In co-operation with e-Boks
Before we set off on our two-month motorhome trip across Europe, we told you that we were planning to test e-Boks, a digital mailbox for government mail. Now we've arrived at a campsite in Austria where we plan to stay a few extra days to take care of practical matters. So what better time to evaluate the digital mailbox than now?
Table of contents
Czech Republic - Germany - Austria
We have now left the Czech Republic and rolled into a campsite in Austria, more specifically in Salzburg. After the visit in Marianske Lazne we stayed one night at a caravan park in Vohenstrauss, Germany, and then rolled all the way to Panorama camping in Salzburg. In total, the journey took about 4.5 hours, at a leisurely pace.
Nice campsite in Austria
We like to stay at caravan sites, but now we have chosen to stay at a campsite. When you are travelling for a long time, it is sometimes nice to have a little better service, in the form of electricity, WiFi, fresh showers and washing machines. At least that's what we think. Camping Panorama in Salzburg offers all this, plus a restaurant and a beautiful view of the city and the mountains behind.
The campsite seems popular and is full of Germans, French, Dutch, English, Portuguese, Italians, Danes, Swedes and others. We can't help but be struck by the difference from the western Czech Republic, where we met almost only Czechs and Germans (and the occasional Dutchman) at the campsites. Why is that so? That you come here to Salzburg we really understand, but do you dare not travel to the beautiful (and affordable!) Czech Republic?
It seems perfect for us to stay here for a few extra days. We can use the campsite's nice showers, we can wash clothes if we want to, and we can relieve our own internet (which we use heavily) by paying for WiFi. We also plan to use the time for other practical things that need to be taken care of while travelling: mail, bills, invoices etc.
e-Boks - how has it worked?
We signed up for e-Boks just over one month ago, and the big advantage of using a digital mailbox for government mail is of course that we get the mail even when we are travelling. We haven't had time to receive many letters from authorities yet (maybe because it's summer), but we have received a decision on property taxation (for our houseboat!) from the Swedish Tax Agency, and a message from our bank.
So far, we have to say that the mailbox has worked well. It is reassuring to know that we don't miss any important government mail when we are travelling. When we receive mail in the digital mailbox, we receive an email so that we can immediately see that we have received mail. We then have access to all previous official letters and do not have to search for them in binders and boxes at home.
We will continue to use e-Boks, not least because it is free and good for the environment by reducing paper handling. If you also want to try it, you can register at e-Boks online. You can also download the app called e-Boks.se. All you need is a mobile bank ID to identify yourself.
Soon we will see more of Salzburg
As soon as we get our lives back on track, we'll make sure to see more of Salzburg! We've already been inside the city and familiarised ourselves with it. What we can say so far is that this is a beautiful city, which is dramatically situated with the high mountains in the background. A lot seems to be about Mozart here, and you can almost hear the classical music in your ears when you walk the streets.
What will we do in Salzburg? We plan to check out the city and the shopping, and we will also go to a "Mozart Candle Light Dinner". We also plan to take a cable car up a high mountain! Have you been to Salzburg and have any other tips for us?
Anna | Boihusbil says:
Have had a digital mailbox for several years. Kivra is our name. Works great and nice to know that we can be anywhere and still get our important mail.
17 July 2018 - 9:14
Helena says:
It's nice to know that important mail will arrive, even when you're on the road!
17 July 2018 - 12:44
Maria says:
Same as Anna: Kivra works great. Lovely Saltzburg, have fun and enjoy. The Czech Republic seems very interesting as a destination and agree that it is strange that you have not been there! Thanks for that travel tip! How do you feel about the heat in your country? Here in Sweden is the heat wave, forest fires and water shortages ...
17 July 2018 - 9:58
Helena says:
The Czech Republic is really worth visiting, so it's great if we can inspire you to do so! We read about the heat in Sweden. We only have around 22 degrees so not nearly as hot here 😉.
17 July 2018 - 13:18
Annar Aas says:
Looking forward to more facts about Zalsburg. Will drive down in the autumn!
17 July 2018 - 10:04
Helena says:
We will return to Salzburg in the coming days! 🙂 Glad you are planning to drive here!
17 July 2018 - 13:19
Daniel | FlyingDryden says:
I also use Kivra and think it works well. It's nice to avoid paper mail that has to be filed somewhere. Another thing, which has nothing to do with official mail, but I'm still waiting for my bank, Länsförsäkringar, to issue an e-invoice for its own insurance policy... #skomakarnsbarn etc.
17 July 2018 - 10:10
Helena says:
Isn't it nice to get rid of paper mail!!! Some still seem to be behind, you should be able to get everything digitally!
17 July 2018 - 13:20
Monet says:
I also wonder why some countries, such as the Czech Republic where you have been, are not visited in the same way as, for example, Austria? Is it to do with the language? That they are former Eastern Bloc countries? That you believe that the standard of living and thus service, hotels, food, road standards and other things are lower than in the rest of Europe? At least I have several such preconceived and prejudiced thoughts. For me, it is also the case that I feel best in and am attracted to places where I speak and understand the language. I don't like to feel very "touristy" - even if you are, of course - and I feel more at home if I can both understand and speak the language. Since I belong to a generation that studied several languages and also travelled a lot in Europe as a young person, it feels more interesting to stay in countries where you even understand the letters. Greece, for example, is just pure Greek to me even though it is such a beautiful country. It's all the better that you show off these gems!
17 July 2018 - 10:31
Helena says:
I think it may have to do with prejudice, yes. I think you may be right. When it comes to language, it can make a difference whether you prefer French or Spanish, for example. English works much better in the Czech Republic than in many other European countries. In some parts of the Czech Republic, German is also very good.
17 July 2018 - 13:23
Maria says:
My husband and I were wondering about the language but now we found out!
17 July 2018 - 13:31
Helena says:
Young people in the Czech Republic almost always speak English, but not the elderly. Some older people speak German instead, especially in the western Czech Republic.
17 July 2018 - 16:46
Mr Steve says:
Imagine how convenient it is nowadays when you are travelling when "everything" can be managed via the internet.
You seem to have a more pleasant summer climate than we have here at home right now.
17 July 2018 - 10:32
Helena says:
It's getting easier and easier to be a "digital nomad"! And yes, it's only around 22 degrees 😉.
17 July 2018 - 13:24
GeddFish says:
Have also had Kivra for many years, works great. I have a lot of digital, my poor mobile phone is heavily loaded 😀 but so smoothly.
Looks nice on your campsites, gets a little jealous, but that was then, that, good memories also taste good.
17 July 2018 - 10:47
Helena says:
The digital world is great when it works! And it's nice to have nice memories to think back on 🙂 .
17 July 2018 - 13:25
Ama de casa says:
So... In the header. Second car on the (hello, hello) right. Is it a small motorhome (or wagon?). Either way, it looked both cute and appropriate 😀.
Stay well!
17 July 2018 - 11:33
Helena says:
It's a cute little caravan 🙂 Had another super cute tiny thing with lace curtains next to us this morning 🙂 .
17 July 2018 - 13:27
Maggan and Ingemar says:
We have the digital mailbox via the Swedish Tax Agency and My Authority Mail. Good that you get a reminder when letters arrive. The countries you have now visited are also on my wish list for the autumn. In the summer we prefer to be at home and this year it suited us perfectly. Exciting to follow you and get tips.
17 July 2018 - 11:44
Helena says:
Yes, it's good that you get a reminder! Glad that these countries are on your wish list, then maybe we can come up with some tips! 🙂
17 July 2018 - 13:28
Razzy says:
I also use Kivra, easy and simple. Salzburg has a cosy beer hall called Augustiner Bräustübl, their beer is brewed on site and tapped from wooden beer barrels, if you can go just outside, there is Salzburg's large beer brewery Stieal, they have a beer museum and beer tasting, in the past, at least Bus No. 1 and Bus No. 10 went there.
Just outside Salzburg there is also a place called Werfen, there is a beautiful castle and an ice cave that is covered in ice all year round, very cool.
Hugs Eva
17 July 2018 - 12:43
Helena says:
Thank you very much for these great tips! Sounds interesting! We will see what we have time to get 🙂 .
17 July 2018 - 16:48
JoY says:
I am so happy to see that you are in Salzburg now. Austria is close to my heart, much because I have worked there and have my girlfriend in Zell.
Of course Salzburg is a beautiful city and so nice with the view from the campsite. Short distances and you can see what you want to see by walking. Perfect to roll down with the bike from the campsite.
The picture where Helena is standing on the bridge, if you continue on the left side along the river on Müllner Hauptstrasse. You will soon come to an old monastery, which is a brewery. It's called Augustinerbräu-Kloster Mülln on Lindhofsstrasse. Large indoor halls, you get your sling from the shelf and get it refilled from the beer barrel. There are also places to get something to eat. A garden with large trees that provide nice shade, sometimes there can be bumpa music or cello. A place we always visit, nostalgic memories from the 70s hahaha.
Gives another tip but then you have to go with the campervan. Don't know where you are going next, but didn't you mention Zell? Then you can drive towards Werfen, A10 south, about 1 hour drive and arrive at Eisriesenwelt. Which in our opinion is a fantastic ice cave located up in the mountain, not down underground. You go with small buses, a short cable car and then you have to walk a bit. Warm clothes, because it is cold in the cave. Lovely view from the top of the mountain. The whole thing takes a couple of hours, so don't wait until late afternoon.
East of Salzburg, the town of St Wolfgang on the lake of the same name. The famous operetta White Horse, Im Weissen Rössl.
A little further along that road, you have the lovely little town of Hallstatt, built on the side of the mountain and with a cemetery of skulls!
My goodness you can stay there forever, if I'm going to keep giving you tips. That's it for today hahaha
Hugs from us in 30gr shadow heat and not a cloud in the sky.
17 July 2018 - 13:10
Helena says:
Wow, thank you for so many great tips!!! We will probably not have time for all of them, but we will probably be able to pick up one or two. BIG thanks! 🙂
17 July 2018 - 16:40
Daniel@FinallyLost says:
We haven't tried a digital mailbox yet, but thanks for the tip!
We also favour campsites.
17 July 2018 - 14:27
Helena says:
It's nice to go camping, at least sometimes! 🙂 Digital mailboxes are handy when travelling!
17 July 2018 - 16:41
BP says:
The campsite is really nice with the best view in the world! Well chosen there.
That few people visit the Czech Republic is probably due to the fact that the country is a former eastern state and has not really succeeded in profiling itself as a "tourist country". But you are doing your best to promote the Czech Republic:-)
Salzburg is beautiful. You should go up to Festung Hohensalzburg which is a castle. Now I don't know if you are so fond of sweets, but if you are, you just have to try the city's speciality called Salzburger Nockerln. I recommend sharing a portion, as the dessert is incredibly sweet.
17 July 2018 - 16:17
Helena says:
Many people visit Prague, but it's easy to miss the rest of the country, unfortunately. The Czech Republic has a lot to offer! And we are happy to promote the Czech Republic, it is a country we really like to travel in! 🙂 And thanks for the Salzburg tip! Understand that you have been in this beautiful city then? 🙂
17 July 2018 - 16:44
Husis blog says:
My owners use Kivra and it certainly works like yours. This was the one the owners were told about first, so that's why they chose it.
My owners are often bad at driving around inland, they live inland in Sweden and often look for coastal strips when they are out with me, unfortunately. They probably miss a lot, but on the other hand they see a lot of sea. The Czech Republic is certainly very nice and interesting to read about your trip which is very different from my travels.
17 July 2018 - 17:17
Helena says:
We also like coast and sea, so I can understand that choice! 🙂
17 July 2018 - 18:08
Role o Carina says:
We have unfortunately never travelled in these beautiful areas, maybe in a few years! 🙂
We also use Kivra, a perfect mailbox!
Take care and enjoy.......+ 30 here today....Puuuhhhhhhh
17 July 2018 - 17:48
Helena says:
What heat you have!!! We have a little cooler, only around 22 😉 .
17 July 2018 - 18:09
Snows says:
We also have Kivra and it works perfectly! Good to know that you don't miss anything. Have fun in Salzburg!
17 July 2018 - 18:01
Helena says:
Thank you very much! Salzburg is nice! 🙂
17 July 2018 - 18:10
Ditte says:
Salzburg is a wonderful city. Really nice. Have been there many times and in different seasons. Nice to hike in the mountains above the city. Can understand that it is nice to spend a few days in a comfortable campsite.
Of course, a digital mailbox and we have also had KIVRA for quite a while and it works perfectly. Perfect because we are away a lot and you don't have to deal with a lot of paper...
Stay well and enjoy Salzburg. Clearly cooler than here.
17 July 2018 - 18:28
Helena says:
Agree that Salzburg is nice! Funny that you have been here so much! We will return with reports!
17 July 2018 - 22:23
Britt-Marie Lundgren says:
Have now read all the comments and many are in favour of Kivra. We have only talked about it, but now we will probably have to take the matter up. Unfortunately, we have some smoking, which seems hopeless to get on direct debit or e-invoice, but we'll see ...
I haven't visited Sslzburg since the late 80s, but remember it as a cosy city for the whole family.
Maybe time for a return visit, but Poland and the Czech Republic are at the top of the wish list.
17 July 2018 - 19:03
Helena says:
We have only tried eBoks and are very satisfied, but there are other similar services as well. Some bills can still be difficult to get on direct debit or similar, I agree! It should come with time, you think! Salzburg is nice! Funny that Poland and the Czech Republic are high on the wish list! Two countries we like!
17 July 2018 - 22:27
Matts Torebring says:
Austria, the country, the people, the nature, the food, the ski slopes, the better campsites, are among the best I know in Europe. We stopped going there when the Go Box was introduced. We have to start with E-Boks as well.
17 July 2018 - 19:36
Helena says:
I understand that you like Austria! We who have a slightly smaller motorhome only need a vignette, so then it will of course be a little easier. Is quite complicated with all these different systems in Europe! E-Boks makes travelling easier!
17 July 2018 - 22:32
Susjos says:
Wow, what a nice campsite it looks to be, and I love the nice cool weather! Here at home I dream of acquiring a fan....soon!
How exciting it sounded with that candle light dinner...looking forward to seeing more of your trip!
18 July 2018 - 0:34
Helena says:
The campsite is super nice! And phew, what heat you have!!!
31 August 2018 - 16:33
Lena - good for the soul says:
How beautiful it looks there in Salzburg!
I had no idea about that e-service. Seems great! Will probably test 🙂
Hug Lena
18 July 2018 - 6:08
Helena says:
An online service is convenient, especially when you are travelling!
31 August 2018 - 16:33