Our family of six (four teenagers) will be in Salzburg for 5 days. Any suggestions of specific tours or places we shouldn't miss? Should we rent a car? Many thanks!
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
3428 posts
Do the Salt Mine tour! Our teens loved it!!! Also do the Sound of Music tour!
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Toni (last post): Do teens these days know the Sound of Music thing, or is that for us oldsters? :)
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
Hellbrunn palace is always fun. Since you didn't say when you would be there, you might want to check and make sure the water features are operating before you go. They probably aren't during the late fall and winter.
Posted by
Burlington, NJ, US
13 posts
I'd take a day, hop a bus and head to Berchtesgaden in Germany (only 20 mins or so by bus). Beautiful town - plenty of history with Hitler's Eagles Nest overlooking. Also visit Koniggssee, which is rather close as well (with historic St. Bartolomew).
-kris
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
It may be cold around Eagles Nest, because of the altitude, depending on when you are going.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
Kent, many of today's teens have been in school/community productions of the stage musical, so they have probably seen the movie, too.
Posted by
Stuttgart, Germany
51 posts
I was in Germany and Austria in July with three teenagers (14-boy, two 18-girls). The girls enjoyed just exploring the town and shopping. We did a puppet show and Hellbrunn Castle as a group. Also, my son and I went to Eagle's Nest and enjoyed the day there! None of the kids wanted to do the Sound of Music Tour.
Posted by
Clarksville, TN, USA
956 posts
Definitely do the Salt Mines. If it's going to rain on any day while you go, that's the day to do it because it's entirely inside. (That's the day that we went.) Only do the Sound of Music tour with them if they love the movie, otherwise they may be bored for part of it. Although, the scenery in the Lake District is beautiful, there are some stops along the way that would be dumb unless you've watched the movie 100 times like some people have (like me!!!) The Heilbrunn Castle would be fun... And of course go to the Fortress...
Posted by
southwest, Missouri, U.S.A.
1717 posts
I recommend visiting the Residenz art gallery, located in "New" Salzburg. I liked the landscape paintings there, from the 1800s. It is not a very large place, plan for 45 minutes there. Go on a half day bus tour to the Salzkammergut. It includes a visit to the nice old town Wolfgang, and probably a quick visit at Gilgan. Both towns are at the Wolfgangsee which is surrounded by Alps mountains. Breathing in the cool air there is wonderful ! When I did that trip, a total of six people plus the driver were in a VW minibus. If you have any choice, I suggest go in a tour that does not include a boat ride on Wolfgangsee. The view from the boat is not better than the views from the land.
If you can be away from Salzburg one night, I suggest ride the train and boat to Hallstatt. Read about that in the book "Rick Steves' Germany and Austria". I think being at Salzburg is a pleasure, at any season of the year.