Czech Republic, Austria and Switzerland..

I'd do Prague/etc and then Vienna/Salzburg/etc. In 2012 I did pretty much the same trip in the other direction starting in Munich. I'll recommend dropping Hallstadt and (since you're going in that direction) adding Innsbruck if you haven't been there. To me it's more worthwhile than Hallstadt and it's fairly easy to get to by train, and from there to Zurich. Tyrol is my favorite part of Austria.

We did originally consider including Innsbruck although have been there previously, that said train connections could be much easier from there. Based on comments in this forum given popularity, Hallstatt best appreciated if staying overnight and oping that mid-June won't be too bad.

PLs see my response posted Jan 14 under "Czech Republic" title. This site wouldn't let me copy it to your link. Safe travels.

Wow... thanks Pat... We will be seeing a lot of similar places, your insights much appreciated, and sounds like the train from Hallstatt to Salzburg worked nicely for you. I am curious as to your comment about only place not returning to was Hallstatt, any particular reason. From what I read it sounded like between the Salt Mines, Ice Caves (nearby Dachstien) and 5 fingers, and fewer crowds in the evening it would be a delight. That said, I know sometimes I've been to places that get hyped and once there it's a big let down... Just curious.

If the drop charge is less by renting in Austria …..

Perhaps you keep your itinerary "as is" at the beginning (Vienna-Prague-CK.) From CK, instead of taking the shuttle to Hallstat, take it only to Linz (half the time and roughly half the cost, based on a quick glance at CK Shuttle.) Rent your car in Linz and drive to Hallstatt then Salzburg.

Depending on how far into the journey you intend to keep the car, the extra hassle (shuttle + car) might be more or less attractive than the longer train ride from Hallstatt to Salzburg.

That was a good idea...just checked quickly on Auto Europe site, cost is 682USD for 3 day rental Ouch!! Part of the issue is that I don't know how to drive a stick shift/standard, and the rate just pops once I add that. Might be because Linz is a lower volume spot for automatic car rentals, usually not as big hike in price with airport rentals.

We loved exploring Hallstatt , but I just didn't feel the need for a return visit. The salt mine tour was incredible, and the views breath-taking, as you're 4,000' above the lake. It was definitely worth visiting. However, the town is VERY small.
For the other locations, which are larger, there were just so many activities/places we didn't get to experience.
Thx for your kind feedback.

That makes sense... perhaps one night might be sufficient for us also. Did you like the accommodation in Hallstatt. (you didn't mention name that I could see) We are looking at the same hotel in Salzburg, however the one in Vienna (looked great) but is closed for reno's till July...
Thanks again.

OK, drat on the car rental in Linz.

Here is a shared shuttle with service between Hallstatt and Salzburg - both directions - with prices listed as "from 690 CZK / 25 €" and journey time of 1 hr 10 minutes.

https://www.shuttleeurope.cz/shuttlebus-transfer/hallstatt-to-salzburg

I've not used them myself. Their reviews on TripAdvisor look very good.

I will check this company out... Thanks
As an aside, I actually wrote to a similar named company EU Shuttle and their shared shuttle cost was based on the number of people that book... the price 35euro shown on their web site is the lowest price IF the shuttle is full (9 passengers) otherwise the price is higher. So if we happened to be the only two passengers looking to go Salzburg that day, then the price would be 140euros... the more people the lower the price. Interesting business model..

As I read further into their website, I think this Shuttle Europe may have that same business model.

"Our shared-shuttle price decreases with every person onboard. "

Sounds as if it might be... I've written to them, given European time difference be tomorrow before I hear back.
Thx again.

Yes, we loved the [Boutique Hotel am Dom] Salzberg hotel because it was so well located: we could easily return to the room midday for a rest.
In Hallstatt we stayed at the Heritage Hotel, which was rather unusual in layout : the hotel has three very separate buildings, not on the same property. Our building looked like a large stone house built into the side of the hill. Check in was in another building, along with the breakfast, [which we didn't get.] The room itself was very modern, comfortable and large, with a partial lake view, but no elevator and lots of steps. It wasn't directly on the lake. There was no hotel staff present in the building. Overall, somewhat funky, but the room itself was very nice.
Taking the train from Hallstatt to Salzburg is really easy, and the ferry is coordinated to get you across the lake in time for the train schedule. Fyi, if the ferry is full, try to get off first, as everyone rushes into the unmanned train station to use the ticket machine, and it takes forever. We almost missed the train waiting in line for tickets. At the last minute, we were able to get a very weak internet connection, and buy the tickets online as we were standing in line. We did get some remarkable pictures of Hallstatt from the ferry.

Hello... thanks for the tip about purchasing train tickets, now that is the kind of tip, you never find in a guide book :) Will check out the hotel in Hallstatt. Cheers

Boutique Hotel am Dom in Salzburg is my favorite place to stay there. Excellent staff and location. I never found the prices to be out of line either.