Salzburg or St. Gilgen

Posted by maestrojohnnyj (Paso Robles, CA) on 05/15/24 10:12 PM

Only 3 nights in Salzburg (late June), but I’m thinking of staying in St. Gilgen, just for a change from staying in the big cities where we’ve been – Vienna, Budapest and then after the Salzburg area going on to Munich. I’ll have a car, driving from Passau, Germany for the first night.

I’m just looking for some opinions that might help me make the decision. I’ll definitely want to spend some time in Salzburg, and I definitely want to take a trip to Hallstadt, as well.

Any recommendations greatly appreciated!

Posted by Lee

Lakewood, Colorado

05/15/24 11:29 PM

19291 posts

Well, if it were I, I'd stay in St Gilgen. I almost always opt for a small scenic town over a big one.

Twenty years ago, I made a day trip to Salzburg and I enjoyed everything I saw, but there is nothing there to make me want to go back again. Since then, I have stayed two nights in Freilassing, across the river, in Germany, from Salzburg, eight nights in Berchtesgaden, and two nights in Hallstatt. I've been in Salzburg twice just to catch a train or bus to other parts of Austria.

As I said, I'm not really attracted to large cities. The exception is Munich, which doesn't seem to me like a large city. I've been there seven times since 2000 for sixteen nights. I never get tired of Munich.

Posted by Paul

NYC area

05/16/24 12:51 AM

3003 posts

St. Gilgen. Love Salzburg, but for a visit. We love staying in the “countryside” and alpine areas close to Salzburg.

Posted by mchpp

Oberpfalz, Germany

05/16/24 02:42 PM

1402 posts

I would overnight in St. Gilgen and spend a day there. Weather permitting a boat to St Wolfgang and take the SchafbergBahn to the top. Make sure you walk above/behind the Hotel Schafbergspitze for the view of other Salzkammergut Lakes. Keep in mind parking when choosing a place to stay! That would limit your time for Salzburg and Hallstadt. I'm not a Hallstadt fan, but if you are there latter in the afternoon/early evening parking and a visit might be easier?

Posted by Wayne F

Central South Carolina

05/17/24 12:35 PM

57 posts

Sounds like your trip is at the end of a cruise ending in Passau and fly out of Munich. We are similar but ending in Regensburg. We were planning in taking trains to Salzburg area. We just posted asking about logistics of Hallstat and similar small towns in the area. Also ask your question on Facebook group “Viking cruise pre/post trip DIY”