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8 nights in Austria, how to break it up?

Hi RS experts,
We will be arriving in Vienna (flying in from Poland) with 8 nights to play with in Austria until we depart out of Munich. Given the arrival/departure cities it seems like we should spend some time in Vienna and then head west to Salzburg before we head up to Munich on the final day. My question is, how many days in each city? Anything we should do in between (i.e. Halstatt...spend the night?)? I'm debating whether we rent a car or take a train, as well. Or if people think we should spend less time in Salzburg and get a few days in in Munich, I'd be interested to hear that as well. We've seen about half of the sights in Munich on a prior trip, but have never been anywhere in Austria.

We are moderately adventurous, like to see the sights, but also try to avoid rushing around (we've made that mistake too many times before). Would love to hear others' thoughts and experiences.

Posted by
2399 posts

Depends on your interests. I would stay 3 nights in Vienna and 5 in Salzburg and environs. A night in Hallstatt would be fine. One of the best photos I ever took was early one morning in Hallstatt. I recommend a visit to a saltmine. I have done the one in Hallstatt ( once )and in Hallein ( 3 times ). The ice cave at Werfen is also a great time.

Posted by
1582 posts

Well you can split it up with this possible Itinerary below:

Day 1 Vienna - St. Stephens Cathedral, Rathaus, and Naschmarkt market.

Day 2 Vienna - Day trip to Melk Abbey and Danube river boat ride.

Day 3 Vienna - Schonbrunn Palace and Belvedere Museum.

Day 4 Vienna - Spanish Riding School, Donauturm (Viewing tower), Vienna Natural History Museum, Vienna State Opera.

Day 5 Vienna - Leave in early morning for Salzburg.

Day 5 Vienna / Salzburg - Tour Salzburg Old Town (Getreidegasse) and Motzart's Residence.

Day 6 Salzburg - Salzburg Fortress, Mirabell Palace and Gardens, St. Peter’s Abbey.

Day 7 Salzburg - Day trip to either St. Gilgen and St. Wolfgang or just Hallstatt.

Day 8 Salzburg - Take train to Munich

Posted by
432 posts

I'd divide it equally. Lots to see in each city with day trips to the surrounding areas. We've been to both cities and loved our adventures there. In Vienna you can take a boat tip on the Danube either west to Melk or east to Bratislava. Spend some time in the Vienna Woods. Lots to keep you busy within the city area. Salzburg is a smaller city, but there are many tours or side trips you could take there. Go to a salt mine, take a Sound of Music tour, go to Hitler's Eagles Nest, if you had a car you could drive to the Hoch Alpine Strasse and the Grosseglockner.