BT

We have not been to Austria for many years......and we have never been to Hungary at all. When we have gone before we have only seen Saltzburg and Vienna and would like to see other parts of the country. We will be going to Vienna for 4 or 5 days but would be interested in recommendations for other locations to go to. We love nature, beautiful scenery, hiking, unique places, small towns,art nouveau architecture and classical
music. Will we be able to get around well by train or should we rent a car? We will also be going to Hungary and only have 3 or 4 weeks total for both countries.
We will be going this May (about a month and half from now). To those who have been in Austria or Hungary recently, what did you really love.......or hate? Thanks for any ideas or advise.

Richard

My wife and I took a solo bike tour (no tour group, all our gear on our bikes) in early May of last year. We started at Krimml, the falls are worth a trip, rode along the Salzach river to Passau and then rode along the Danube to Melk. I can't think of a thing I hated or even disliked in Austria. We stayed a few days in Werfen, a small town, and took day trips, to Salzburg, Hallein (the salt mine tour is great), and one somber trip to the concentration camp at Multhausen, We have been to Dachau, but Multhausen is more intact and gives one a greater feel for the inhumane treatment people received. From Melk we made trips to Vienna, rode the bikes from Melk to Krems and took the boat back, and an overnight trip to Budapest. We took our bikes on many of the day trips and bikes can be rented (top-notch machines) at many rail stations. The train service is great, I really see no need for a car. Budapest is a beautiful city, it's a shame to see many of the old buildings falling into decay because the government cannot afford the restoration. Also, it's kind of a shock to see these old, ornate buildings juxtaposed with the ugly architecture of the communist regime. BTW, I'm 60 and my wife is 51. I'm sure you will enjoy these countries as much as my wife and I did. .

Richard

Richard again, I almost forgot one of the major attractions, the ice caves just outside of Werfen. The final leg is a rugged climb but WELL worth the tour, wear warm clothes.

Susie

I would really recommend you visit Innsbruck and Hallstat.
Those were my two favorite places. The lake at Hallstat is very scenic.

Emma

If you decide to rent a car, then don't miss the Grossglockner Pass. It's south of Salzburg, we travelled through it on our way to Salzburg from Venice. It's a long mountain pass that is a national park. You have to pay to drive through, it's fairly expensive (sorry - I can't remember the actual cost, I can only recall it converted to approx. $40 Australian) but if the weather is good, then don't miss it! The views are studendous. The Kaiser Josef Glacier runs through it and you can climb down to the glacier if you so desire.

JJ

From Innsbruck to Fussen are some beautiful areas especially the Fernsee. 2 hours driving time plus photo op. From Innsbruck drive east to Jemback and turn north via the Achensee
and the Tergernsee--also very pretty.