Hi!
We are a family of three, including an 11-year-old daughter. We plan to visit Austria in September for 16 days, starting and ending in Vienna. We will be renting a car. We love small towns, outdoor fun, the countryside, mountains, lakes and all that nature has to offer. We are looking for the most suitable three places in which to base ourselves so as to be able to reach most of Austria. Any suggestions please?
Thank you so much.
Do you have to start and end in Vienna? I hate backtracking, so I'd consider flying into Vienna and out of Munich (or Zurich) on an open-jaw ticket. That way, Vienna-Innsbruck-Salzburg makes a natural set of bases.
We plan to do a roundtrip, so as not to go through the same places. Flights are already booked.
It's perfectly sensible to start and end in Vienna. In fact, Austria is not that big. You might consider making Vienna your home base, and doing day trips.
As to the need for a car, I often find that you do not need a car. The notion of carefree driving thru the countryside has down-sides - speeding tickets that arrive 3 months after your return, difficulties in parking, cost of gas. With 3 in your party, you may wish to consider the use of trains. You can get to all kinds of places with trains, and there's not that much in the countryside to get to. In addition, if you rent a car for 16 days, you will probably only use it for 2-3 while parking (at cost) on the rest.
Another approach would be to stay in Vienna (no car) for 4 days, rent the car to drive to Salzburg or Innsbruck, and then take the train back.
If you're sticking strictly to Austria then the above suggestion about basing in Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck makes sense to me. You could then do some day trips from each. You might want to consider taking the train between all three and then renting a car only for the days you will need it. This way you can avoid the hassle and cost of the car during the days you don't.
If you're willing to go beyond Austria then I can speak positively for Prague, Munich as well as Hohenschwangau where there are 2 castles you daughter will likely enjoy. My only experience with Vienna is a 4 hour layover in the airport; but when I do get to visit I will plan for a day trip to Bratislava. Hope this helps and enjoy your vacation!
Hello - mom here as well as long time Austria resident! Based on your interests, I would say that you want to spend time outside of Vienna (which I think is a good idea as there isn't much here that appeals to kids, in my opinion).
I'd go beyond the obvious suggestions mentioned above (Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck), especially as these are cities.
I'd choose to base in 1) St. Gilgen, 2) an Alpine town (Ischgl, Soelden, Mayrhofen, Serfaus, Seefeld) and either the Wachau or Loipersdorf.
Upon arrival, I highly recommend that you DO NOT get in a car and drive as that would be very unsafe. Spend the first night in Vienna and then head out to your chosen destination. The same with the return - plan to spend the last night in Vienna. There are loads of car rental agencies with offices in Vienna, so you do not need to rent the car at the airport. As a general comment, while public transportation is insanely good in Austria (heck, I haven't driven a car in 12 years), you can see a lot more in rural areas if you have a car. Do not try to use the car in Vienna except to get out of town.
St. Gilgen - My favorite town on Wolfgangsee, with great restaurants, a swimming area and a good crafts market, if you are lucky. Cablecar right up to a summit is in the town for hiking. Take a short bus ride for a day in Salzburg (mandatory), visit Hallstatt, ice caves, St. Wolfgang, rodelbahns. I'd highly recommend staying in a farm in this area - look at this website - https://www.farmholidays.com/
Alpine Town (suggestions of towns listed above) - All of these towns are quaint, with excellent views and great hiking/summer sport infrastructure. These towns have loads of AirBnBs as well as resorts.
I was torn here between the Wachau (the Danube River between Melk and Krems) and the area around Loipersdorf (a spa area with loads of charm and attractions). I think with a kid, I'd lean towards Loipersdorf. This is a super fun area for swimming with a huge complex, but especially great for the apple, pumpkin and wine harvests (you'll be just in time). The best attraction for kids in all of Austria is also nearby - Zotter Chocolate Factory. Like Willy Wonka's - no lie. Riegersburg Castle is stunning and not to be missed (the birds of prey show is great for kids). For the parents, this area is known as Austrian Tuscany, with rolling hills, vineyards and apple orchards. Nice biking here too.
So that's my pick for 3 bases. You could connect these three locations for a nice loop.
...including an 11-year-old daughter.
Be sure to include her in the planning. She will need to feel "invested" and everyone will have a much more pleasant trip.
Thank you so much for your replies, they are really very much appreciated! I will definitely take up and consider your suggestions.
Emily, thank you for making it easier to identify the three bases. We do not intend to stay in cities, but just visit them. We love the countryside too much. From what I have been reading, the area of Carinthia seems to be nice too.
TC, thanks for your suggestion that we include our daughter in the planning. In fact, that's what we do. She loves to research places of interest and come up with her own suggestions.
Once again, I thank you all :-)
Carinthia (Kärnten as it is known in Austria) is nice, but not as nice as the Wolfgangsee area or the Tirol (in my opinion).
Good to know.
