🇦🇹 Salzburg – An Underrated Gem

Just a 2-hour direct train ride from Munich 🚆! The RE5 train (Platform 9) is included in the monthly travel pass, making it a super affordable trip. 📍 After arriving at the train station (usually Platform 5 – same for return), head downstairs and turn left to find the TAKBAK LOTTO kiosk. Right around the corner is the Tourist Information (not the "Service Center" – see Fig 2!) where you can buy the 24-hour Salzburg Card for €31 💳. It covers all public transport and most attractions. Remember to activate it on first use and write your name and time when boarding buses. 🚶 Recommended route from the station: 1️⃣ Mirabell Gardens (Mirabellplatz) – Free entry 🌸🎬. Famous for The Sound of Music filming locations. A short walk from the gate shown in Fig 6. 2️⃣ Mozart Residence – Free with the Salzburg Card 🎻. A small museum – skip if not deeply interested. 3️⃣ Hohensalzburg Fortress (Festungsberg) – A must-see! 🏰 Take the funicular up for panoramic views. Includes a puppet museum (a bit eerie 😅). Free entry with the card (normally €18). 4️⃣ Salzburg Cathedral (Dom zu Salzburg) – On the way down to the river ⛪. Houses the organ Mozart played. 50% discount with the card. 5️⃣ If time allows, take a free river cruise 🚢. 6️⃣ Makartsteg (Love Lock Bridge) 🔒 – Covered in locks (classic tourist spot!). 🌳 Heading out of the city: 7️⃣ Hellbrunn Palace (Schloss Hellbrunn) – A lavish Baroque palace 🏛️💦. Use the card for free entry to the trick fountains (you might get splashed – fun!). The nearby zoo is also free with the card. Bus 25 can be infrequent – plan ahead! 8️⃣ Untersberg Cable Car (Untersbergbahn GmbH) – A scenic ride up the mountains 🚠⛰️. Quite far – skip if short on time. #AustriaTravel #SalzburgGuide #MozartResidence #SoundOfMusic #MirabellGardens #HellbrunnPalace 🇦🇹✨