Vienna, Salzburg & Tirol Guidebook
Best and worst sights, experiences and destinations:
Best: Walking tours of Vienna and Salzburg
Why: Rick's self-guided walking tours are great ways to get to know both cities. I also highly recommend the tram tour in Vienna. The Belvedere Palace is wonderful for art. We also enjoyed the Vienna Volksoper: saw an interesting performance of Madama Butterfly, and had no problem booking good seats online in advance. Ticket prices are much less than at the Statsoper.
In Salzburg, the climb up to the Fortress is worth it. The Cathedral is a baroque feast for the eyes. The late afternoon concerts next to St. Peter's Church in the Old Town and evening recitals at the Mirabel Palace are also enjoyable ways to hear chamber music in pleasant venues.
Worst: Hofburg Palace - Sisi Museum
Why: The Imperial Apartments are worth seeing. Unfortunately, you have to go through the Imperial Silver collection and Sisi Museum to get to them. The Sisi Museum is cramped and overrated. It can get very, very crowded, even if you go early, which makes viewing the exhibits difficult. One comes away from the Sisi Museum thinking she would have benefited from Zoloft.
In Salzburg, the Mozart house was very disappointing. They were not handing out audioguides, so there was little explanation of the exhibits unless you read German. Save your money and go to a concert instead.
Steve Macfarlane in Carmichael, CA USA 01/16/2012
Best: Hafelekar, Innsbruck
Why: It had snowed the previous day and the weather cleared to ideal conditions for visiting: calm, warm and clear skies.
R. Kanazawa in Saratoga, CA USA 10/27/2011
Best: Schonbrunn gardens St Augustine Sunday service
Why: Wonderful wandering in Schonbrunn. Wonderful music at 2 hr mass.
Worst: Staatsoper Tour. St Stephens South Tower climb
Why: The English group had too many people for the single guide to make herself heard. We were led into 3 spaces that also contained groups being guided in other languages. I felt like I was in the Tower or Babel. I contacted them and they refused a refund and did not acknowledge they need to make changes.
Having climbed the Domo in Florence, we were very disappointed by your recommendation to climb this tower. View was nowhere as splendid. I got very little impression of Vienna from the observation level.
The English tour of the cathedral was cancelled due to other activities in the cathedral after we wasted 30 min waiting at the sign. Poor service in not posting the cancellaton on the sign.
mark brumbaugh in morristown, nj USA 10/11/2011
Best: Hotel Hauser, St. Goar or Hallien Salt Mines
Why: We have a split decision. I love the balcony of Hotel Hauser, a glass of beer and watching the Rhine water traffic which we have experienced on 3 different ocassions. My wife could not miss, for the second time, the salt mines at Hallien, Austria as her most unique experience.
LOWELL HANCUH in EAGAN, MN USA 10/07/2011
Worst: Mozart's residence
Why: Mozart's Residence (Wohnhaus) no longer has an audio-tour (discontinued sometime during summer 2011), and without it, it's quite a dull experience. Really, don't bother. There is no attempt to capture what the house might have been like when he lived there, and other than letters and books, very little of Mozart himself in evidence. Skip it.
John Warner in Lambrecht, Germany 09/25/2011
Best: Day trip outside of Salzburg to Eagle's Nest
Why: We took the fantastic Eagle's Nest tour with David. He was an excellent historian who enjoyed what he was doing. Kudos to him for still having enthusiasm about giving this tour many, many times over. We felt like we learned a lot and are eager to find out more on our own.
Worst: Mozart's Residence Tour - Sept. 2011
Why: This was a complete bust! I'm sure at one time this was an excellent tour when the audio guides were available. Unfortunately, the museum is undergoing a face lift and there weren't even English translations to read on any of the displays. At the end of the short tour there was a English video that helped summarize some of the things that we had scene. But overall, it was one of the only museum we went to that I almost felt compelled to ask for our money back. If you go, please check to see that the museum has updated their audio guide system.
Alexandra in Boise, Id USA 09/12/2011
Best: Schonbrunn Palace
Why: a lot to see and do, magnificent grounds, fun maze
Philip Braverman in New York, NY USA 09/05/2011
Best: Hallstatt
Why: Tourism hasn't spoiled it.
Kathleen Waton in Jackson, GA USA 07/14/2011
Best: Salzburg Panorama 1829.
Why: It was fun and unusual; we never would have found it or gone without the recommendation.
Laurie Zaepfel in St. Paul, MN USA 04/15/2011
Best: The most fun was meeting other travelers carrying the book. We found 2-3 a day in both Vienna and Salzburg.
Why: It got to be just like the old "clubs" of sports car owners in the '50s and '60s, where drivers would wave at fellow owners.
R. Gardner in Cleveland, OH USA 09/26/2010
Best: Vienna, Hallstatt, Tirol (Reutte)
Why: Vienna is a beautiful, classy city with lots of rich culture, shopping and sights. Hallstatt and Reutte areas are remarkably scenic and peaceful.
Worst: Vienna Sightseeing Tours to Prague
Why: Trip was 14 hours. We spent about 1.5 - 2 hours on the tour and about an hour on our own actually in Prague. Not much time to do anything. 30 minutes to eat lunch on the way there. BUT we had to stop for 20 minutes at a two gas stations on the way there/back, and for about 45 minutes at the world's most tacky rest-stop at the border which featured cheesy sorcer vs dragon & an airplane restaurant. I've taken tours from Vienna Sightseeing before (to Budapest and within Vienna) and had a great time. This was NOT one I would recommend.
Lloyd in Mill Creek, WA USA 09/23/2010
Best: Berchtesgaden
Why: This section in the book could use some updating. Berchtesgaden was one of the most relaxing places we stayed in. My wife and I preferred it over Salzburg, and even would recommend people stay in Berchtesgaden and do a day trip to Salzburg by bus. The Eagles Nest Historical Tour was absolutely worth EVERY PENNY. The Konigsee boat rides were also very relaxing and romantic. The Melk/Krems tour rates second.
Worst: Salzburg Panorama Tours
Why: Biggest mistake we made was to take a tour with Panorama. Granted, we signed up for the 1-hour city tour, and weren't expecting much, but it was atrocious! The tour was from an 8-passenger van, with little visibility. The tour could be summarized as follows: driver says "look down street to left! Mozart's house!" Since he was driving at breakneck speeds, we had all of 1.5 seconds to look at whatever sight he mentioned. It got worse and worse, as he kept switching from English to German, and by the end he was freely interweaving the two. We stopped at one palace so we could take pictures, but the guide didn't know much about it except that Harvard University now managed it. it was really a waste of time and money (18 euro per person). All I have to say is thank God we didn't take the longer tours- we would have gone completely insane.
Mike Atamian in San Diego, CA USA 09/19/2010
Best: Bavarian Castles
Why: Breathtaking
Worst: Hotel Gruner Braum in Hallstatt
Why: We had our 3 children with us and upon walking into this hotel, there were pictures of naked women on every wall including all the way up the stair, hallways, and dining room. I realize this is "modern art" and Europe is much more forward in this than we are however with children all under the age of 10 it got tiresome answering questions about why there are naked pictures even in the dining room. It was worth a mention in the guidebook esp if travelling with young boys who are not used to seeing this kind of art.
Nancy Cavin in wellington, fl USA 09/09/2010
Worst: Pension Pertchy
Why: A gastly experience! Prior to our departure we were informed via email that the hotel's lift was being repaired/upgraded but that this should cause lillte inconvenience. In fact,the hotel is in full construction mode during our entire stay with jack hammers, drills starting at 0530 in the morning. Staff chided us for complaining and were completely unresponsive and arguementative stating that the hotel was not under construction despite having a hugh crane outside our window which hoisted a porta potty to the roof. Pls take this off your list as hotel Pertchy represents the quintessence of a fleabag, rattrap flophouse at Ritz Carlton prices. M. Mann
Maureen Mann in Harleysville, PA USA 08/12/2010
Best: Melk to Krems bike ride
Why: Beautiful scenery, quaint villages, great bike path.
Diane and Bill in Carmel Valley, CA USA 07/27/2010
Worst: Bob's Tour Salzburg! SHAME ON BOB'S TOUR!!
Why: Otherwise for a perfect 3 week European vacation, out experience with Bob's Tours was the terrible! Your guide Manfred came 15 mins late, dropped us off 20 mins early and was on the phone most of the time (even while driving). We stopped for a coffee and strudel at a beautiful restaurant overlooking the St. Galen valley but landed spending about 50 mins while Manfred finished lunch (we all waited outside for him). About 20 years ago I had very positive experience when I took a similar Some tour and when I asked Manfred if he could give us some background about the village of Monde (the color coding that represents addresses), he told me, what is there to tell or see--very rude, indifferent! On the way back, he asked us if we say the Mirabel Gardens--all of us said that we passed through them and he said that we already have seen them and dropped us back 20 mins early. By the end I was too upset and I knew there was the Rick Steves' discount and typically I won't ask for such discount but in this case I did--he said he cannot give it to us till we have "proof" that we did apply for discount. I said I have the book--he said he needed to see the book. I did show him the book--not one, not two but 3 different Rick Steves books that we had in our backpacks! Manfred (Bob Tours) was rude, arrogant and indifferent!! It is a shame that we wasted good part of the morning with this tour! Shame on Bob Tours! Rick, I am a big fan of yours and I have been using your tour books for almost 20 years. I must say that when you continue to recommend poor vendors such as Bob Tours (and touting "Rick's Discount"), you are losing credibility with old time fans like me! I will post these comments on your website (and other sites). Again, SHAME ON BOB'S TOURS!!
RS in Thousand Oaks, CA USA 07/24/2010
Best: Hinterhornalm, Tirol
Why: Maybe the most unique, authentic experience on our trip. Having a fresh glass of milk and schnitzel/sauerkraut at a working farm (20 min walk from Hinterhornalm) while pondering the mountains around us was sublime. Thanks Rick and co.!
john in whidden, ab Canada 07/20/2010
Worst: Bob's Special Tours
Why: Our guide was an hour late for a morning tour. He yelled at us to hurry us up because he did not want to be late for the afternoon tour. Yet when we stopped at the town with the church that had the Sound of Music wedding, he delayed so that he could talk to the winner of a bike race.
Paul Bradlye in Bellevue, WA USA 07/13/2010
Worst: Bob's Special Tours in Salzburg
Why: Six friends took the "Sound of Music" tour upon recommendation of Rick Steves. Our tour guide was terrible. Not only was he misinformed on the movie and the actual history of the Von Trapps but he was verbally abusive to us when we misunderstood the timeframe he was allocating for the Hellbrunn Palace and arrived later than he wanted. He actually screamed at us. Then, when we did not tip him, he again became irate.
We have never been subjected to such abuse in all our travels and cannot recommend anyone take Bob's Special Tours if they hire such abusive and ill-informed tour guides.
K. Olsen in Milwaukee, WI USA 07/13/2010
Best: standing room tickets for Salzburg Opera House
Why: 3 euros for a chance to see the inside of this beautiful theater and see La Traviata
Barb in Louisville, KY USA 07/01/2010
Best: Bike ride from Melk to Krems
Why: You can ride the 24 miles along the river and through small villages and vineyards. It is beautiful.
Michael Sherwood in Prescott Valley, AZ USA 06/30/2010
Best: Natural History Museum
Why: I know that you all are mostly interested in art and stuff, but you WAY under sell the NHM. The collection was cool and presented in a very interesting way--a lot 19th Century with a few 21st Century surprises to find. And the Willendorf Venus was, frankly, the most spectacular thing I saw during my 10 days in the city.
Nan Crystal Arens in Geneva, NY USA 05/18/2010
Worst: Pension Sarstein
Why: Reservatons at Pension Sarstein in Hallstatt were problematic and ultimately unavailable. I wrote in November 2009 for two nights in June 2010, but was told that I was too early. I then asked when I could make reservations? The answer was in May, which did seem unreasonable, so I checked in April 2010. Of course, they were full by then, for my two requested nights as well as for two alternate pairs of nights. I would have thought that the Fischer family would have kept the reservations on file and at least notified me that they were taking reservations for June 2010. Very unhelpful and perhaps saving space for local tours and groups!
bruce neumann in boulder, co USA 04/20/2010
Best: Zwolf Apostollenkeller, Vienna
Why: Wonderful food, great atmosphere, low prices, no tourists, central location!
Worst: Gulasch Museum (Goulash Museum), 20 Singerstrasse, Vienna
Why: I do wish that Rick Steves' travel guides would stop endorsing the Gulasch (Goulash) Museum in Vienna. My wife and I lead culinary tours to Europe, so we know about food there and what we can expect for our money. We visited the Gulasch Museum at 20 Singerstrasse, Vienna, Austria in January 2010 and proceeded to order based upon the appetizing photos and descriptions in the menu. What we received for about $24 per bowl was basically Dinty Moore beef stew without most of the beef. I was additionally brought a flat (stale) beer that the proprietor refused to replace, and charged me for. Oh yes - there's a 2 Euro "cover charge" per person that's not mentioned in the menu, and... it's CASH ONLY -- which the waiter/manager didn't mention until he handed us the bill. This practice obviously prevents people from back-charging their credit card after feeling ripped off. STAY AWAY from the Gulasch Museum! There are many great places to eat in Vienna -- don't be ripped off at this clip joint!
James K. Fowler in Houston, TX USA 01/30/2010
Best: Karlskirche
Why: THe elevator ride to the lantern was breath-taking--very unusual.
Worst: Cafe Landtmann
Why: It had very low quality melange, and I tasted a lot of them.
Lynne Dillingham in Columbia, MO USA 01/13/2010
Best: Augustiner Braustuble
Why: The Augustiner Braustuble in Salzburg is a great place to visit any time of year. The food, beer and people watching are all fantastic. My boyfriend & I visited in May and again in Oct 09. You can sit outside in the courtyard if the weather permits or indoors in one of the large halls. It's a great opportunity to mingle with the locals.
Terri in Tampa, FL USA 12/10/2009
Best: Hallstatt, Austria
Why: Gorgeous, beautiful hiking. I even kayaked on the amazing lake.
Carol Fallon in Newport Beach, Ca USA 11/01/2009
Best: Karls Kirche in Vienna
Why: Being in the dome, 150 feet off the floor getting up close and personal with the art on the dome was a once in a lifetime unique opportunity. Gives you a thorough appreciation for the artists.
Worst: Belvedere museum
Why: Not into contemporary art. The gardens and the building are beautiful, just not interested in the contents.
Isabel Davenport in Glendale, AZ USA 10/25/2009
Best: Halstatt
Why: Absolutely delightful scenery.
Worst: Trip to Haurige ( sp) wine garden
Why: Not easy to find and no ambience.
Raul Sahagun in Hacienda Heights, Ca USA 10/18/2009
Best: The Spanish Riding School
Why: Though scarcely mentioned in the book, it is wonderful to see. It's true, you do have to get tickets for seats months ahead of time but there's almost always standing room available on short notice.
Worst: Tram tour around the Ringenstrassen
Why: Tram moves too fast to appreciate the sights described in the book and it would be impossible for most people to memorize the tour before hand.
Paula Harris in Milwaukie, OR USA 09/04/2009
Best: St. Stephen's Catherdral and Opera
Why: It took several days to see and experience everything that St. Stephen's offered. As for the Opera had you not mentioned the standing room tickets my husband and I would never of been able to see the opera as tickets are sold out months in advance, and we only knew that we were going to Vienna a month out.
Patricia Koutouzis in Marietta, GA USA 07/05/2009
Best: Purchasing the Salburg Card. It definitely saved us money.
Why: We visited many of the sights you listed for the Salzburg area and it covered the admission price for all.
Jack Smith in Batesville, IN USA 06/26/2009
Best: Hallstatt
Why: So breathtaking and Maria Trausner's b and b was perfect in location and charm.
Worst: Our search for internet access
Why: My husband needed to teach a class online at 3.oo am because of the time difference, we had a rough time in Vienna finding him access.
HELEN STEELE in KESWICK, VA USA 06/07/2009
Worst: Tram ride around Ringstrass
Why: The tram ride around the Ringstrass is a waste of time. The ride is really too fast to appreciate anything being seen. Too much space is dedicated to this.
Augusto Aguilera in Bremerton, WA USA 05/27/2009