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Fine Tuning Dates - Budapest/Vienna/Salzburg Xmas Market Trip

Posted by (Nova Scotia, Canada) on

Hi All,

Im hoping to get flights booked soon and am trying to nail down dates for our trip this winter. After much research, we have decided on 4 nights each in Budapest, Vienna, and Salzburg.

The piece I'd like your feedback on now is if there is any reason to favour one direction over the other, and whether a buffer night in Munich is a good idea given the time of year, or a hassle.

Currently, I'm thinking of this:
Nov 21st - flight to Munich
Nov 22nd, arrive in Munich, stay the night.
Nov 23rd, train to Salzburg for 4 nights
Nov 27th, train to Vienna for 4 nights
Dec 1st, train to Budapest for 4 nights
Dec 5th, fly home from Budapest

We expect to have more luggage on the way home after the markets, so I'm thinking it would be better to have less trains on the way home. I was also thinking the weather would be getting colder as we head to Munich if done in reverse. My one concern is if Salzburg will still feel Christmasy around Nov 22nd?

Hotel prices seem better the earlier in the trip we are in Salzburg so that's another point too.

Am I missing any reason to do this in reverse?
Is the buffer night in Munich a good idea?

Really appreciate your help!

PQ

Posted by
1699 posts

theplanningqueen,
IMO 4 nights in Salzburg is a little long. Why not stay 1 or 2 extra nights in Munich? The city has so much to offer. Of course, it depends on what you want. In general, your plan looks good to me. I don't know about length of train ride from Vienna to Budapest.

Posted by
5074 posts

I think a night in Munich is good if you have the time and if it is at the beginning of your trip. I might actually steal a night for Vienna or Salzburg and make it 2 - giving you one full day in Munich.

Otherwise, I would probably check on when the markets begin in each city, to be sure you don’t miss them. And then, all else
Being equal, make your decision on direction based on the cost of airfare and convenience of flights.

Posted by
249 posts

Hi All,

In Salzburg we're hoping to do a Sound of Music tour, the salt mine, the markets, the markets in the Wolfgangsee area, and of course explore Salzburg itself. I thought 4 nights would allow us to do all of this at a little slower pace.

In Vienna, we're hoping to do a day trip to Bratislava, so I thought 4 nights there would give us enough time for that and Vienna itself.

As for Munich, I'm really only considering the one night as a bonus day in case winter weather affects our arrival. I'd rather miss a day in Munich then not have the buffer and lose time in Salzburg. If we happen to love our time there, maybe we'll be back someday. I see the markets in Munich don't start until a little later but when I checked the others it seemed they would be up and running, but I will definitely double check.

Thanks for your thoughts, still open to more :)

PQ

Posted by
21550 posts

The markets in Budapest start in mid-November if that helps your planning. 17 November would be consistent with every other year i can remember, but its not published yet. The train Vienna to Budapest is 2.5 hours. If you wanted to hire a car Vienna to Budapest I am guessing $600. I do know a guy if you are interested.

Posted by
7 posts

Hi from Vienna! If you need any recommendations from a local, here i am!
Your plans are already very ok. A little early for christmas, but very ok. Salzburg Vienna and Budapest are a great combination. Salzburg - surrounded by mountains - has its own flair and is one of the must sees in Austria. Vienna does not need any explaination, full of attractions and some little secrets here & there like the snowglobe museum...
4 nights in Budapest sounds much but why not! Castle, retro museum and good restaurants are only some examples.
Don't get lost 🙂

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