Hello, this is my first post and it is an important one. Currently I am making an itinerary which starts out at Venice, winds itself to Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, and then finally ends at Switzerland within three weeks. Right now I am stuck at Austria; From Venice, I plan to stop at either Salzburg or Hallstatt for two days and one night and then spending two nights and three days at Vienna before heading to Prague. So my question is, should I choose Salzburg or Hallstatt ? Or should I just make Vienna my home base and go to each as a day trip? Also, if it isn't a hassle, can you tell me a good place in Germany where we could see many castles. Note, we are taking the train, so driving is out of the question. Thanks.
Posted by
Nederland, CO
1434 posts
Andre, You can't realistically do Salzburg or Hallstatt as a day trip from Vienna. Which one you choose depends on what you are looking for. Hallstatt is really beautiful, charming and peaceful. Salzburg has great music, interesting sights and a little nightlife.
The best place in Germany to see castles is on the Rhine with either Bacharach or St. Goar as a home base. Alternatively you could visit mad King Ludwigs castles near Fussen in Bavaria.
Posted by
Dallas, TX, USA
147 posts
Bavaria is magnificent and it's only an hour or so by trains from Munich.
Stop in Salzburg and then train to hallstatt to spend 1/2 day on the way to Vienna.
Posted by
Perth, Australia
1 posts
Hi Andre
I just came back from Austria and had the chance to spent a 4 nights in Salzburg and 2 nights in Hallstatt.
They are both very different and I agree with Jill that it depends on what you're looking for.
Hallstatt is stunning - beautiful lake and gorgeous houses, and accommodation is a bit cheaper than Salzburg. In 2 days you could relax by the lake, go on a hike up to the Salt Mine, and also do a tour of the salt mine (bring something warm to wear!).
In Salzburg you could explore the old city, and possibly visit the fortress and the gardens where part of the sound of music was filmed. Salzburg is more of a place to stroll around rather than one filled with exciting sights.
Good luck with your trip planning! Both places are lovely.
Posted by
burlington
427 posts
stay in salzburg you can take a train to hallstat or munich in a day.
Posted by
Pearland, TX, USA
852 posts
Greetings, Andre . . .
We have spent many days and nights in both Salzburg and Hallstatt. You ask a tough question.
If it were our trip, we would stay at least two days in Hallstatt and plan to return another time to stay in both Hallstatt and Salzburg.
Or, you might consider it the other way around, but in any event return some day soon with carefully studied plans to enjoy both places several days each.
Gute Reise ! P.
Posted by
Morristown, NJ, USA
4 posts
I agree with Perry, and would have to pick Hallstatt for two reasons: 1) 2 days isn't really enough for Salzburg but is just right for Hallstatt; and (2)it sounds like you are hitting other cities and Hallstatt would be a quiet, relaxing contrast/break. No way you could do either as a day trip from Vienna.