nimz

Hello, my wife and i are planning a 4.5 days vacation in and around salzburg and innsbruck area. Unlike my other trips across europe, we are not interested in any museums and history on this trip. We are more interested in enjoying the beautiful views the region has to offer. I have made reservations in a hotel in salzburg which is pretty close to the main train and bus station, so salzburg will be the base location ( my return train is from salzburg).Is that a good idea? Here's my pretty rough itinerary -

Day 1: explore the city, mirabell schloss etc.
Day 2: day trip to salt mine ( hallein or berchtesgaden??) and explore the area
Day 3: day trip to innsbruck (will make a stop at watten for some pictures)
Day 4: any recommendations??
Day 5: chill out in salzburg and take evening train back to Germany.

How sensible and useful is the salzburg card, given my itinerary.
Would really appreciate feedback and suggestions. Thanks

treplow

Why the salt mines, when there are so many beautiful places to see in and near Berchtesgaden? You can go by bus from Salzburg to Bg'dn and take the Jenner gondola lift, accessible from near the Koenigsee, for beautiful views of the alps and a walk at the top of the mountain, or half way, or all the way down into the valley. Then take the lake trip on the See, or drive or take the train from Salzburg to Hallstadt am Hallstaetter See. Another option, take the train (less than an hour) to Prien, from there take the bus or walk to Stok and pick up a boat to take you to the Herrenchiemsee island and visit King Ludwig's palace on the island. Very pleasanbt walk from the boat landing to the Schloss. You can get to Prien and back on the train for EUR28 for the two of you, travelling on one Bavarian Card ticket.

I think a day in Innsbruck (including a lengthy train trip) is a poor trade-off for another day in Salzburg or the nearby Salzkammergut (lake district)

nimz

ok, if salt mines are not worth it, i will skip them. Berchtesgaden and koenigsee seem like good options. I think i might spend 2 nights in innsbruck so that i can cover alpbach or any other place nearby on day 4.

Gina_07

I would also recommend that you visit the Salzkammergut (lake district), either drive yourself or take a bus tour. The towns are so charming. I would leave Innsbruck for the last day and visit only if I feel I am done with Salzburg.

bobthenavigator

I agree---the lakes of the Salzkammergut are a highlight.I would bus to St. Gilgen and take the ferry on the Wolfgangsee for a full day. Frankly, I would skip Innsbruck.

nimz

Thanks to all, the itinerary looks a bit better but i still have one full day to spare...

Day 1: arrive in salzburg at noon, explore the city e.g mirabell etc...
Day 2: berchtesgaden, koenigsee as suggested by treplow
Day3: salzkammerkut - st. Gilgen , wolfgangsee as suggested by gina and bobthenavigator
Day4: alpbach? Innsbruck?
Day5: check out of the hotel, spend time in salzburg and take evening train back to heidelberg

jimmybog

I agree about missing Innsbruck. Although the centre is nice, I'm not sure if I would travel all the way from Salzburg to there.

How about visiting Kitzbuehl instead? Smaller than Innsbruck and just as (if not) nicer. You can then take the gondola up to the mountains above.

robertino

Agree about Innsbruck, even though I like Innsbruck. With 4.5 days, just stay around Salzburg.

I would absolutely include Hallstatt in your visit to the Salzkammergut. Maybe an overnight there?

Gina_07

Years ago, we did 10 days in Austria--5 in Vienna, 3 in Salzburg, 2 in Innsbruck. If I had to do it again, I would skip Innsbruck and add a day to Vienna and Salzburg each. In other words, while Innsbruck is not bad at all with as many days as you have or we had, it is better to spend more time in Salzburg.

bigtyke

Go to Salzburg and not see the salt mines? Unimaginable!

AisleSeat

Other close trips out of Salzburg to consider are Hallstatt, Munich, Herrenchiemsee and Werfen with it's wonderful old castle. If you are driving you can dip into the Dolomites in Northern Italy.

cpk2001

We have similar trip planned. We will rent a car in Salzburg with 3 nights in Salzburg. One day to Berchesgarten/Eagles Nest and maybe salt mine, one day going down to the ice cave and one day in town. Then we will go 5 nights in Innsbruck mainly as a base to go on day hikes, then 3 nights in Fussen to go on the lake and see the castles. Then train to Munich with 2 nights by the airport and fly home. There seems to be a lot of hiking near Innsbruck. Any comments on this schedule?

PalenQ

Yes you are missing what to me is the nicest place near Salzburg - the Sound of Music Country - a k a The Lakes District. Could spend two days there and even do a day trip by bus and train to Hallstatt via Bad ischl.

If going to Innsbruck take the Inland Route that goes all via Austria rather than the Corridor Route via mainly Germany - the first traverses a lovely Alpine valley going thru places like lovely Zell on a lovely lake - it takes 3 hours one way hour about vs 2 hrs on the mainline via Germany - which is not that scenic compared to the Inland route.

I find Innsbruck a fascinating town but you may need more than a half-day there to appreciate that - like to take the mountain tram to the Olympic Ski Jump in an area of lush forests with nice hiking paths and visit the neat Schloss Ambras, also on that tram line- the town center is not so cute as Salzburg but has some major churches, etc.

for train details check www.obb.com; www.seat61.com; www budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.

5 days

2 days Salzburg
2 days Lake District
1 day trip to Berchetsgaden- another lovely area with a salt mine.

Salzburg was known as Salt City when its mines provided a wide area with the vital of life then - salt.

PalenQ

Zell am See and the Krimml Bahn would also make a wonderful day out or stay over in gorgeous Zell and walk or take boats around the lovely lovely lake:

https://www.google.com/search?q=zell...w=1745&bih=868

https://www.google.com/search?q=krim...xYfwWVEoEHM%3A