Hello,
I need an opinion regarding our fall trip to Europe. We are starting in Vienna (but getting in late afternoon,so not much to do that day but pass out!), spending two full days there and renting a car and driving to Melk. We will stay two days in that area and then drive to Hallstatt. The plan is now, to stay there two days. If we do this, on the third day, we must drive all the way to Reutte and will be taking a tour of Neuschanstein at 4:30. Is this crazy or should we only spend one day in Hallstatt and stay somewhere between there and Reutte for a night? I have been to Salzburg but my partner hasnt. I was planning to stop for a few hours there previously. Opinions please!
Thank you,
Suzanne

The drive is not THAT long (though only you can decide if Neuschwanstein is worth it). Even if you had lunch on the way, you would not need more than 4.5-5hrs (3.5hrs driving time).

From Melk to Hallstatt is a short drive. I would spend 1 nites in Hallstatt and then move on to St. Gilgen on Wolfgangsee to see that area--my favorite in Austria. That puts you closer to the castles by more than an hour.

Just another option... we loved our 3 stays ('1, '03 and '04) in Hall in Tirol (by Innsbruck). Stunning mountain scenery and a very charming old town. This is about a 2:30 drive from Hallstatt and would put you less than a 2 hours drive from Reutte.

Oh, we stayed all 3 times and can highly recommend the Gasthof Badl in Hall inTirol.

www.badl.at


Paul

Decisions, decisions! Both Bob and Paul have given you two wonderful choices.

We have also stayed at the Gasthof Badl in Hall and can definitely recommend it.

http://www.badl.at/english/hotel.htm

In St. Gilgen, we stayed at the Hotel Schernthaner, an excellent little hotel in a great location with very nice owners (and a parking area right across the street from the hotel).

http://www.hotel-schernthaner.at/sei...sh/index_e.htm

I don't think you would be disappointed with either of these places.

Thanks everyone! Great suggestions. I will look into them.
Suzanne

Well, to add to the confusion, I would stick to the 2 nights in Hallstadt. It's a charming little town, less touristy than many others in the area, and it's easy to tour the lake area from there. I'd recommend the Gasthof Zauner, which has beautiful views of the lake and a wonderful restaurant, and lovely rooms furnished all in pine and white linens.
I was there about 5 or 6 years ago and the owners were wonderful and helpful. I wound up spending 3 nights, instead of my planned 2.

Hey suz,

Hallstsatt to Neuchwanstein is only 5:30 hrs by the scenic route on www.viamichelin.com.

Are you sure that you need two nights in Melk?

Between Hallstatt and Neuschwanstein you have a LOT of options. St Gilgen, Salzburg, Bertschesgaden, Hall, Mittenwald, Garmish, Ettal Monastery, Schloss Linderhof, Oberammergau, Wiesskirche. Take your pick.