Salzburg vs. Steyr (Linz) Holiday Markets

[Jesterscourt]

Life is full of tough choices! We have been to Salzburg on a prior sailing but not during the Christmas Markets. Uniworld makes the 25 mile excursion to the villages of STEYR and CHRISKINDL sound idyllic compared to the full day trip to Salzburg which is exhausting. However, in addition to the magnificence of Salzburg, will we be sorry not seeing the Christmas Market at the Old City Center of Salzburg if we choose Steyr? Would be great to hear from those who have actually done both options over the years.

[caviargal]

We have been to the markets at both several times. Linz is not a very pretty city and we found the markets just ok.

 

Salzburg has a number of markets, including the one in the center. Our favorite is at Helbrunn and on top at the Fortress. Not sure how much time you will have to enjoy them on the boat's excursion as we always make the trip on our own, using the train and bus. The quality of the markets, the beauty of the city and the products sold are all better than Linz IMO.

 

In your specific situation perhaps check out Linz, since it is easier and less exhausting. You may enjoy it more than we did.

[Jesterscourt]

Caviargirl, thanks for the reply. I was able to spend a lot of time walking around Linz when we docked there the night before going to Salzburg and even after we returned from Salzburg and enjoyed the town square, theatre, and even where Mozart briefly stayed, etc. But I was wondering if you ever went to STEYR which is where they also take you.

[caviargal]

I have not and am looking forward to your thoughts should you decide on that option.

 

We have a huge fondness for Salzburg so generally opt to go there whenever we are in the area. This year we will be docking briefly in Linz where we will hop a train to Salzburg and then meet the boat in the evening in Passau.

[Jesterscourt]

Which trip are you on where they will only be docking briefly in Linz? You mean they are stopping in Linz without offering the usual excursion to Salzburg?

[caviargal]

Which trip are you on where they will only be docking briefly in Linz? You mean they are stopping in Linz without offering the usual excursion to Salzburg?

 

They do offer it but we much prefer to do it on our own. We are not interested in the Sound of Music aspect and know Salzburg and surroundings very well. I actually went to the University there for a semester many years ago. :)

 

The train from Linz is an hour so we will take the first one in the morning. Then we will spend the day in Salzburg showing our friends our favorite spots. The train to Passau is a little over 2 hours and easy and the station a very short ride from the boat docks. It's an easy trip to do independently and allows us to maximize our day doing what we enjoy.