I am planning a month long backpacking trip through western Europe this coming July (2008), and was previously planning on stopping in both Salzburg and Vienna. However, my friends and I think we need to cut down on the length of our stay in Austria, so I think we might have to choose between them. Any advice?
We also have the option of doing both cities but skipping our time in Switzerland...
I love both... but I have a soft spot for Salzburg.
Amanda,
don't skip out on Switzerland! You don't say where you'll be before or after Austria, but Vienna is a lot farther out of the way from Switzerland than Salzburg. Salzburg is a wonderful city and it would get my vote!
Salzburg was wonderful. Vienna is fine but a bit out of the way. Don't miss Switzerland. We actually took an overnight train from Switzerland to Vienna years ago and arrived around 6:30 am in the morning. We then took a day train trip to Salzburg. We stayed in a Youth Hostel in Werfen which is outside of Salzburg. We did the Ice Cave there. look at this web site for hotsel ideas. http://www.igougo.com/travelcontent/Journal.aspx?JournalID=30721
I think the others say it best when they describe Vienna as "a bit out of the way." Salzburg is a convenient trip while Vienna will take more travel time.
They are both great places to visit but if time is of the essence, choose Salzburg. If you like clean and quiet hostels, the Institute San Sebastion is a great choice.
I have a somewhat different opinion. I loved Vienna and agree it is a little out of the way. However, don't skip anytime in Switzerland . . . it is the best. I would like to return to Switzerland and Vienna because there are things I wanted to see and do in Vienna and ran out of time even though I stayed an extra day.
Comparing Salzburg and Vienna is like comparing apples and oranges. They are 2 totallly different experiences. Vienna is a "world class" city with lots of history, lots of interesting buildings, and lots of cultural opportunities. Salzburg is a totally Austrian experience which takes you into the world of Mozart. They're both wonderful places to visit.....However, you know what your interests are. If you're already visiting several world class cities, then skip Vienna and make sure you get to Switzerland. If your trip is already heavy on outdoor experiences and light on cities, then go to Vienna and skip Salzburg and Switzerland.
I agree with previous posts in that there is a difference between the two cities, both of which I enjoyed very much. If you are looking for museums and theater,then choose Vienna. Salzburg is more compact and has a wonderful castle. Additionally, there are some interesting smaller locations outside of Salzburg that might merit a visit: Hallstatt, Hohenwerfen castle, and the salt mines. It all depends on where your interests lie.
