Altstadt: The Timeless Heart of Salzburg

• HelloServus
  [ser-voos]
• GoodbyeAuf Wiedersehen
  [owf vee-der-zay-en]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNein
  [nine]
• Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [bit-te]
• Thank youDanke
  [dahn-keh]
• Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [ent-shool-dee-goong]
• How are you?Wie geht's?
  [vee gayts]
• Fine. And you?Gut. Und dir?
  [goot oont deer]
• Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?
  [shpre-khen zee eng-leesh]
• I don't understandIch verstehe nicht
  [ikh fer-shtay-uh nikht]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch möchte bitte die Speisekarte sehen
  [ikh mer-khe bit-te dee shpy-ze-kar-teh zay-en]
• I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [ikh es-suh kine flysh]
• Cheers!Prost!
  [prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bitte zahlen
  [ikh mer-khe bit-te tsah-len]

• Help!Hilfe!
  [hil-feh]
• Go away!Geh weg!
  [geh vekh]
• Call the Police!Ruf die Polizei!
  [roof dee po-lee-tsay]
• Call a doctor!Ruf einen Arzt!
  [roof eye-nen artsht]
• I'm lostIch habe mich verirrt
  [ikh hah-beh meekh feh-reert]
• I'm illIch bin krank
  [ikh been kr-ahnk]

• I'd like to buy...Ich möchte ... kaufen
  [ikh mer-khe ... kow-fen]
• I'm just lookingIch schaue nur
  [ikh sh-ow-eh noor]
• How much is it?Wie viel kostet das?
  [vee feel koh-stet dahs]
• That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer
  [dahs ist tsoy toy-er]
• Can you lower the price?Kannst du den Preis senken?
  [kahnst doo den prees zeng-ken]

• What time is it?Wie spät ist es?
  [vee shpeht ist es]
• It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr
  [es ist iyn oor]
• Half past (10)Halb elf
  [halb elf]
• MorningMorgen
  [mor-gen]
• AfternoonNachmittag
  [nahk-mit-tahk]
• EveningAbend
  [ah-bent]
• YesterdayGestern
  [ges-tern]
• TodayHeute
  [hoi-teh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [mor-gen]
• 1Eins
  [eyns]
• 2Zwei
  [tsvay]
• 3Drei
  [dr-eye]
• 4Vier
  [feer]
• 5Fünf
  [fuhnf]
• 6Sechs
  [zeks]
• 7Sieben
  [zee-ben]
• 8Acht
  [ahkt]
• 9Neun
  [noyn]
• 10Zehn
  [tsayn]

• Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/der...?
  [vo ist iyn/dehr]
• What's the address?Was ist die Adresse?
  [vas ist dee ah-dreh-seh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kannst du mir das zeigen (auf der Karte)?
  [kahnst doo meer dahs tsee-gen (owf dehr kar-teh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?
  [vahn kohmt dehr nykhs-teh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Eine Fahrkarte (nach ....)
  [eye-neh fahr-kahr-teh (nahk)]

The history of Altstadt, Salzburg's Old Town, dates back to Roman times when it was known as Juvavum, founded around 15 BC. The area's strategic location along trade routes made it a bustling settlement, and remnants of Roman architecture, including the remains of a Roman theatre and the walls, can still be seen today.

In the 8th century, Salzburg became an important center for Christianity under the leadership of Saint Rupert, who established the Benedictine monastery of St. Peter. This marked the beginning of Salzburg's role as a bishopric, which would influence the city's development and culture significantly. The cathedral, completed in the 17th century, stands as a testament to this ecclesiastical history.

The 17th and 18th centuries saw the transformation of Altstadt into a Baroque masterpiece. The Prince-Archbishops commissioned grand buildings and monuments, including the Mirabell Palace and the extensive fortifications of Hohensalzburg Fortress. This period defined the aesthetic character of Altstadt, contributing to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

The late 18th century was marked by the birth of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in 1756. His influence is still palpable in Altstadt, where many sites related to his life and work can be explored, including his birthplace on Getreidegasse. The city's vibrant music culture blossomed during this time, cementing Salzburg's reputation as a center for classical music.

During World War II, Salzburg, like many European cities, suffered damage from air raids. Post-war reconstruction efforts focused on restoring Altstadt's historical integrity. The commitment to preserving its Baroque architecture and cultural heritage has played a crucial role in shaping modern Salzburg as a tourist destination.

Today, Altstadt is a thriving cultural hub, hosting numerous festivals, including the Salzburg Festival, which celebrates music and drama every summer. The neighbourhood is a blend of historical charm and modern life, with shops, cafes, and galleries contributing to its vibrant atmosphere, while its well-preserved architecture continues to attract visitors from around the world.

Altstadt, the historic old town of Salzburg, is easily accessible from various neighborhoods within the city. If you're coming from the main train station (Hauptbahnhof), you can take tram line 1 or bus lines 2, 3, and 5 directly to the Altstadt. For those arriving by car, parking is limited in the old town, so it's advisable to use one of the nearby parking garages and walk to Altstadt. The closest options are the Altstadt Garages or the Mirabell Garage.

Altstadt is a pedestrian-friendly area, making it ideal for exploring on foot. Most attractions, including the Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mozart's Birthplace, and the Salzburg Cathedral, are within walking distance. Bicycles can be rented from various shops, and there are bike lanes available. Public transport options, such as trams and buses, are also available if you wish to venture further afield, with tram line 1 being particularly useful.

Altstadt is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night and be mindful of your belongings in crowded places. Areas near busy tourist spots may attract pickpockets, so keep your valuables secure. It is wise to stay in well-traveled areas, especially at night, to ensure your safety.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Hospitals and medical centers are available in the city, with the nearest being the Salzburg State Hospital. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies (Apotheken) can be found throughout Altstadt for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly when visiting religious sites like churches and monasteries. Don't wear beachwear or overly casual clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs, including being quiet in places of worship. Don't take photos in churches without permission. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer your seat to those in need. Don't eat or drink on trams and buses. Greetings: Do greet locals with a smile and a friendly 'Grüß Gott'. Don't assume everyone speaks English; a few phrases in German can go a long way. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties such as Sacher Torte and Salzburger Nockerl. Don't waste food, as it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Altstadt like a local, visit the weekly markets, particularly the Grünmarkt, where you can find fresh produce and local delicacies. Engage with local artisans and shopkeepers, many of whom are happy to share stories about their crafts. For a unique view of the city, hike up to the Kapuzinerberg for a panoramic vista of Salzburg. Don't miss out on enjoying a coffee at a traditional café, where locals gather to socialize.