Seeking Feedback on 10-Day Switzerland & Austria Itinerary (Lucerne, Mürren, Salzburg, Vienna)

One issue that I see is that going from Murren to Salzburg is going to be a very long travel day. You are looking at 9 to 10+ hours to get from point a to point b either by bus or train.

Thank You @Mary. Do you suggest any alternative choice of location? Our return flight is from Vienna though.

Are you not planning to go up the Schilthorn from Mürren? Oh I see you only have 1/2 a day there.

I would suggest you go up the mountain (Pilatus or Rigli) on whichever morning that the weather is good up on top. That is, of its is good on the morning of Day 2, don't wait until Day 3. You might only have time for one.

I really think you should delete one city, as you need more time in Switzerland, IMHO. One full day in each Lucerne and Murren just isn't enough. And day 5 is being in a train all day. Yes, I think it's too much moving around. What if your incoming Zurich flight is delayed or canceled, what if you get a cold and just need a rest, etc? Folks often say they want to relax and experience great scenery, then they plan the majority of their stays in cities, and have no relaxation times. Train travel is great, but moving around takes more time than you have allotted, and if you're changing trains 2-3 times a trip, it's not all that relaxing.
What are you willing to give up? Safe travels to these beautiful areas.

Alternative choice of location? Honestly, no. It seems your plans are set as you want to see those locations in Switzerland and plan to fly out of Vienna. Those locations are very far apart. You may just have to suck it up and do that long day on a train to Salzburg. Hopefully some other forum member will come up with a better solution for you.

Thank You @ Pat, I am willing to give up Salzburg or just spend a day in Vienna and head back.

Thank You @Stan, I can look into going to Schilthorn if i am able to find a place to stay and reduce my stay in Vienna by a day

Jay, glad you are flexible. The Swiss Alps are memorable experiences, but mountain weather is moody. You need a few days in the Alps for weather flexibility. Also, the Jungfraujoch is two hours each way from Murren, so it's at least a six hour experience. It's pretty incredible and expensive, but a once-in-lifetime experience. Don't purchase tickets until the day before, once you've reviewed the forecast.
No one is ever ready to leave the Berner Oberland area. Spend as much time there as possible. Have a great trip.

Some things to consider:

I think you could combine day 2 and 3, with a boat ride and Rigi into one. If you are going to the Jungfrau Region you can skip Pilatus.

Have you looked into night trains for your transportation from Switzerland to Salzburg?

Hi Dave, I am yet to book train tickets or pass. My hotel stays are refundable. I am totally flexible on the itinerary.

You will have a great time. Be prepared knowing you can't see everything and take the time to enjoy what you do see. Morning coffee and staring at the mountains in Murren would make my trip.

Before axing Salzburg, take a second look as it has a great balance of history and outdoors in a small area. Besides the old city, Berchtesgaden has a lot to see and is a very close to Salzburg. I enjoyed the views from the Eagle’s Nest, Königssee boat ride and the Berchtesgaden Salt Mine tour.

You can have the best of both worlds by doing the following :

I would suggest :

6/7 longer and Switzerland, visit Brienz , Grindewald
8/9 From Vienna go to the Wachau Valley, stay in Melk. It might give you that Salzburg feel you are looking for without having to travel too far from Vienna and it will fit in with the rest of your itinerary. You can rent a bike in Wachau and bike around the lake area :) and there is some Austrian history there also. Its about 1hr train ride from Vienna :)