We are a family of 4, including 2 teenagers (15 & 16). We are flying in and out of Paris; we got a great deal on flights. Our plan is to take a train to Munich, and spend 2 nights before we rent a car. We will have about 12 nights before we return to Paris for 4 nights (we spent 2 weeks in Paris 2 years ago). I plan to spend a couple of nights in the Fussen/Mittenwald area and 4-5 nights in the Saltzkammergut area (St. Wolfgang?). I am trying to find 1 or 2 alpine villages for a couple of nights, but having a difficult time deciding. Recommendations? We have also been to Switzerland, which we loved. I am considering Seefeld, Mayrhofen, Heiligenblut, Alpenbach, and Saalbach. We are active and like to hike, but the kids will also want to relax by a pool and look at the beautiful scenery.
Thank you for any help.
Posted by
11130 posts
Make sure you pick up and drop off your rental car in the same country to avoid a high drop fee.
Posted by
St. Amant, LA, USA
54 posts
Have a look at Fieberbrunn and the surrounding PillerseeTal area.
https://www.kitzbueheler-alpen.com/en/pillerseetal/urlaub-ferien-fieberbrunn.html
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5370 posts
Seefeld is about a 15 minute drive from Mittenwald, so staying in both places makes little sense. I'd just go with Seefeld instead of Fussen/Mittenwald anyway as Seefeld has more to do for teens, such as a great swimming complex. I'd suggest at least three nights here, but 4-5 would be better.
In the Salzkammergut, I'd definitely go with St. Gilgen, not St. Wolfgang. St. Gilgen has a lot more for families, such as a nice beach, mini-golf and great restaurants. St. Wolfgang is a mess these days, completely overrun with tourists and tacky shops.
As for your other location(s), I'd suggest Soell, Solden, Ischgl, Serfaus, Mayrhofen. These, however, will be similar to St. Gilgen and Seefeld and I question changing locations for just a few days. Alternatively, I would definitely advocate for the Graz area - stay in Loipersdorf at one of the massive spa hotels and spend your days visiting Riegersburg Fortress, the Zotter Chocolate Factory and driving through the most beautiful scenery.
Posted by
OP
39 posts
Thank you for your replies. I can't find a reasonably priced hotel/apartment in St. Gilgen. Any suggestions? The apartment we have in St. Wolfgang is just outside of the town. I assume my kids can just jump in the lake anywhere--they don't need a beach. Is this incorrect?
After 2 nights in Munich, we have 1 night in Mittenwald, 3 nights in Heiligenblut, 3 nights in St. Wolfgang, and 3 nights in Salzburg booked (and then 1 more night in Munich before taking a train back to Paris for 5 nights). All of these we can cancel. Heiligenblut looks beautiful. Do you recommend Seefeld over Heiligenblut (we have a reservation at the National Park Lodge)?
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5370 posts
I am not aware of any public beach in St. Wolfgang. Most is either private homes or hotels. Don't plan on just jumping in the water.
Have you considered a farm stay? Have you contacted the town of St. Gilgen directly or used their website to find lodging? Most places are so small it doesn't pay off to list on a larger website. For farmstays, use this link - https://www.farmholidays.com/
Again, as noted above, Seefeld is about 15 minutes away from Mittenwald. It makes no sense to stay in both. I also think it makes no sense to stay in St. Wolfgang and Salzburg as these are also close together and you will have a car.
I've driven through Heiligenblut years ago and while it was scenic, I'm not sure there is a lot to do.
Posted by
Oberpfalz, Germany
1287 posts
OK, I'm jumping from winter now to summer so bear with me. Was on the Wolfgangsee late August this year. Falkenstein Gasthaus-Pension (St. Wolfgang im Salzkammergut) looked good from the boat and has lake access (maybe two double rooms required and pricey then). From the cog railway make sure you take a short walk all around the top of the Schafbergspitze to get views of all the lakes. I would keep your reservation in Heiligenblut and use as a base for hiking near the Großglockner, but make a daytrip to Lienz. Maybe overnight in Lienz. Take the gondola up to Zettersfield for the view and hiking in good weather.
Posted by
OP
39 posts
Thank you all. I really appreciate the advice. I'm enjoying reading about all the beautiful places (on this gloomy NYC day).