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Day Trip To Salzburg From Munich

Posted by (St. Augustine, FL) on

Hello,

We will be in Munich for a few days in December and would like to take the train to Salzburg on the weekend, probably Saturday.

Are we able to see the sights on our own or should we book a tour? Any “must-do” sights besides Mozart’s birthplace, the markets and some SOM spots? We saw a Christmas cookie/apple strudel class that looked interesting but also want to see some of this beautiful place.

We would like to stay long enough to see some of the holidays lights but can’t stay the night…is this the best website to look at the train timetables:

https://www.raileurope.com/en-us/destinations/munich-salzburg-train

Thanks so much for any advice,
CiCi

Posted by
20085 posts

is this the best website to look at the train timetables:

Absolutely NOT. The best website is https://www.bahn.com/en

Since you are going on a Saturday, you can buy a Bayern Ticket to cover up to 5 people traveling together. Unlimited travel on regional trains plus urban transport like S-Bahns, U-Bahns, trams, buses. Cost is 25 EUR plus 8 EUR for each addtional person up to 5 traveling together. https://www.bahn.com/en/offers/regional/regional-day-ticket-for-bavaria

Even though Salzburg is in Austria, the Bayern ticket is good to Salzburg Hbf.

Buy the ticket from a vending machine, or pay 2 EUR fee to buy from a ticket window. Write the names of all the passengers on the back of the ticket in ink.

There is a regional train from Munich to Salzburg every hour at 55 past the hour and it takes 1 3/4 hours to Salzburg. Return trains are at 15 past the hour. Do not board an Express train like an RJ or EC train. You'll get fined.

Posted by
20085 posts

I followed the link you gave. For 2 people the cheapest price Rail Europe shows is $39 each way. But with a Bayern ticket it is 33 EUR total (25 EUR for the 1st passenger plus 8 EUR or the 2nd passenger) for a round trip, roughly $39. Plus the Bayern ticket will get you to Munich Hbf or the Ostbahnhof on Munich public transit and back to your lodgings on the return.

Posted by
2312 posts

Salzburg is such a beautiful city, I would just spend the day exploring. Such a shame to only have one day there. How many days are you in Munich?

Take the funicular up to the fortress for fabulous views of the city. Stroll the old town. See the cemetery and stop at Stiftsbakerei St Peter’s (next to the water wheel) for some wonderful bread. Maybe take a carriage ride. Stop into the cathedral. Have a meal at a restaurant where Charlemagne dined in 803 (Stiftskeller at St. Peter’s). Walk over to the gardens at Mirabell palace. Have cake and coffee at one of the glorious cafes. There’s really too much for just one day!

Posted by
1371 posts

Central Salzburg is pretty compact. You should be able to wander on your own to get a good feel for the place. We only had an afternoon and evening but were able to visit the Fortress, several churches, Mozart's birthplace, and the Mirabellgarten area. This was in July 2017 and the crowds weren't bad. At night we seemed to have the place to ourselves and not much was open.

Posted by
2948 posts

Download Rick Steves app then his audio tour. This way you won’t miss a thing.

Posted by
5382 posts

Sam has saved you quite a bit of money!

RailEurope is the worst.

Posted by
89 posts

Thank you all so much for your suggestions. Unfortunately, we are only in the Munich area for four days and want to fit in a day to Salzburg. It sounds like a busy day, but that’s okay with us.

Sam, thank you for pointing us in the right direction for the best rail information…sounds like the Bayern ticket is definitely the way to go…we appreciate it!

CiCi

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