My mother and I are going on a trip and I have to make a choice between Salzburg and Cesky Krumlov. Is one more stand out than the other? We are leaning towards Salzburg because we will see more of the Alps this way. (Our itinerary is Budapest, Danube cruise through Austria into Germany and then Prague.) Thanks for your input in advance!
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
1525 posts
Both are great but very different. CK is much smaller and a bit more exotic. Salzburg will feel more familiar, but does have the mountains nearby. I would vote for Salzburg if you plan to actually get into the mountains, rather than just see them from a distance. I would vote for CK if you really plan on just strolling through town.
Posted by
Orlando
516 posts
Salzburg. CK was nice as a daytrip but Salzburg is awesome. If you go to www.flickr.com take a look at photos of both cities. Salzburg is very beautiful at night.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
20780 posts
Can't comment on Salzburg as I have never been there, but i hear good things. Cesky Krumlov is a fairly intact baroque town complete with castle mannor house, small river, foot bridges, etc. During the day in the middle of the week when the tourism is lighter your would think you are in another period of time. We spent just two days there but could just as easily spent three or four. It's not a city, its pretty laid back, the crafts shopping is good the food is good, the beer is Czech (perfect). The Hotel Dvorak has a room with a balcony that looks towards the castle that is quite spectacular in the evening. So, which? Cesky Krumlov and Salzburg seem like very different places so choose the one that best fits your interests. Here are some photos. http://budapestflat.shutterfly.com/cz2 If you are traveling by car there are some pretty sweet castles between Prague and Cesky Krumlov as well.
Posted by
Seattle
4637 posts
It seems you are going to see some big cities (Budapest, Prague ...) so I would add one small picturesque town and that is Cesky Krumlov. However if you prefer bigger cities then Salzburg.
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
I love them both, and they are so different it is hard to compare...but if I had to recommend for someone else I would say Salzburg, only because if you miss it I think that would be a bigger regret. Of course, if you can cut someplace else and do both....
Posted by
Overland Park, KS, USA
16 posts
I'll answer a couple ways. 1st, which would I go back to? Oddly, though there is not as much to do I'd go to CK. As I thought, really easy answer for me (my Mom agreed). 2nd, and I hope this makes sense, if you want to do in a town - choose Salzburg. If you want to be in a town, choose CK. Relative to regrets, you are more apt to have them omitting Salzburg as more people have been there and will extol it's virtue after your return. With CK you'll have a place not as many have been. My 10 year old son still talks of Prague/CK from our vacation there 2 years ago. Can't go wrong either way. We're OPKS, and looking forward to our vacation in Europe as well. Hope you have a great trip.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
20780 posts
Sort of an apple or an orange question. Of course i would say skip them both and go for a peach or a grape and go to Plovdiv or Tihany.
Posted by
Madison, WI, US
86 posts
I've visited both places. Cesky Krumlov is a very beautiful small town whereas Salzburg felt more like a city. CK would be a place to relax in while Salzburg has more tourist sites to visit. Overall I felt CK was one of the most idealic small towns I've ever seen. Both can be crowded. If you're looking for a place to stay for more than 2 nights I would say Salzburg otherwise CK gets my vote.