DavidD

Calling all Austria and Switzerland enthusiasts! <BR><BR>I'm planning a summer of '03 vacation, with two-thirds of the trip in Germany (Bamberg, Rothenburg, Munich, Garmisch, Bad Reichenhall). Part of my original plan was to spend six days in Austria, including three days around Halstatt and three around Vienna. However, I'm wondering if it wouldn't be wiser to spend three days in Switzerland - perhaps around Appenzell - rather than spending the same amount of time in and around Vienna (Perhaps I could spend the time in Switzerland after some time in Garmisch). <BR><BR>I realize that Vienna vs. Swiss countryside is a rural vs. urban consideration, but I'm eager to receive some thoughts from travelers to these regions. <BR><BR>Questions:<BR><BR>Should I hold on to my original plan? <BR><BR>What do you say about three days around Halstatt and three in Vienna? <BR><BR>What can I expect in and around Appenzell? <BR><BR>Is it safe to assume that it's about a three-hour drive from Garmisch? <BR><BR>Should I explore other parts of Switzerland?<BR><BR>Thanks in advance for your consideration.<BR><BR> <BR><BR>I realize

jmw

Cher David. Such a polite request deserves a prompt reply. I love Switzerland. But unless you think you will never travel again, I'd concentrate on Austria. After all there's Salzburg, and Halstatt, and Vienna, and the Walchau valley, and maybe even Seefeld or Innsbruck, and who knows how many other great destinations (I'm kind of rusty on Austria, but my memories are lovely). Have fun planning. J.

bobthenavigator

I agree with above. Austria deserves all of the 6 days--CH is a different trip for next year.

Patrick

I agree that it isn't worth splitting this up to get a mere taste of Switzerland. The one place you mention that I haven't been is Halstatt, which is still high on my list of must dos. But my thinking is that a single night or two is enough there -- and surprisingly you've left out Salzburg which is basically &quot;on the way&quot;. I'd probably split the six days up as 2 nights in Salzburg then an early arrival in Halstatt for a single day and night on the lake, before departing for three nights in Vienna -- just my opinion, of course.

Wayne

From your last planned location in Germany around Bad Reichenhall, I'd advise you to spend the remaining 6 days in Austria. I'd split the time a bit differently, but only because I love to visit different places rather than stay in one spot for very long.<BR><BR>Switzerland is beautiful also, but if you go to Appenzell you will probably not be as pleased as if you traveled through similar towns in Austria. I've been to Appenzell and I loved it, but a day there is all it's worth. It's lovely, gently rolling green farm land (sometimes with a strong smell of fertilizer in the air), and Appenzell itself is a pretty town.<BR><BR>However, back to Austria. I'd suggest you go from Bad Reichenhall (or wherever you depart Germany) to a little town on the Mondsee, east of Salzburg, and make day trips into Salzburg. One wonderful place on the Mondsee is the Hotel Plomberg, with a restaurant that you'll wish you could visit again and again. A couple of day trips to Sazburg would be more than enough. From there, I'd head to Hallstatt for 2 nights and stay on the lake, preferably in the Hotel Gruner Baum. Then I'd go to Vienna for the last few nights. This would give you a great combination of mountains, lakes, and lovely cities that you'll remember forever.

Operaman

DavidD;<BR>As an Austria enthusiast, I'm recommending you do all six in Austria.<BR>You'll find it considerably cheaper and an overall better experience.<BR>For a glimpse, go to our site from one of our trips:<BR>http://alexstarke.tripod.com/<BR><BR>Enjoy!

petlover

Of the 3 countries you're visiting my favorite is Switzerland. I'd spend more time in Switzerland, still spending ample time in Austria as well and cut out some of the time in Germany. I spent quite a bit of time in those 3 countries and found Germany to be my least favorite of the 3.