Emily and wmt1 are quite the heroes to me- already gleaned great resources in their posts and I’m still reading- I’ll make sure to go through them and sure I’ll find five more great and consistent tip givers- THANK YOU!
Some details are up in the air- relying on points for much of our travel so booking the next 4-6 weeks for 5-6 nights in August.
Traveling with 25 year old daughter and 27 year old son.
The only must sees are Schonnbrun, Stephensdom, KHM and military museum. We will be in Vienna 2 nights- 3 days and Salzburg for 3-4 nights. I’m thinking those alone will take up our time- but we like to get up early and explore before those places open. Daughter loves old books/any books, my son loves rowing, I love gardens and historical sites/photography- any suggestions we might not realize please share.
We would love to attend a church service (Protestant or Catholic) ina historical church (aren’t they all?) I think we’re staying at the lodging run by monks in Salzburg- and maybe the Konnig VON Ungarn in Austria. May rent a car for one day in Salzburg to visit a lake town or higher elevation? Yes- huge Sound of Music fan- but I’d rather experience what a day in the life of an Austrian is than swing my guitar singing down a gravel road. Likely be our only trip to Austria- just want to turn over the stones that inspire us.
Questions:
How far in advance to book train tickets for savings- is two weeks that much more than 4 weeks ahead?
Visiting those 4 spots in Vienna- will it be cheaper to pay as we go or buy a pass- we don’t mind walking 2-3 miles to get somewhere- but if it’s more than 5- we’re hopping on something motorized.
How far in advance do I need to submit for travel visa? I hope to have everything booked at the 4 week window.
I’ll get my international drivers license this week- I can drive a manual- any warnings besides watch speed limits that trip people up? Those single track roads in Scotland driving a 10 passenger van was quite the rush. I’m a calm and easy driver- just like to be prepared.
Won’t have nice clothes for finer dining- but if you have mom and pop eateries you love- please share. That’s my struggle with hotels- some look so upscale- I’d feel like I should use a back entrance- we bring one backpack each- mostly walking shorts and wicking shirts for the warmer walks in August. But, we do love personable and kind lodging- and trying fancy shampoos at the nicer places. Trying to find a nice place in Vienna- since it’ll be pretty basic (but interesting) in Salzburg.
Thanks!! I’m not concise- apologies.
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5385 posts
Books - You must visit the Prunksaal, the National Library that is a part of the Hofburg complex (https://www.onb.ac.at/en/museums/state-hall/about-the-state-hall)
Rowing - I can highly recommend renting a small boat and exploring the Alte Donau where your son might see rowers. This is a charming old arm of the Danube. Rent boats from Marina Hofbauer - https://www.marina-hofbauer.at/standort_erreichbarkeit/index.html
Gardens - My favorites are Volksgarten, Burggarten, Stadtpark and the Botanical Garden.
Historic Sites/Photography - Have a look at my Instagram account (3point14maker) for some inspiration. Opportunities are everywhere.
Church service - I always recommend the Sunday mass at Augustinerkirche, also part of the Hofburg complex. Excellent free choral mass.
Train tickets - the further ahead you buy them, they cheaper they will be. That's just facts.
Visa - If you are a US Citizen, you do not need a visa for Austria for visits of less than 90 days.
Driving - make sure that your rental car has a vignette, which is a pass that allows you to use the highways.
Clothes - no one cares what you wear.
Posted by
OP
USA
24 posts
Thank you! These are excellent! A fellow flight passenger from Russia said EU countries required visas as of last December- it surprised me! That’s one worry gone- so excited to plan these special stops for each child! Thank you!
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5385 posts
Always refer to official websites, such as this one - https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Austria.html. For travel information. Not random Russians on airplanes!
Posted by
OP
USA
24 posts
Yes! He was very kind and has lived here in the states for 13 years- he said it was a new thing and I researched visa for Austria and it seemed legitimate- I think he was referring to a change starting n 2024-
“ Those non-EU citizens who plan to travel to Austria will need an ETIAS visa waiver for Austria and the entirety of the Schengen Zone.
ETIAS is not a visa. It is a new electronic travel permit that allows the EU to maintain the Schengen Area’s border integrity and security by screening passengers before they arrive.”
It was approved last year- he thought it took effect this year. I’m looking through maps to chart an itinerary- are there any areas in Vienna to avoid? Or to make sure I don’t miss? Thanks!
Posted by
Duluth 🛶
6323 posts
A fellow flight passenger from Russia said EU countries required visas as of last December.
A lot of travelers are confused by that. He was probably talking about the ETIAS program, which will require registration (not a visa) of travelers to EU countries in the future. At this point, it has been put on hold until at least 2024 (and possibly longer) so no need to worry about it at this time. https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias/what-etias_en
Posted by
1908 posts
are there any areas in Vienna to avoid?
Vienna is a very safe city. It is no problem to walk on the streets or using public transport in the night.
For practical reasons it is best to stay in one of the inner city boroughs (1 to 9). Important is to have access to public transport close to your hotel.
Posted by
San Diego, California
4710 posts
Travellightly, could you kindly edit your title to include Austria? Lots of great info here that wouldn't show up in a Search. Granted, the Search function here is awkward, but having detailed titles helps a bit. Thx and safe travels!
Posted by
OP
USA
24 posts
Yes! Indeed! Emily- love your rose/wisteria photos!!! I hope some roses will have their second flush in August!
Changing title now- thanks!
Posted by
San Diego, California
4710 posts
Thx so much for the title Edit- now I'll be able to find it in my Bookmarked list. Safe travels!
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5385 posts
I also realize that I didn't address public transportation in Vienna. There is no need to walk 2-3 miles anywhere in Vienna given that the public transportation is easy and everywhere. You can't walk two blocks without encountering a stop of some kind. Just buy a 72 hour pass from any station and you are good to go on all forms of public transportation within Vienna.