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Need Help with Vienna Itinerary, Roads and Rules

Posted by on

Hello!

After 3 days in Prague and 2 days in Budapest (3 hr bus ride to Vienna) We'll be arriving in Vienna on 18th Sep, 2pm(approx).

After that we plan to spend the entire day and the next day as well in Vienna(Haven't decided what yet. Suggestions are welcome).

Then on 20th Sep, the plan is to rent a car and drive down to Salzburg, making a 4-5hrs stop at Hallstatt before leaving for Salzburg and spending the night there.

Or maybe spend the night at Hallstatt and leave for Salzburg early in the morning, spend the whole day(21st Sep) at Salzburg and take a overnight train to Zurich.

And spend next 5 days in Switzerland.

Q1. Is it the itinerary too rushed? Especially Vienna-Hallstatt-Salzburg?

Q2. We want to drive down the Alpine roads in Austria. Is it safe?

Q3. We are from India(Left side Drive), driving there is way different than driving in Europe(Right side Drive), though We self-drove through the length of New Zealand(Left side Drive). It was much easier than driving in India. Whereas, Vienna is Right side drive and also we are a a bit concerned about roads being steep/narrow, signs not written in english. Would it be safe to drive from Vienna to Salzburg?

Posted by
3050 posts

Would it be safe to drive from Vienna to Salzburg?

Yes, as long as you get the hang of driving on the right side of the road. Driving in Germany and Austria is very safe, the roads are in good condition, and you'll be on a major autoroute (freeway) most of the time. I've driven from Salzburg to Halstatt and it's on a two lane road that goes through a valley mostly, it's windy but wide enough and safe.

The trickiest part for you will probably be getting the hang of roundabouts, they're a little disconcerting if you're not used to them regardless, and having them be "backwards" might be a bit strange.

Halstatt is scenic, but touristy and small. I'd opt for the shorter stay there. There's more to do in Salzburg. I would take 2 nights in Salzburg if possible, that section is a bit rushed.

If you're nervous about driving, there is good train connections from Vienna to Salzburg, and you could take a tour from Salzburg to Halstatt.

Posted by
5513 posts

First, why are you taking the bus from Budapest to Vienna? The train is faster and much nicer.

Next, if you only have one day in Vienna and if you don’t even know what you want to see, then I suggest skipping Vienna altogether and heading straight to Salzburg from Budapest by train. You can easily join a day tour from Salzburg to Hallstatt. I believe that there are also tours of the alpine roads, but if not, you can rent a car for the day from Salzburg. The roads are totally safe, but I do think that driving on the opposite side of the road in an unfamiliar environment will be a challenge for you. Take the train from Salzburg to Zurich.

Posted by
2277 posts

Whoever is used to traffic in India, and having survived, will find the worst European traffic situation relexaing. :-)

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