Salzburg vs. Hallstatt in the Salzkammergut vs. Munich

Hi Brian, That depends on how long you already plan to stay in each place. That's crucial info to be able to help you. Also, what are you looking to do, what are your interests in these places? The more info you give, the better and clearer your response will be. Personally, we love Salzburg. We've been 4 times now. Hallstatt, we spent the better part of day there. That was enough for us. Munich, spent 2 nights there a long time ago and never felt the need to go back. We're not "city or museum people" and prefer spending time in the alpine villages than the cities. Paul

It all depends on how much time you are already spending. If you're only spending a day in Hallstatt now, it would be worth spending another day. If you're already spending a week, I wouldn't add the day there. A day in Salzburg is enough, but adding a day and going to Berchtesgaden would be worthwhile. On the other hand, there is so much to see in Munich, almost no amount of time would be too much.

Brian, My questions are much the same as Lee mentioned. If you only have one day to see one of the three locations, be sure to include travel times. Which city will you be in prior to visiting any of these three locations? Some additional information would be helpful.....

I would recommend adding a day in and around Salzburg. We spent a lovely day visiting Berchtesgaden and the Konigsee. The buses to the Eagles Nest had stopped running due to the early October snow, but the area is so beautiful and an easy drive from Salzburg. Gives you time to get back to the Augustiner for dinner and beer. Happy travels. Dave

You say you're an older family of 4 -- I'm assuming that means you have older kids (teens?). Although Hallstatt is a really lovely town, there's not a lot in the town for kids/teens besides the ice caves or salt mines. If you're already in Salzburg, there's salt mines around there. If you want to do the ice caves, that could be worth the trip to Hallstatt. If you want to do salt mines, you could add the day to Salzburg, and also spend half the day at Hellbrunn, taking the tour of the fountains. Totally entertaining.

We are planning, in order, a day in Salzburg then two in Munich. trying to figure out if we should spend another day in either or visit Hallstatt for a day (after Salzburg, before Munich) Would visit H. by car. Would have to do S-H-M transportation in a day. Too much? Could instead spend another day in S. or M. and skip H. Like to sight-see, walk around, have some fun, experience new culture, meet the locals, maybe see some of Bavaria/alpine areas as alot of cities before this including Prague. After Munich we had to Frankfurt in half a day just to get back across the pond. Already have cancelled visiting Rothenburg on the RR as slow/few connections along the way from M to F with this stop. Looks interesting but no time for Berchtesgaden. Probably won't be back for a long while as we seem to prefer the Med. part of Europe. Much appreciated responses by all!

Hallstatt is VERY pretty, the views from the lake are spectacular. But that said, I agree w/ the posts above re: it depends how much time you have and where else you're going on this trip. If you are in Munich, have spent a few days there (say, 2-3 days) and have an extra day, than Salzburg as a side, day-trip, is a great option. About 1.5/2 hr train ride, so you can leave Munich early AM, be in Salzburg late AM, have all day to wander the old town, take the funicular up, walk across to fortress, go to Salzburg Cathedral, maybe Mozart's Birthhouse/Museum (if there's time), then be back in Munich that night. Salzburg is VERY pretty, but it IS a rather small city/most of the main tourist sites are close together, so it IS possible as a day-trip (although, if you have time, I would suggest at least 1 night there). Munich is a terrific, vibrant, cosmopolitan and historic city (even though much of what you're seeing is new/ was re-built in the 50s) and certainly warrants at least 2-3 days. This way, you can get in the "musts" (Frauenkirche; Pinakotech, Alte Pinakotech & Pinakotech de Moderne Museums, English Gardens, Deutches Museum, Nymphenburg Palace, the Residence, Hofbrauhaus, etc.), and still have time to wander around the Marienplatz, stroll ritzy Maximmilian Strasse, spend relaxing time in the English Gardens and a beer garden), and maybe also get in some side excursions/very easy day trips such as Dachau, the '72 Olympic Stadium and BMW Factory/Museum (latter 2 across from each other; super easy to combine).

Hi Brian I would add a day in Salzburg. I have a rule that I now go by and that is a minumum of 2 nights in one place. That way you get to see everything you want. And your not spending so much time on traveling. There is alot to seein in Salzburg. Hallstatt is a nice town but not much to see. Might make a good day trip out of Munich seeing you have to go back there to get train connections. Enjoy Wendy

We, too, are a family of 4 with 2 older teens, who travel a lot. I agree with Wendy - 2 nights in 1 town is a good rule. The 2nd day you can slow down a bit and notice the people; strike up a conversation and enjoy the culture.

I agree with a lot of the posters above - I'd skip Hallstatt and go for an extra day in either Salzburg or Munich. As much as I love Munich, I'd probably stay in Salzburg the extra day. It's a great place, and you can rent bikes for a great day's ride, or simply go hiking.