We will be in Austria in September and were wondering if anyone had traveled in southern Austria by train? Rick doesn't mention anything about that area in his guidebook, so we're wondering if it is worth visiting or not. We will be coming into Vienna through Innsbruck, Salzburg, Hallstatt, and the Danube Valley and are considering exiting through southern Austria on our way to Switzerland. Is there a reason to skip this region? Any suggestions?
We're finding that planning a route is not as easy as it may seem. There doesn't seem to be an obvious, easy train connection between Austria and Switzerland.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
Define exactly where in Austria and Switzerland you refer to.
Posted by
OP
Clovis, CA, USA
80 posts
When we leave Austria, we will be headed to Chur to catch the Glacier Express the next day. So it would be Vienna to Chur.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32352 posts
Maria,
I've noticed that the coverage for that part of Austria is a bit limited in the newer Guidebooks. Yes, I have travelled by train in that area. IMO it is definitely worth visiting as there are some beautiful towns there! Salzburg and Hallstatt are both worth a few days if you have the time.
If you're only travelling by train, the trip to Hallstatt involves a "change" in Attnang-Pucheim. When you arrive at the small station, you'll find it's across the lake from the town, so a short trip on Stefanie is needed. You could also base yourselves in Salzburg and take a day trip to Hallstatt (have a look at Bob's Special Tours). The same company offers day tours to Berchtesgaden which is another beautiful mountain town, one with a somewhat "colourful history". If you're interested in WW-II history, a visit to the Documentation Centre and Bunkers would be good. There's also a Salt Mine there which offers tours.
The train connections shouldn't be difficult, once you've worked out which locations you want to visit.
Happy travels!
Posted by
Bend, OR, United States
1167 posts
You can get the information you need from the DB website. Plug in your dates and times and it will give the details of all connections. Looks like about an 8 hour trip with either 1 or 2 connections but it is a beautiful trip.
http://www.bahn.de/international/view/en/index.shtml