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1
Posted on 8/9/21 at 12:36 pm to MAROON
quote:
no trip to Salzburg is complete without spending time at Augustiner brau. Great beer and beer garden
I’ll post some more lengthy recs in the next day or two, but had to pop in to endorse this 100%
Posted on 8/10/21 at 10:54 am to drockw1
Appreciate all of the suggestions so far, yall have helped tremendously in filling up our trip.
Posted on 8/10/21 at 10:58 am to J Murdah
Most underrated European travel is Bavaria , Austria, Hungary and Czech. Great people. The large cities are all fantastic and relatively untouched by WWII bombing. Tye small towns are even better. The best is that they all love Americans. Haven’t had a bad experience.
Posted on 8/10/21 at 11:11 am to J Murdah
I would highly recommend getting a rental car through the Alps. At least a driver. Tons to do that travel by train will restrict you or be much slower.
Highly recommend this ice cave outside of Saltzburg:
LINK
Also definitely recommend all of the King Ludwig Castles. The one is just off the Autobahn like 5 minutes if I remember right between Munich and Saltzburg.
Probably my favorite thing in the world is having a beer in the bier garden/ cafes at the castles as most of them are the highest area around with great views.
Highly recommend this ice cave outside of Saltzburg:
LINK
Also definitely recommend all of the King Ludwig Castles. The one is just off the Autobahn like 5 minutes if I remember right between Munich and Saltzburg.
Probably my favorite thing in the world is having a beer in the bier garden/ cafes at the castles as most of them are the highest area around with great views.
Posted on 8/10/21 at 12:31 pm to J Murdah
Wanted to add to Budapest: The Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum.
Once an underground hospital used in World War II, most notably during the siege of Budapest, it eventually became a secret nuclear bunker during the Cold War.
Fascinating tour.
Once an underground hospital used in World War II, most notably during the siege of Budapest, it eventually became a secret nuclear bunker during the Cold War.
Fascinating tour.
Posted on 8/10/21 at 4:40 pm to J Murdah
I take it you're flying into Munich and out of Budapest...10 days is tight if that includes arrival/departure but it can be done.
First things first, you only need 1 night in Hallstatt, so that buys you an extra one elsewhere. I think at first glance I'd schedule it this way:
Munich: 3 nights (adjust to jet lag)
Salzburg: 2 nights (Berchtesgaden day-trip one of these)
Hallstatt: 1 night is plenty
Vienna/Budapest: 2 nights each (might not be enough but I haven't been so can't speak to these...assume you will go back..our last trip over was 7 nights in Munich/Salzburg just because we wanted to dig deeper in those spots).
Munich:
--Viktualienmarkt biergarten for a late lunch/early dinner
--two Augustiner spots (Bräustuben near train station, Keller is a huge outdoor space)
--rent bikes and cruise through the Englischergarten (can stop at the Chinese Tower biergarten for a bite & a bier and go further down to see the surfers on the river)
--Marienplatz (great views from atop St. Peter's Church) & Frauenkirche are probably your two must-do sites and don't take long
Salzburg (in addition to Berchtesgaden day-trip):
--as mentioned, Augustiner Bräustübl...set aside a few hours to hang here and get a bite (outdoor garten is where you want to be, but if it's raining there's an indoor area too that's fun)
--Hohensalzburg Fortress has panoramic views of the city
--Getreidegasse is the pedestrian-only shopping drag
--Sound of Music tour is a bit cliche but provides a gorgeous tour of the area (usually takes you to a rodelbahn ride too)
Hallstatt (actually a great mid-trip unwind spot):
--salt mine tour (slide down from level to level)
--dinner at Braugasthof on the lake
Good luck and have fun planning!
First things first, you only need 1 night in Hallstatt, so that buys you an extra one elsewhere. I think at first glance I'd schedule it this way:
Munich: 3 nights (adjust to jet lag)
Salzburg: 2 nights (Berchtesgaden day-trip one of these)
Hallstatt: 1 night is plenty
Vienna/Budapest: 2 nights each (might not be enough but I haven't been so can't speak to these...assume you will go back..our last trip over was 7 nights in Munich/Salzburg just because we wanted to dig deeper in those spots).
Munich:
--Viktualienmarkt biergarten for a late lunch/early dinner
--two Augustiner spots (Bräustuben near train station, Keller is a huge outdoor space)
--rent bikes and cruise through the Englischergarten (can stop at the Chinese Tower biergarten for a bite & a bier and go further down to see the surfers on the river)
--Marienplatz (great views from atop St. Peter's Church) & Frauenkirche are probably your two must-do sites and don't take long
Salzburg (in addition to Berchtesgaden day-trip):
--as mentioned, Augustiner Bräustübl...set aside a few hours to hang here and get a bite (outdoor garten is where you want to be, but if it's raining there's an indoor area too that's fun)
--Hohensalzburg Fortress has panoramic views of the city
--Getreidegasse is the pedestrian-only shopping drag
--Sound of Music tour is a bit cliche but provides a gorgeous tour of the area (usually takes you to a rodelbahn ride too)
Hallstatt (actually a great mid-trip unwind spot):
--salt mine tour (slide down from level to level)
--dinner at Braugasthof on the lake
Good luck and have fun planning!
Posted on 8/10/21 at 5:19 pm to drockw1
quote:Yes, but wasn't planning on spending any time in Munich. However, I may consider a night there. We will be arriving around 9am local time.
I take it you're flying into Munich and out of Budapest...10 days is tight if that includes arrival/departure but it can be done.
The plan is to rent a car until we arrive in Vienna. Does yall have experience driving this part of the country? I cant imagine it's too difficult with technology these days.
Posted on 8/10/21 at 5:38 pm to J Murdah
quote:
Yes, but wasn't planning on spending any time in Munich. However, I may consider a night there. We will be arriving around 9am local time.
The plan is to rent a car until we arrive in Vienna. Does yall have experience driving this part of the country? I cant imagine it's too difficult with technology these days
Munich is a fantastic city but you won't have time for everything.
Yes I've driven plenty, very easy. Nothing to stress about at all. If you are driving from Munich to Salzburg the first day that won't be miserable but it won't be fun. I never recommend driving the first day of your arrival as you are usually really jet lagged and tired. But its like 1.5 hours so just take your time.
Posted on 8/10/21 at 7:42 pm to J Murdah
Well, 0-1 nights in Munich definitely opens up the itinerary, not a bad problem. I’d spend the night just to be able to be well-rested before driving.
Can’t speak for driving, we love train travel over there.
Can’t speak for driving, we love train travel over there.
Posted on 8/10/21 at 8:14 pm to drockw1
If you don’t spend a day in Munich you may consider training straight to Saltzburg and renting the car there. The Ludwig castle on the way is awesome though it’s a mini Versailles on an island in the middle of a crystal clear lake. Gotta take a boat to it. Cool little marina where you boat from with a nice cafe or two on the water.
But honestly, most unsafe day of driving I’ve ever done was from Heathrow to a house in Kent about an hour drive or so. We had transferred in Dublin so it was about 1pm. Just completely tired as shite and then the driving in England is wrong side of the road and Kent roads were tiny and shite. Germany wouldn’t be as bad. But still, don’t recommend doing it if you have never done it.
But honestly, most unsafe day of driving I’ve ever done was from Heathrow to a house in Kent about an hour drive or so. We had transferred in Dublin so it was about 1pm. Just completely tired as shite and then the driving in England is wrong side of the road and Kent roads were tiny and shite. Germany wouldn’t be as bad. But still, don’t recommend doing it if you have never done it.
This post was edited on 8/10/21 at 8:15 pm
Posted on 8/11/21 at 8:41 am to J Murdah
Now that the fog of Covid has lifted, I think I can give my comments. All comments are for pre-Covid travel.
Rental car
You will pay a 1-way fee if you pick-up in Munich and drop-off in Vienna. It might not be that much but there will be one. I have found that renting a car through your airline is the cheapest route. Drop the car as soon as you can upon arriving in Vienna, it is useless in Vienna.
You will need to purchase a vignette(before you enter) to travel on major roads in Austria. You buy them at gas stations along A8 heading to Salzburg or at the station at the border and stick it to the windshield as described on the vignette. All cashiers will know what you want.
https://www.asfinag.at/toll/vignette/
You will also need an International Driver's Permit. Purchase at any AAA and is good for 1 year from the date you put on it. Each driver will need their own IDP.
Driving in Europe
I have driven from Munich/Frankfurt to Fieberbrunn, Austria numerous times and all around southern Germany and northern Italy. Google Earth is your friend. Start now familiarizing yourself with the route you will take. Start learning the geography and where each city/village is in relation to the others. Signage is excellent in regards to guiding you to your destination.
While driving on any autobahn, there will be signs with all major destinations. You will see signs pointing you to Salzburg as you leave the airport. If you drive from Munich to Salzburg, there is a certain curve on A8 that that Alps just appear as you come out of the turn. This is the point that I start to get excited.
Jet lag
This affects everyone differently. When I arrive, I am pumped and ready to get going so it doesn't affect me as much. I try to stay awake until the sun goes down before ever getting any rest.
If this is your first time traveling to Europe, I would catch the train to Salzburg upon arrival and start my vacation there. This will give you a rest period and time to collect yourself.
Itinerary
It depends on what time in May you are going if there will be any lifts open. In early May, they still may be close for maintenance from the ski season.
If the recent pattern continues next year, there will still be snow on the mountains in May. Depending on what you choose to see, some attractions still might be closed. If the Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse is open, I would not miss this opportunity.
https://www.grossglockner.at/gg/en/index
Austria is a beautiful country and filled with welcoming people. I have been to Salzburg 9 times and it is my favorite small city. Be sure to visit the Dom Quartier Museum in salzburg. This will give you access to the choir loft in the cathedral and the Residence Museum. You can enter either at the entrance to the cathedral or Residence Museum.
https://www.domquartier.at/en/
While in Vienna, if you visit Praterstern, go to the Schweizerhaus and get you a beer and a stelze. Thank me later.
I have not been to Hungary so I will leave that for others. The Alps of Austria is a beautiful place and you will love it. Of course, you only have so many days to spend in this area and there is so much to see. Don't try to cram too much in the time you have. I this case, less is more.
Rental car
You will pay a 1-way fee if you pick-up in Munich and drop-off in Vienna. It might not be that much but there will be one. I have found that renting a car through your airline is the cheapest route. Drop the car as soon as you can upon arriving in Vienna, it is useless in Vienna.
You will need to purchase a vignette(before you enter) to travel on major roads in Austria. You buy them at gas stations along A8 heading to Salzburg or at the station at the border and stick it to the windshield as described on the vignette. All cashiers will know what you want.
https://www.asfinag.at/toll/vignette/
You will also need an International Driver's Permit. Purchase at any AAA and is good for 1 year from the date you put on it. Each driver will need their own IDP.
Driving in Europe
I have driven from Munich/Frankfurt to Fieberbrunn, Austria numerous times and all around southern Germany and northern Italy. Google Earth is your friend. Start now familiarizing yourself with the route you will take. Start learning the geography and where each city/village is in relation to the others. Signage is excellent in regards to guiding you to your destination.
While driving on any autobahn, there will be signs with all major destinations. You will see signs pointing you to Salzburg as you leave the airport. If you drive from Munich to Salzburg, there is a certain curve on A8 that that Alps just appear as you come out of the turn. This is the point that I start to get excited.
Jet lag
This affects everyone differently. When I arrive, I am pumped and ready to get going so it doesn't affect me as much. I try to stay awake until the sun goes down before ever getting any rest.
If this is your first time traveling to Europe, I would catch the train to Salzburg upon arrival and start my vacation there. This will give you a rest period and time to collect yourself.
Itinerary
It depends on what time in May you are going if there will be any lifts open. In early May, they still may be close for maintenance from the ski season.
If the recent pattern continues next year, there will still be snow on the mountains in May. Depending on what you choose to see, some attractions still might be closed. If the Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse is open, I would not miss this opportunity.
https://www.grossglockner.at/gg/en/index
Austria is a beautiful country and filled with welcoming people. I have been to Salzburg 9 times and it is my favorite small city. Be sure to visit the Dom Quartier Museum in salzburg. This will give you access to the choir loft in the cathedral and the Residence Museum. You can enter either at the entrance to the cathedral or Residence Museum.
https://www.domquartier.at/en/
While in Vienna, if you visit Praterstern, go to the Schweizerhaus and get you a beer and a stelze. Thank me later.
I have not been to Hungary so I will leave that for others. The Alps of Austria is a beautiful place and you will love it. Of course, you only have so many days to spend in this area and there is so much to see. Don't try to cram too much in the time you have. I this case, less is more.
Posted on 8/11/21 at 9:04 am to 2 Jugs
quote:
You will also need an International Driver's Permit. Purchase at any AAA and is good for 1 year from the date you put on it. Each driver will need their own IDP.
I won't argue but I am going to post my experience over 4 trips driving in Europe, and that these are pretty worthless. I've Just never been asked for it renting a car. Every time they ask for my driver's license. The IDP is through AAA and as far as I can tell is now more just a business for them, a private company not a government agency. All it is, is they take your photo and DL info and place it on a piece of paper with a bunch of other languages. Pretty much anyone that you will encounter in Europe with a rental car from the counter employees to police will all speak and read English to where they would prefer to see your real DL then the IDP.
I say this mainly because the nearest AAA office to me is 60 miles away and they are like $30 each. It was just a pain for me to get it and I've never had to use it. But definitely do what is best for your comfort.
I certainly agree rental cars are not worth it in the cities. But what I do recommend is considering if you are looking to do something outside of the city? For example, Munich has Dachau. Not on OP's itinerary but just as an example, its a lot easier even in Europe to take a rental car to Dachau then public transit. So before planning to drop it off, you may consider doing your suburb or rural activities first with a rental car. Then dropping it off to explore the heart of the cities.
This post was edited on 8/11/21 at 9:07 am
Posted on 8/11/21 at 9:46 am to baldona
quote:
I won't argue but I am going to post my experience over 4 trips driving in Europe, and that these are pretty worthless. I've Just never been asked for it renting a car.
The rental car company couldn't care less if you have one or not. This is a requirement of the Austrian government. The IDP is a translation of your driving privileges covered by your driver's license and is only needed if you are stopped by the police or have gotten in a wreck.
I have had to purchase one 9 times in the last 12 years and thankfully have never had to use it. It is an expense of traveling to Austria. If the OP chooses not to purchase one then that is up to him but the police doesn't care what excuse he has for not having one.
https://www.austria.org/driving-a-vehicle
The OP should also be aware that there are speed cameras(there will be a sign) along the highways that monitor your speed at certain areas and if he is flagged he will receive a ticket in the mail 3-6 later.
quote:
But what I do recommend is considering if you are looking to do something outside of the city?
I agree. There are a lot of attractions not covered by rail service.
Op should also make sure that there is parking available at the hotel/B&B if he is staying in the city.
Posted on 8/11/21 at 1:53 pm to J Murdah
perhaps make a stop in Bratislava. I loved it there, really off the beaten path for a "large" city. But, its quickly developing so starting to lose that charm.
Posted on 8/11/21 at 3:39 pm to J Murdah
While in Munich you could grab lunch and a drink at the Chinesischer Turm. It's a beer garden in the middle of Munich's large city park(which is beautiful). It's famous for its Chinese Tower and great selection of traditional Bavarian food.
Posted on 8/11/21 at 5:41 pm to 2 Jugs
quote:
I have had to purchase one 9 times in the last 12 years and thankfully have never had to use it. It is an expense of traveling to Austria. If the OP chooses not to purchase one then that is up to him but the police doesn't care what excuse he has for not having one.
You are absolutely correct. But again, all it is is a translation. Its nothing official from the US or Austrian Government. I have never been stopped by the police officially for the record. But the IDP is really for languages not English or others the Austrians may speak or read. Its nothing official, all it does is translate so they know what it is saying. If they know what your English Driver's license says, they aren't going to use it. That's all I'm trying to say.
If you have a Swedish license or chinese DL, then absolutely they are going to require it.
You are right, I'm not trying to argue. I'm just trying to assist. Its a PITA for some people to get them and frankly $60-70 per couple isn't cheap, maybe more now.
ETA: You are correct on the speed cameras, and additionally last I checked they also had cameras that tracked your tailgating distance. They want you to maintain distance between cars and there are long lines on the autobahns to help you measure, you are supposed to maintain two of the lines between you.
This post was edited on 8/11/21 at 5:43 pm
Posted on 8/11/21 at 7:07 pm to baldona
quote:
They want you to maintain distance between cars
They should explain that to the locals/Italians. Kitzbuhel is on a route from Italy to Germany that bypasses the Austrian autobahn and therefore eliminates the need for the vignette. There are some crazy drivers in that part of the country.
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