Just after Christmas, we will be traveling to Vienna for 5 nights. I would like to combine Vienna with 3 nights in either Innsbruck or Salzburg (We're flying open jaw, Munich/Vienna). For a first-time visit to Austria, which city would provide the most contrast? We do not do winter sports, so we would be visiting historic sights and soaking up "atmosphere." "Alles Gut!"

Hi, Liesl -

Innsbruck never lit my fire.

I'd visit Salzburg, but do a day trip to Berchtesgaden or one of the towns in the Salzkammergut region for some lovely scenery. Both are reachable via train or bus from Salzburg and would be a nice contrast to Vienna.

Hi,

Although we love Salzburg, I may go with Innsbruck. This would allow you to really see the alps, take a cable car trip (Nordkettenbahn), maybe visit Ambras castle, Innsbruck's churches, the Wilton Basilica, etc. and maybe spend an afternoon in nearby Mittenwald, Germany.

http://www.innsbruck.info/en/experie...tractions.html

www.khm.at/ambras/

www.nordkette.com/index.php

If interested, for our visits to Innsbruck and the Innsbruck area, we've stayed 4 times at and can highly recommend the Gasthof Badl, in nearby Hall in Tirol. It's convenient by train bus or car from/to Innsbruck. Not only is Innsbruck just 15 minutes away, we love the old town of Hall in Tirol itself.

www.badl.at

Paul

www.visit-salzburg.net wins hands down for beauty for me...

Stiffskeller St Peter oldest restaurant in Europe like 2000 yrs

Charlemagne dined there... GREAT historical vibe.

I vote Salzburg !

I haven't spent enough time in Innsbruck to judge it properly, but we had a good time in Salzburg. It's small enough to cover easily on foot. You could actually visit both. Salzburg is a stop on the line from Vienna to Innsbruck.

But what time is your flight out of Vienna? Innsbruck is pretty far (nearly 6 hours) to travel on the day of your departure. Salzburg is closer by about 2 hours.

We fly into Munich, take the train to Innsbruck or Salzburg for 3 nights, and then on to Vienna for 5 nights. So - - - I'm leaning toward Salzburg. It didn't hurt that bobthenavigator voted for it (hey, bob, I've archived your Sicily itinerary for our next really BIG trip!), but I am also a classically-trained musician, so it is almost an imperative. Also, I have hiked extensively in the Garmisch/Mittenwald area; just never made it over the hill to Innsbruck.

If we do go to Salzburg for the beginning of the trip, is there a simple half-day trip outside of town that we can take by rail during winter to get us high up into some snowy mountain scenery?

"Vielen Dank!"

Hi again,

Didn't realize you've been to Mittenwald/Garmisch area. I thought you may want to see the alps, but I now see you've seen them. No real need to "go over the hill" to Innsbruck. Similar scenery. Salzburg is an amazing old town. If you want to get high up into some snowy mountain scenery, try heading over to the Berchtesgaden area. About 30 min from Salzburg.

http://en.berchtesgadener-land.com/e...5,nodeid,.html

http://www.jennerbahn.de/jennb/live/...nnb_navi_id=33

http://en.berchtesgadener-land.com/e...7,nodeid,.html

Paul

IMHO Salzburg has more to see in the town - both have a lot to see if you head out into the mountains.

I loved Salzburg, Innsbruck not as much.

Salzburg

Another vote for Salzburg. I'm with Delaine on this one.