Dolomites to Switzerland or Austria? Can't decide!
 

My husband and I and our two 20-something kids will be flying into Venice in late June for 9 nights. We're planning to head to the Dolomites right from the airport (renting a car) and staying 4 nights. (we were rained out when we tried to go 2 years ago) We're not quite sure where yet, but we do have a mountain hut reserved at Cinque Torri for the 4th night. From there, we can't decide. Austria (which I know is much closer), or the Lauterbrunnen area in Switzerland.

My heart wants to go to Switzerland - my daughter and I are both landscape photographers, and the thought of the alps there thrill me - I know I'd be in awe. But, with just four nights before we have to be back to Venice, I'm not sure it's the smartest decision.

I know the swiss alps are amazing, but I'm not as sure about the Austrian alps from what I've been reading. Will I get that same thrill - that awe of the vista in front of me? Is there anywhere in Austria that's similar to that region of Switzerland?

If we decide on the Austrian route, I know my daughter wants to photograph (not stay in) Hallstatt, and take the Grossglockner road.

I'd love input from all of you! Also, any must-dos, or recommendations on what area to base our 3 nights in the Dolomites.

One more thing - how difficult would driving be from the Dolomites to Switzerland?

Thanks so much!
Theresa

Lauterbrunnen would make for a lot of driving over a relatively short trip. Close to 8 hours from Cinque Torri and about 7 back to the Venice airport. Lots of great scenery, but still a lot of time.

You would see similar roads to the Grossglockner with more dramatic mountains/geology in the Dolomites. Passo Giau, Passo Pordoi, Passo Gardena, Passo Sella... and more.

http://altauladolomiti.altervista.or...passo-giau.jpg

http://blog.visittrentino.it/wp-cont...sso-Pordoi.jpg

https://stat.ethz.ch/~dettling/Pictu...olante/005.jpg

http://www.avventurosamente.it/xf/at...09-jpg.100184/

With only 9 nights, I'd stay in the Dolomites. It's a large area with a lot to see/do.

How long could you safely drive after landing at Venice? You might want to go only as far as Vicenza or a town on Lake Garda. If farther, consider Bolzano and visit the South Tyrol Archeology Museum (aka The Iceman Museum). After that, I'd head to the Val Gardena to Castelrotto or Ortisei and explore several of those passes. Then go to the mountain hut and afterward drive around the parks north of Cortina, and finally back to Venice via Belluno. FYI, Cortina to the Venice Airport is about 2.5 hours.

I'd agree that logistically Austria would be closer than Switzerland. If I've understood correctly, you have 4 days after Cinque Torri, before you return to Venice. You could drive to Lienz and join the Grossglockner Road (outstanding) upwards to Zell am See/Kaprun and break journey there before heading out to Hallstat / Dachstein / Gosau or whatever else interests you (maybe based near Bad Ischl). Personally, I think Austria is spectacular, perhaps keeps a lower profile than Switzerland and draws lesser tourists.

Thanks for your responses! If (which we probably will) visit the Dolomites and Austria, what is your favorite town to stay in? (we love a small town with restaurants and pubs, surrounded by gorgeous scenery and opportunities to take photos and hike)
Thanks again!

Responding on Austria alone, any of the lakeside towns on the Wolfgangsee are perfect - St Gilgen (we stayed here, beautiful), St Wolfgang or Strobl, but given your itinerary and limited time, I'm not sure you'd venture out further than Bad Ischl.

I would never go up to the Bernese Oberland in such a short time. The whole itinerary from Cortina d'Ampezzo up to Lauterbrunnen goes through mountain valleys, some if them with stunning glaciers. Why not visit the highest situated hotel of Europe at Grawand (Val Senales)in the aera where Oetzi was found? If it must be Switzerland, the glaciers of Bernina would be much closer, but those of Oetztal and Pitztal (Austria) are even closer and not less impressioning.

I agree with the above posts. You need 4-5 days to cover Bernese Oberland excluding travel days. Austria is gorgeous. We loved our stay at Wolfgangsee. We covered Gilden and took trips to Hallstadt, Gosau, Zell Am See (I was not impressed). Unfortunately we were unable to cover Grossglockner because of snow (in late summer) but it sure looks impressive. I would save Switzerland for a separate trip.

Thanks, all! This helps - I definitely plan to make Switzerland a trip of it's own.

Questions mnag- why not impressed with Zell am See?

Also, where do you start (if coming from the Dolomites) on the Grossglockner road?

What's the best place to headquarter if not Zell am See, after getting off the Grossglockner? We're thinking the last night in Hallstatt (I really want the dusk and dawn views of the city), so what would make sense between the Dolomites and Hallstatt to be near views, hiking, etc.?

Is Innsbruck worth it? Or, is Salzburg better, knowing that we like towns more than cities?

Thanks!