Vacation in Salzburg is planned several months in advance: the city is compact, the center can be walked around in a day, and the high season falls in July, August, and the Christmas holidays. There are no direct flights from Almaty — travelers fly via Istanbul, Frankfurt, or Vienna, and the journey takes from twelve hours. The most comfortable time to walk is in April, May, September, and October.
Seasons and weather in Salzburg
A trip here depends on the season: Austrian weather in the Alps changes quickly, so it is better to choose the month in advance. Below is when to go and what to take with you.
When it is most comfortable to walk
It is most comfortable to walk around the city in the shoulder season. In April and May the air warms up to fifteen degrees, and in September and October it is still warm and dry. In summer in Austria it can be hot, up to thirty degrees, but festivals are running. In winter the thermometer drops below zero, and snow falls. Austrian winter is milder than in Almaty, but the wind in the mountains feels stronger. For walks around Salzburg, take a jacket with a membrane and comfortable shoes. Weather in the Alps is unpredictable, so an umbrella will come in handy in any month.
Holidays, fairs, and high season
The peak falls in July, August, and the Christmas holidays. At this time hotels in Salzburg become noticeably more expensive, and tickets to events sell out in advance. The Austrian capital of music welcomes guests from all over the world. In winter the city is decorated with fairs on the squares, and choirs can be heard. In spring and autumn there are fewer tourists, prices are lower, and lines to museums are shorter. Plan your trip several months ahead if you want to catch the festive program.
Tours to Salzburg from Almaty
Tours to Salzburg from Almaty are assembled with a connection in major hubs. The journey takes almost a day, so the route is thought through in advance.
Flight routes and connections
There are no direct flights from Almaty to Austria. Usually travelers fly via Istanbul, Frankfurt, or Vienna, then continue by train or transfer. From Vienna airport to Salzburg, Austrian Railways trains run about every half hour, with a journey time of about two and a half hours. A connection in Istanbul takes from two to five hours. Total travel time is from twelve hours. Allow a gap between flights of at least three hours so as not to miss the connection. The Austrian side accepts flights around the clock, but public transport runs less frequently at night.
What is included in the price and booking conditions
A standard tour to Salzburg includes flights, accommodation, and transfer. Check with the manager whether breakfasts and excursions are included. An Austrian hotel may charge a city tax separately. Clarify in advance which expenses you pay on the spot.
Attractions and walks around the city
The historic center of Salzburg is compact, and the main sights stand close together. A walk around it can easily take one day.
Historic center and UNESCO heritage
The Old Town is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The narrow streets, squares, and facades have preserved the appearance of past centuries. Here it is easy to walk on foot, looking at signs and arches. Austrian architecture combines Gothic, Baroque, and Classicism. On the main street Getreidegasse stand houses with wrought-iron signs. Look into the courtyards, they are often hidden from the eyes of passersby. A walk around the center takes two to three hours without rushing.
Mozart places
The house where Mozart was born is one of the main reasons for interest in the city. The museum on Getreidegasse keeps instruments, letters, and portraits of the family. The second house, where the composer lived later, is also open to visitors. The Austrian capital of music holds concerts in halls where the maestro performed. Buy tickets for evening performances in advance. The exhibitions are open almost daily, except for certain holidays. Visiting both houses takes about three hours.
Hohensalzburg Fortress and viewing platforms
The fortress on the hill is visible from any point in the city. You can go up by funicular or on foot along the path. From the walls opens a panorama of Salzburg and the Alps. Inside there are museums dedicated to the history of the fortress and weapons. The Austrian stronghold is considered one of the largest in Europe. It is worth spending at least half an hour on the viewing platform. Come at opening time to avoid lines.
Mirabell Palace and Gardens
Mirabell Gardens are a popular place for walks in the center. Fountains, sculptures, and neat alleys create a ceremonial look. In summer roses bloom here, and in winter the alleys are decorated with garlands. The palace nearby is used for concerts and ceremonies. Austrian nobility once received guests here. From the gardens there is a view of the fortress on the hill. A walk through the park takes about an hour.
How to get around and where to stay?
Transport in Salzburg is convenient, and accommodation is better booked in advance. The time to the center and the price depend on the choice of district.
Transport in the city and passes
Buses and trolleybuses run around the city, tickets are sold in machines. A pass for a day or several days is more profitable than single rides. The Austrian transport system also includes suburban lines. Validate your ticket upon entry, otherwise a fine is possible. The center is compact, and it is often faster to walk. Bicycles are available for rent near the station. Check the schedule at stops and in the app.
Districts and accommodation options
Hotels in the center are more expensive, but everything is nearby. Suburbs are cheaper and connected to the center by transport. Austrian guesthouses offer breakfast and cozy rooms. Hostels are suitable for those saving on accommodation. Apartments are convenient for families and long trips. Book several months before high season. Check whether the city tax is included in the price.
Day trips to the lakes and the Alps
- Hallstatt: houses by the water, the journey takes about two hours
- Salzkammergut: lakes and mountain trails for walks
- Berchtesgaden: buses from the city, about an hour on the way
- Ski resorts of the state of Salzburg: available in winter
- Train tickets: buy in advance at the ticket office or online
- Allow a full day for each trip
What to take for the kitchen and for shopping?
Austrian cuisine is hearty and easy for tourists to understand. Payments and store opening hours should be considered in advance.
Austrian dishes and establishments
Try schnitzel, dumplings and strudel. Portions are large, one dish is enough for lunch. There are many cafes and restaurants in the center for any budget. Austrian cuisine combines meat, dough and creamy sauces. Markets sell cheeses, sausages and pastries. Book dinner at a popular place in advance. Tips are left by rounding up the bill.
Money, cards and opening hours
The currency is the euro, cards are accepted almost everywhere. A small amount of cash will be useful for markets and small establishments. Austrian shops are open on weekdays and on Saturday until the evening. On Sunday some shops are closed. Pharmacies and banks operate on a special schedule. ATMs are found on every major street. Keep change for tickets and toilets.
What a tourist from Kazakhstan should consider
In winter, take warm clothes and waterproof shoes. In summer, light clothing and a hat will be useful. Austrian weather is changeable, so layers of clothing are more convenient. A socket adapter is not needed, the plugs are standard. The time difference with Almaty is noticeable, it is better to make the first day calm. Keep copies of your booking on your phone. Respect local quiet hours in residential areas.
How many days do you need for Salzburg?
Two or three days are enough for the city itself: the center, Mozart's house, the fortress and Mirabell Gardens can be seen at a relaxed pace. Add another two or three days for day trips to the lakes of Salzkammergut and the Alps. A full program with departure from Almaty takes from six to eight days.
When is the best time to go for fairs and skiing?
Christmas fairs open at the end of November and run until the end of December, entry to the squares is free. Ski resorts of the state of Salzburg welcome guests from December to March, snow lasts until early April. If the goal is fairs, book accommodation three to four months in advance: in December hotels are taken first.
Visa and entry rules change: check with the primary source — the Embassy of the Republic of Austria in the Republic of Kazakhstan, https://www.bmeia.gv.at/ru/oeb-astana/reisen-nach-oesterreich/einreise-und-aufenthalt/wie-stelle-ich-einen-antrag. The information on this page was checked on 10.09.2026.
In short
- A holiday in Salzburg should be planned several months before departure from Almaty.
- Tours to Salzburg are assembled with a transfer in Istanbul, Frankfurt or Vienna.
- Salzburg, Austria — the city is compact, the historic center can be explored on foot.
- The best time for walks is April, May, September and October.
- Mozart's house, Hohensalzburg Fortress and Mirabell Gardens are a must-see program.