With Salzburg as our base, and if we take the bus to the flughof to rent a car for the day, can our family of 5 travel to Berchtesgarten, tour the Eagle Nest and then travel to Hallstadt to go through the salt mines? We'd be returning the car at the end of the day. We are staying in altstadt and have no place to park the car overnight without making a special arrangement. Oh and also--- this will be the first time that we're renting a car in Europe. It will be a rushed day, but I want a glimpse of Hallstadt. I know there are other salt mine experiences but I thought my kids would enjoy it more than walking around another old city.
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
Yes, it's doable. If you get an early start, you should be done at Berchtesgaden by noon or 1:00, and you shouldn't have any trouble making it to Hallstatt before the last salt mine tour of the day, which leaves at 4:30.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32327 posts
Lynette, While it may be possible, that WILL be a very rushed day and if there are any "complications" (ie: one segment takes longer than planned), it will throw the entire plan out. It might be a good idea to pre-book a tour with Eagle's Nest Tours, so that you have a definite time reserved. A guided tour may provide a more interesting experience for your group. When you arrive in Hallstatt, you'll need to allow time to take the Funicular up the hill to RudolfSturm, and there's also a short hike to reach the location of the Salt Mine (the hike takes about 15-20 minutes each way). I can't remember the exact duration of the Salt Mine tour, but tours exit the mine at a considerably lower elevation than the entry point. You'll have to allow a few minutes to hike back up to the Mine building and turn-in your coveralls (and receive your "free" canister of salt) prior to heading back down the mountain. There's also an interesting Museum in Hallstatt across from the T.I. office, but I doubt that you'll have time for that. You wouldn't be able to drive to the Museum, as no traffic is allowed in that part of town. You'd need to walk from the parking area at the end of town. Happy travels!
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
Ken is absolutely right about the funicular + hike up to the salt mine entrance. You should plan to arrive in Hallstatt by 3:00 - 3:15 at the latest. According to viamichelin.com, Berchtesgaden to Hallstatt is a 1 hour & 15 minute drive. Probably the most important thing is getting an EARLY start in the morning.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19240 posts
Why not? I saw Italy in 4 hours one day in 2009.