We will be arriving 4/30 late pm and getting car from Vienna Airport, after a 10 day tour in Greece. My priority is to see Grossglockner Highway. I understand that it will probably not be open, but want to be flexible in case it is.

Given that, where would you suggest we stay. No problem splitting nights even with 3 destinations. If we can't do Grossglockner Highway, will want to go to Salzburg for at least part of 1 day. Have ruled out ice caves because we don't want to carry cold weather gear on our cruise. Have looked into salt caves and realize that would take 1/2 day.

Will be dropping car back at Vienna airport before spending 3 nights in Vienna.

Our priority is sightseeing, not eating. Please suggest best places to stay for maximum sightseeing.

Thanks!

Zell-am-See is a lovley town surrounded by low Alps and sitting on a pristine lake -poopular to walk around it or take boats. But I believe Zell is a gateway to Gross Glockner - famous Krimml Bahn railway starts from here to Krimml Falls which is probably on your radar.

For planning, keep in mind that 1 May is a holiday, meaning stores and many restaurants will be closed.

What constitutes "maximum sightseeing?" Museums? Salzburg and Munich have several. Castles and palaces? There are plenty in Bavaria. Hiking and nature? The Salzkammergut offers 365 trails for all levels. Picturesque villages? Once again, the Salzkammergut has you covered with the villages along Wolfgangsee, Hallstatt, Bad Ischl...

On our Großglockner long weekend last summer we began with an overnight in Lienz. East Tirol has an Italian flavor to it that very much appealed to us. Following our Großglockner day we drove to Krimml Falls and hiked a portion, then made our way to Kufstein for an evening. The following day we stopped for lunch in St. Wolfgang before returning home to Vienna. Perhaps consider the reverse in the event the highway doesn't open promptly on 1 May?