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4 days in Austria, how to make the best of our time?

Hi! I'm touring Central Europe with a couple friends (mid 20s) and wanted to get some input regarding our time in Austria. We plan to spend 4 days in Austria. For context, we'll be in Munich prior, then Prague after. I was thinking we'd just rely on the train, but I'm open to getting a car if it makes things easier. I am split between two options

  1. Spend 2 days in Salzburg and 2 days in Vienna.

  2. Spend 4 days in Salzburg, and skip Vienna. We would maybe include a day trip to Berchtesgaden to see Hitler's Eagles Nest.

For #1, we get the opportunity to see TWO of Austria's amazing cities. Going to Vienna also makes sense because it'll bring us closer to Prague (our next stop). On the flip side, #2 might be more relaxing with a little less moving around. I'd love any advice here, or new recommendations!

Thanks in advance!

Brad

Posted by
3226 posts

How many nights will you be in Europe? Are you flying into Munich and out of Prague? Have you bought plane tickets yet?

Posted by
4 posts

So we'll be traveling for a total of 14 nights + 13 days
- 3 in Munich (Oktoberfest).
- 4 in Austria
- 3 in Prague
- 4 in Budapest.

We've already booked flights (in and out).

Posted by
3226 posts

we'll be traveling for a total of 15 nights

Does 15 nights include the overnight flight from the US (or CA) to Munich?
Add a fourth night in Munich and visit Salzburg as a day trip from Munich by direct train (2h).
From Munich airport fly nonstop to Prague. From Prague take an overnight train (rent a sleeper car) to Vienna. Vienna deserves a minimum of four nights. You can then take a direct train from Vienna to Budapest (2h 45m).

Posted by
2230 posts

We've already booked flights (in and out).

Which cities? Did you already book hotels or is the order of visiting the different places changeable?

Posted by
18 posts

IMO you don't need more than 2 days in Salzburg. I'm also in mid-20s, living in Vienna, and went with a friend earlier this year. 2 days is enough to cover the city unless you want to do any nature-related stuff outside of it.

Since I'm living in Vienna ... I can't recommend it enough! The train from Salzburg to Vienna is only 2 hrs 25 min - 3 hrs (depending on the one you book). There's so much to do and the city is so beautiful.

Plus I think it's much easier to take the train to Prague from Vienna rather than from Salzburg. Also not sure how you've planned your trip but Vienna-Budapest via train is also very easy (via either OBB or Regiojet, both are good).

happy to give more specific recs for Vienna as well!