Never been to Switzerland or Austria. Trying to decide on Itinerary. So far I have fly in to Zurich. Proceed by train to Murren stay 4 nights Murren. Train to Lucern. Two nights Lucern. Train to Salzburg. Two nights in Salzburg. Train to Vienna. Four nights in Vienna. Fly out of Vienna. Not sure if I should add or subtract from these days. Thinking of eliminating Salzburg and adding those days to Lucern. Ant thoughts are appreciated. By the way this trip is My wife and I age 60 and 70. Good health. Thank you
Posted by
Citizen of the World
3178 posts
I hope this is not a trip for this summer because many accommodations in Muerren are already booked up. What little remains is quite expensive.
I’ve visited every destination on your itinerary— they are all great! I would keep Salzburg and visit Berchtesgaden National Park/Konigsee while there. You can reach it by bus from Salzburg in 45 minutes.
The train trip from Luzern to Salzburg is about 7 hours, so you might want to stopover for lunch in Munich’s Altstadt to break up the journey. Munich’s Rathaus Glockenspiel clock and cathedral are less than a mile from Munich’s train station downtown.
Because of the length of this journey, you effectively will only have one full day in Salzburg. You could easily change this by adding one night to Salzburg from the four nights in Vienna. If you’re staying inside the Ring in Vienna- you will still have plenty of time for Vienna’s attractions and this will be an easy revision. It is only a 3-hour train ride from Salzburg to Vienna.
Posted by
OP
8 posts
No it is this fall. Have accommodations.
Posted by
Citizen of the World
3178 posts
Oh, good planning on your part.
Have a great trip!
Posted by
Nashville, TN
1053 posts
I wouldn't remove Salzburg. With 12 nights into Zurich & out of Vienna, I'd probably do something like
4-5 nights Murren > 2-3 nights Luzern > 2 nights Salzburg > 2-3 nights Vienna
Salzburg is a beautiful small city and a natural stop in between Luzern & Vienna. I don't think Vienna needs 4 nights, so I'd allocate those amidst whatever you're most excited about elsewhere. Keep in mind that your first day or 2 in Murren will be jetlag, travel, etc. so you may benefit from an additional night there to settle in. Luzern can definitely be done in 2 nights unless you're planning multiple day trips from there.
Posted by
OP
8 posts
Thank you. Your suggestion is very helpful.
Posted by
Northern California
36 posts
I did a similar trip last year. Very good itinerary. If you have time I would add Budapest. It is a short train ride from Vienna and is a fascinating city. I spent 1 night in Zurich, 2 nights in Lucern, 4 nights in Murren, 1 night Bern, 2 nights Salzburg, 3 nights Vienna, 4 nights Budapest.
Posted by
Citizen of the World
3178 posts
I don’t think there’s time for Budapest on this trip.
Perhaps next time.
Posted by
OP
8 posts
Thank you very much.