O.k you wonderful folks have helped me plan the first ten days of my Germany/Austria trip, after two days in Salzburg i am planning to hire a car and drive to Hallstatt leaving early 28/07 from Salzburg, i have booked a guesthouse in Hallstatt (but could still change the date on this). I really fancy stopping at the hotel on top of Schafberg Cog Railway on the 29/07 but plan to drive there and see what weather is like on the day. On the 30/07 my plan is to drive to Melk to see the Abbey and then to Durnstein where i have booked a hotel, dropping the car off in Vienna the morning of 31/07.
Does that look a reasonable way of doing things ? In Hallstatt i really want to get to view from the Five Fingers and see the ice caves, where else should i be looking to see a little of on the drive from Salzburg to Hallstatt. If visibility is no good on my second day will i be able to get a room somewhere for one night at short notice ?
What are peoples favourite places in the area ? Hallstatt/Melk/Durnstein and possibly Schafberg Cog Railway that would be a good variety.
Once i have seen Melk Abbey, how should i travel to Durnstein, i have heard the boat ride is beautiful, but that would mean leaving the car in Melk, could i do this then go back to get it by bus/train ?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated (i've always used trains, never hired a car before abroad)
Thanks
Paul