Salzburg Hbf — Attraction in Salzburg

Salzburg is a beautiful city and has delicious food. However, most Austrians (not only in Salzburg, but in Vienna as well) working in hospitality are unhelpful, not to say plain rude, and put me off of visiting Austria again.

I asked a cashier in a souvenir shop what the flavour of a liquor was as there was nothing in English in the shop (who makes the majority of customers in said shop if not foreigners??) and she asked if I couldn't see the very small picture that told me nothing about the flavour...

A bus driver let us behind in the bus stop because my husband took long 20 seconds to lift our luggage over a pile of snow to get to the bus door. She was in a warm bus while we were under the snowfall trying to get to the station to catch a train to Vienna on time...

A woman in a Christmas market stall told me all the foods they were selling so quickly I wouldn't be able to memorise even if English was my first language, then she turned sideways and went back to what she was doing before (nothing). Mind you, I didn't even ask her anything. I was just there trying to translate the illegible cursive writing on the signs when she asked me with a sour face what I wanted to know.

In only a week spent between Salzburg and Vienna my husband and I dealt with so much rudeness and unkindness that I could be here writing a book, but I won't waste my time. You can look at reviews about every single coffee shop, souvenir shop, restaurant, museum, cable car and so on and you'll see I'm not the only one speaking of the rudeness of hospitality personnel in Austria. If they treat tourists as they do, I can only imagine how they treat immigrants...

Both cities, Salzburg and Vienna, are really beautiful and I was very excited to visit as much Christmas markets and museums as I could. However, the hospitality personnel is rude, unprofessional and plain unprepared to work with tourists, as they treat people who can't speak German as worthless and can't express more their displeasure for us being there in their too good of a country for tourism. Mind you I learned the basic words such as please, thank you and so on in German, as I do in all languages spoken in countries I visit, but I can't learn a whole language before each trip, sorry for that.

To be fair, I encountered kind people as well, with patience to explain what we didn't understand, or even welcoming us to their country. Unfortunately, I can count those in one hand, while I'd need more hands to count the rude ones.

Finally, forever when anyone ask if I enjoyed my time in Austria I'll say yes, because I won't let unhappy people who think they're superior ruin my love for travelling and getting to know different countries and cultures, but my visit has been tainted and I'll let them know to only visit Austria if they're prepared for unkindness, coldness and to be frowned upon. I've been to places were no one treated me badly only because I'm not "one of them" and if I ever want to revisit a country, it will be one of those and...

Visiting Salzburg in Austria is an experience that simply takes your breath away. This enchanting city nestled amidst the stunning Austrian Alps offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. It's no wonder that Salzburg has captured the hearts of travelers from around the world.

One of the most captivating aspects of Salzburg is its picturesque old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wandering through the narrow, winding streets adorned with charming baroque architecture, you'll feel as though you've stepped into a fairy tale. The well-preserved buildings, quaint squares, and ornate fountains create an atmosphere of timeless elegance.

Salzburg is also famous for being the birthplace of the legendary composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Music echoes through the city, with countless concerts, operas, and festivals held throughout the year. Immerse yourself in the melodious melodies that fill the air and visit Mozart's birthplace and residence to gain insights into his extraordinary life.

Nature lovers will be captivated by the breathtaking landscapes surrounding Salzburg. The majestic Alps provide a stunning backdrop, offering endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. Take a cable car ride up the Untersberg Mountain for panoramic views that will leave you speechless, or explore the tranquil shores of Lake Wolfgang, nestled amidst rolling hills and charming villages.

A visit to Salzburg wouldn't be complete without exploring the iconic Hohensalzburg Fortress. This medieval fortress perched atop a hill offers not only a fascinating glimpse into history but also breathtaking views of the city and beyond. The fortress houses museums, exhibits, and even hosts cultural events, ensuring an engaging experience for all.

Salzburg's culinary scene is a true delight for food enthusiasts. From traditional Austrian delicacies to international cuisine, the city offers a diverse range of culinary delights. Don't miss the opportunity to savor mouthwatering pastries, sample locally brewed beers, or indulge in a hearty plate of schnitzel.

Last but certainly not least, the warmth and friendliness of the Salzburg locals make the visit even more special. The genuine hospitality and welcoming nature of the people create an inviting atmosphere, making you feel right at home.

In summary, a visit to Salzburg is like stepping into a living masterpiece. Its charming old town, rich musical heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and delightful culinary offerings combine to create an unforgettable experience. Whether you're a history buff, a nature enthusiast, a music lover, or simply seeking a place of beauty and tranquility, Salzburg will leave an indelible mark...

Woke up at 3am so we could start walking from Hotel Andra to Salzburg Hbf. This is our last and final walk of our East Europe trip. It's surprisingly easy to find the station and the screens are great in showing the platform for our OBB Railjet to Vienna airport. Also the OBB train is already waiting there quite early and we sat in the family coach where there's a small children area with TV showing kiddy programs. First time in my life to have such a train feature. The 3-hour OBB train journey from Salzburg Hbf to Vienna airport is all good, punctual and comfortable. But few unpleasant things: The waiting room of Salzburg Hbf is full of homeless people who use the place for the night. So their smell and also some puke on the floor make this place very bad. We left the room and prefer to sit in the public space. toilet on OBB Railjet was not clean due to some folks who used it before did not really flush or simply their shit too much and won't go away. The OBB train has rubbish bin on each place. It's convenient but the moment we open the cover, very bad odour came out. I suspect some people throw bad food or vomit...