Innsbruck or Salzburg?

Salzburg, but I'd stay a minimun of two nights. Why would you like to visit either one? That will be helpful in us helping you...Is it the food, architecture, beer, music, hiking, history?

Out and back, waiting for train (or getting gas for car) is going to take close to five hours. Not much time left over to do one as a day trip from the other.

Hi Natalia, I'd stay in Salzburg and skip Innsbruck. If you want to see the alps, head over to nearby Berchtesgaden. Paul

Just got back from both cities...we did three nights in Salzburg including the SOM tour one day, and just one night in Innsbruck. I know it bucks the conventional wisdom, but having visited both, we'd do two nights in each. The cable car up the Karwendel Alps in Innsbruck leads to stunning views of the mountains and city. And the hotel Weisses Kruez is so wonderful in Innsbruck. I think to do both justice, you'd need at least four nights (although RS does downplay Innsbruck as a destination at all...I don't agree). It would be a long day trip from Salzburg even via high-speed train, although I suppose it's possible. It's a two-hour journey one-way on the fastest train available, so any day excursion would include 4-5 hours of travel. If we did it again, we'd stay two nights in Salzburg (or three), BUT also do 2 in Innsbruck. Just my two cents.

Natalia, I suppose it depends on what you want to see, but I tend to agree with Paul. I'd use Salzburg as your home base, and perhaps take a day trip to Hallstatt or Berchtesgaden. You could either use local transportation or a local tour company such as Bob's Special Tours (check their website for details). If your time is limited, focus on Salzburg. Cheers!

Given a choice between the two, I would suggest Salzburg. I spent a couple of days in Salzburg ages ago...in Sept. 1977. I don't know Innsbruck. Why Salzburg? The city of Mozart, an enchanting city and what is called in German eine Kunststadt; these are the reasons for choosing the place.

If you´re there in the winter for skiing, Innsbruck. Any other time of year, Salzburg.

Salzburg's my favorite city! Stay there!

I agree with Salzburg. Not sure what time of year you'll be there, but the cafe on the Festung probably has the best view in europe from which to enjoy your espresso/wine/beer. The town is great, and the Cathedral is spectacular. One night here won't be enough.

Both cities are absolutely charming and have wonderful hotels, restaurants, and surrounding sites to visit. A day trip would be rough - long day and you would miss many sites. Salzburg is my favorite of the two. Definitely take a day trip out to Hallstadt - wonderful old city! I would spend two nights in each and relax.

Where else are you going? (I assume you are not flying to Europe for two days.) Where are you going on to? It might make sense, for example, to spend 2 nights in Salzburg, the second morning take the train to Innsbruck, then go on for the night to, say, Mittenwald?

I love Salzburg but consider Innsbruck skipable (except as a base for skiing in winter).

Hi all, thank you very much for your replies! Lee, you're right, it's easier to make a suggestion if you know more about the whole trip. I'm planning a 35-40 day trip around Europe, visiting London, Paris, Bruges, Amsterdam, Munich, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Salzburg and/or Innsbruck and finally Lauterbrunnen in Switzerland. I'm currently considering spending two days in Salzburg, then one day in Innsbruck and then take the train to Switzerland. I will be going next summer, during July/August Hope this help you help me!