Question My husband and I are planning a trip in September to Bavaria, Austria and MAYBE Switzerland. We have about 12 to 14 days (not decided yet) starting on Sept. 11. I am certain about staying in Salzburg, and probably at the Hotel zur Goldenen Ente. We are very excited about seeing the Alps. Question: Is the best example of stunning views found in Switzerland (and if so, suggestions) or are they just as awesome in Austria (again, if so, what region)? The reason I ask is that there are so many things we want to see and so little time, Example: Salzburg, King Ludwig’s castles, Rothenburg au der Tauber, and MAYBE castles on the Rhine. I have looked into Switzerland and other than the beauty of the mountains, nothing in particular is drawing me there, like a landmark or museum, etc. Do you have any recommendations? We will have a car and enjoy out-of-the-way places, but not too far away, like Lake Geneva. You can imagine our route and we could easily go to Innsbruck or parts of Switzerland before going to Fussen, Germany. ANY suggestions you have will be greatly appreciated!!! Also, any dining suggestion or anything to add about Salzburg.
Thank you very much,
Joyce McClain
Answer I spent about a week in Innsbruck and in my opinion it offers fabulously beautiful views of the Alps. I have not been to Switzerland, so I can't really recommend destinations there that would make the additional travel worth it. However, I would like to recommend the "Sound of Music Tour" that is available in Salzburg. I know it sounds dippy, but it is the best way to see those out-of-the-way places around Salzburg. Our tour guide was an American who had left the U.S. He drove us all over in his van, telling us tons of trivia about the small towns we saw along the way. We also saw tiny farms built into the steep sides of the Alps and some wild deer. Our driver was completely willing to stop and let us wander around whenever we wanted. We went way up into the mountains and enjoyed views we would otherwise have missed. Of course, we saw the filming locations for the movie, but honestly, the tour would have been worth it without the Sound of Music stuff. If you do want to do the tour, plan it for mid-trip when you are tired of walking and could use a day of being chauffered around. :-) If you ski, there are some great skiing resorts around Innsbruck. If you go up the mountains (to where it is cold) make sure you try 'gluwien,' a hot spiced red wine that is just wonderful. One of the best things about international travel is sampling the traditional food of the region. Drink beer, eat wienerschnitzel and apple strudel. Wienerschnitzel comes in different meats as well, so you can chose to fit your tastes. One final thing about Salzburg - it is the birthplace of Mozart. I was not able to check out the museums or his home, but it is one of the major attractions in the city. I hope you have a wonderful time! Please feel free to ask follow up questions if you have any. :-)
