become rare and expensive. Six months in advance is not too soon to begin your inquiries.
