trip to Switzerland/Austria

It would be a real shame to miss Vienna. Even if you only spend one day there, that would be better than nothing. But I realize you only have ten days, and you do want to fit in the great outdoors. I don't blame you for that. It's breathtaking!

I can answer the one for music. Salzburg for sure! If you are into classical music like me, there are Mozart museums and concerts. If "The Sound Of Music" is more your style, there is a tour for that. I went on that tour and enjoyed it! Rick Steves enjoyed it too, and at first he didn't think he would!
Vienna is great for both music and History. RS guide books are great for details. As for music, Rick Steves is a wonderful pianist, and he really know where to go for music, and because of his degree in art history, he know more about art than most guide book writers and travel hosts. I don't work for Rick, just an admirer! Lol!
Have a great trip! Beautiful part of the world!

A couple of outdoor suggestions:
The Berner Oberland has some of the best scenery and hiking!! The RS book has some hikes listed...my 2 favorites were Obersteinberg and the hike from the Schyngie Platte to First. Also, the trip up the Junfraujoch is worht the money if it is a beautiful clear day.

Vienna and Salzburg are the places for classical music. Located between the 2 is the town of Melk with a beautiful abbey. Renting a bike and biking from Melk to Krems (through the Wachau valley) was a wonderful day trip. We rode the boat back to Melk. It was a ride through vineyards and wonderful Austrian villages and so much fun. Also the Schonbrun Palace in Vienna was beautiful.

If it were me, I would focus on those 3 areas or I would do Salzburg, the Bavarian castle area near Fussen, and Lauterbrunnen and leave Vienna for another trip. Switzerland and Austria are my 2 favorite countries (I've been multiple times), but I didn't make it to Vienna until my 3rd trip. August is a great month to visit as the weather should be good to take in all the amazing scenery. With 10 days, I would try to pick 1-3 spots and relax and enjoy them.

For the outdoors, here's another vote for Berner Oberland. Endless possibilities for enjoyment of some of Switzerland's most fantastic scenery. The two Austrian hot-spots for music have already been mentioned. Given only ten days, you might want to stick with Salzburg which is closer to Switzerland. By the way, it's almost a full day's train trip from Salzburg to the Berner Oberland--worth it, of course. Whatever destinations you choose, do not forget to figure inter-destination travel time in your calculations. For history, close to Salzburg is Obersalzberg and Hitler's Eatle's Nest "retreat." Here you'll find WWII history--i.e., Nazi history. Of course, there's lots of history in Salzburg itself. Enjoy!

I’ll agree with the other posters regarding the Berner Oberland…it’s characteristically Swiss in terms of landscape, scenery, and outdoor adventures. It sort of represents what you think of when you imagine Switzerland in your mind's eye. Vienna and Salzburg are must-see experiences for classical music, culture, and history. Melk Abbey is a world-class historical site, and the Wachau valley is another great outdoor activities option for biking and cruising the Danube. Mathausen makes for an important (albeit somber) historical visit for WWII-era history. You could leave out the concentration camp downer and have a fantastic trip focusing primarily on the Berner Oberland, Salzburg, and Vienna.

I have to say that Salzburg is one of my very favorite places. If you love music and history and outdoors, it is hard to beat as a base. You can easily get to the Saltzkamergurt (sp???) for lakes, hiking, walks, etc. There are all the music activities- concerts, tours, street performers! And history, oh the history- from prehistoric salt miners to Roman expansion his nearby "Eagles Nest". I'd also suggest a day or three in Vienna and at least a day trip to Innsbruck. And definetly do the Sound of Music tour- there is a stop at one of the Luge rides!!!