Weekends and holidays in Austria in 2023

The following days are national holidays. In addition to them, there are also regional (land) holidays, but they usually concern only students and state employees.

Saturday is a day off for students, employees of enterprises and civil servants. Stores operate on a reduced schedule. Usually before 17:00 or 18:00

Sunday is a day off. But all tourist objects are open: museums, souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants (not all). In addition, some grocery stores are available in the center of Salzburg: Billa on the embankment of the Salzach River in the old town (11:00 - 15:00), Spar at the Mozart House Museum (11:00 - 18:00), Spar at the railway station (9:00 - 22:00). From December to April, grocery stores are open on Sundays in ski resorts from 9:00 to 13:00. From June to September, grocery stores are open on Sundays and holidays in summer resorts, for example, in the lake district of Salzkammergut.

Banks are closed on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. Currency can be exchanged only on weekdays.

In Austria, there are six periods of school holidays and two-semester periods. They start and end at different times depending on the land:

Salzburg, Tyrol, Burgenland,  Carinthia, Vorarlberg: 13.02 - 19.02 (semester holidays), 01.04 - 10.04 (Easter holidays), 27.05 - 29.05 (Pentecost), 08.07 - 10.09 (summer holidays), 27.10-31.10 (autumn holidays), 24.12 - 06.01 (Christmas and winter holidays)

Vienna and Lower Austria: 04.02-12.02 (semester holidays), 01.04 - 10.04 (Easter holidays), 27.05 - 29.05 (Pentecost), 01.07 - 03.09 (summer holidays), 27.10 - 31.10 (autumn holidays), 15.11, 24.12 - 06.01 (Christmas and winter holidays)

Upper Austria, Styria: 20.02-26.02 (semester holidays), 09.04 - 18.04 (Easter holidays), 27.05 - 29.05 (Pentecost), 08.07 - 10.09 (summer holidays), 27.10 - 31.10 (autumn holidays), 24.12 - 06.01 (Christmas and winter holidays)

 


January 1 - New Year (Neujahr)

A day of rest and preparation for working days. A New Year's fair has been opened in the center of Salzburg, where you can have a delicious meal and improve your health. From noon relaxing symphonic music sounds from the stage in front of the cathedral.

Read: How to celebrate the New Year in Salzburg.

Official holiday

 


January 6 - The Holy Three Kings (Drei Könige)

A Catholic holiday dedicated to the three Magi Kaspar, Melchior and Balthazar, bearing gifts (gold, frankincense and myrrh) to the cradle of the infant Jesus Christ.

According to tradition, children, divided into groups, arrange carols from New Year to the Day of the Three Kings. Each group consists of three magi representing three continents, three races and ages, and a child carrying a "Star of Bethlehem" fixed on a pole. Nowadays, the presence of one adult is still mandatory. The so-called Sternsänger (Star Singers) go home, caroling, singing a Christmas carol, and reading poetry. It is customary to give monetary donations for this, which go to charity. On the doors of the house or apartment where the donation was made, the symbolism C + M + B (Christus Mansionem Benedicat) is written in chalk illuminated in the church, which means: Christ, bless this house.

Official holiday

 


April 9 - Easter (Ostersonntag) Sunday

April 10 - Easter Monday (Ostermontag) Monday

The most important Christian holiday. On Easter Eve, Easter lights are lit in churches, marking the rebirth of life. Easter, lamb-shaped cupcakes, cheeses, sausages, and eggs are consecrated during the festive service. It is customary to share blessed products with loved ones and have breakfast in the family circle. Easter bushes (Palmbusch) are also woven and consecrated for Easter, after which magnificent "palm processions" occur.

Read: Easter in Salzburg

Official holiday

 


May 1 is a public holiday (Staatsfeiertag)

Labor Day, Workers' Solidarity and Justice. On May 1, Austria also celebrates the beginning of the agricultural season with the installation of a maypole and Mother's Day, and Youth Day.

Read: Maypole Installation

Official holiday


May 18 - Ascension (Christi Himmelfahrt)

The return of Jesus Christ 40 days after the resurrection (Easter) to his Father in the kingdom of heaven. On this day, as a rule, church parishes arrange the rite of the first communion for children.

Weekend

 


May 28 - Trinity (Pfingstsonntag) Sunday

May 29 - Pentecost (Pfingstmontag) Monday

The feast of the foundation of the Christian Church. During the festive procession, doves are released as a symbol of the Holy Spirit descending on the apostles. On this day, as a rule, a confirmation ceremony is held in church parishes, one of the seven sacraments of chrismation in the Catholic Church.

Official holiday



June 8 - Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ (Fronleichnam)

The holiday originated in the 13th century based on the vision of the nun of the Augustinian monastery Julianna of Liege. According to legend, the church appeared to her as a moon disk. A black spot appeared on the disk. The saint interpreted this as a lack of honoring the "Eucharist" - the transfiguration of the blood of Christ into wine and flesh into bread.

The buildings of churches are decorated with flowers and young birches for the holiday of the Frontline. After the service, the faithful go outside for a festive procession. Children and teenagers carrying bibles and crucifixes are at the procession's head. Behind them, honorary citizens hold a canopy (a symbol of heaven), under which a priest walks with a monstrance. For a holiday, they bake a special bread (the flesh of Christ), placed in a vessel inside the monstrance. Musicians and residents bring up the rear of the procession.

Official holiday

 


August 15 - Ascension of the Virgin (Mariä Himmelfahrt)

The ascension of the Virgin Mary's body and soul to heaven. It is customary to consecrate medicinal herbs, medicinal decoctions and healing ointments based on roots. Processions in the likeness of the Body and Blood of Christ are also common.

Official holiday

 


October 26 - Independence and Neutrality Day (Nationalfeiertag)

The event of the withdrawal of Allied and Soviet troops (1955) from the territory of Austria after World War II is celebrated. Then the basic principles of the new Austrian state were proclaimed: eternal neutrality and democracy. Small military parades are held in Vienna. The President congratulates the citizens. Thematic excursions are held. Tourists are shown government buildings from the inside. In the rest of Austria, October 26 is a typical day off.

Official holiday

 


November 1 - All Saints' Day (Allerheiligen)

November 1 is the day of remembrance of all saints and Christian martyrs, which originated in the 7th century after the transformation of the Pantheon (Temple to All the Gods) into the temple of the Virgin Mary and All the Martyrs. Young people celebrate Halloween in entertainment venues on the eve of All Saints' Day. In the "current" manner, children go mummified at home and caroling for gifts saying the phrase: Süsses oder Saueres (sweet or sour). November 2 is dedicated to all deceased loved ones and is called Allerseelen. November 1 and 2 are parents' days. Memorial ceremonies are held in cemeteries; candles are set at memorials, and graves are decorated with traditional decorations of autumn flowers, yew, boxwood, and mistletoe.

Official holiday

2.11 All Souls' Day (Allerseelen) is a day off for students and civil servants. Working day in the field of trade.

 


 

December 8 - Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary (Maria Empfängnis)

Catholic holiday. The dogma of the birth of Mary, who did not inherit the original human sin of her parents Anna and Joachim. The Virgin Mary was predestined to become the mother of the son of God, Jesus Christ.

Official holiday but freewill working day for trade business

 


December 24 - Holy Evening (Heiliger Abend)

To give an even stronger sense of expectation of the imminent birth of Christ, the Holy Evening (Christmas Eve) has been celebrated in the church tradition since the 6th century. The last preparations for the Big Holiday are being completed on Christmas Eve. Gifts are placed under the Christmas tree, a small stable with the Christ child in a manger is installed, and images of angels called Christkindl are hung all over the house.

Holy Evening is a day of fasting. But in the modern world, people do not limit themselves much to food. It is customary to serve fried goose, turkey, fish or boiled beef Tafelspitz (Tafelspitz), drink hot wine and punch. By 23:00, believers go to church. At 00:00, people celebrate the Messiah, born under the ringing of bells. On this day, it is customary to make donations for good causes.

 

Working day. Shops and shopping centers operate on a reduced schedule (until 13:00)

 


December 25 - Christmas (Weihnachten)

Pope Gregory adopted the postulate of the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25 in the 4th century since the Bible does not specify an exact date.

Christmas is a family holiday. On this day, relatives and relatives spend time together. Some prefer a calm, relaxed day: to see photos, some favorite movies, or go for a walk. And someone spends time actively, having gone skiing, sledding or skating. A mandatory component of the holiday is attending a service in the church, after which gifts are presented. The Christmas market in the center of Salzburg is open on December 24, 25, and 26 until 15:00.

Shops and most restaurants are closed during the Christmas holidays!

Official holiday

 


December 26 - St. Stephen's Day (Stefanitag)

The day of St. Stephen (Stepan), the first Christian martyr, is celebrated on December 26. But for most Austrians, it's just the second day off after Christmas. On this day, they visit distant relatives and friends. In addition, horse races (Stefaniritt) are held in many villages and towns, after which priests bless the riders and horses.

Official holiday

 


December 31 - Silvester

Until the XVII century in Europe, different dates were taken for the beginning and end of the calendar year. In 1691, Pope Innocent XII established a standard: December 31 – the end of the year, and January 1 – the beginning of the year. Before the calendar reform in the Holy Roman Empire, the last day of the year was December 24, and the first day was January 6. Everything that was between them was called the "interlude." December 31 in Catholic countries is called Sylvester in memory of the day of the death of Pope Sylvester (335). New Year is celebrated with fireworks and fireworks. In many cities in Austria, pyrotechnics were abandoned in favor of a laser show. Friends and relatives give each other symbolic gifts: horseshoes with wishes stuffed on them, toy chimney sweeps and marzipan piglets.

The working day with a short schedule 

Salzburg Card and admission fees for museums in Salzburg

Salzburg is not only beautiful from the outside but also very interesting from the inside. Visiting museums and attractions, one should be prepared for significant monetary expenses. Therefore, I recommend you inquire in advance about the places you are interested in to make a plan and calculate costs.

Ticket prices of the main tourist attractions of Salzburg (2022):

Hohensalzburg Fortress: round-trip funicular ticket with two museums is 13.30 euros, children's 7.60 euros, with three museums 16.60 euros. Walking up and down by funicular, including two museums, 10,30 euros

Mozart's birth house: 12 euros, children's 3.50 euros

Mozart's second apartment: 12 euros, children's 3.50 euros

Museum of the Natural Sciences – Haus der Natur: 9,50 euros, children's 6 euros

The Palace of the Archbishops and the Cathedral Quarter: 13 euros, children's 5 euros

Hellbrunn Palace and the tricky fountains: 13.50 euros, children's 6.50 euros

Hellbrunn Zoo: 12.00 euros, children's 6,00 euros 

Boat trip on the Salzach River (April-November) depending on the category: 16 euros, 18 euros, or 36 euros

Stiegl Brewing Museum: 18,90 euros, children's 10 euros

Cable car to the Untresberg mountain: 26,50 euros, children's 12 euros

 

If you are going to spend an intensive day in Salzburg or come for 2-3 days, then I advise you to buy a tourist card, Salzburg Card. With its purchase, tickets to all the above attractions are included in the card price. You will also be able to use public transport for free. Almost all daily concerts will become 10% cheaper with a card for 48 and 72 hours; many hotels give a 10% discount. Furthermore, you enter most museums without waiting in line. 

 The price of the Salzburg Card

The price of the Salzburg Card:

Twenty-four hours – 30 euros and 15 euros for children (6-15y.o) from May 1 to October 31. The rest of the time is 27 euros and 13,50 euros for children

Forty-eight hours – 39 euros and 19,50 euros for children from May 1 to October 31. The rest of the time, 35 euros and 17,50 euros for children

Seventy-two hours – 45 euros and 22,50 euros for children from May 1 to October 31. The rest of the time, 40 euros and 20 children

The countdown to the validity of the Salzburg Card begins with the first visit. If you use public transport, you must fill out the card before boarding, entering the date, time, and your name in it with a pen.

The SALZBURG CARD is for sale in hotels and tourist information offices: at the railway station and Mozart square. Also, it is available online on Salzburg's tourism department website: www.salzburg.info.

When buying a Salzburg card, it is essential to consider the time of year! Not all attractions are accessible all year-round. Most tourist attractions have seasonal breaks for technical maintenance or financial revisions.

On my tours, I inform my guests about the location of the attractions, the duration of their visits, and opening hours, and I will help with an activity plan in Salzburg. In addition, for groups of 20 or more people, I can buy a discounted Salzburg Card.

Climate and weather in Austria

The diverse landscape of Austria directly affects its climate. In the east of the country, the winds are not uncommon; in the Alpine foothills the influence of the continent with lower temperatures in winter and higher in summer is felt. More precipitation falls from the northern side of the Alps, and the climate is temperate, usually without significant temperature differences. Central Austria is located on a hill. In the valley of the Danube, surrounded by hills, its mild microclimate is formed, favorable for winemaking and growing fruit crops. In the south of the Alps, the influence of the Mediterranean Sea is felt; mild winters and many sunny days are characteristic.

Salzburg is located on the northern edge of Austria, north of the Alps. 70% of the land of Salzburg is mountainous. Due to the difference in heights, the air temperature can vary significantly in the city and the nearest suburb, especially in autumn and winter. According to statistics, cloudy and sunny days are equal here. A temperate climate prevails. Each season has its own three months.

 

Winter in Salzburg

In Salzburg, November and the first half of December often delight with sunny days; the temperature is usually +5 +10. However, by mid-December, it gets colder sharply. Forecasters call this period the "Christmas depression"; when temperatures drop below zero, the ground has cooled down enough, and snow falling in the valleys does not immediately melt. The temperature ranges between 0 and -5 degrees.

Weather and Climate of Austria in Winter, Summer, Spring and Autumn

From the first week of January, a real winter comes with heavy snowfalls and low temperatures. Statistics show that frigid winters happen in Austria once in 10 years. For example, this was the case in 2006 and 2017, when the temperature dropped to -25 degrees. At the same time, large bodies of water freeze entirely, which rarely happens nowadays.

Several times during the winter, a warm anticyclone Föhn comes to Austria from the south. With it, a hurricane-force wind begins to blow and the temperature can jump up to +15 degrees during the day. Due to strong winds, all lifts are stopped in ski resorts for safety reasons. After 2 - 3 days, the cyclone leaves, and temperatures return to subzero levels again.

Weather and Climate of Austria in Winter, Summer, Spring and Autumn 

Traveling to Salzburg from a ski resort, do not forget that Austria is not the south. It can be freezing here with high humidity! In Salzburg, the cold feels damp, penetrating to the very bones. To explore the city center, you will have to walk. In the afternoon, the shadow of the Menchsberg mountain covers the entire area of the old town, and if you are not warmly dressed enough, the tour will be reduced to one shopping trip and a cafe. Dress as warmly as possible! Let it be hot rather than cold.

February in Salzburg is often cloudy; heavy snowfalls are not uncommon. Heavy humid air settles in the valley of the Salzach River. But, having left the valley for the mountains, the clouds remain behind and a clear blue sky with a bright sun opens above you.

salzburg toptours weather november

Thaws begin in March. There is still abundant snow in the mountains, while the grass begins to turn green in the valleys and the first flowers bloom in the parks. The average temperature in March is +5 +8. March usually pleases with stable temperatures and rare precipitation. By the end of March, the air temperature may rise to +20. At this time, magnolias begin to bloom in Salzburg.

April, like everywhere else, is a month with changeable weather. After warm sunny days, when you have already put most warm clothes in the back drawer, winter is coming back again. Heavy snowfalls with snowdrifts in April are not uncommon. No wonder the local saying says: April macht was er will - April does what she wants. 

salzburg toptours weather may

 

Summer in Salzburg

The weather frequently changes until mid-May. It is usually warm, but it often snows in the mountains when the weather deteriorates. Only after May 15 can we talk about the temperature stabilization and the arrival of summer. There is a sign that it is not worth planting heat-loving crops until the days of the five ice saints since frosts on the soil occur almost every year until St. Sophia's Day (May 15). There is even a local saying: Di koite Sophi mocht ois hi, that is, Cold Sofia ruins everything. In 2017, for example, snow fell in the mountains until mid-May. The temperature from the second half of May to the beginning of August ranges from +20 to +30 degrees.

Climate and Weather in Austria. Salzburg in Winter, Summer, Autumn and Spring 

In June and July, hot weather sets up to +35 and heavy showers in the evenings and at night.I always advise my guests to take warm clothes and waterproof outerwear with them when traveling to Austria, even in summer. Jackets (windbreakers) and sturdy shoes are handy if you spend time actively climbing the mountains. Heavy rains are a frequent phenomenon in Salzburg. At the same time, it becomes pretty cool in the mountainous area.

salzburg toptours weather july

August is still a warm summer, but it's starting to rain more and more often. The temperature during the day is +25 +27 and at night +10 + 15. In early September, warm, dry weather prevails. But nature seems to be holding a calendar in her hands, and as soon as September 1 comes, the breath of autumn begins to be felt. The sun is shining brightly, but it warms less. Until the beginning of October, comfortable temperatures are usually in the daytime: +20 + 23 degrees. Then, the nights become cool; the temperature is +7 +10 degrees. Indian summer, which lasts until mid-October, is a great time for a trip to the Alpine region.

salzburg toptours weather fall september

In the second half of October, the mountains are covered with a beautiful palette of colors. Snowcaps appear on the Alpine peaks. The sunny days of Indian summer end on October 20, after which leaden clouds cover Salzburg and the rainy season begins.

salzburg toptours weather fall

salzburg toptours weather october 

Public transport in Salzburg

There are two types of public transport in the city of Salzburg: bus and trolley bus. There is no subway or tram here.The numbers of bus and trolleybus lines are not duplicated, so there is no need to ask what kind of transportation No. 1, for example. A large share of the routes belongs to trolleybuses, whose lines already go far beyond the city.

Both kinds of transport have a standard ticket. To get from point A to point B, you will need only one ticket (a one-hour ticket), even if you have to change the lines. Salzburg is a relatively small town, and it takes no longer than one hour to go through it. 

Tickets for public transport in Salzburg are sold (prices 2022):

By the bus driver: 3 euros for a single ticket, 6,40 euros for 24 hours.
Ticket vending machine at the bus stop: 2,20 euros for a single and 4.50 euros ticket for 24 hours.
In tobacco shops and ticket offices of city buses: 2.10 euros for a single and 4.50 euros for 24 hours. Such tickets are sold only in a block of five pieces.

After buying a ticket at the ticket office or vending machine, it needs to be composted. Unfortunately, control happens often; the penalty for a stowaway is 85 euros! 

The fare can be a ticket to a concert, football or hockey matches, an invitation to an exhibition at the Messezentrum on the day of the event, or attending courses three hours before the start. For children under the age of 6 no ticket need.

By purchasing a tourist Salzburg Card, you can use all public transport for free. But it is essential to write the date and time of the start of use on it with a pen before boarding.

S-Bahn train lines run from Salzburg to the suburbs. In addition, you can get to the nearest cities, including Freilassing and Berchtesgaden (Germany).

Also, POSTBUS is engaged in suburban transportation (see the schedule). The central POSTBUS bus station is located at the Salzburg Hauptbahnhof Train Station.

The two most important transport hubs in Salzburg, where most urban transport lines intersect: are Mirabellplatz and Ferdinand, Hanusch Platz.

salzburg toptours information about public buses

 ABOUT MELicensed Tour Guide in Salzburg - Eugene Austria 

After a two-year course, I obtained my Austria Guide license and successfully passed the Salzburg Chamber of Commerce exams. I have also obtained concessions for transport services (transfers and excursions by minibus).

The vehicle is a Volkswagen Caravelle T6 4x4 minibus with a capacity of up to eight passengers. It is an extended version with a large luggage compartment, leather interior, microphone for excursions, WiFi internet connection and a fridge with drinks.

I accept payment in cash with a receipt after the tour or by bank transfer to an account at Raiffeisen Salzburg Bank / PayPal.

I invite travel agencies to cooperate with me. I deal with business tourism, develop programs for corporate events and organize venues for them. I also organize incentive trips as a performer and consultant.

In 2000 I got a job at Salzburg Sightseeing Tours, where I gained practical experience working with people, my first historical knowledge about Austria and other valuable skills.

At the same time, I participated in various projects, studied at university and attended courses. Of course, you can't remember everything. But my favorite subject, tourism, has always been a priority.

In 2004 I started studying to become a tourist guide in Austria (AUSTRIA GUIDES). The course lasted two years and was the last where the highest level teachers, church prelates and professors from the University of Salzburg were involved in the training.

In 2006 I passed the exams with distinction and was registered as a sole trader. Company name: AUSTRIA GUIDE & TRANSFER SERVICE - EVGENIY GUMENNIKOV

In 2007 he became a member of the Salzburg Guide Service Guild.

From 2013 to 2016, he worked as an assistant director of the EC Red Bull Salzburg youth hockey team, whose office is located in the modern Red Bull Sports Academy in Salzburg.

Since 2016, he has held a taxi concession to provide transport services and passenger transport.

In 2020, I finished my studies, passed my exams and obtained my real estate agent's certificate.

Today I belong to the old-timers of the excursion scene. Thanks to my experience, my excursions are always varied and unforgettable. I have a wealth of itineraries that most of my colleagues have never heard of.

In addition to city tours, I also offer active and minibus outings to the outskirts of Salzburg. Furthermore, two-day (and longer) tours are possible throughout Austria and neighboring countries: Czech Republic, Germany, Italy and Switzerland.

I organize transfers from Munich airport to Salzburg and the (ski) resorts of the Salzburger Land and back.

I can organize tourist buses for groups of more than eight people.

I will accompany you to exhibitions on any subject. I have a lot of experience with this.

I work as a translator for German and English.

I offer the services of a photographer for excursions.

I organize and carry out company events and incentive trips.

I can advise on holidays in Austria, recommend good restaurants and places of interest. 

Contact

5020 Salzburg, AUSTRIA
Tel: +43 650 82 36 890 (Whatsapp/Viber)
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Eugene Gumennikov

 

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