Is the Salzburg Card Worth it?

At first glance, it may seem like a waste — the Salzburg Card with its $29 - $45 price tag. But the Salzburg Card is definitely worth the cost.

With it, you get free admission to almost every museum in Salzburg, not just a discount as with other city passes.

If you're someone who would enjoy visiting many museums during your trip, then the card is for you. We found that it pays for itself after visits to only 2 or 3 attractions, such as the Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mozart's Residence, and Salzburg Museum. Yet there are more than 30 other places that can be visited for free.

The ride on the funicular to the Fortress is free as is the Untersberg cableway. You can ride the city buses for free and take a scenic ferry boat ride on the Salzach River. (Be sure to collect your free ticket first before trying to board the boat.) Plus, the many concerts held in venues throughout the city are offered at a discount.

Another benefit is that you can purchase a card only for the time that you need: 1, 2 or 3 days.

Use of the card is simple. You pass your card over the electronic reader at the entrances of the museums or show it to the attendant. Then you proceed into the museum. The clock starts ticking for your card's validity at the moment you first use it.