We are a retired couple wanting to visit the area for 4-5 days. Interested in the salt mines, Cog train, Hitler's Eagles Nest and Koenigssee.
We will arrive by train. Don't want to spend a lot of time driving around if we rent a car. Would probably prefer small-town stay over lot's of traffic?
Appreciate your input.

IF you stay in the old town section of Salzburg a car is unnecessary. In Brechtesgaden to do the tings you mention you'd probably be better off with a car although if you want to tour the Eagles Nest in completion including the underground bunkers, etc., you'll probably need to join the organized and only authorized tour.

http://www.eagles-nest-tours.com/EN/...on.php?navid=4

Check out the village of Grodig. It's a few kilometers south of Salzburg, on a bus line, and is in between Salzburg and Berchesgarten. We have stayed about 4-5 times at the Hotel Sallerhof (http://www.sallerhof.com/en-index.ht...FQsV7AodQDwA3Q) and loved it. There are parking spaces and a great breakfast included.

Thanks for the links and information; your in-put is very helpful.
Sallerhof looks beautiful!

THE BRISTOL HOTEL is a nice spot if you stay in Salzburg. Close to Old Town. Nice hotel and reasonable. Take the SOUND OF MUSIC TOUR....corny, but great scenery and they have fun with it.

Thank you for your input.

I think with 4-5 nights you'll get bored in Berchtesgaden, you won't find much to do in the evenings.
You coukd divide your stay between Salzburg and Berchtesgaden if you like, I suggest a visit to the ice caves near Werfen (south of Sazlburg) if you have the time (trip will take most of your day).

Good luck, and yes I enjoyed my two nights stay in Berchtesgaden last June.

In Salzburg consider a visit to the Schloss Hellbrun with the "trick" fountains and water features. It is easily reached by public transport.