Austria - Have you been there?

[berly1657]

Wondering if you have used your DVC points in Austria and if you have where? And what did you do while you were there? and what was the point value?

 

[pumpkinboy]

Well, considering that Austria is about the same square milage as Indiana, you must understand that it's a pretty diverse place (Terre Haute, Indianapolis and South Bend are pretty different from each other as they are from the countryside). Tyrol, Vorlarlberg and Salzburg on the Western side of the country are Alpine (well it is the Alps after all) and there are lots of Mountain type activities (just stunningly beautiful), and remember the movie "The Sound of Music", well they were from Salzburg; plus there are some great cultural (music and art) festivals there every year. Innsbruck is the capital of Tyrol, and of course they hosted the Winter Olympics there once too. Vienna over toward the East is very urbane and cosmopolitan, having been the center of a vast multi-ethnic empire for many many centuries. It is a center for music and art, as well as having glorious cuisine and wine. I am a wine lover, and some of my favorite high quality (and underpriced) wines come from Austria, especially whites from Kamptal and Kremstal (in the center along the Danube) and reds from Burgenland over by the Hungarian border, tho the Viennese love their local wines (and also coffee topped with "Schlag" or whipped cream).

In any case, as I recall, most of the Timeshares in Austria that trade into II are up in the Alps, with some ski component, or else they are located in places like Salzburg. Now having spent some time in Salzburg , I can assure you that there is lot's of cool stuff in and around the area (my Uncle was a guest artist at one fo the big festivals many times). Most American tourists like all the "Sound of Music" stuff, but there is so much more. Remember that Mozart started his career in Salzburg as court composer to the Prince-Bishop of Salzburg (the city used to be an independent Theocracy, ruled by a Bishop who also held the title of Prince; clearly, lots of History going on).

As for flights, anything in the Western part of the country will probably be best served out of Munich (a gorgeous and convenient airport), then straight on the Autobahn to Salzburg or Innsbruck. Otherwise, flying into Vienna might make better sense.

You might be well served to check out reviews of the Austrian timeshares on TuG. Good luck!

 

[TW1]

I never used points or timeshares in Austria, but have spent a good bit of time there. It is my favorite European destination. As PumpkibBoy wrote, it is very diverse. Almost anywhere you spend time in Austria, would be worth it. From the major cities, to the smallest of towns, you will find a rich cultural hertigage, a very friendly population, historic sites and abundant natural beauty. It is also very easy to get around. Driving a rented car is not a problem with the quality and quanitity of interconnected roadways. On the other hand the trains are fast, cheap and go everywhere.

In essence, you can't go wrong with a trip to Austria. if I had to choose, I'd place myself nearer to Salzburg or Vienna.

Go for it.

 

[Doctor P]

My parents and I spent two full weeks in Austria about 5 years ago (self-planned and administered trip). We travelled a large portion of the country, spending a week in Vienna (from where we took day trips up and down the Danube through the Wachau region, a day in Graz, an evening in the Vienna Woods, and a day long tour of Vienna), 3 nights in Salzburg (including a trip to the Obersalzburg region of Bavaria, a Sound of Music tour that included the Salzkammergut lake region, and a thorough tour and sightseeing in Salzburg), and 2 nights in Innsbruck (another great city). I have looked at the various exchange opportunities through DVC and they all seemed to be in areas that would be great to visit. We never rented a car, and travelled by train and bus, but with a car Austria is incredibly easy to get around.

 

[crisi]

Haven't stayed in a timeshare (Europe was a youth hostel experience at $10 or less a night with four to ten people in a room for me), but chiming in to say Austria is indeed beautiful. And you certainly won't starve! It is, however, not cheap (or wasn't when I was a poor college student).

 

[Dean]

DVC is not currently scheduling Cordial reservations and hinted that they might drop them all together.

 

[slindamood]

Last summer we stayed for a few weeks on the same lake (Achensee) as one of the Tyrol resorts in Austria (Ackenkirch). We cycled past the resort daily. The location is beautiful - lots of mountain hiking, bike trails, boats on the lake, and located not far from Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Munich. The most beautiful place we have been. We did not have a car - it would be nice to have but certainly not necessary. We either rode bikes or took the bus. There is frequent bus service, and the bus pass is free for most tourists (your tourist tax pays for it). We flew in and out of Munich and took the train to Jenbach, then a cab to where we stayed. The rest of the trip we took the bus to the Jenbach station - from there you can get throughout the region easily and cheaply. We did daytrips to Munich, Salzburg, and Innsbruck. The bus goes down to the train, or, if you arrive back late, a taxi is about $15.

Suzanne

 

[bavaria]

Maybe a thousand times. The border was a 15 minute drive, I used to take the train after work to wander around Salzburg. The autobahn to Austria ran past our village. 10 minutes bike ride into the woods one passed a tiny metal flag indicated that one had just cycled into another country..........

Although 90% of Austrians have never heard of the Sound of Music tour, I've done it. I've driven to/around Mondsee the town/lake with the church where they married.

I've been to Linz and Vienna lots of times. And the Tyrol.....

Sorry, what was your question???