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6 Days In Vienna. Should I go to Salzburg?

We have a six day trip to Vienna. I've heard people talking about Salzburg and I would only have one full day to spend in Salzburg (no overnight). Is it worth going?

Posted by
1547 posts

My opinion is it will take too long to go there and back all in a day trip - this will be a lot of money spent for a short time in Salzburg. It would be worth it if you can overnight there.

Posted by
521 posts

Sure you could do it, but it is three hours each way by train. So as long as you are willing to have limited time in Salzburg, or an early start/late night, it can be done. Of course, 4.5 days in Vienna with an overnight trip to Salzburg can be a good idea too.

Posted by
524 posts

Have you already considered Melk? If not, you may want to consider that instead. Much closer and easier to get to. Sits along the Danube and is suppose to be beautiful. Plus there is the Abbey and the vineyards.

Posted by
6 posts

I am not even sure this side trip is still there, but one of the most memorable things I have ever done was to take a trip into the salt mines of Salzburg. The trip took 4 hours or so and we decended into the mines via long slides. The guide had control ropes and we all had to put on leather pant legs so we did not burn our bottoms.

Posted by
433 posts

It sounds as though you don't have the time to go to Salzburg. However, if you did, I would say go. Admittedly, we all have different interests, but my family and I were recently in Austria and enjoyed Salzburg much more than Vienna.

Posted by
206 posts

It's been some time, but we did just the opposite. We were staying in Salburg for a week and while there decided to take a day trip to Vienna. We took the early morning train out and a late train back. It just gave us a taste of Vienna, which we expected, and it was a nice first visit and we had a nice time. So, if you really want to go, go. Happy travels.

Posted by
19 posts

As mentioned the Melk Abby is a good day trip from Vienna. Vienna is good but I enjoyed Salzburg more. The best way would be to spend one night in Salzburg then back to Vienna. It's worth the trip.

Posted by
101 posts

If it were me I would cancel a night somewhere else and spend it in Salzurg..You won't regret it. It is a magnificent place to go. Small enough to walk and just beautiful. Be flexible and fit it in. 6 days in Vienna is, in my opinion, too way too much

Posted by
80 posts

When are you going to Salzburg?

I was there in the winter, actually precisely on Christmas Eve (mom arranged it so that we can attend mass and experience Christmas Eve in Europe!)

Salzburg is truly a lovely place. It has the charm but without the arrogance.

But we did stay there for a few nights (2-3 nights). Would that make a difference? I think so.

For me there were many touching, "WOW" moments. One of which was going to the home of Josef Mohr (composer of Silent Night) and seeing that his neighborhood was near the red light district, yet it entertained men from the nobility. Talk about the irony of life.

At any rate, I love Salzburg and would love to visit the town in future Christmas season.

Posted by
582 posts

Like Devra, I spent a week in Salzburg and took a day trip to Vienna. It's very doable! I agree with others it would be great if you spent a night in Salzburg.
It would be a shame to miss Salzburg. So much charm and beauty!

Posted by
12172 posts

I love Salzburg. A full day and night in Salzburg would be great. As a daytrip from Vienna, however, it would probably be better to save for another trip.

Posted by
182 posts

Hello Mary

When are you going?

I just returned from our trip to Austria. We spent 3 nights in Vienna and 4 in Salzburg.

It would be my opinion that you wouldn't to justice to try to make a day trip to Salzburg. Both cities have alot to offer, and frankly a day trip to either isn't fair unless you wanted to just say you'd been there. If there was anyway you'd consider 1 night there I don't think you'd regret it!

If you truly can't do the overnight, I'd also consider Melk and the Abbey. What a place. Magnificent! Stop at Krems along the way and enjoy a wonderful small Austrian town.

Posted by
2193 posts

Yes, you should visit Salzburg but not as a daytrip from Vienna. The travel time alone makes it difficult, and the city deserves much more of an investment than just a few hours. If at all possible, rework your itinerary a little and spend at least one night there. Two would be better.

Posted by
59 posts

Hi Mary. I found Salzburg and Vienna very fun and charming but I liked Salzburg just a bit better. Since Vienna is the primary location I would trim it to 4 days if you can and spend two days in Salzburg. Six days in Vienna is too long. You can definately see all the major sights and a day trip to Melk and Mauthausen(dont miss these two locations) in 4 days and still have time to do it in a relaxed fashion enjoying cafes along the way. If you spent two days in Salzburg it would also give you a basis to make good decisions on how to spend your time next time you go. Salzburg is beautiful but still relaxing and as mentioned above not arrogant. Lots of fantastic photo opportunities and the lake district that is easy to get to around Salzburg is the most beautiful area Ive been except for parts of Switzerland. If you are going with your significant other I found Salzburg at night to be the most romantic place we have been except for Paris. IMO Salzburg is a do not miss location if you are in Austria.

Posted by
582 posts

I really agree with Terry. You don't need six days in Vienna. But I wouldn't spend too little time there either. Three days would be good, and the rest in Salzburg. Salzburg is what everyone here says. It is breathtaking at night! You wont be sorry if you do decide to spend more time there.