Salzburg!!!
 

I made it to Salzburg, what a wonderful city. less then 2 hours from Germany. I am staying at the best western 75 a night. Best room yet.

> 2 hours from Germany
5 minutes ;-), if you were walking maybe 25min.

You could drive to the Berchtesgaden region of Germany in less than 20 minutes from Salzburg! Its a beautiful city...enjoy!

Tracy

Are the Christmas markets open? are they skating in the square? There's no place like Salzburg at Christmastime.

Have a great time!
((c))

Except if you want to breathe without being squashed by the hordes of tourists!

One of my favorite photos from our Christmas in Salzburg was a shot of my Dad and my husband squashed in the doorway of a local bar chatting with the locals. The crowd was passing drinks over people's heads so that everyone could join in.
((c))

The squashing I experienced was in the main streets--I've never seen such masses of people at one time, making walking quite hazardous..

Congrats!

Must be a lovely time to be there.

If you have the time, one restaurant we enjoyed while there was St. Peter Stiftskeller, very traditional and lovely restaurant next to the church with Austrian decor and located in an historic building.

Happy holidays, SusanEva

What happened to backpacking and staying in youth hostels?

I'm teasing, but have to ask because you made such a big deal about those two things before your trip.

Personally I'm all for decent hotels, but you said you weren't going to do that ;-)

I envy you. We spent last Christmas in Salzburg and loved it. Hoist a beir or a gluhwein in the name of the rest of us Fodorites are at home wishing we were there.

I am backpacking and staying at budget hotels. i havent gotten to the hostels yet but i will!! I had the OOOhh moment of my trip at the fortress, check my blog for the pictures, amazing i didnt want to leave! And the back pack? it is very heavy, but with all the snow i am glad that i have it!

Thanks Lost (for answering my questions about hosteling and your backpack). Continued good luck on your adventure! Wishing you a smooth and safe train ride to Prague.

^^^