Austria in February?

I visited Austria in February last year (was also there in January and July) and think it really depends on what you would like to do. If you're closer to the Alps, it can be quite beautiful with the snow. Even if it's just plain cold, in a place like Vienna, you can bundle up and still walk around and spend time in good museums and cafes. What you won't be able to do as much is enjoy longer daylight hours or spend time lazing outside by a lake, for example. You might spend more time in public transportation because of the cold rather than walking places. Some of Austria's outdoors are very beautiful and perhaps most enjoyable with good weather; however, winter still has a charm and there are many indoor activities as well if you're interested in a more culture-oriented trip.

Austria (boy you've bitten off a mouthful there - its a big country) is worth a month any time of the year.

I second Nigel's reply. I would go there anytime for any length of time.

Austria is a "big" country, about 32,000 sq. mi, the size of South Carolina. Would you spend a month in S. Carolina. I wouldn't. Austria's worth a week or two, not a month. Don't get me wrong. I have almost nothing against Austria. I spent five days there last year and enjoyed it. But it's a small country; I don't think there is that much there to see. Not for a month.

It's all a matter of personal preference and yes, I would spend a month in either place.

Of course it's worth a week long visit! I lived there for a whole winter and never ran out of things to do and see.

I've been here seven years and counting. Still haven't seen it all or done it all. Not bored yet. It all depends if you want to go beyond just checking the main sights off your list and really dig into the place/culture. Lovely country. But everyone is different. The main problem with February is that the weather can be disagreeable. If you prepare for bad weather, you are set.

Lee, I know its not Germany, but let's see. Wien - a week? maybe more? Side trip to Bratislava - a day or 2 Side trip to Prague - ?? - Even longer if stopping in Ceské Budejovice and/or Cesky Krumlov Salzburg - 3 or 4 days? Innsbruck - a day, or 2 or 3 if bobsledding Seefeld-i-T - 3 days Skiing im Tyrol - a week to 10 days Berktesgarten und nahe - 2 days (I know its over the border to Germany, but that's OK isn't it? Passau, DE, a day to see the rivers converge Sightseeing im Tyrol - 4 days Salzkammer - 4 days Wachau Valley - 2 days Hohe Tauern and Grossglockner - 3 days in a car, a week on foot Karnische Dolomitenstrasse - 2 days Bad Hofgastein - a day
Graz - 2 days Oh, that's just 46 days. You're right, better go to South Carolina.... actually, I really like South Carolina...

Wow! Thanks to all for the responses. I did not think I was starting such a row when I posted my question. It must be a great country to visit, even in mid-winter, if it inspires such passionate responses.

Adding to Nigel's list: The Zillertal and the Oetztal and the Osttirol. Don't forget day trips (or longer) into nearby South Tirol/Alto Adige (Val Gardena, Val Venosta, Val Iscaro, etc.).

William, If you have only a full week for Austria, I'd say you don't have enough time...Vienna itself would occupy that amount of time. Depending on your desire to see other cities, you might want to include Salzburg and Linz. But my choice would be at least four nights in Vienna and the rest in Salzburg, from which you take a day trip to Linz. See the great art museum in Vienna, the Kunsthistorischesmuseum and also the military museum if you're interested in Austrian military history...the Heeresgeschlichtlichesmuseum, near where the South Train Station used to be. The times I have been there hardly any Americans were there. Vienna is an enchanting, yet haunting city, especially if you are familiar with Austrian history. No probelm with spending a month in Austria... to be divided up as follows: Vienna and environs, Salzburg, Linz, Graz and the Kärnten are.

William - I think you are asking the wrong question. A better question might be: "what can I see or do in a week in Austria that best meets my interests." If you have more than a fly-by curiosity in any of the following – architecture, fine arts, any field in the social or natural sciences, not to mention outdoor activities – then a week is not anywhere near long enough, even if you want to hit only the highest points. Even Nigel's 46 day itinerary only scratches the surface, and I think he knows that quite well. You need to seriously prioritize. On the other hand, if you were only interested in train stations and bus stops, then 5 days might be sufficient, although I doubt that, too