I only have 12 days for my whirlwind Germany, Austria, Italy vascation this year, and have allocated 3 days for the Munich, Salzburg, Vienna portion. I have been to all these cities on a bus tour back in the 1980s, so I thought one day each would be OK this time. However, since I will be on my own this time, I am wondering if there are any suggestions about what to see or what not to miss? I will be spending two nights in Salzburg, having come by early morning train from Fuessen, and leaving by overnight train to Venice. Trip will be at the beginning of July.
Posted by
Cleveland, ohio, U.S.A.
18 posts
Robert,
You may want to consider eliminating Vienna. It does not seem like there is sufficient time to warrant the travel time to and from Vienna. I never plan enough time in Munich and Salzburg and there lots of activities. Just something to consider, but having been to both yourself you know your interest best.
Posted by
OP
Tarentum, PA, USA
45 posts
As we are taking the overnight train from Vienna to Venice, Vienna still needs to be in the plans, but maybe it will be a 1/2 day walking tour or an evening event while we wait for the train at about 10pm.
I hear Salzburg is great at night, that is why we chose to stay in Salzburg the two nights and use that as our hub.
So, maybe the question should really be, what day trips are there from Salzburg that make sense, keeping in mind that Vienna is our overnight train location.
Posted by
West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
213 posts
Robert, Yes, Salzburg is magical at night. For eating/drinking one evening I suggest the Augustiner Brewery in the Augustiner Monastery (of course!) on Autustinergasse, not far from the river. There you'll have a distinctive eating and drinking experience. You'll want the nonsmoking dining room, if you're not a smoker. It's walkable from the old city. Be sure to cross the river to get into some areas most tourists miss. Steingasse (across the Staatsbruecke) will get you into some interesting byways. Hellbrun Castle south of Salzburg is a worthy day trip as are the salt mines near Hallein.
Posted by
Beautiful Austin TX
582 posts
I love Vienna, and I'm glad you'll be there!!
But Salzburg has to be one of my favorite towns in Europe so far. Filled with charm, and Salzburg is not all that big and easy to get around.
I'm glad you are going on your own this time.
Have a great time!!!
Posted by
Breckenridge, CO
239 posts
Robert,
We just returned last week from a trip that included all those cities and more. The best thing about being on your own is just wandering around and finding small streets and cafes to people watch. In Munich, make sure to venture off Marienplatz to the Odeonplatz and Maximillian street, which were lovely in the early evening. Unfortunately, Vienna's lovely Graben in under massive construction, as is St. Stephens, but we took a carriage ride and enjoyed the rest of the ringstrasse that way. We were in Salzburg on a Tuesday night and we practically had the city to ourselves. We wandered the streets in the Old Town and there were very few people out around 7:00. Our kids had Mirabell Gardens all to themselves after dinner and danced a sang all the way through! I don't know if you will have time, but the Wachau area between Salzburg and vienna is beautiful! As is Berchtesgaden, which is fifteen minutes from Salzburg.
Posted by
chicago, illinois, usa
1 posts
Thinking of doing these cities in April. Is that a good time to travel to those destinations?