Vienna, Salzburg & Tirol

Best ways to improve this book:

Listing the Frohnburg Castle on the SOM map would be helpful. It is much easier to find than Leopoldskron Castle, we found it using the SOM guide book. It would have been awesome to see the authentic Von Trapp mansion but couldn't nail down the address for it.

Also, please add Oberndorf - the Silent Night Memorial Chapel. We went out of our way to see the chapel where the world's favorite Christmas carol is commemorated. The village museum is worth a visit as well.

Isabel Davenport in Glendale, AZ USA 10/25/2009

1. The driving directions from Vienna to Mauthausen are poor. Got off at Enns and got lost. My impression from the book was that Enns was a small town and that I would find signs directing me to the site. It took me about 45 minutes to find the road to Mauthausen. Better directions would be helpful.

2. Halstatt. Arrived late, about 7:00 pm at Halstatt,(I called ahead) and after checking in, was told I would have to park in lot 2, which was about a mile away. It was raining and pitch dark and also required a walk through a very long unlit tunnel. I decided not to park where I was directed and after about 45 minutes finally found parking inside one of the tunnels. Although I knew parking was limited, I didn't realize it would involve a hike of that distance under those conditions. Had I known, I would have made sure I arrived a lot earlier. Now I'm a guy and there was never really any danger for me, however, if my daughter had been traveling instead of me, it would have been reckless for her to have walked that distance by herself. I think it would be helpful if the book would provide some type of caution or notice that one might get stuck with that type of walk under those conditions if you arrive after dark.

3. The Heurigen wine garden experience was not worthwhile. First of all it was difficult to find because once we got on the bus from the underground, we didn't know where to get since the stops are not announced nor posted. It was also very difficult to see the names of the stops until you've already passed the stop. Once we found the location, it was pretty empty with not much ambiance. So we landed up making a big effort just to have a drink together. I assume it was unlively due to when we went (9/30/09) but it would have been nice to know that there would be a chance that it would not be lively during that time.

Raul Sahagun in Hacienda Heights, Ca USA 10/18/2009

It should be mentioned that while the Mozart & Strauss concerts at The Kursalon in Vienna are very good and fun, as described in the book, the chairs are very small,very close together,uncushioned with very upright backs. Definitely not meant for taller and larger people. Not very comfortable if you're already tired from a day's sightseeing. Vienna Sightseeing Tours is recommended only for it's tours of Vienna but it is mentioned in the book that this company also offers tours to other places, one of which is Budapest. Having an extra day in Vienna, we opted to take the Budapest tour. The tour of the city and the lunch were fine and there were several hours of free time to explore. However, readers might want to be warned that it's a two hour drive each way. You leave before breakfast in the morning and nothing is offered on the bus; not so much as a bottle of water or a bag of peanuts and there are no stops. You also get back to Vienna fairly late in the evening and need to be aware of that.

Paula Harris in Milwaukie, OR USA 09/04/2009

I really think this is a wonderful book, and would not even try to tell you to change it. My husband ended up having to work the whole time that we were in Vienna, but because I had your book I felt very comfortable to go out each day and see something new. The way that you outlined everything was so easy to follow, you never saw me without your book, and I made sure that I expereinced Vienna and for sure did all of your triple triangle sights.

Patricia Koutouzis in Marietta, GA USA 07/05/2009

Make sure that all the highly recommended sights have directions on how to get to them. This may be as simple as to walk to the location from point A, or more detailed by telling which bus, subway, etc to use.

Jack Smith in Batesville, IN USA 06/26/2009

None, it was a fabulous way to plan our wonderful trip to Austria, Accomodations, restaurants, activities were all great

HELEN STEELE in KESWICK, VA USA 06/07/2009

I would like to recommend a hotel which I found myself on the internet. It is about 4 blocks from the Stephansdom in a great neighborhood, but it is back from the main street so it is quiet. Very friendly staff, small rooms but very clean, free computer, wifi and all conveniences and a fabulous breakfast included. I paid 103 euros for a single. It is called Hotel Austria Wien. It is located at Fleischmarkt 10.

Penny Lorenz in Mill Creek, WA USA 06/03/2009

In hindsight, and after checking guidebooks from other authors, we would have been better served with a guide from the competition. Quite a disappointment as we have always traveled with Ricks guidebooks to the letter.

Augusto Aguilera in Bremerton, WA USA 05/27/2009