First of all, let me say the helpline is as fun to read as it is informative. That said, I am looking for input on the following question: Is it easier/better/cheaper/more efficient to visit Mauthausen while traveling by train from Vienna to Salzburg or to visit it as a separate day trip from Vienna or Salzburg? Thanks much.
Posted by
Ojai, CA
591 posts
It's almost midway between the 2 (about 1½ hrs each way) so would be more efficient to visit en route from one city to the other. Stop at St. Valentin & switch to a regional train to Mauthausen. The camp is a couple miles from the Mauthausen station; you either walk or take a taxi. Not sure if the St. Valentin station has lockers, so you might have to keep your luggage with you.
Posted by
California Central Coast
97 posts
We did it as a day trip from Vienna. But either way, consider taking a taxi from St. Valentin rather than the train to Mauthausen station and then a taxi to the camp. It only cost us an additional €20 round trip for the taxi from St Valentin (compared to what it would have cost to take the train to Mauthausen and a taxi from there) and saved a substantial amount of time not having to wait for the connecting trains to and from Mauthausen station. Neil
Posted by
Ottawa
1446 posts
I'd do it as a day trip. No hassle with luggage (St Valentin is really small).
Posted by
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
190 posts
Hi Brian, My husband went to Mauthausen as a day trip from Salzburg. We however had rented a car for a few days. If taking the train I would get a taxi it would be a long walk from the train station. I hope you are able to visit, this was a very moving experiance for my husband and myself. We spent a good 3-4 hours there a day trip well worth it. Wendy
Posted by
Des Moines, IA
2193 posts
I'll defer to others regarding the train, but with a car, it's very doable no matter how you slice it. We visited in route from Hallstatt to Melk. Left Hallstatt in the am, visited Mauthausen in the afternoon, stayed the night in Melk, visited the abbey (don't miss it if you're in the area anyway) the next morning, and left for Vienna after lunch. This is a good route with great sites after Salzburg. It can be done in reverse just as easily.