When the hustle and bustle of New Year's Eve is over and the world is drowning in lazy merriment and feasting, it's time to have some fun with a trip to Salzburg. What better way to kick off the winter holidays than with a taste of European festivities?
Here, in January, you can enjoy the joys of winter without the bone-chilling cold.
Silvery threads of hoar-frost cover the bas-relief architecture of the old streets. Romantic strolls are interspersed with wild parties. Exchange of knowledge, delicious food, beautiful music — relaxation for body and soul. This city has it all. Expose yourself to it and it will return the favour.
Holidays in Salzburg in January: Eat, Pray, Love
There are conflicting accounts of a January holiday in Salzburg: some say they had fun, some say they were in a lyrical mood, others say they enjoyed a delicious meal.
One thing is for sure: the holiday was a success. And that's no surprise, because there's so much to see and do in Salzburg in January:
- The snow-covered city is more majestic than ever. By day it looks like a fantasy landscape, by night it glows with classical illumination.
- Christmas services are so glorious that even the staunchest atheist will start to believe in divine power.
- There is much to hear, see and photograph on the tours, although most visitors indulge in the gastronomic delights.
- In January, on the night of 5-6 January, you have the unique opportunity to take part in a real carnival of ghoulish masks and costumes.
- The second half of winter is filled with the romantic music of Mozart.
- Crazy sales will satisfy even the most avid shopper.
However, it is worth bearing in mind that there may be moments in Salzburg in January that you should be prepared for:
- Book your hotel well in advance — Austrians may also want to spend their holidays in the city.
- Dress warmly — it's winter outside, and although the climate is milder than in the country, it's worth checking the weather forecast in advance.
- Have some extra cash on hand in case the bargains go to your head.
- What you eat — it is not a sin to put on a few pounds after the holidays, as long as you burn off the calories by walking.
- Remember that some museums may be closed during the holidays.
- Visits to beautiful parks and zoos should be postponed until warmer weather, as they look rather dull and grey in January.
Weather in Salzburg in January
The weather in January and February is not as frosty as we're used to. It's worth travelling to other countries in search of snowstorms. The weather in early January can stay above 0°C during the day, but the temperature drops significantly at night.
Temperatures in Salzburg in mid-January are rarely surprising, but it's worth preparing for them.
The weather in Salzburg at the end of January is not much different from the beginning or middle of the month. Throughout the winter, the temperature tends to stay in a stable eight-degree range between above and below zero.
The beginning of the month can be even colder than the end. It is worth relying on the weather forecast or luck if the weather conditions are not too frightening and you are travelling without children.
Air and water temperature
The European climate has found its golden mean in Austria. There are no extremely hot summers and the winters are quite mild. The temperatures in Salzburg in January are pleasant for a walk through the winter city.
The air is reminiscent of the mountains and you can't get enough of it, thanks to the moderate frost of the river that runs through the city.
Air temperatures in Salzburg in January
The average temperature is about 0°C. It's much colder at night. The average temperature can drop to -4°C. Most days are above freezing, but there are a few frosty days a month.
These bring the monthly average down to 0°C. For tourists, however, the local winter weather is a pleasant alternative to northern cities and countries, as such frosty weather is very rare and does not occur every year.
Amount of precipitation
The average rainfall in Salzburg in January is around 70 mm. There are only 3 days of rain and 5 days of snow per month. This is a good indicator, as it is rare for a European city to have 75% of the month dry in January. That's why people often come here with children in January — there's less chance of a child returning from a trip with a cold.
Sunny, cloudy and overcast days
Salzburg is overcast on 45% of days in January. Tourists and residents enjoy sunshine on an average of 26% of the total number of days. And 29% of the time it is cloudy in January.
But that doesn't stop you from enjoying the beauty of the city. The same landscape looks different in different weather conditions. When the sky is overcast, the imposing buildings look mysterious, but in sunny weather they look fabulous. As the weather changes frequently during the week, you can catch both clear and cloudy days.
Excursions: the best places to visit in January
Start your journey with a stroll around the left bank of Salzburg. Here, in the central Residenzplatz, you will find the Bishop's Palace, with its extensive art gallery, and the Neue Residenz, where you can admire the ancient clocks and bells, of which there are no fewer than 35!
You'll also find the beautiful Residenzbrunnen fountain in the centre of the square. Even if it doesn't work at this time of year, you can still enjoy the fine work of the master craftsman who created this masterpiece.
Stepped bowls support human statues and carved horse figures peer out in a circle. You just want to stroke them on their expertly carved tails as if they were real.
If you're lucky enough to find the city covered in snow in early January, you'll understand why Salzburg means 'salt castle'. The white blanket adds to the mystery of the pale stone of which most of the old buildings are made.
Then visit the Benedictine Abbey of St Peter's, now an active monastery. Apart from the architectural beauty, you can also visit the local catacombs with their mysterious and sometimes terrifying atmosphere. This is particularly noticeable in mid-January when the catacombs are sparsely populated.
Salzburg Cathedral and the Church of St. Francis will fill your memory box with beautiful photographs. Hohensalzburg Fortress, with its vantage point overlooking the sprawling city, is a must on your itinerary. Dress warmly here in late January, however, as frosty winds can blow over the hilltop.
Weather permitting, walk up the main tourist street, Getreidegasse, home to the Wolfgang Mozart House Museum. The locals are notoriously proud of their relationship with the great composer and have named everything from desserts and liqueurs to streets and restaurants after him.
So what do you recommend if you are visiting Salzburg with children in January? Visit museums and exhibitions, classical music concerts, souvenir shops and shopping centres with playgrounds to keep warm and burn off energy.
Holidays, events and festivals
Salzburg's January festivities are as colourful as its winter illuminations, full of stark contrasts and charged with positivity and good humour.
- On the 6th of January you'll find children wearing paper crowns and white shirts over their warm clothes, wishing you a Happy Christmas and expecting sweets in return. They may even knock on your door. Although it is an outdated tradition, it still survives in some families. The act is reminiscent of domestic carol singing. Don't be offended if you find your door chalked with incomprehensible letters or phrases. The writing means that Christ has approved of your kindness. If you'd like, you can get involved in the tradition by buying costumes for yourself and your children in advance.
- It's also early enough in the month to catch the Winter Festival. This festival, which starts at the end of November, features some of the best circus acts in Europe.
- The month ends with the biggest cultural event of the year, the long-running Mozart Festival. The whole city is filled with the sounds of the great composer's music.
- CASA. CASA is Salzburg's most popular trade fair and offers a clear insight into the latest trends in contemporary interior design. CASA is held every two years at the Messe Exhibition Centre. The fair takes place once in January.
Shopping
The sales boom that started just after Christmas is still at its peak. The holidays have had a calming effect on the locals and the shopping frenzy has subsided.
New Year's Eve holidays are very expensive, especially as there is no shortage of money. Now is the time to indulge in some leisurely shopping. Shops are discounting prices by up to 80%. It's a good opportunity to pick up affordable or high-end European brands.
Cost of vacation
Prices in Salzburg at the beginning of January are at the same level as in December. This is mainly due to the New Year holidays. But after the rush, prices drop by about 30%. Therefore, it is best to travel to Salzburg in the middle of the month. With the Mozart Festival approaching, the most popular hotels can raise their rates by around 20%.
However, this applies mainly to hotels in the city centre. The average price for a hotel room in January is around €120 (€38 higher in December). Be sure to buy the Salzburg Card. With this card you can visit many of Salzburg's sights and museums for free and you do not have to pay for public transport.
It is sold at all tourist offices and hotels in the city. Prices range from €27 to €45 for an adult, depending on the time of year and duration, and from €13,5 to €22,5 for children aged 6 to 15.
The winter cold doesn't have to be a problem for avid travellers. The main thing is to bring comfortable warm clothes and a good mood. If you are travelling with children, you will need to take twice as much with you. In January this factor is more important than ever.
Outdoor walking is good in moderation. That's why January is not the best time for little travellers. They're better off staying in the warmth and comfort of home while their parents take a romantic weekend trip to Europe.
And if you have schoolchildren travelling with you, their bodies can benefit from a planned trip, combining outdoor leisure time with a visit to a warm indoor excursion.
Of course, adults should also pack at least one of their warmest sweaters in case the weather surprises them with a winter frost. Plan your trip carefully, keep an eye on the weather websites and your trip to Salzburg will be one to remember.
January is a good time for winter holidays. Such trips brighten your life in that you don't live from summer to summer dreaming of the sea waves. Life here and now is beautiful and wonderful.
Every city is a fascinating book of stories and unexpected discoveries. And Salzburg in January is a whole library of such books.
