Swiss vs Austrian Alps?
 

I would appreciate some educated opinions on where to spend 4-5 days in either Austria or Switzerland this July. My family (wife, myself & two teenage children) will finish up a two week (European Capitals) tour in Vienna. Our plane back home leaves from Frankfurt five days later and we would like to spend some less structured time in the Alps. Our first choice was the Berner Oberland area because we had heard volumes about it through travel guides, videos, and the Web. However, some friends have highly suggested towns like Hallstatt or Gosau in the Dachstein Mtns. of Austria. They say that the drive across Austria and through Switz. will take up too much time. I can't find nearly as much info on the Dachstein area though. Thanks for your input.

Your question is a tough one, which is why, maybe, you've had no replies as yet. So much choice, so little time! I personally prefer Austria to Switzerland but your teenagers may prefer the activities in the Bernese Oberland based on Interlaken, where there is lots to see and do for young and old alike, in the Jungrau region. It is a long drive from Vienna, which could spoil the trip for you all. I'm a great believer in sightseeing in comfort from train windows, and Austria is possibly THE place to do this. Here is a suggested plan. <BR>Take a train from Vienna to Innsbruck for 1/2 nights. However don't take the direct train, as there is a much more scenic alternative, albeit slightly longer. There are trains every 2 hours from Vienna Sudbahnhof (South) to Bruck an der Mer where there are immediate connections for Innsbruck. This will take you through part of the wonderful Dolomites. Innsbruck is a medium sized city in the Tyrol, offering several short and half day excursions. <BR>From Innsbruck there are trains every 2 hours or so to Zurich, via the Arlberg Pass, connecting there to Lucern, and connecting there to Interlaken via the scenic Brunig Pass. Quite a longish journey - 7/8 hours, but scenically very satisfying. <BR>From Interlaken trains to Basle, connect with an hourly service to Frankfurt. If you decide to do this a Europass train ticket, available in the U.S., but not in Europe, covering Austria, Switzerland and Germany would be the cheapest option - also means you can board any train without the hassle of buying tickets or reservations. <BR>If this option interests you e-mail me and I can look up a detailed train timetable for you, or you can do it yourself on the Web. The German Rail website is the best, covers all of Europe.www.bahn.hafas.de

Just my two cents - I found that Austria is a lot cheaper to tour, and I found the Austrians to be extremely friendly, which is not exactly the feeling I got in Switzerland. Both are beautiful, but I love the Tyrol, and have returned there many times.

It's about an 8 hour drive, plus stops along the way, from Vienna to the Berner Oberland, about 13 hours or more by train depending on connection. <BR> <BR>One strong vote here for the Oberland over Austria, but the travel time is a strong deterrent. <BR> <BR>Rome.Switzerland.Bavaria <BR>www.twenj.com <BR>

Good afternoon, Art <BR>Would have to pick the Berneroberland <BR>due to the amount of things you can do <BR>within this area. Do not beleive the <BR>Austrian Alps can compare. Here is just <BR>a short list of things available in the <BR>BO. <BR>Interlaken, Grindelwald, Murren, Wengen <BR>Grindelwald First, the Schlithorn, the <BR>Jungfrau, the Mannlichen, Schynige <BR> Platte, lakes of Thun and Brienz, Brienz and Ballenberg (www.berneroberland.ch) <BR>Have been to the BO about six times and <BR>hope to return, got really sold on it.. <BR>Richard of La Grange Park, IL...

Hi: <BR> <BR>Here is my 2Cents. Alps are beautiful no matter what country they cross, Italy, France, Germany etc.....but, I find the Austrian People a more "friendly" bunch as opposed to the Swiss!!

Austria, hands down. It's cheaper, siginificantly so, the food is INFINITELY better, the people are a lot nicer, the scenery is the same, and there is enough to do in both places. Since you're already in Austria, I would most definitely recommend staying there.

The Bernese Oberland, and WENGEN especially will be a magical experience having you longing to return! <BR>The spectacular and dramatic views of the Jungfrau mountain range and the Lauterbrunnen valley from this beautiful village can not be compared with any where else in the world. To help you decide check out this web page to give you a better idea..... <BR>http://home.sunrise.ch/aregez