My husband & I will be traveling with another couple (no kids) next April. My husband & friend will be attending a conference in Vienna but will likely only attend one day. We are planning 10 days but could stretch it to 14 if needed. We have agreed that we don't want to spend time in Vienna. We would like to take in Munich, Dachau, Salzburg, Neushwanstein Castle and just enjoy quaint towns along the way. We can not decide whether to rent a car or take trains and where to fly in and out of. Is Switzerland too much to take on if we were to fly out of Zurich? We also have the option to stay at the Edelweiss Resort in Garmisch for US Military. I love to research travel, however, my 16 mo old does not allow but 2 hours during the day and my head is spinning. Any suggestions for towns, method of travel, accommodations or things that we must not miss would be greatly appreciated.

Hi L,

> My husband & friend will be attending a conference in Vienna but will likely only attend one day. ... We have agreed that we don't want to spend time in Vienna.<

Is that because they don;t want the other conference participants seeing them goof off?

Otherwise, why not?

> We would like to take in Munich, Dachau, Salzburg, Neushwanstein Castle and just enjoy quaint towns along the way.<

Take the train to Salzburg. - 3 nights.

Have someone go pick up the car in Berchtesgaden (about 1 hr by bus, even shorter coming back).

You can spend 2-3 days touring the Salzkammergut.

Drive to Fuessen for the Castles.

Visit Dachau and drop the car in Munich.

Fly home.

Enjoy your visit.



Buy a road tax sticker (vignette) for Austria.

I agree with Ira that the area from the Salzkammergut over to Fussen will be best by car, expecially since there will be 3 of you. The whole area is full of charm.

Not considering the Salzkammergut to the East and South of Salzburg there a lots on place to visit between Salzburg and Fussen. You can visit Bertschesgaden, Mittenwald, Garmish, Ettal Monastary, Linderhof, Oberammergau, Wiesekirche and Reutte on the way to Fussen. Not exactly on that route, Herren Chiemsee, another Ludwig castle is worth a visit.

Personally, I would pick up the car leaving Vienna (and do spend time there), stop along the Danube (Durnstein or elsewhere), allowing at least a couple of days to see the sights (Melk, etc.) and for wine tasting. Then, on to Hallstatt, Salzburg, then driving to Fussen/Ruette area to see the castles. Drop the car in Munich, stay 2-3 nights and fly home.

ChicagoHeather, picking up the car in Vienna and dropping it off in Munich will cause them to pay steep drop off charges.

Doing it Ira's way avoids that.

I think Ira's itinerary makes good sense and allows you to see some of the most beautiful areas.

But I also would like to know why you don't want to spend more time in Vienna. It's a lovely city with much to offer in the way of museums, music, architecture and wine. And as already stated, you could do a day trip to Melk, Durnstein and Krems.

I hear you on the drop-off fees. It only cost about $150-200 difference the last time that I did the reverse pick-up in Germany and dropping in Austria(through AutoEurope). They could also do the castles, then drive back to Salzburg and drop it before spending time there. I just think a car along the Danube bend is beautiful scenery. Ira's itinerary looks great, too. Just offering another opinion.

You can easily avoid the drop off charges when you rent in Vienna and drop off in Salzburg. And rent another car from Freilassing (10min by suburban train from Salzburg across the border in Germany, easier/faster to reach than Berchtesgaden) and finally drop it off at Munich airport.

If you like biking, I'd suggest you take the train (or ferry?) west of Vienna and stop in one of the smaller cities along the Danube and ride along the Danube bike path.

Last summer, we went 200 miles from Passau to Vienna. I wouldn't suggest a trip of that magnitude unless you love cycling, but a day of cycling along the Danube would be lovely.

Thanks everyone for the input. I appreciate the much needed jump-start! As for Vienna, I am sure it is a lovely city where we will spend a day or two but not the main focus of this trip; not to mention what the conference attendees think. Had we just used the conference as an excuse to get to Austria & Germany? Surely Not! Many thanks again!

OK, luv2travel, I will still be interested to hear your impression of Vienna when you return.

I think you will wish you had more time to explore this fascinating city.

I lived in Vienna for 2 yrs and loved every minute of it (except for missing Mexican Food).

While in Vienna, if you have time, I recommend that you go to Grinzing to visit a heuriger. Touristy, yes, but lots of fun too.