schwing83

Hi there,

My husband and I are going to Europe in September. We have come up with the following itinerary and seems we will need to choose between going to Salzburg OR Prague.

Based on the other cities and areas we will be seeing, logistics, and attractions, which one would be more highly recommended?

It terms of what we want, we are really up for anything. Neither of us has traveled Europe before, so we are looking for the best experiences. We are relatively young and active and will want to experience a wide range of things.

On the one hand, I want to go to Salzburg for the beauty, the Alps, the Sound of Music, and because I feel it fits the "original idea" of the trip, which was Germany/Oktoberfest/Bavaria etc. On the other hand, Prague would be another big city experience, a chance to see another country and experience another culture.

Here is our tentative itinerary:

Arrive in Frankfurt, then train to Berlin (arrive late afternoon)

Berlin (3 days / 3 nights), then evening train to Prague OR Salzburg

Prague OR Salzburg (3 nights / 2 full days), then morning train to Vienna

Vienna (3 nights / 3 days), then morning train to Munich

Munich / Oktoberfest (3 nights)

From Munich we will be driving up through to get back to Frankfurt hitting Fussen, Lindau, Freiburg, Baden (4 nights).

Thanks!

bobthenavigator

I would do it in this order:
Berlin
Prague
Vienna
Munich

But, I would also steal 2 nites from your 4 nites after Munich to stop in Salzburg---a better destination than any of those others.

msteacher

Both cities are great, so it really is personal preference. Look at some pictures and read some trip reports or guidebooks on both and see which speaks to you. I suppose I would give a slight edge to Prague, but it sounds like your interests may be more in line with Salzburg. If that's the case, go with it. However, if you do pick Salzburg, I would modify the order of your cities and do Salzburg before Munich as it will make a more sensible loop. Happy travels!

Kay2

If your original idea was Germany/Oktoberfest/Bavaria etc., you will get that in the Munich - Fussen part of the trip. I love Bavaria and think it is a great first destination in Europe.

I just recently returned from my first visit to Salzburg and Prague. While Salzburg was nice, it would not be top of my list. It is in the hills, not the mountains like if you went further west in Austria or into Germany (as you will). Its old town looks nice, but I can't say stunning or amazing, must see.

Prague has a busier/younger crowd feel to it. Interesting. Its Art Nouveau architecture is amazing if you are interested. The Jewish history is interesting. The castle complex is OK. I didn't visit the complex in Salzburg, so cannot compare that experience for you.

I'm also not a big fan of Vienna, but I suppose you have your interests that are taking you there.

nytraveler

IMHO while Salzburg is a charming town Prague has way more to do and see. Since it was handed over to Hitler by Chamberlain it is one of the few places in europe that was not destroyed in WWII and has all original architecture - of multiple different eras - from the castle complex and many parts of the old town to modern areas.

It has a wonderful castle complex, several great museums, a fantastic music scene, an incredibly moving Jewish quarter - and IMHO is one of the top cities in europe.

brizzieLizzie

I agree that there is probably a lot more to see in Prague but I fell in love with Salzburg over 30 years ago and it still appeals.

Bob's suggested itinerary allows you the option of seeing both although I would probably take 1 day from Vienna and 1 from Munich.

Salburg is only about 2.5 hours from Vienna and 1.5 from Munich so even a one night er en route would still give you a chance to see this lovely town.

LSky

Prague is lovely. I've been twice, the first time for 10 days the next time for 4.

I've been to Salzburg once. It was nice. If I don't make it back a 2nd time, it won't bother me.

LSky

Prague is lovely. I've been twice, the first time for 10 days the next time for 4.

I've been to Salzburg once. It was nice. If I don't make it back a 2nd time, it won't bother me.

fourfortravel

I like bobthenavigator's suggestion. Having visited all of the cities below (some more than twice, and now living in Vienna), I offer my modifications (and opinions) to the itinerary. Each of the destinations offers a different experience, and the whole would make for a lovely holiday.

Berlin (3 days/3 nights) Relevant, historical, diverse. A great city.
Prague (3 days/4 nights) Frothy, medieval, touristy, historical. So very worth your time.
Vienna (2 days/3 nights) Imperial stuff can seem as stale as Sacher Torte after a while
Salzburg (2 days/2 nights) Most of the Sound of Music sights can be seen on foot should you not desire a guided tour. But the tour is fun, too.
Munich (3 days/3 nights) Oktoberfest!
Fussen (1 day/2 nights) A day touring Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau and evenings in a small gasthaus overlooking the Alps makes for a memorable stay.

ashwinb

I too had such a dilemma, and I just decided to go to both!! Going there in a few weeks.