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Realistic day trip in Salzburg?

We’re planning to spend a few nights in Bavaria (probably Garmisch-Partenkirchen) and a few in Vienna. Is it feasible to plan a day trip in Salzburg on the way?

We’ll probably have a car, so I’m thinking we could drive to Munich or Innsbruck (60-90min) in the early morning, drop off the car, take the (1.5 or 2-hour) train to Salzburg, spend the day there, then have an early dinner before taking a 3-hour evening train to Vienna. I know it’s a lot of travel, but if we left around 7am we could be in Salzburg from around 10 to 6pm.

If that seems unrealistic, we could consider spending a night in Salzburg (though we’re trying to avoid “one-night stands”), or we could skip Salzburg and find another day trip (like Melk) once we’re in Vienna. Any thoughts?

Posted by
7814 posts

I think you could make it work, and Salzburg is a lovely city! My preference would be to stay overnight, so you wouldn't be as rushed, but your plan will still be fine.

We stayed in Mittenwald, Germany one year near the area you're considering and took the train through Innsbruck to return again to Salzburg to spend several more days before staying at nearby St. Wolfgang, Melk and ending in Vienna. The RS tour (the GAS itinerary) gave us a couple of days in Salzburg, and we definitely wanted to return again and spend more time there.

Posted by
6487 posts

I really enjoyed Salzburg. We stayed 3 nights, but I do think you could see a lot of it in a day. Some Salzburg is better than none! You might take a look at the RS walking tour and absolutely do not miss the gorgeous white cathedral where Mozart was baptized.

Posted by
118 posts

If you can spare an overnight in Salzburg, I’d recommend that. The Old Town is pretty magical to walk around in the evening and then you could slow down and enjoy sights like Hohensalzburg Fortress, with a walk through the hills to the absolutely fantastic Augustiner monk-run brewery and food hall. Or take a boat ride down the Salzach River, see a few “Sound of Music” sights, and cap it off with a traditional meal in either Old Town or New Town. Whatever you decide, enjoy!