Alternatives to Austria

There is a direct bus from Prague to Nuremberg, if you are set on Germany. It takes about 4 hours. But that isn't going to solve the potential lockdown problems there or elsewhere. If you are well settled somewhere like Prague, maybe staying put and doing day trips for a while would be good. I don't worry about dying or being hospitalized much since i am jabbed and boosted, but breakthrough infections are like having a really bad flu/cold for at least a week and that is no way to enjoy travel.

I don't worry about dying or being hospitalized much since i am jabbed and boosted, but breakthrough infections are like having a really bad flu/cold for at least a week and that is no way to enjoy travel.

Plus you'll probably have to stay two weeks in a quarantine hotel until you can test negative, before continuing your trip.

You could consider Wrocław, my favourite city in Poland, it is better located than Krakow as it is closer to Czechia and Germany.

Wroclaw has much to see in terms of history and architecture, but also has a laid-back vibe of an old university town. The historic center is quite unique, as it incorporates a little of every country that has ruled the city - from Silesian Gothic to Austrian Baroque and German Modernist. Plus there are a number of great daytrips from Wroclaw, like the Kłodzko Valley, Książ Castle, and the massive timber Protestant Churches of Peace - UNESCO world heritage sites located in Jawor and Świdnica.

From Wroclaw one can easily travel on to nearby Dresden or Berlin.

I am wondering should I try Krakow Poland, or overshoot Vienna to Budapest, or the smaller Czech towns? Maybe just hunker down in Prague for a long time?

You didn't say when you were going. Every 60-90 days, Covid is making changes to travel locations. Right now Germany and Austria are problems, in 60-90 days it could be Italy, Spain or France or a dozen other countries. Trip planning right now in my opinion is a gamble.

If you are committed to going now, obviously you want to avoid lockdown countries because it would be difficult with things closed down. Otherwise, be smart, mask, sanitize and stay away from people as much as possible.

I’ll be in Prague tomorrow for four days then a five day gap (no more Austria), then Munich, Nuremberg, etc … unless Germany locks down too.

I was originally thinking Cesky Krumlov or Dresden or night train yo Amsterdam … but why not discover new places

Budapest is open. The Christmas markets are open. Go, enjoy.

https://newseu.cgtn.com/news/2021-11-20/Only-vaccinated-allowed-into-Budapest-s-Christmas-markets-15kfMGBhJHq/index.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_L0Xp6b2R4

Train (maybe $30) or plane (usually about $125 each way and faster door to door)