What would you recommend: We have 5 nights in Vienna, 3 nights in Salzburg and need 3-4 days in another city - munich or whatever? Also, any tips for Vienna and Salzburg?
Posted by
St Petersburg Florida
951 posts
Don't miss the Christmas market at Vienna's Rathaus. It was large and awesome with big huge ornaments hanging off the trees. Good hot spiced wine and huge pastry rolls filled with cream.
Posted by
Columbia, SC
989 posts
Kelly - do you remember how late the Rathaus Christmas Market stayed open on Christmas Eve? I won't get into Vienna umtil noonish on the 24th.
Posted by
Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.A.
127 posts
I've just returned from 3 weeks in Austria and Budapest. Re: rail station arrival Salzburg: Station is under reconstruction. When you emerge, turn left and walk on left side of street to remain on Rainerstrasse; it's a bit of a walk to town center and Salzburg is not big on street signs. Vienna: If you travel to or from Salzburg, then you'll be dealing with West Banhof (train station) in Vienna. West Banhof rail station is next door to West Banhof metro station; they're not in same building. There's a ticket and information office on second floor of West Banhof rail station. People are very helpful and office is open 7 days a week. The Vienna u-bahn (metro) system is superb. Don't forget to validate your metro ticket at u-bahn stations.
Posted by
Gig Harbor, Washington, USA
1864 posts
Many years ago we spent Dec. 23-25 in Badgastein, Austria. It was magical.....crystallized snowflakes the size of salad plates, swept paths for hiking, and a pagent Christmas Eve. We stayed at the Gruener Baum, an old family resort above the town. Christmas day we hired a horse-drawn sleigh which took us back many miles into the woods where there was a small inn which served hot spiced wine. You might want to check it out for your extra three days.
Posted by
West Coast, California, USA
485 posts
I've done a similar trip a few times now and Munich is always a part of it. It's not too far from Salzburg and has a huge Christmas Market that's just wonderful.
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
517 posts
Christmas Markets close on the 24th and everything pretty much shuts down for 3 days. Be prepared for temps hovering around the freezing mark. Come a couple of days before the 24th to truly catch the magic. There are quite a few smaller Christmas Markets that are not as crowded. Also special music in the evenings in many churches. P.S. [INVALID] The roast chestnut sellers just opened this week. :-) Happy travels!