I am taking my family to Europe next June. We are flying into Germany, and spending time in the Mosele Valley and Bavaria. I am wanting to add a 2/3 night say in either the Alsace area, maybe Colmar, or in Salzburg, Austria. They both look like great options, but would love feedback on which option might be more enjoyable.
Thank you
That's a tough choice, I liked both. We did stay one night in Colmar, but stayed in Eguisheim for the additional nights in Alsace. Colmar is charming, but it is a bigish city. There are smaller, cuter towns in Alsace. We followed the wine route and had a really great time driving through the charming towns with grapes growing along side the roads. I also really liked Salzburg. Its is a beautiful city with a lot of charm, history and for Sound of Music buffs it is a must do. If you really like wines, especially drier reisling type wines, I'd go to Alsace, if you are less interested in wine, I'd choose Salzburg. If you had more time, I'd say do both.
And I'm just noting that you will have been in Moselle. The wine in Alsace will be similar in variety to Moselle. The Alsatian scenery will be similar to the Moselle without the river.
jules m is right -- it is a tough choice. Colmar had an intimate feel to it we loved it. Salzburg was beautiful and loaded with history, but didn't feel quite as homey. Personally I'd opt for Colmar -- but that's just my two cents worth.
What are your interests? Art, history, music, architecture, food, wine, scenery? If food or wine, I'd pick Colmar; otherwise, Salzburg.
having stayed at both, salzburg would be my pick. particularly with a family. there is just so many options of what to see and do in the surrounding area. also accomodation in the surrounding area is very affordable compared to other places.
do a search on the tab at the top, for previous posts.
hope this helps.
I would choose Salzburg, but I wouldn‘t complain if I had to stay in Colmar.
Since you mention traveling with family, I would choose Salzburg. There’s more to do — salt mine tours, Sound of Music tours, the city, concerts, bike rides along the river...
I have been to both and in Salzburg Region there are many Lakes and salt mines and in Colmar and surrounding regions there are quaint towns and the Wine route.Both are great destinations.
Mike
I have a similar conundrum planning our trip to Germany (I haven't been to either, so I can't really help the OP). I almost feel like I ought to go to Salzburg..... Like I should want to. But honestly just because it would check a box of visiting Austria-- crossing it off "the list" more than anything; which isn't a real reason at all. I'm not a huge classical music fan nor the Sound of Music. At the moment Salzburg has been struck from our draft itinerary, which does still include a day trip to Colmar (we'll poke our toe over at Zugspitze to tick the Austria box). But again, having never been to either local, take this with some Salzburg salt.
Having been to both Colmar and Salzburg, it seemed to me that the first was much better with a car. A car was not necessary for 2-3 nights in Salzburg, if you include one tourist bus outing. I can't remember how we got to the Zugspitze for our (expensive) cable car ascent. We did use a car for a trip mostly in Alsace (rented in Strasbourg) but finishing in Avignon.
There's nothing wrong with Bavaria, but it seems to me that the Middle Rhine and either Cologne or the Frankfurt area might pair better with the Mosel. It depends on your local transportation, the size of the party, and your in/out air cities.
Thank you all For your recommendations and insights. This has been very helpful! I think I’ve found a way to actually work in both.
