Salzburg vs combination of Zurich/Lucerne at Christmas

A trip report is a summary of a traveler's experience. You might put your query under Switzerland, Austria or I guess, maybe General Europe.

There is nothing wrong with Zurich. It is a large city, however. There are many, many beautiful cities in Switzerland. IMO, and seems to be similar to many on the forum, many other cities in Switzerland are more interesting than Zurich. Luzern/Lucerne is amazing and one of the most beautiful cities I've visited in Europe. I routinely tell people to skip Zurich and go directly to Luzern. I would never stay in Zurich and day trip, because, I'd much prefer to be in Luzern for a few days. If you are looking for cities to combine with Luzern, consider Basel or Bern.

I'm not sure if I could pick between Salzburg and Luzern. I do love the Sound of Music tour, but Salzburg has much to offer beyond that.

I'd say to chose between Salzburg and Luzern depends on what other places your travels will take you and how much time you have.

On part of our one month trip, we spent some time in Vienna, took the train to Salzburg, then took the train to Luzern. There are a few options/ routes from Salzburg to Luzern. I believe we went thru St. Gallen and changed trains in Zurich, I believe the journey was at least six hours.

Thanks for your response! It sounds like Lucerne and Bern or Basel is the better combination over Zurich. Maybe a combination of Lucerne and Bern or Basel might edge Salzburg in comparison. Can't wait to see Europe.
RT

We go to the Xmas Markets every other year. They originated in Germany and are still best in Germany (and Vienna & Salzburg).

Zurich's Markets are very underwhelming in comparison. Lucerne is one of my favorite European towns, but not during Xmas Market season.

Salzburg's markets are good, but you don't need more than 2 days in my opinion. Vienna needs 3-4 days as it has so many markets. Other favorites are Passau, Regensburg Thurn & Taxis Market, Nuremberg.

Instead of Zurich and Lucerne, I would suggest Wengen or Murren. You will have spectacular scenery in a car-free village. Neither place will likely have a Christmas market, but if that is your focus I would suggest Germany or Austria.

Salzburg is one of my favorite cities in the world. We’ve spent 10 nights there over 2 trips (in summer and fall) and we’re returning this year for the Christmas markets. Part of the appeal is the entire Salzkamergut region. Gorgeous lakes and villages. Castles, fortresses, bierhalls. Plenty to do. Way less expensive than Switzerland. Salzburg itself is a big city that feels like a small town. Tons of history.

I’d pick Salzburg in December. Not much of a contest. The holiday atmosphere in Salzburg and nearby Salzkammergut (take a cruise on the Wolgangsee and visit St. Gilgen and St. Wolfgang) is hard to beat. Nearby Berchtesgaden is wonderful also during the Markets. Add the fact that Austria and Germany are so much less expensive.

We’ve visited in December a few times, as recently as Dec. 2024.

If budget is an issue you should know that Switzerland is considerably more expensive than Austria.

Great suggestions. Salzkammergut is amazing in the Christmas pictures I saw.
We decided on these three locations: Vienna, Salzburg, and Prague. Never been to Europe so this will be an amazing experience.

https://www.wolfgangseer-advent.at/en

just know while Prague is stunning, the markets there are not authentic and are mostly food and drink.

Salzburg is stunning and I could easily spend many days there, but the Xmas Markets there can easily be seen in 2 days.

In Vienna, don't miss --
Rathaus/City Hall Market - esp at night
Maria Theresa Platz Market
St. Stephan's Market
Art Advent - locals fav, unique
Spittelberg Market
AmHof Market
Schonbrunn Palace Market

You are pretty late at booking hotels for the best, most convenient locations.

Richard you have chosen fantastic destinations and you are going to have a wonderful, magical time! It is not to late for your hotel bookings, you will be fine. They all have wonderful Christmas markets and absolutely amazing museums. Vienna also has an incredibly easy public transit system. I'm happy for your first trip to Europe, hooray!

Thank you for the pointers and the encouragement about my trip there. I have a feeling once I have been there, I will learn what I've been missing and want to return. I plan to eat healthy food and keep an eye on my wallet for more than one reason that's for sure.

Vienna, Salzberg and Prague will be wonderful in December! I have been to Salzberg and Vienna in December for Christmas markets and was enchanted.

I would add to the list of things to do:
The Christmas Museum in Salzburg is a fantastic small museum filled with one collector’s gift after her death. Items collected over her lifetime, many of great historic interest. Vignettes of the old days, lots of history and charming toys and decorations. It’s in the old town. I found it fascinating in September and I think in winter, it will be even better!
In Vienna, I recommend visiting The Third Man Museum, a small private museum of artifacts concerning the Third Man movie as well as post-war Vienna’s stance and attitude toward their Nazi connection in WWII. Very educational!

Paul, yes I just saw a youtube of the train from Salzburg to those small towns about 45 minutes away and those snow-capped mountains and the villages are to die for. That wins it for me for that whole area.

We spent a day on our last two December trips on the Wolfgangsee. The ship is comfortable with drinks, pastries and light meals avail. Wonderful day out. St. Gilgen and St. Wolfgang are so worth seeing at this time of year. This past December we had a beautiful day and were able to sit outside on the upper deck of the ship. It was that nice out.