We are planning our first trip to Europe since our honeymoon 30 years ago. We have booked four nights in Salzburg and then plan to drive to the Vienna area. We would prefer to stay in a smaller, quieter town from which we could do day trips to the Danube, Melk, Vienna, etc. Despite studying several guidebooks we have been unable to settle on a specific town. Any suggestions for a base (and even a pension) would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Posted by
Houston, TX, USA
77 posts
Does anyone know what happened to Corinna? SHe was such a wonderful source of info about Austria.
EM
Posted by
Des Moines, IA
2193 posts
I've stayed in Melk and can recommend Gasthof Goldener Stern. Big, clean rooms, good restaurant on site, and bike rentals. Thinking about Connie's post made me realize that I should mention that Melk was a stop for me in between visiting Salzburg and Vienna. I agree that Vienna merits a stay in the city...so much to experience. If you've never been to a concentration camp before and are interested, Mauthausen is very good (if not depressing...took a couple of hours and a Hefeweizen beer or two back in Melk to feel better).
Posted by
Everett, WA
1297 posts
Melk was going to be my suggestion too. However, if you want to go into Vienna for several days, it could get pricey. We did Vienna as a day trip from Melk and it was 58 euros for 2 people round trip to Vienna from Melk. Once we got there, we spent 11 euros for 2 all day transit passes. We had a great, if full, day and got to everything we wanted to see including Schonnbrunn Palace. Of course, you can't see all of Vienna in a day and if you plan to go in several days, you might want to try and stay a little closer. If you have time, bike from Melk to Krems and take the boat back. It is an awesome trip that take you through wonderful and charming villages. The Melk abbey is stunning as well. I really liked Melk-you can walk from one end to the other and it has lots of charm.