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Comment by Marlene Hench on June 26, 2008 at 4:14pm

In 2006 Baron von Crailsheim at the Sommersdorf Castle lent us a GPS. It was sooo helpful! We did a lot of traveling to out of the way towns and there are so many backroads in Bavaria that one can get lost very easily. We set the GPS to backroads only and had no problem. (Side note...taking the backroads is the only way to really see the countryside).
One evening when we were returning from my great grandfather's town in the Spessart Mnts, we encountered a terrific rain storm which had blown leaves all over the road. Frank had a hard time seeing the road but I watched the screen of the GPS and was able to tell him which way the road would be turning. It was truly a life saver.
We purchased a Garmin last year plus a European chip that we plan to take with us to Austria this Sept. Used it a few times in Paris last year.
My suggestion though.... if using a GPS, don't totally rely on it. Follow a map also, that way you always know where you are. It's so easy to get dependent on the GPS that you can lose perspective. That said, we think they are great (in Europe too). If you make a wrong turn, it will get you out of it and back on track.

Comment by Janet & Conan Rudd on June 24, 2008 at 5:06pm

We are new to the Salzburg group.

Marlene, we were in Kuchl last October staying at Seiwald apt. The host is wonderful and helpful in everyway. We especially liked the bakery around the corner and the local inn out towards the old church.

Anne, you mentioned Vienna, We are goin fot 2 weeks in December primarily for the Christmas Markets; would appreciate any recommendations that you might have.
Thanks to all!

Comment by Valarie on June 24, 2008 at 8:47am

GPS in Austria or Germany: My husband and I rented a car with GPS a few years ago in Germany. We didn't really need it for Germany, but it proved invaluable when traveling to the National Museum of Military History in Diekirch, LU. (Great museum if you're in the area. We traveled there from Bernkastel-Kues on the Mosel.) We have since purchased a pocket GPS with European maps to carry with us and it has been very useful, even when only walking in unfamiliar cities. That said, I find Germany and Austria to be easy to navigate by car, without a GPS...good maps and road signage. But, when dusk is setting or you've wandered off the beaten path and you're lost, they sure do come in handy!

Comment by gordon robertson on May 27, 2008 at 12:49pm

Has anyone used a GPS unit in Austria or Germany? We had so much fun in Alsace finding great places by driving and exploring I am not sure if we will need one. Any suggestions much appreciated.

Comment by Anne on April 25, 2008 at 11:26pm

I would like to meet people who will be the Salzburg area Aug 27 to Sept. 10 or Vienna Sept. 10-17.

Comment by Anne on April 25, 2008 at 11:26pm

In Vienna, I would recommend the Hotel zur Staatsoper. As the name sounds, it is around the corner from the State Opera House and a short walk to all the other action, e.g. Stephansdom area. (Not good if you have a car to get rid of.) I think reference to the small winery town could be Grinzig (very touristy) or Kahlensdorf--wonderful scenery on the way and once there.

Comment by Marlene Hench on April 25, 2008 at 8:55pm

Vance,
That concert at the Golling castle sounds especially good. Hope we can hit something like that.

We will be staying in Kuchl at the Seiwald apt but when I look at the maps, it doesn't look too far from Golling, Werfen, and Pfarrwerfen. We will actually have a car because we like exporing the countryside, but will be taking the train sometimes too.

Amy,
If you think of the names of any of those restaurants that you really liked, we love to know them. When traveling, we prefer to eat out in local spots for local cuisine. Your pictures are great!

Thanks everyone, can't wait to hear more details.

Comment by Marlene Hench on April 25, 2008 at 8:47pm

Marianne,
Go in Sept and we'll meet for coffee. (smile)

Comment by Vance Roy on April 25, 2008 at 8:58am

Some of my favorite memories of our Austrian Untour are in Golling. Heinz and Hannalore Spitzer became friends that we have visited with on later trips. Other memories include sitting outside at the bakery/cafe on the main drag of town watching people, getting to know the local wine merchant down the street who loved California, going to an outdoor concert in the Golling castle where everyone was given a glass of Champagne before the music began, riding up into the countryside with Heinz to a local farmer who prided himself on his homemade Schnapps, watching a street concert in Salzburg, having Heinz tell me that my German was good (even before the Schnapps), and driving through some beautiful mountain canyons on road trips here and there. We liked Austria so much that we have made several other trips since.

Comment by Marianne Gunther on April 25, 2008 at 8:57am

The last time I was in Austria I stayed in the village of Werfen at the Bergmuller apartment. I love the village of Werfen since it is a picture postcard village with dramatic mountain and has a terrific castle and the world largest know ice caves (what an experience!). The Bergmueller apartment is spacious, beautiful and is on the main street on Werfen (quiet and quaint). The bedroom of this apartment has terrific views of the mountains from the bedroom and the Bergmuller family lives in the building and they are very helpful. It is only a 10 minute walk to the train station and only 50 minutes by train to Salzburg. I can't wait to go back to Austria and hopefully I will be there this fall! Marianne