vict4ia

I feel a little sheepish asking for more advice but, I've gotten such great input so far so, I will put this question to you folks as well.

When my husband and I started planning our grand European Train Adventure, we planned to end the Germany leg of our trip with 2-3 nights in Munich before moving on for 2-3 nights in Salzburg - or elsewhere in Austria (for a total of five nights). At the end of this five-night period we're planning to head to Northern Italy.

Now, we're rethinking the idea of splitting our time between Munich and Salzburg and thinking that it may be better to spend 4 nights in Munich OR Salzburg and 1 night in Innsbruck (since our train/bus trip to Northern Italy will be going through Innsbruck).

So, the question becomes, which is a better base in late October? Munich or Salzburg? Also, if you were to do a couple of day trips from your chosen city, what would they be? (Concentration camps and Eagle's Nest are out of the question, I'm afraid. Other than that, we're wide open.)

Of course, we're also open to other suggestions entirely.

Thanks, once again.

bobthenavigator

I loved Salzburg and that area.
Depending on weather, consider a bus to St. Gilgen and a boat trip on the Wolfgangsee.

NanBug

I'd stick to your original plan, splitting time between Munich and Salzburg. I loved both places and regret not spending the night in both.

Personally, I wasn't that "wowed" by Innsbruck. I was there years ago, but remember being somewhat disappointed. And I'm not sure it's worth adding at the expense of days in Munich or Salzburg.

DalaiLlama

In late October I would choose Munich - weather can be iffy and in the big city you have more options than in Salzburg where you have to stroll the town and take excursions into the neighbouring region - for which you really hope for good weather. In Munich there are the Pinakothek and other such places to enjoy if the outdoors don't work on a given day.

NanBug

Correction -- my first line should read "...and WOULD regret not spending the night in both."

clevelandbrown

Five days is not a lot of time; I'd be reluctant to spend one of them on travel and changing lodgings. I think there is much more to see and do in Munich, but Salzburg has better countryside. We daytripped to Salzburg (about two hours by train from Munich) so we didn't get to any musical events or countryside visits; the next time we'll spend more time there.

From Munich, daytrips to Mittenwald, a scenic bavarian village, and to Ludwig's castles are possible; but the castles are so popular they are always crowded.

Aramis

Innsbruck is nothing like Salzburg, if that means anything in your decision making process.

I can see the dilemma you are trying to tackle in making your move to northern Italy more efficient.

Personally, I would try and do some really good planning in order to find a good Salzburg to Italy route/connection so that you can make both Munich and Salzburg work. It is only 1:28 to Munich and then less than 2 hours to Innsbruck, so for about 4 hours in travel time (Munich Salzburg return + local transport to/from hotels) you get one of Europe's great medium sized cities.

Salzburg is a special place .