Hi, could do with some help on where to go in Austria around the middle of August, we would like a scenic lakeside resort, not too busy, but with cafes and bars, and within a two hour drive of the airport (Saltzburg) would also like to take a scenic train trip, maybe biking, not too much walking! just be able to relax, we are mid thirties, with no kids, also what has been your experiences with the weather? will it be nice and warm in August? also how far is Vienna from where you suggest?<BR>thanks in advance<BR>Suzanne

Well, Suzanne, Hallstatt is one of the most beautiful and scenic lakeside resorts I can think of in Austria, but there are others. However, Hallstatt as well as most of the lakeside resorts WILL be very busy in August. The weather should be warm but is always subject to change in the higher elevations.<BR><BR>Hallstatt is about 1-1/2 hours from Salzburg and about 4 hours + from Vienna. <BR><BR>Another area we recently visited is about 3-1/2 hours from Salzburg -- Lake Constance (or Bodensee in German). We stayed in Lindau, Germany, a charming little island city, with many shops and restaurants. There are many other wonderful cities all along the lake (I believe it is the largest lake in Europe.)<BR><BR>http://www.hallstatt.net/besucher/index.php3?lang=en<BR>http://www.salzkammergut.at/flash.htm<BR>http://www.bodensee-info.com/lake_constance/boe2.htm<BR><BR>Hope this helps.

The answer is St. Gilgen on the Wolfgangsee. Salzburg is :30 by train or bus--Vienna is too far. It is perfect for what you want, but anyplace worth it's salt[no pun intended] will be very popular in August.

You have many possibilities. Any town by one of Austria's Saltzkammergut lakes enables you to relax, hike, swim, boat, etc., such as: Gmunden, St. Wolfgang, Mondsee. I'm sure they will be populated in August. <BR>The weather in Austria is subject to many changes. We were just there, and the weather was generally warm, but in one day, it changed from oppressive heat to a hail storm, then back to fog. So you'd have to take all kinds of clothing.

Suzanne,<BR><BR>I second & third Shari, Bob, and Betty's advice. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt.