Staying Safe and Healthy in Salzburg
Emergency numbers
- Fire Department: 122
- Police: 133
- Ambulance: 141
- Rescue: 144
- Accident and breakdown assistance, towing service: ÖAMTC: 120 ARBÖ: 123
- Blocking hotline for stolen or lost credit and debit cards (EC cards) from Bankenauskunft.at: 0800 2048800
Salzburg is mostly a safe city that lets people explore its streets day or night without any major worries.Especially during the festive season, pickpockets cause a major problem in popular tourist destinations. At least, one should use caution.
On the ground floor of the town hall building in the historic area, on the western side of the Salzach river, next to the central state bridge, is a rather discreet police station.
Healthcare
By far the two biggest hospitals are the state hospital, St. Johanns Hospital, Mülln, and the Christian-Doppler-Klinik (CDK), on the southern edge of Liefering.Their merging with other Salzburg hospitals has resulted in their affiliation with the Salzburg Landeskliniken (SALK) umbrella organization since 2004.
Prince Archbishop Johann Ernst von Thun opened the St. Johanns-Spital in 1695.It grew and was rebuilt following World War II.In 2001 the Department of Surgery West opened its doors.Over 1,000 hospital beds are used annually to host almost 48,000 inpatients in seven institutions and nineteen specialized departments.
Apart from the two hospitals, the deaconesses hospital in Aigen, the Dr. Pierer sanatorium, the private clinic Wehrle, the accident hospital of the accident insurance institution on the Outer Stein, the hospital of the Brothers of Mercy next to the Kajetanerkirche, a special hospital, and a convalescent house for alcohol and drug addicts are also accessible.
Police
The Salzburg police run under a two-tiered system:
Salzburg’s backbone of law enforcement, the Polizei, handle a variety of tasks. They enforce traffic rules, investigate calls to emergencies, guard areas, and patrol communities. They also significantly help to keep public peace during demonstrations and events.
Salzburg also hosts the federal police force of Austria, the Bundespolizei. Their main interests are counter-terrorism policies, railway security, and border control. They work closely with the neighborhood Polizei to guarantee thorough security all around the city.
Especially for visitors not familiar with the local system, knowing how to interact with the police is crucial.
Should an emergency arise, the pan-European emergency number 112 links you straight to the closest dispersion center. Trained staff will evaluate the circumstances and forward the suitable response unit—that of the Polizei, ambulance, or fire brigade.
In non-emergency circumstances, visit the closest police station or phone them at the non-emergency number stated on their official website. At most stations, especially in tourist areas, English-speaking police are on hand. Some stations also feature personnel who speak several languages.
Salzburg boasts a quite low crime rate. Still, it is always wise to be alert and informed.
The most often occurring crime is petty theft, especially aimed at wallets and bags left unattended on bicycles or in cafes. Keep your possessions close, use money belts, and lock your bags to protect them. Pickpocketing also happens in packed places. Look around you and try not to carry too much money.
Salzburg enforces rigorous traffic laws. Learn about pedestrian right-of- way rules, speed restrictions, and reserved parking lots. Remember Austria follows right-hand-drive traffic regulations.
