Starting with 4 nights in Vienna and ending with 3 nights in Munich. So that leaves 4 nights in between. Would like to see Melk, Salzburg and Hallstatt. Any recommendations on how to split the overnights at each place and train versus driving? We've driven in Europe before, so no problem doing that. Traveling with husband and 2 teenagers. Spending less time in Munich because we've already been before, but the kids love Munich and want to go back. thanks,
Lisa
Posted by
Orlando
516 posts
We did this exact trip a couple years ago. Had a great time. We did a daytrip with a tour company to Hallstatt from Salzburg. It was very nice. We spent one night in Melk and toured the abby. Not much else to do there. Not sure if I would do that part of the trip again. Absolutely loved Salzburg and Vienna.
Posted by
Spokane, WA, USA
58 posts
If it were up to me I would probably drive or train from Vienna to Melk and see the abbey then progress to Hallstatt. After spending 2 nights I would then progress to Salzburg for the final two nights before leaving for Munich. We did this trip backwards and had one more night than you which left us an extra day for Bechtesgaden. About the drive vs. train option, I can't speak to the convenience of the train routes, but we really liked the fact that we had a car for this portion of our trip. We enjoyed the lake region surrounding Hallstatt more than the town itself, and a car was very convenient for that. Day 1 - Melk Abbey, sleep in Hallstadt Day 2 - Explore Hallstadt, surrounding lakes, or salt mine, sleep in Hallstadt Day 3 - Travel to Salzburg, explore Salzburg, sleep in Salzburg Day 4 - Explore Salzburg or Bechtesgaden, sleep in Salzburg
Day 5 - Travel to Munich With 4 nights, however you arrange them you'll have a great time in this region.
Posted by
Ojai, CA
591 posts
A train from Melk to Hallstatt takes about 3 hours with 2 changes, and from Hallstatt to Salzburg is about 2½ hrs with 1 change, so I'd recommend driving from Vienna and returning the car at Salzburg. Melk is good for about a 3 hour visit, so I agree with continuing on for the night at Hallstatt. I'd probably go for 1 night in Hallstatt and 3 in Salzburg which would give you a full day in Salzburg and another day to go to Berchtesgarten or maybe the Wolfgangsee.
Salzburg is an end point for a "Bayern Ticket" from Munich, so I would guess you could get one in the reverse direction at the Salzburg station.... one of the best travel deals in Europe.
Posted by
OP
Tulsa, OK, US
42 posts
thanks everyone. That's exactly the kind of info I was looking for!
Posted by
Chicago
792 posts
Of the cities you mentioned, I have only been to Salzburg. But I ended up staying 4 nights instead of two because I loved it so much. I ran into a lot of other people who did the same- including an Australian couple who had stayed a whole week instead of one night! So I would recommend maximizing time in Salzburg.
Posted by
San Francisco
14979 posts
Hi, I would suggest spending at least one or two nights in Salzburg if it's your first visit. See esp. Mozarts Wohnhaus (his residence) and Mozarts Geburtshaus (his birth house). In both are museums. Both are worth your time. Coming from the Hbf. you'll run into the Wohnhaus first.
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5507 posts
It would be an absolute shame to visit Melk and not take the opportunity to explore the Wachau region. Spitz, Duernstein and other villages along the Danube until Krems is not to be missed. It is a UNESCO world heritage site. Many ways to explore - bike, boat, hike. In my opinion, stay in Duernstein rather than Melk, more options for hotels, good wine/food, exploration.