Looking to add time to our Austrian trip. Currently plan days in Vienna & Salzburg in early September, but we always enjoy time in small towns & the country. There seem to be two transportation options: train or using a rental car from Vienna to the Lake district and dropping it off in Salzburg. Can anyone share their thoughts on ease of train service (preferred) to the benefits to those that driving would be a best option? We're thinking of three days in Salzkammergut region between our Vienna / Salzburg visits. Do you have favorite places to visit and stay. Also, how is the best way to access these spots?
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5513 posts
The Wolfgangsee area is accessed by bus, not train. It is possible to access Hallstatt by a train/ferry combo. I am a huge proponent of public transportation, but I think that the charms of this area are best explored by car. You will see twice as much as you will not be tied to bus schedules. The only hitch could be parking in Hallstatt, which can be challenging year round.
We always stay in St. Gilgen as we 1) love the town and 2) consider it less touristy than St. Wolfgang and Hallstatt. There are also good restaurants in St. Gilgen. Highlights of this area are easy to research, and would include hiking, ferry rides, salt mines, ice caves and scenery. I think the most beautiful view in the area is in Gosausee.
Posted by
Los Angeles
4874 posts
Agree that St. Gilgen seemed like a nice little town, it's on the bus line to and from Salzburg and is where the ferry station is
Posted by
Oberpfalz, Germany
1402 posts
Make sure you have a parking place in Sankt Gilgen. With a car are your free to go where you want by public transport or car. Some days the car will be parked (Wolfgangsee). Early September is the end of German school vacation and high season, so make reservations. An alternative would be south of Saltzburg in the Salzach river valley by Kuchl and Golling. Königssee in Germany if you have never been. Schönau a. Königssee for overnight. Good weather makes a great difference, but afternoon thunderstorm are refreshing in high summer temps. Drive around.