Partially closed

Excitement over swarm of bees in Salzburg’s old town

Small animals, big impact: the area at Residenzplatz was secured.(Bild: Markus Tschepp)

Unusual operation for the fire department and police in Salzburg on Saturday: part of Residenzplatz had to be secured due to a swarm of insects. 

Walkers were given quite a fright on Saturday when they suddenly came across countless bees in the middle of Salzburg's old town. It is assumed that the swarm was looking for a new home. 

Barrier remains
A foot patrol from the Rathaus police station happened to pass by on Saturday morning and was informed by a passer-by. The officers immediately took the necessary steps. This resulted in the Salzburg professional fire department being called out.

A section of the square was cordoned off at short notice to prevent disruption by cyclists or pedestrians. The barrier remains in place overnight so that the last bees can fly into the boxes in peace and be taken out of the city.