Originally I was planning to take train from Vienna to Munich then take a one day excursion to Neuschwanstein Castle. I took notice and agree from this forum that Neuschwanstein Castle is overrated. I am a photographer and like to explode away from the beaten path when I travel. Therefore I decide to rent a car after exploding Vienna. I will drive to Bratislava, then to Salzberg, Tyrol and Neuschwanstein Castle before arriving and return the car upon arriving in Munich. My concern is the road condition around April 1. Should I worry about early spring snow which might make some of the mountain passes impassible? I would also appreciate any recommendations as where to find interesting but not well-known spots with local flavors along the way- natural as well as architectural. Which is the best hiking trail which is good for half day scenic hike around Tyrol? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Posted by
2684 posts
Therefore I decide to rent a car after exploding Vienna.
People in Vienna will be very grateful if you could just explore the city. :-) :-)
Renting a car in Austria and returning it in Germany will result in a hefty drop-off fee.
For the Autobahn (highways) in Austria a toll sticker (physically or electronically) is needed. The car rental company should have provided it already.
There is a similar requirement for Slovakia you will have to take care of yourself, although going to Bratislava involves only 3 miles of highway within Slovakia. The police is waiting for ignorant tourists. It is possible to use regular roads only, but this is rather tricky. In this case I recommend using a navigation system with the setting "no toll roads". It is much better (and faster) to go by train.
Nothing to worry about road conditions. Snow at this time is rather unusual. Even in this case snow plowing and chemical snow thawing is done elaborately. (Only the Grossglockner High Mountain Road will be still closed.)
Posted by
Oberpfalz, Germany
1596 posts
I would wait until early June if possible. You can get some of the most beautiful scenes then, mountains with some snow still on high peaks, wildflowers blooming etc. April will be dreary and the start of the off season. We were in Pertisau in early April 2024 and almost everything was closed. How many days driving do you plan after leaving Salzburg? I would recommend leisurely driving on secondary roads. You won't see much from the Autobahn with tunnels and noise protection barriers in the Alps.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you for the suggestion and helpful information. This itinerary is part of a three week trip includes Cherry blossom street in Bonn, Keukenhof gardens and Hallerbos in Brussels. I decided to take train to Bratislava and Salzberg instead. I would drive from Salzberg to Innersbuck, Fussen. and return in Munich. I gathered as much information as possible and ask AI to put it together. So many places and activities in three weeks. I actually took out Frankfurt in favor of Innersbuck. I am an early bird and my days always long. Here is my AI assisted itinerary. Any actual human input would be appreciated. https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:70f5e8d0-a8d5-46d1-83c6-33e50ebe1498
Posted by
Oberpfalz, Germany
1596 posts
You will need a place for parking in Innsbruck proper. I think I would skip the Brenner Autobahn (extra toll even with vignette). If you do go that way stop in Sterzing/Vipiteno. As discussed your rental should come with a vignette, but you don't need one if you do not travel on the Autobahns. As I mentioned Achensee is beautiful, but I think almost everything will be closed in early April. Check the local lifts and ship schedules. You might consider the Stubaitalbahn (Stubai Valley Railway) to Fulpmes and back from Innsbruck. The Fernpaß can get crowded with traffic, but in early April should be fine. On 179 stop in Lemoos for Zupspitz and Sonnenspitz views. The L255 road next to the Plansee should be open and clear of snow by early April.
Regensburg is worth as visit.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
After further research and incorporate with the helpful inputs, I fell that Tyrol deserves another day. I subsequently revise my itinerary as following from Salzburg to Innsbruck to Fussen:
Day 1 Salzburg- St Gilgen - Bad Ischl, - Zell am See- Hike Schmittenhöhe - Maurerkogel 4.5 – 5 hrs.
Day 2 Zell-Am-See -Achensee
Day 3 Nordkette Cable Car –hike a little bit on the top- old town- night at lermoos(Biberwier)
Day 4 Lermoos-take 179 to Fussen , stops at the Plansee and Ehrenberg Castle Ruins/Highline179 bridge
Any suggestions and recommendations would be appreciated.