MARIANINA

I WILL VISIT AUSTRIA ON FEBRUARY. I WILL ARRIVE AT MUNICH AND AFTER I AM THINKING TO RENT A CAR. I WANT TO VISIT FIRST INNSBRUCK AND TYROL AND SALZBURGLAND. DO YOU THINK IS EASY AND SAFE BY CAR. DO YOU RECOMMENT TRAINS? THANKS

lanz

I think driving in February is always hit or miss (pardon the pun) We were in Austria,Switzerland and Italy recently and the driving was fine but we kept ahead of a snowstorm the last day. The scenery is beautiful in the winter and many of the main roads will be open and kept clear but if you are not an experienced winter driver I would suggest the trains.

isabel

A couple of years ago we picked up a rental car in Munich and drove through Bavaria and Austria (including Salzburg). Driving is VERY pleasant there, roads are good, scenery is great. I think we had to get some kind of Austrian road permit at the first gas station we came to once we crossed into Austria, but it was pretty cheap and no big deal. The info is in most guidebooks. We were there in summer so February might be different but you are talking about an area that is used to winter weather so I would guess the roads will be well cared for.

RufusTFirefly

Hi, MARIANINA. Just a hint for future postings: Many people find it difficult to read messages that are written entirely in capital letters (UPPERCASE).

It's similar to trying to read a large block of text that isn't divided into paragraphs. It can be read, but it takes much more effort.

So if someone wants more people to read and understand his messages, it works better to use paragraphs and not all uppercase.

And driving is generally pretty easy and sage throughout Germany and Austria. But, as pointed out, the weather can be iffy in winter. Though they are good about clearing the roads as quickly as possible.

Ida101

I was in Tyrol in March and we had a big snowstorm, which made the drive not very pleasant..
Apart from that, yes it can be done.
Munich-Innsbruck is abt. 3 hours. If you like Swarovski Crystal, make a stop near Wattens, where the factory and the museum is.
Innsbruck-Salzburg we did over local roads, much nicer but nor very quick. It took about 5 hours wich short stops in Kitzbuhel and other wintersports villages.

Curt

Make sure your rental car has the Austrian Vignette on the windshield or be sure to buy one upon entering Austria. They are required. Here is a link for other info about driving in Austria:

http://www.alltravelaustria.com/Aust...ing_Tips.htm#1

AisleSeat

I think driving in Germany and Austria is pretty easy, Mostly good roads that are well maintained.

Depending on where all you are going and where you will fly home from you might want to train to Salzburg form Munich then pick up a car.

If you fly home from Munich you won't need to do this because you will bring the car back to the country of origin and save the big cross-border drop fee.