We are traveling as a group of 4 women, visiting in late November/early December. Little interest in museums or music. Our primary objectives is exploring the city, shopping, eating, architecture, mountain scenery, and Christmas Markets.
If you had 2-3 days after leaving Vienna, would you choose to spend it in Salzburg or Innsbruck?
I've been to both, although not at Christmas time. Hands down, Salzburg.
As far as cities go, I much prefer Salzburg over Innsbruck. There is so much to see and do there (without visiting museums) If you plan to stay in the city and not get out to other areas, then Salzburg would be better.
I do think the mountains surrounding Innsbruck are beautiful. (and would rate those views over the views from Salzburg) My last three trips to Austria, I have stayed just south of Innsbruck. However, those were in the summer, and I was hiking. I never even went back to Innsbruck on those trips, so that may tell you something.
I would see them both many times. Tourist destination Beautiful Salzburg, but you have to fill the days. Innsbruck gives you a lot of options in the city and like trains to Stubital and Sudtirol. Italy. I love them both, but I go back to Innsbruck. It's what your tastes are.
Been to both. Agree with the Salzburg votes! Maybe my favorite European city!
Well, depending where you head after either Salzburg or Innsbruck matter also.
Salzburg is obviously less travel time to reach.
We’ve been to both many times and twice in late November, early December for the Christmas markets. During the markets both are spectacular, but since we love the high alpine scenery we give Innsbruck the edge.
That said, if you have a clear day and plan on spending it cruising the Wolgangsee on a lakeship, visiting St. Gilgen, Strobl and St. Wolfgang, well, I’d go with Salzburg and a day on the Wolfgangsee. We did this on a Christmas Market trip and it was spectacular. Lake, scenery, the villages and especially the “old town” of St. Wolfgang. Plenty of big windows, food, baked goods, drinks on the lakeship!
Paul
exploring the city - Salzburg has a very nice historic area, the historic area of Innsbruck is smaller. Museums are IMHO better in Innsbruck - the Hofburg is better than any palace in Salzburg
shopping - luxury shopping at high prices is better in Salzburg, but ordinary shopping at better prices is better in Innsbruck
eating - about the same; to get a real improvement in eating you should go to Italy including South Tyrol
architecture - Cathedral and historic center in Salzburg are better than Innsbruck, but Innsbruck has several notable pieces of very modern architecture
mountain scenery - Innsbruck wins hands down; you can even take a combination of cable cars to the north peaks leaving directly from town center; but I am afraid November is not the best season
Christmas Markets - do not know; the Innsbruck Xmas market is nice, but I was not in Salzburg at Xmas time
Thank you all so much!! This has been so helpful.
I prefer Innsbruck. Access to other surrounding areas for day trips is exceptional. Reasonably priced accommodations, great views, great hiking. I visit whenever I am in-country.
