Will no doubt return to Vienna and Salzburg, but would like to rent a car and see something of the countryside in mid August or September.

Any suggestions as to possible routes and where to stop?

Don't know how many days you have, but would definitely include some time in the Salzkammergut region near Salzburg -- Hallstatt, Wolfgangsee, etc. You could easily spend 3 days or more exploring this area.

Hi R,

How many days?

Five or six...not sure.

I am sitting in Hall in Tirol right now as I write this, and I think you should definitely see this cute, Alpine village. The cobblestone streets are tiny, and remind me of other Eastern European countries. They all wind around, and are filled with shops, restaurants, and cafes. It is really wonderful! The people are so nice too- a girl stopped and asked us if we needed help today when she saw us starring at a street-side map.

We just got back from a short, 20-min bus ride to Innsbruck after spending the day down there. Such a lovely town, and packed with shoppers out for the post-Xmas sales. It's about 27 F here right now, so as the sun was going down over the alps, it was a terrific site to see the sun glistening on the snow capped mountains.

Anyway, just a thought

I agree with Bettyk.
Try to find her trip report for more details. I would plan 4 days in the area and you can easily day trip into Salzburg from St. Gilgen on Wolfgangsee by train.

Here is a link to our 2007 trip to Germany and Austria:

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...en_name=bettyk

And our photos:

http://good-times.webshots.com/album/561038806XxDcvw

Hi R,

5-6 days end of August, in addition to Salzburg, right?

Drive to Hallstatt - 3 nights - tour the Salzkammergut.

You might find my trip report helpful:
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=35014078

For your other 2 nights, I have to know where you are visiting from Salzburg.

Thanks...this is helpful.

Sorry, wrong link to trip report. Here is the correct one:

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=35079647

Hi Kyliebaby3,
I'm jealous! We stayed in Hall in Tirol 3 times and love it there. Have a great time!

Paul

Hi RonZ,
here's a link to our trip report from 2006...

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34893886

and photos...

www.worldisround.com/home/pja1/travel11.html

...maybe include Zell am See or a drive over the Grossglockner High Alpine road.

Paul

Thanks Paul!

We are loving it here! We actually did a home exchange, so we are staying in the most beautiful flat... it is awesome!

Prosit Neujahr!

- Kyle

Hi Kyle,
Just a suggestion... you may want to try dinner at the Burg Tavern in Burg Hasegg. We did last year and loved the place.

Paul

Hy Kyle:

I am very envious of your stay in Hall im Tirol.

We have relatives that live in the next town over...MILS.

Wonderful small town. Gets you out of the Hub-bub of Innsbruck.

How has the snow been in the mountains??

John

Thx for the restaurant suggestion, Paul! Perhaps we will check that out.

As for the snow in the mtns, John...pls don't hurt me- we aren't here on a skiing-snowboarding holiday. My boyfriend has a bad knee from a football injury, so we have ruled out ruining the trip on account of epic snow for now, albeit he has mentioned wanting to go a few times. I can assure you that there is TONS of snow in the mountains though, but we haven't been up to any of the resorts yet. In fact, I think it might snow a bit tomorrow night.

I think we might take the new Hungerburg train up to Seegrube tomorrow, and possibly the second furnicular to the higher peak. I am bummed the restaurant there is closed on Saturdays (does that make sense???), but the views are apparently unreal.

I'd like to have a look for myself

Did either of you go to the Alpenzoo while you were here? Wondering if it's worth a trip.

Hey Kyle,
Hungerburg, Seegrube and Hafelekar are very worthwhile, even if the retaurant is closed. We actually stayed in Hungerburg at Pension Alpina on our first trip many years ago. Nice views from Hungerburg overlooking Innsbruck also. Never went to the zoo, sorry. I can highly recommend visiting Schloss Ambras on the south side of Innsbruck though.

www.khm.at/system2E.html?/staticE/page17.html

Hate to impose... but while in Hungerburg (it's VERY small), could you tell me if "Cafe-Restaurant Hungerburg" is now open. It was closed last year, I think due to construction in the area. If it's open, it's terrific!

Paul

Thx for the suggestion, and yes, I will let you know if that cafe is open. We are getting ready to head down to Innsbruck right now. I will have a look and report back tonight

Hi Paul

We just returned from Innsbruck and Seegrube, and wow, that was such a wonderful view from atop the mountains. We had quite a few beers while we watched all of the snowboarders and skiers ruining their rental equipment (presumably) as they trapsed across the concrete towards the cafeteria. It was a beautiful sight over Innsbruck!

As for the Cafe-Restaurant-Hungerburger, we definitely saw it across from the Pensione, however, it was hard to tell if it was open or not. Perhaps it was just closed on this day of the week. It is certainly still there though.

Hope that helps!

- K

Hi Ron! My hubby and I stayed across the lake from St. Gilgen in the wonderful Gasthof Furberg this past June. We used public transportation, but would not have minded driving as they are very civil drivers and most areas are flat. I especially liked the towns of Strobl, Hallstatt (do the salt mines!) Fuschl and many of the smaller villages on the beautiful turquoise lakes. The fish is always fresh and incredible. Here's my trip report as well:
http://170.171.252.11/forums/threads...p;tid=35021783