Barry

I know this is a bit vague, but was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on spending 2 weeks in this area at the end of August. We want to travel by train or plane as much as possible and want to stay in large towns for several nights. Does anyone have any suggestions or recommended websites? <BR>

Joe

In Austria, a great place to visit is Saulzburg. Make sure that you get reservations for everything since August is the biggest traveling season for Europeans and those from all over the world in Europe.

Ed

Try some some towns and villages in the mountains too! The mountains in the Swiss Berner Oberland are superlative. <BR> <BR>You'll find some ideas for the Swiss portions of your trip at www.twenj.com/swissvisit.htm <BR> <BR>Ed

Jeff

Hi Barry, <BR> I just got back from Switzerland and Austria. I also highly recommend the Bernese Oberland. Wengen is where I stayed and I definitely stay there again. The trip to the top of Europe is amazing and is a must do (rather pricey), but if you buy a Jungfrau Pass you get a lot for 135 SF. <BR> Austria is beautiful. I spent one night in Innsbruck, two in Salzburg, and two in Vienna. I think that was a good amount of time except I would have liked to have spent another day in Vienna. <BR> I didn't get a chance to get to Prague, but plan to another trip. <BR> I stayed at the Hotel Belvedere in Wengen and liked it very much. The half-board was a good deal. I did a lot of hiking and really relaxed. <BR> At Innsbruck, I stayed at the Hotel Neue Post. It was a very nice hotel and I had a terrific German meal at the Golden Roof. (Goldenes Dachl) <BR> Salzburg is wonderful. I could've stayed there another day too, but two days is long enough to see the sights. If you get a chance, have dinner at the St. Peter Stiftskeller. Also tour the fortress that overlooks the city if the lines aren't too long. Stop by to get a look at Mozart's birth house and definitely visit Mirabell Palace and gardens. I stayed at the Auersperg Hotel and highly recommend it. <BR> Vienna is very regal and truly impressive. The churches are beautiful especially the Votive Church and St Stephens. Visit Hofburg Palace, the Spanish Riding School, Schonbrunn Palace, and take in a concert. I could've easily spent a week there. I stayed at the Regina Hotel there and recommend it highly. <BR> I hope this helps some. Have a wonderful trip! <BR> <BR> Vienna

Linda

For Prague, try AVE Accommodations at www.avetravel.cz for very nice hotels/penzions in all price ranges. There are a number of bus day trips from Prague to Kutna Hora, Karlovy Vary, Cesky Krumlov. <BR> <BR>Interlaken area in Switzerland is nice & the trip up the Jungfrau very impressive.