We are heading to a village in Austria called Obergurgl for a weeks skiing over Xmas with our two children. We have just found out that we can extend our trip by 10 days so would like to do some winter sight seeng. Where should we go? Towards Vienna via Salzburg and Innsbruck or into Switzerland. Never been to either country so torn. Will likely be travelling by train and do not want to waste alot of time travelling so thinking of seeing only a further 3 towns/citys. Love the idea of a small historical village. Can fly out of either Vienna or Zurich.
I would really welcome any opinions or advice that you all may have. Also that secret little jewel not mentioned in the guide books. :-)
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Hard to answer as we don%26#39;t know what you really desire. Only you can make the decision. Both countries have a lot to offer, so you need to do a comprehensive research about the mentioned places. Salzburg is definitely a place that should be considered. Zurich is a rather small city in comparison to Vienna with much less to do and see (although the ambience is great there either). If heading in Easterly direction, you will automatically hit Innsbruck.
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Leaving Obergurgl to the end of the valley , you have a good choice of either west to Swiss or east to more of Austria.
Frequent train service in either direction so not mush difference in good connections.
My Biased opinion- the time in Innsbruck- Salzburg - Vienna is much more varied and rewarding to the tourist..
These cities offer excelent cultural opportunities , historical sites, famous architecture and an abundance of museums.
You may be in Innsbruck during the time of the annual ski jumping competions or a bobsled run.
In Salzburg area after Christmas, the Christkindl Markets in the Wolfgangsee area- St. Gilgen, Strobl, St. Wolfgang may still be open- one of these could be your special village visit - especially St. Gilgan or Strobl
www.wolfgangsee.at
or perhaps hallstatt - never my favorite but many like it.
Good train connections mean Innsbruck- Salzburg about 2 hours with salzburg - Vienna 2 1/2 hours thus your travel time is not great and allows good extra time for sightseeing on the day of transfers.
Vienna is much bigger and much more varied than Zurich- you could much time here and not see everything of interest.
It would offer a good contrast to the time you spend in Obergurgl in the mountains
for good info
www.wien.info
grat new Years celebration here too or a night of music at a concert hall or opera.
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Should be great New Years
also as you must already know - a convenient Emirates flight too from Vienna.
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Thanks so much for the fantastic advice. We have decided to stick with Austria and head east to end up in Vienna - for the convenient flight home :-)
Now just working on the stops in between. I really like the sound of a night in Krems or Durnstein. Will everything be closed though at this time of year?
Also we had planned to use the trains but thinking it could be more cost effective and easier to have a car. Although I understand parking can be difficult and expensive. Which would you recomend car or train?
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Durnstein is a fantastic village but not a good choice in winter.
The major hotels Schloss Durnstein, Sanger Blondel and Richard the Lionhearted all closed during the winter months.
Everything is basically closed and the village is enjoyed by the 300 +- residents . Time for the winzers to trim the grape vines and watch the maturation of the fine white wines.
Melk has the Post hotel- I believe that is open
Landhaus Bacher in Mautern just across the Danube from Krems is a good choice if they are open. A great thing there is their top restaurnat , one of the best in Austria.
Other good eating places in Krems, is Jell and Kaiser von Osterreich
www.amon-jell.at
www.amon-jell.at
www.landhaus-bacher.at
Krems is a city of 25- 30000 has nice sights but not the greatest hotels.
I most always drive everywhere here and enjoy the freedom of the auto.
it is a liability in the cities like Salzburg and Vienna. But it is helpful when exploring the lake country by Salzburg and the danube areas .
If you decide to rent a car drop it off as soon as you reach Vienna.
need more info just post..
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