In July and August, visitors will be unable to drive through some portions of Salzburg’s city centre. Instead, they will be given an option.
Mirabell Palace, the Cathedral, Getreidegasse, and, of course, Mozart’s birthplace: Salzburg’s iconic landmarks will no longer be accessible by automobile for day-trippers this summer. Because the crowds around the Old Town regularly lead to massive traffic congestion, the Austrian city is drastically restricting access.
From July 1st to August 31st, day travellers are no longer authorised to drive into the city center, according to the city’s website. Cars should be parked in huge lots on the city’s outskirts. The daily parking price is €7.50. The price includes a day pass for public transit for up to five people.
The city of Salzburg offers Park & Ride services at four locations: the exhibition center, Designer Outlet Center, airport, and Salzburg-South.
The restriction was enacted to relieve the city center’s frequent traffic congestion caused by thousands of visitors visiting Salzburg. “Even if we have 1,000 fewer car trips per day, that should provide some relief,” stated municipal spokeswoman Karl Schupfer. Day-trippers gain nothing by being delayed in traffic rather than experiencing the city. Garages, hospitals, shops, and hotels will all remain accessible.
The regulation includes numerous exceptions, including for residents of the Bavarian border region: Vehicles with license plates from the city of Salzburg, the districts of Salzburg-Umgebung and Hallein, and the Berchtesgadener Land district are not affected by the driving ban .
Furthermore, journeys for medical care and to work are permitted. “For certain sectors,” proof from the employer may be required, according to the city’s website. The corresponding forms are available for download there. Tourists who have booked a hotel in the city center are also permitted to drive there. They must present a booking confirmation.
The two-month regulation may be extended if it proves successful, it was stated.
