Visit to Salzburg & Innsbruck during Christmas.......

We are planning to visit Innsbruck %26amp; Salzburg during the Christmas vacations. We would just like to know whether it would be possible to do all the sightseeing (we would prefer to visit the countryside) during winters, as we would be accompanied by our two small children. Will it be possible to travel or will the areas be totally snowbound?

Thanks in advance,

SNCHL

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It is most unlikely that you will be snowbound.

You can drive between Innsbruck and Salzburg very easily on autobahns or by lesser country roadways . Either choice shoulfd offer few problems.

If you have fear of the snow , just take the frequent train connections.

Good public transport in both cities allow good visits to the nearby countryside.

trains information

www.oebb.at

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Thanks for the reply. I am glad to know that traveling to the nearby countrysides would not be a problem during that time.

I have been going through the forum posts and am planning to change the itinerary. As per the posts, it seems that Zell Am See is one of the most scenic places and has an easy connectivity to all the other cities. So, can you please suggest as to whether it would be a good idea to make Zell Am See as the base and to travel to other places from this town only. Also, can you please let me know about the possible weather conditions in this city as well.......

Thanks.........

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You do not mention where you wish to visit ( other towns )

Zell am See is at least 1 1/2 hours south of Salzburg by train.

This may not be the ideal base. Yes, a beautiful setting on the lake but can be a far distance depending on your desires.

Salzburg or the areas nearby may be much better for your various visits.

For example during this season many would venture to the Wolfgangsee area- Christmas markets open between Christmas and new Yars in this area in addition to nice scenery.

This just east of Salzburg and easily reached by bus in less than 1 hour.

www.wolfgangsee.at

also in this area Mondsee

www.mondsee.at

Bad ischl , Hallstatt etc.

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Thanks for such a detailed reply!

Yes, what you suggest seems to be more reasonable, as availability of hotels also would be better in Salzburg. Actually, I am still in the process of finalising the places to visit. We would be in austria for about 8 days, so would like to cover the maximum scenic places (lakes, waterfalls, greenery etc.). All the areas that you have mentioned seem to be really GREAT! So, I feel, we would stay at Salzburg and should venture to these countryside places on day trips. I hope this plan seems to be feasible...........

Thanks.............

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Great advice from vertical!

One more thing: Driving in winter is usually no problem. There might be a problem if it is snowing for a longer period which rarly happens. Roads are usually free of snow or sometimes wet but the snow bregade starts operation as soon as it snows or could become slippy.

Driving on snow is a bit like driving on sand, the car does not react as usual. If you drive very slow, no problem at all. Usually roads are free of snow within an hour.

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Thanks for the information! Thats really good to know that even if it snows, the roads get cleared up really soon. Actually, we are not planning to drive as we plan to travel by train only. Moreover, we would love to see the snowfall, but were only a bit wary about the places getting blocked. So, I am really thankful for such nice advices.......

Thanks %26amp; Regards,

SNCHL