trip ke austria

The Ultimate 5 to 7 Days in Austria Itinerary

Last Updated on February 20, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Planning out an Austria itinerary is one of the top things to do when visiting Central Europe. This beautiful country nestled between Germany, Switzerland , Italy , the Czech Republic , Slovenia , Hungary and Slovakia has a lot to offer beyond Vienna or Salzburg . And whether you have 5 or 7 days in Austria, you’re sure to have a blast exploring this gorgeous Central European nation.

From chic cities to charming villages, to gorgeous mountaintops to lovely lakes, Austria is a dynamic and interesting destination that is a joy to explore. Easy to navigate and filled with history, planning out the ideal trip to Austria is a treat.

So if you’re planning to spend a few days to a week in Austria, follow this itinerary to ensure you get a good feel for this country – though you may want to plan another trip in the future!

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Austria?

If you want to see more than the capital city and get to a couple of different places, then consider spending at least 5 days in Austria.

However, if you’re interested in digging deeper and visiting more than two different cities, then mapping out at least 7 days is going to be your best bet.

With a week in Austria, you have the opportunity to visit several different places, have the time to get to know some of the cities and also have the opportunity to explore some smaller towns and natural areas as day trips.

You also really can’t go wrong with spending 10 days in the country or more. With this amount of time, you don’t need to leave anything off of your itinerary and you will be able to spend time in some more far-flung places and areas a bit off the beaten tourist trail.

Getting To & Around Austria

Located in the centre of Europe, Austria — and, particularly, the capital of Vienna — is easy to reach from virtually all of Europe and many destinations further afield.

Vienna Airport is a large international airport that has countless flights to and from a myriad of countries and cities in the world, so arriving in Austria from abroad is not a problem.

Austria is also well-connected by rail and bus from nearby countries and cities. Vienna is directly connected to cities like Budapest , Prague , Munich and Ljubljana and many other smaller cities are also well-linked across the continent. You can view train schedules here.

Once in Austria, you have a few options when it comes to getting around. In the cities, plan to rely on getting from point A to B on foot or using the city’s public transit. Austrian cities are incredibly easy to navigate and there is no need to have a car while exploring.

You also can easily get between cities and major urban areas via both an extensive rail system and bus.

However, if you want to easily make stops between cities or would like to get out in nature, see the countryside and have some flexibility, it can be worth it to opt for a car rental and go for an Austrian road trip.

This will allow you to spend time in the Bavarian Alps, the Zillertal Alps and the town of Mayrhofn, the Danube Valley and drive along the Grossglockner High Alpine Road.

If you decide to hire a car while in Austria, you can compare prices across several major companies on Rentalcars.com.

One thing to note when driving in Austria is that you will need a vignette – or toll sticker. If you rent a car while in Austria already, this will be taken care of for you. However, you will need to purchase one upon crossing over from a neighbouring country.

5 to 7-Day Austria Itinerary

Day 1 – vienna.

The perfect place to begin any visit to Austria is in the capital city of Vienna . Often considered to be one of the most liveable cities in the world, Vienna is an absolutely beautiful city that is packed with history and interesting things to do.

Spend your first day in Vienna wandering around and taking in all of the top sites.

You can go on a walking tour to get your bearings before heading to sites like the Vienna Opera House, enjoying the art collections at the Albertina Museum or taking in the iconic attractions of the Spanish Riding School and the Sisi Museum at the Hofburg. End your day taking in the beautiful St Stephen’s Cathedral.

Vienna is also absolutely wonderful to simply wander around or to park yourself at one of its iconic cafes and enjoy a classic Viennese pastry and coffee. This is absolutely one of the best things to do.

Where to Stay in Vienna

Motel One Wien – Hauptbahnhof — This hotel is a fantastic accommodation option for those travelling on a mid-range budget in the Austrian capital. Located very close to Vienna’s main train station, they have several room sizes to choose from and an option to add breakfast each morning.

Hotel Brauhof Wien — Those after luxury in the Austrian capital will love this 4-star hotel. They have a range of beautiful, plush rooms to choose from and countless other amenities to ensure that your stay is an unforgettable one.

Hostel Ruthensteiner — This family-run hostel can be a fantastic option for both budget or solo travellers in Vienna. They have both private rooms and dorm beds available and several common areas and kitchen facilities that make it easy to meet other travellers in the city.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Vienna hotels!

Day 2 – Vienna

Day 2 of your Austria trip should still be spent in Vienna. As the capital and largest city in the country, there is a lot to do here and you definitely need at least two full days within the city itself to do it justice.

On your second day, it’s time to explore a bunch of sites that you didn’t get to the day before. These can include touring Schonbrunn Palace (you can book a guided tour here ), heading to Karlskirche or wandering around Schloss Belvedere.

Plan to spend your afternoon taking in the museums in the Museums Quartier, which includes places like the Leopold Museum and the Modern Art Museum.

Day 3 – Vienna

One of the benefits of spending 3 days in the Austrian capital is that you will have the time to go on a day trip from the capital. Because we’re exploring more of Austria itself if you’re spending 5 or 7 days in the country, this is a great time to take a day trip outside of Austria.

Heading to the Slovak capital of Bratislava is an excellent day trip option from Vienna.

Located only about an hour via train from the Austrian capital, Bratislava is an interesting place to spend a day and it is completely different from Vienna so you will get a good change of pace. You can go independently or organise a guided tour.

Bratislava’s compact nature means that it can easily be explored in just one day and it’s the perfect way to head outside of Austria during your trip to Austria!

Day 4 – Salzburg

After spending a few days in Vienna, the next stop on your itinerary through Austria should be the western city of Salzburg . Known for being the birthplace of Mozart and the filming location for the classic musical The Sound of Music , Salzburg is a lovely city to enjoy and no trip to Austria would be complete without visiting.

Though small in size, Salzburg has enough to offer visitors to merit spending 2 days here. So if you’re only planning for 5 days in Austria, this will be the final stop on your itinerary.

Spend your first day in Salzburg taking in the main sites of this beautiful city. In the morning, explore the old town, wander down Getreidegasse, browse through the stalls in the Grünmarkt, visit the Salzburg Cathedral and take in the views at Residenzplatz – Salzburg’s main square.

Later, head up to the imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress and stroll along the walking trail on Monchsberg until you reach the Augustiner Brau Brewery, which is well-known for its classic and massive beer garden.

Where to Stay in Salzburg

Gästehaus im Priesterseminar – This guesthouse is an excellent option for mid-range visitors to Salzburg. They have a wonderful, centrally located in a beautiful baroque building and they have several lovely rooms on offer – perfect for exploring the city!

Boutique Hotel Auersperg – If you’re after a luxury option in Salzburg, you’re sure to love this boutique hotel in the centre of the city. It has been family-run for generations and it is located within spitting distance of all of Salzburg’s top sites. They have luxe rooms available and countless other amenities to ensure your stay is a great one.

Yoho International Youth Hostel – Budget and solo travellers will love this centrally located hostel. They have both private and dorm rooms available, good common areas and self-catering options and, for those who want it, they screen “The Sound of Music” every evening

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Salzburg hotels!

Day 5 – Salzburg

On the final day of your 5-day trip to Austria (or simply your final day in Salzburg if you’re planning on spending 7 days in Austria), plan to spend the day digging deeper and getting to know Salzburg just a bit better.

There is plenty to keep you occupied on your second day in Salzburg. Plan to spend your day wandering through the Mirabell Palace and Gardens, take in one or two of the city’s many museums and take a river cruise along the Salzach to see the city from a different perspective.

You can end your day in one of the city’s fine restaurants or even visit another beer garden to sample some great Austrian brews.

Day 6 – Gollinger Waterfall & Hallstatt

Treat day 6 as a travel day between Salzburg and Austria’s second-largest city of Graz. This day is best to do if you have a car, as it will give you the flexibility to make stops along the way and to enjoy the rural and natural side of Austria.

For those looking to get a bit active, then make your first stop en route to Graz be the Gollinger Waterfall. This waterfall is absolutely beautiful and there is a hiking trail that can take you around the falls and allow you to view it from different vantage points. The hike is pretty easy and it’s suitable for those of a moderate fitness level.

After enjoying the waterfall, drive a bit further to visit the iconic town of Hallstatt. This town is well-known on Instagram feeds and it is absolutely beautiful. However, it is also incredibly popular amongst international visitors and can be absolutely packed with tourists.

If you’re keen to avoid crowds and want a more laid-back alternative to Hallstatt, then consider making a trip to the town of St Gilgen on Wolfgansee, a large lake located a little bit closer to Salzburg.

For those who don’t have a car and are going this by public transport, it’s not going to make sense to stop at Hallstatt or the Gollinger waterfall. What you can do instead is spend your morning on a lovely day trip to St Gilgen and Wolfgangsee before taking an afternoon train from Salzburg to Graz.

End your day of exploration in the beautiful city of Graz.

Where to Stay in Graz

Schlossberghotel – Das Kunsthotel – This classic hotel is an excellent option for those looking for a great place to stay in Graz. They have a range of beautifully decorated rooms and it is filled with antiques and artwork. There are lots of rooms to choose from, a swimming pool, and plenty of other fantastic amenities.

Aiola Living Graz – This boutique hotel is a great option for visitors to Austria’s second city who are looking for a swish place to stay in the centre of town. They have clean, modern and comfortable rooms on offer and there is also an on-site fitness centre for guests to use at their leisure.

B&B Hotel Graz-Hbf – This hotel is a great option for those travelling in Austria and visiting Graz on a budget. They have a range of private rooms available and a great location close to the train station – perfect for exploring the city and for continuing on your trip in Austria. There is even an option to include breakfast.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Graz!

Day 7 – Graz

The final day of your 7-day Austria itinerary should be spent exploring the absolutely beautiful and charming city of Graz .

This city often gets overlooked when people plan trips to Austria and this is really a shame – it has quite a lot to offer and its compact size means that you don’t need to dedicate a lot of time to it.

Start your day at the Kaiser Josef Market before meandering over to the Grazer Burg where you can take in the fascinating double spiral staircase. Then, head over to the Graz Cathedral and tour this incredible structure before watching the clock chime and the interesting puppets at the city’s Glockenspiel.

Spend your afternoon up at Schlossberg, the castle hill that has incredible views over the city – it is accessible via funicular. Then, head over to the hip Lend area and, if you’re so inclined, visit the Kunsthaus – a modern art museum. If you’re more interested in history, then you could head to the Styrian armoury, instead.

End your day at one of Graz’s many phenomenal restaurants – and make sure to sample some of the great wines grown in the region!

Have More Time?

If you, for example, have 10 days in Austria or more, then the world is your oyster. For those who want to see more of this beautiful country, head to the west and make sure to explore the Tyrol region. The Alpine city of Innsbruck is infinitely popular and is a perfect getaway for those looking for an active holiday. From here, you can also visit the gorgeous glaciers at Dachstein.

If you’re interested in heading to some neighbouring countries, Slovenia is well-located and easy to get to from Graz. Consider spending heading to the city of Maribor before venturing onto Ljubljana (and beyond, if you have the time!).

There is a lot to see and do in and around Austria and it is likely impossible to plan a bad itinerary in this beautiful country. However, with the proper planning and knowledge, you can map out the absolutely perfect trip for you and your travel style.

Are you planning a trip to Austria? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

The Ultimate One Day in Hallstatt Itinerary

Planning a Bratislava Day Trip from Vienna

Salzburg or Vienna: Which Austrian City to Visit?

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

would like to know about visiting Styria and Karnten

Hi, Amazing article, helps a lot!

I have more questions around sightseeing near Hallstatt and Salzburg- for eg- 5 fingers, lake wolfgangsee..what else can i explore on these lines? and any budget hostels to stay a night probably in or near Hallstatt?

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

1 week in Austria: Epic 6-7-8 Day Itinerary (First Time Visit)

One week itinerary in austria: best things to do and see.

You’re planning to spend 1 week in Austria ? You’re looking for the best itinerary?

Then look no further!

In order t o help you plan your stay , I have prepared for you this 6, 7 or 8 days itinerary in Austria .

During your trip, you will visit  Vienna , Salzburg , Hallstatt and Graz as well as must-see attractions such as Melk Abbey or the lakes of Salzkammergut .

In addition to the best places to visit for each stage of the itinerary, I will also give you all my best tips and accommodation suggestions depending on your budget.

So, how to spend a week in Austria? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

1) Vienna (3 days)

To start your one-week trip in Austria the easy way, just land in Vienna . The capital of Austria is the best-connected city in the country.

Depending on your arrival time, I recommend heading straight to your hotel to drop off your luggage and rest if you need to. You can take a quick stroll around the neighborhood to immerse yourself in the Austrian atmosphere.

For your first full day of sightseeing , you should start with Vienna’s main tourist attraction: Schönbrunn Palace .

This magnificent Baroque building is a UNESCO World Heritage site . During your visit, you can explore the state rooms and imperial apartments in what used to be the Habsburgs’ summer residence .

Schönbrunn Palace is also famous for its vast and beautiful garden , a lovely place for a walk.

If you’re interested, you can also visit the greenhouse, the zoo (tickets available here!) or the Vienna Imperial Carriage Museum all located within or near the palace grounds. You’ll need to pay extra for all of these activities, as they’re not included in the palace entrance ticket.

There’s also a guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace that includes access to the interior and gardens. Click the button below to book :

The visit to Schönbrunn Palace is also included with the Vienna Pass . It gives priority access to many monuments and also allows you to use the hop-on-hop-off sightseeing buses .

It’s simply the best pass for visiting Vienna during your week in Austria!

Buy your Vienna Pass directly with the button below:

In the late morning, head to Naschmarkt, Vienna’s permanent market . It’s the perfect place to have lunch and enjoy fresh, local products .

Then continue your sightseeing day by visiting Karlsplatz and admire St. Charles Church . I also recommend going inside for a unique experience!

Indeed, inside you can take a panoramic elevator to admire the ceiling frescoes up close. I’ve never seen anything like it in a church, and it’s quite surprising.

For the rest of the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll through Vienna’s historic center to discover the main tourist monuments like the Opera or the Rathaus , Vienna’s city hall.

And to end the day beautifully, head to St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna called Stephansdom in german. Climb the 343 steps of the tower to enjoy an exceptional panorama of the entire city . Preferably do it at sunset!

Don’t forget to grab your ticket in advance here so you’re all set for the experience!

For your second sightseeing day in the capital , head to the Spanish Riding School of Vienna . And now you might think “horse riding, but I’ve never done that before!” Don’t worry, you won’t have to ride a horse, just watch and admire.

Every morning, this world-renowned institution in the art of horse training opens its doors to spectators for training sessions .

In addition to the show, the venue where the session takes place, the Imperial winter riding arena , is well worth a visit!

If you plan on attending to a training session, entry is included in the Vienna Pass so make sure to book your tickets in advance using the following button:

For the rest of the morning, you should visit the Hofburg Palace . Like Schönbrunn Castle, the palace served as a residence for the Austrian imperial family during the winter months.

The visit will allow you to see the bedrooms and the emperor’s workroom . But not the emperor.

There is also a part of the imperial palace that houses the Empress Sisi Museum and an impressive silverware collection. Everything is included in the entrance ticket you can purchase right here :

The Vienna Pass also grants you access to the palace.

You can then start your afternoon by going to Europe’s largest baroque library, the Austrian National Library . The State Hall, with its 200,000 ancient volumes, is just stunning.

Entrance is free with the Vienna Pass.

Then, you should have a look at the Albertina Museum . There you can admire a significant collection of works by Monet and Picasso as well as 20 recently restored staterooms.

Included with the Vienna Pass. Otherwise, you can purchase tickets in advance directly with the button below :

If you don’t feel like spending the afternoon indoors, you can also replace one of the 2 visits I mentionned above with a small Danube cruise !

The most popular one is the 1-hour outing that you can book by clicking the button below:

Finally, to end the day with some relaxation, head to Prater, Vienna’s massive public park . Don’t hesitate to take a ride on the Ferris wheel , one of the city’s symbols and by far the most spectacular way to watch the sun set over Vienna .

You can buy your tickets directly here .

If you’re not a big fan of rides or if you’re scared of heights, I recommend a softer but equally classic option in Vienna: attending an opera or a classical music concert .

Several venues such as the Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera) , the Musikverein , the Volksoper, or Schönbrunn Palace’s Orangery offer this type of performance at various prices:

• Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at the Musikverein
• A concert featuring 30 musicians from the Mozart Orchestra in the Musikverein’s Golden Hall
• Ticket for a concert at Schonbrunn Palace
• A classical music concert in Vienna’s magnificent St. Peter’s Church
• A classical music concert performed by a string quartet at St. Anne’s Church
• A performance of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at St. Charles Church
• Mozart and Strauss concert at Vienna’s Kursalon with musicians, singers, and dancers
• A concert by the Vienna Residence Orchestra , one of the world’s best chamber orchestras, at the Auersperg Palace.

Definitely one of the unforgettable experiences to have during your one-week stay in Austria .

If you’re looking for a extensive list of the best things to do and see in Vienna, check out my article here: Visiting Vienna .

To visit Vienna in 2 days, you should get the Vienna Pass .

Access to all the main monuments and museums of Vienna is included , as well as unlimited hop-on hop-off bus transportation .

Where to stay in Vienna

2) Salzburg (2 days)

For the second stop on this 6, 7 or 8-day itinerary in Austria , I’m taking you to Salzburg .

You’ll need to rent a car since it’s clearly the fastest way to get around when you plan on spending one-week in Austria . Plus, it allows you to make stops along the way to visit certain places that you wouldn’t see if you took the train.

You should use Booking.com Cars for 3 reasons :

• All the rental companies are listed, so you can easily compare prices .
• The comprehensive insurance protection is much cheaper than the ones offered by most rental companies. And, as an extra bonus, their reimbursement process is super efficient! I speak from experience after having used it a few times during my holidays in Sicily .
• Cancellation is often free.

If you know your travel dates in Austria you should book your car now to get the best possible rate! To compare prices and book your car, click on the button below :

Once you’ve picked up your rental car (preferably rent it at the airport, it’s more convenient), hit the road towards Salzburg. It takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes to drive from Vienna to Salzburg .

On the way, I recommend 3 stops to visit some of the most beautiful sites and natural landscapes you can see in Austria :

1) 1 hour and 20 minutes from Vienna , you’ll find the famous Melk Abbey .

Overlooking the Danube on its rocky outcrop, you can’t miss it. I recommend taking the time to visit it, especially for its world-renowned enormous library . The place is simply stunning.

Outside, you’ll enjoy a view of the Danube and its surroundings .

2) Before arriving in Salzburg , about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Melk , is where you’ll find the Salzkammergut lake region , famous for its beautiful alpine lakes. Definitely one of the most beautiful Austrian landscapes.

First, stop at Lake Attersee , the largest in Austria. Then continue to Lake Mondsee , a very well-maintained lake suitable for water activities.

You can easily spend an afternoon in the region and take the opportunity to have a picnic and hike around .

You’ll arrive in Salzburg in the late afternoon .

The next day on this 1-week vacation in Austria will be entirely dedicated to the city of Salzburg .

Start the morning by climbing up to Hohensalzburg Fortress , the city’s iconic landmark. Once the protector of the city and the local archbishops, it is one of the best-preserved castles in all of Europe .

You can buy your entrance ticket for the fortress in advance by clicking here ! Otherwise, the entrance is included with the Salzburg Card mentionned in the Voyage Tips Advice.

In order to reach it, you can choose the sporty option by climbing the hill on foot , or simply by taking the funicular ! You’ll find it on Festungsgasse street. This option also offers a lovely view during the ascent .

In the fortress, you can visit:

• The Golden Hall and the Golden Chamber , both adorned with beautiful wooden sculptures
• The dungeons and the torture chamber for a darker experience
• The Festungmuseum , a museum dedicated to the life of the princes archbishop
• The Rainermuseum and its collection of Austrian weaponry

After leaving the fortress, walk down to Nonnberg Abbey , about ten minutes away on foot. The place is world-famous for being the inspiration for the popular film “The Sound of Music” . This is the place in the movie where the main character Maria was a novice before she married the Baron!

Fans of the film will know what I’m talking about! Every day there are guided tours available for you to follow in the footsteps of the movie locations. For enthusiasts, I’m providing the link right here .

After this little movie interlude, head back to the historic center of Salzburg to visit the DomQuartier , a popular cultural attraction in the city.

The entrance ticket to the Dom (buy it here!) gives you access to several historical sites such as St. Peter’s Church , the residence of the princes archbishop and the cathedral . A great way to combine visiting the city and learning more about its history.

After a well-deserved lunch break following a busy morning, you should then head to #9 Getreidegasse . There you will find Mozart’s birthplace . It is a museum nowadays. If you are interested, you can of course visit it (and the visit is included with the Salzburg card).

When you’re done, don’t hesitate to stroll down Getreidegasse to admire its traditional houses and wrought iron shop signs , one of the main reasons for the street’s fame.

It’s also the perfect place for a bit of shopping or grabbing a drink.

Finish your day in Salzburg at Mirabell Castle . and especially by wandering through its magnificent gardens. You’ll find it on the other bank and can get there by crossing the bridge at the east-end of Getreidegasse.

The gardens offer a stunning view of the city and the cathedral . A must-see with its numerous fountains, the rose garden , the orangery, and even the dwarf garden made up of white marble garden gnomes – quite unusual, right?

And if you’re still craving more information about Salzburg , I got you covered! Check out my article: Top 17 must-see places in Salzburg .

To visit Salzburg in 1 day, purchase your Salzburg Card directly here :

All the places I mentioned in this itinerary are included in it . This will save you a lot of money .

Where to stay in Salzburg

• Stadtalm Naturfreundehaus : Hostel located near the Salzburg Museum of Modern Art. Dormitory beds from €25, breakfast included. Access is not very easy as it is on top of a hill, and the rooms are a bit small, but the view, on the other hand, is extraordinary. This is the best price for a hostel in Salzburg. Other ones start at €50, which is a bit expensive for a simple dormitory bed.
• Motel One Salzburg-Süd : Hotel located 4 km from the center of Salzburg. A bus stop right in front allows you to reach the center in just 10 minutes (and remember, with the Salzburg Card it’s free). Spacious and modern double room from €100 per night, breakfast at €9.5. Strong Points: quiet location, comfortable bedding, excellent breakfast. It’s my favorite for its excellent value for money !
• H+ Hotel Salzburg : Located 15 minutes walk from Mirabell Palace. Modern and comfortable double room from €120 per night, breakfast at €17. Strong points: breakfast room with mountain views, comfortable beds, shops, and restaurants nearby.
• Hotel Sacher Salzburg : 5-star hotel located in the heart of Salzburg’s old town and by the river. Comfortable and spacious double rooms, each uniquely furnished, from €400 per night, breakfast at €35. Strong points: central location for walking to all sights, very friendly staff, excellent bedding, high-quality and plentiful breakfast, view of the fortress. The best hotel in Salzburg for a luxury stay !

3) Hallstatt (1 day)

For the third stop on this one-week trip in Austria , hit the road to reach Hallstatt located about 1h20 by car .

Hallstatt is an extremely cute little village, considered one of the most beautiful in Europe and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site . An absolute must-see!

The downside of its popularity is that it can be quite touristy , and you may find yourself sharing the space with a large international crowd, many of whom Chinese. In fact, the Chinese were so taken with it that they even built a replica in southern China!

Start by walking around the village and don’t hesitate to venture into the narrow alleys and climb the various staircases.

You can also visit the Catholic Church , whose cemetery offers a lovely view of the lake below.

If you’re not scared by the idea of a few decomposed bodies in display, you can also visit a rather astonishing place: the ossuary. It contains hundreds of decorated skulls of the deceased from Hallstatt.

A decade after their passing, the residents of the town have the unique opportunity to be remembered this way. Those who opt for this unconventional practice can have their skulls meticulously exhumed, restored, and artistically adorned before being showcased. This exceptional tradition sets Hallstatt apart and adds an intriguing aspect to your Austrian road-trip.

After visiting the village, head to the Hallstatt Skywalk. You have the option to either hike up (it’s a bit of a climb, but manageable) or opt for the funicular. Upon reaching the summit , the awe-inspiring panorama of Hallstatt and its surroundings will simply take your breath away !

For the afternoon , I have 2 itineraries tailored to suit your preferences:

1. For the calm version:

Visit the world’s oldest salt mine , located near the Skywalk.

Enter the mines and discover one of Hallstatt’s main tourist activities. After your visit, head back to Hallstatt and take a walk by the lake or a small cruise.

2. For the sportier edition

After going up to the Skywalk, head back to Hallstatt and take the car to Obertaun , a few kilometers away.

There you’ll get to visit the ice caves of the Dachstein massif . You’ll have to take a cable car .

Not just one but 2 caves: the Giant Ice Cave and the Mammuth Cave .

You can choose to visit one or both. Allow about 1 hour for each visit .

Then take the cable car up to the second level to reach “The 5 Fingers” , a panoramic platform hanging 400 meters high on a cliff ! Needless to say, the view over the Dachstein massif and Lake Hallstattersee below is just incredible .

You will find every information you need to visit Hallstatt in my article: The 6 best things to do and see in Hallstatt .

If you want to visit Hallstatt and learn about its history, you should book a 2 hour guided tour . The cool thing is that the guide is a photographer and he will also take pictures of you facing the most beautiful spots.

The fee includes the printing of about ten pictures .

Book your Hallstatt tour with a photographer by clicking the button below:

Where to stay in Hallstatt

Hallstatt being a tiny village means that there is not much accommodation and that the prices are fairly high… although not as high as the 5 Fingers 😋

If you plan on visiting the place you should book your accommodation in Hallstatt now !

• Heritage Hotel Hallstatt : Located in the historic center of Hallstatt. Modern and bright double room from €190 per night, breakfast at €17. Strong points: the location of the hotel, right in front of the ship’s platform (convenient if you have suitcases), the calm and the size of the rooms.
• Fenix Hall : Double room combining rustic and modern design, starting at €200 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: comfort of the place, the very nice welcome and great tips offered by the owner, the location. It’s my favorite for its excellent value for money!
• Apartments Wallner: Large, modern, very clean and fully equipped apartments! One of them even has a magnificent view over the lake. Starting at €210 per night. Strong points: the location, the private car park (free and very convenient in Hallstatt!), the host’s readiness.
• Seehotel Grüner Baum : Located in the historic pedestrian center of Hallstatt. Warm, comfortable and spacious double room starting at €300 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the location, the rooms with view on the lake, the terrace by the same lake, the magnificent setting, the delicious breakfast, the high quality of the reception. The best hotel in Hallstatt for a luxury stay!

Where to stay in Obertraun

If you are on a tight budget or if the hotels in Hallstatt are full, you should stay in Obertraun , a pretty village also located on the lake and just a 10 minute drive from Hallstatt.

Super conveniently, from Obertraun, you can also take the lake shuttle to Hallstatt . Fast, cheap and you’ll even get to enjoy a boat ride on the lake!

• Haus Marie : Suites and apartments with views of the Dachstein Massif starting at €90 per night. Strong points: the sight, the free and private car park, the generous garden with barbecue and picnic area, the spacious accommodations, the hospitality of the guests.
• W & S Executive Apartments – Obertraun : Situated just 2 km from the lake, in Obertraun. All apartments include a living area, kitchen and private balcony. Very well equipped, you’ll even find a washing machine and a dishwasher at your disposal. They are very modern and stylish. Starting at €95 per night + €25 cleaning fee per stay. It’s my favorite for its excellent value for money ! I highly recommend it if you want to sleep in Obertraun and visit Hallstatt comfortably!
• Seeblick Krippenstein: Hotel offering recently renovated and therefore modern and comfortable double rooms, starting at €100 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the view over the mountains, the location near the cable car to the ice caves, the fine breakfast, the warm owners.
• Dormio Resort Obertraun : Modern, fully equipped cottages starting at €130 per night (up to 4 guests!). Each one has a balcony and a terrace. The Dormio also has a wellness center with indoor pool, sauna, steam room and a large garden with a playground for children. The perfect place for a family holiday in Austria .

4) Graz (1 day)

After discovering Vienna, Salzburg, and Hallstatt, let’s head to Graz for the second-to-last destination of your 1-week road trip in Austria .

The journey between Hallstatt and Graz takes about 2h20 . You should leave early in the morning to make sure you’ll enjoy your day in Graz.

Once there, start the tour with a climb to the Schlossberg , the hill overlooking the city. 3 options to get there: by foot, elevator or funicular .

From up there you will get a beautiful panorama of the whole place and will be able to spot the 2 symbols of the city: the Clock Tower and the Bell Tower .

Then carry on with your day by strolling through the historic center of Graz .

You should start with Hauptplatz , the main and most lively square in Graz, then wander along Herrengasse street .

On the main shopping street, you’ll find numerous shops, cafés, and stunning historical buildings such as Gemaltes Haus or Landhaus .

When visiting Graz, there’s one museum that simply cannot be missed: the Landeszeughaus .

It houses the world’s largest collection of weapons and armor : 32,000 pieces over 4 floors! If you’ve been to the Royal Armory in Turin , Italy , or the Grand Master’s Palace in Valletta , in Malta , you will have a tiny idea of what it can represent!

This is definitely a must-see attraction in Graz, and I highly recommend it.

On your way out of the Landeszeughaus, pass by Graz’s St. Giles Cathedral and The Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II , 2 places whose interiors are definitely worth a look.

After a morning of exploring Graz and enjoying a nice lunch to refuel, I suggest crossing the Mur river to reach the other side.

To do so, you can pass through the Murinsel , a unique structure resembling a giant shell that connects the two riverbanks. The artistic structure was created in 2003 when Graz was chosen as the European Capital of Culture . Nowadays, it has become one of the main attractions in Graz .

Once you cross the Mur river, you will find the Kunsthaus, the most unique and futuristic architectural landmark in Graz and the city’s contemporary art museum.

Also designed in 2003, the Kunsthaus has a distinctive appearance with its blue coloring and what appears to be tentacles on the roof , which some may find controversial. Nonetheless, it remains a must-see in Graz. If you’re into contemporary art, make sure to pay it a visit .

I can’t give you details about what you’ll see there, as the exhibitions are temporary and only last for 1 to 3 months . So this will be a surprise!

To wrap up your day in Graz, make sure to check out Eggenberg Castle . To reach it, take tram line #1 , as the castle is not located in the city center.

The castle was built with a very specific logic, based on the concept of time and seasons : there are 365 windows for each day of the year, 4 towers to represent the 4 seasons, and so on. Make sure to check out the renowned Hall of Planets or the old gallery, both of which are located inside the castle.

Don’t miss the chance to visit the Museum of Archaeology and the Mint Museum , both located inside the castle.

Another great suggestion is to take a stroll in the expansive castle park (in addition to the interior visit, around 2€).

Check out my tips for visiting Graz in my article: Top 8 Things to See in Graz .

Where to stay in Graz

As with other cities in Austria, accommodations tend to be on the pricier side.

I can’t emphasize enough: book as early as possible to get the best deals!

Here is my selection of the best hotels to stay in Graz :

• Hotel Daniel Graz : Located a 10-minute walk from the historic center. Modern and pleasant double rooms starting at €77 per night, breakfast for €25. Strong points: the location, the good breakfast, the friendliness of the staff.
• Hotel Mercure Graz City : Located 400 meters from the clock tower. Spacious and comfortable double rooms starting at €100 per night, breakfast for €18. Strong points: the comfort of the rooms, the location, the quality of the breakfast.
• Hotel Weitzer Graz : Located in the heart of the old town. Spacious and well-equipped double rooms starting at €120 per night, breakfast for €25. Strong points: close to all places of interest, the hearty breakfast, the impeccable service.
• Augarten Art Hotel : Located 1 km from the historic center. Tram station nearby to reach the center. Elegant and design double rooms starting at €180, breakfast for €15. Strong points: the hotel’s decoration with numerous works of art, the comfort of the rooms, the swimming pool, the kindness and availability of the staff. The best hotel in Graz for a luxury stay !

5) Back to Vienna (1 day)

And now you’ve reached the final leg of your 6-7-8 day trip to Austria . Unfortunately, it’s not the most exciting part since it involves simply traveling to Vienna . From Graz it takes about 2 hours.

If you have plenty of time before your flight, you can head to the airport or take a quick trip to Vienna for a last taste of the city.

There’s still plenty to see, like MuseumsQuartier or Capuchin Crypt . You can also do some shopping on Kärntner and Graben streets , if you need to buy some souvenirs.

Check out my article on the best things to do in Vienna (click here) for more ideas on how to spend your time in the city!

7 day itinerary in Austria

If you only have 7 days to visit Austria, you can skip either Stage 3 in Hallstatt or Stage 4 in Graz depending on your preferences.

More activities for 1 week in Austria

If you feel like adding other activities on your week-long trip to Austria , I’ve selected some really cool ones for you.

Feel free to click on the links to access details and make your reservations:

1) Towards Salzburg and surroundings:

• A 15 or 30-minute paragliding experience to admire Austrian landscapes from above.
• A paragliding flight from Mount Gaisberg at an altitude of 1287 meters
• A paragliding experience from Mount Bischling at an altitude of 1834 meters
• A paragliding initiation in thermal flight with twists and turns and acrobatics (still at Mount Bischling)
• Canyoning – Beginner Level 
• Canyoning – Intermediate level
• Canyoning – Advanced Level / And for the experts among you, you should absolutely try canyoning in the Fischbach Gorge. Book here !
• A rafting trip down the Salzach River – Beginner level / For those who’ve done it before, the “athletic” variant can be booked here !
• Supsquatch on the Salzach River , a kind of giant paddleboard that you ride on with several people.
• A zip line descent : 1,600 meters long and 143 meters off the ground! With a top speed of 130 km/h it is one of the fastest in Europe!

Another exceptional activity: ever thought about booking a private helicopter tour ? You can find the information here !

And if you’re looking for a full list of all the sporty fun you can have in Austria, just click here to check out this site !

If you need help planning your one-week itinerary in Austria, don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section below.

You’re traveling in Austria? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Austria : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Austria are listed there.

• 20 Best Things to Do in Austria : all best places to visit and activities
• Itinerary: One week in Austria – The perfect itinerary for your 7-8 days trip to Austria
• Graz: TOP 10 best places to visit
• Hallstatt: TOP 6 things to do during your stay
• Innsbruck: The 15 best things to do and see
• Linz: TOP 12 places to visit and must-see attractions
• Salzburg: The 17 best things to do
• Vienna: TOP 25 tourist attractions  

You’re using Pinterest? Here is the picture to pin!

Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

Related Stories

3 Days in Athens: The Perfect Itinerary (First Time Visit)

2 Days in Athens: The Perfect Itinerary (First Time Visit)

4 Days in Athens: The Perfect Itinerary (First Time Visit)

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your Name (required)

Your Email (required)

Your Website (optional)

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Middle East
• North America
• Cheap car rentals: my best advice
• Back to Homepage

The Richest Austria Itinerary for 5, 7 and 14 Days for First Timers

Getting done with all the tasks from covering all the attractions to finding the best hotels to stay in seems like a daunting task. Not to forget, the set limitations of budget for the 14 days to explore Austria. It looks like you might have to spend a lot of hours doing research for your Austria itinerary.

Do not worry! With our detailed itinerary for 14 days in Austria, you need to simply focus on what you’re going to wear to the trip and look amazing. Our ultimate Austria itinerary will help you with the day-to-day guides on where to visit with refreshment stops, hotel recommendations, and things to do.  

When To Plan Austria Itinerary Road Trip?

We went to Austria several times. The summer months of June through August are ideal for outdoor adventures like hiking and boating in Austria. Although Austria has high temperatures in summer, it is advised to visit the country in early summer or late fall between May and September.  

The weeks around the end of May and the start of June offer a delightful combination of nice weather and fewer tourists. In addition to experiencing the busy but not too crowded towns, you can take pleasure in trekking in the highlands or exploring lakes.

Driving in Austria

If you want the real experience of wading through Austria, the best way is a road trip. The open road and breathtaking scenery are the main attractions of road trips throughout Austria. Imagine looking out the window and witnessing wind-buffed meadows, silent lakes, and the beautiful Austrian alps. Sounds amazing, doesn’t it? 

That is why you should get a rental car to explore the old town while enjoying the picturesque views of snow-capped mountains. However, there are some travel tips to keep in mind while driving in Austria. 

Tips for Driving in Austria

• You should have a permanent driving license and a permit to drive internationally. 
• To drive on the highways, you need a toll sticker (vignette) from the post office or any gas station you find on the way. Note that the vignette is not needed for other national roads (than the hightway)
• Austria offers numerous panoramic mountain routes, such as the Danube valley or Villach Alpine Road, etc. However, you will have to pay toll tax on visiting these places. Taxes vary from 5 to 18€. Google Maps mentions that as “Toll Roads”
• Make sure that you check the weather before you drive up there because it makes no sense if you can’t see anything.
• The roads along the way are generally very good, but you will come across a steep slope when driving through the mountains. 
• Austria does not have a steady price for gas, so avoid getting the tank filled on highways or in small villages to avoid paying double the price.

Austria Road Trip Itinerary

This 14-day Austria road trip explores the best culinary and scenic landscapes. This itinerary is specially designed for those who wish to truly and profoundly experience Austria by road. 

Day 1-3: Start  from Vienna

We will start our road trip in Europe’s cultural center and the Austrian capital, Vienna, which is located on the banks of the Danube river. It is home to countless balls, imperial palaces like the Belvedere palace, and the sound of the music tour. 

After stepping out of the Vienna international airport, you’ll explore all that this beautiful city has to offer and you’ll feel as though time has stood still. The best way to get to the city from the airport will be to take the City Airport Train which will take you to Wien Mitte in 16 minutes.

Day 1: The Classics of Vienna

First things first, you won’t need your car here since the public transportation in Vienna is commendable and convenient. Now, let’s move on to Day 1 of our 3-day trip to Vienna. 

Tour of the Hofburg palace

The Hofburg palace of Vienna is one of the largest historic buildings in the world. It was the winter home to the Austrian dynasty of Hapsburgs for 600 years. Since 1946, this palace offers residence to the Federal President of Austria. 

For cultural and historic information on the palace, you can visit the Sissi Museum which offers comprehensive details about the life of Queen Elisabeth. The museum consists of more than 300 of her personal belongings, including her popular dresses. 

Don’t miss out on the best coffee house in the neighborhood, Cafe Central , for cake and coffee. The ambiance is dedicated to Franz Joseph and Sissi (Elizabeth I). After enjoying the sweet pastries, head on to St. Stephen’s Cathedral. 

Climb to the top of St. Stephen’s Cathedral

The St. Stephen’s Cathedral tower has ruled Vienna’s skyline with its renowned colorful tiled roof since it was built. The Archbishop of Vienna resides in the Gothic church. 

You can visit the church and climb to the top for unrivaled views of the city. After the grand tour, you can head for lunch at Settimo Cielo for an excellent menu and a splendid wine list.  

Take a ride on Weiner Riesenrad

Now, it’s time to move on to Weiner Riesenrad .

Spend your evening on the Giant Ferris Wheel in Vienna which is 65-meter-tall. Enjoy the stunning sunset in the air while taking in the beauty of Vienna city.  After that, you will enjoy your evening at the Vienna State Opera. 

Enjoy the Vienna State Opera

A night at Vienna State Opera is a must when visiting a city with such a rich musical and cultural heritage. With its stunning Neo-Renaissance architecture and interior that resembles a palace, the opera house is one of the best in the world. You can get 40-minute tour guides to understand the historical importance of the structure. 

Day 2: Vienna’s Must-See Places

Stroll the pathways of schönbrunn palace.

To start off our second day of sightseeing, we will visit the majestic Schönbrunn Palace, which will be just a 10-minute car ride from the city center. The 1,441-room Baroque palace is regarded as one of the most significant historical, cultural, and architectural structures built by empress Maria Theresa. The Hapsburgs have lived here as their vacation home ever since the 18th century.

Schonbrunn Palace front Facade at Sunset

You’ll visit 40 of the palace’s exquisitely decorated rooms as you do the tour of the place. One of those rooms will be the Mirror where 6-year-old Mozart performed his first concert. 

Then, you will head on to enjoy the local market at Naschmarkt which is a 10-minute ride by car. 

Enjoy the local colors at Naschmarkt

We’ll visit the Naschmarkt, one of Vienna’s most well-known marketplaces. It has some legacy, having been around since the 16th century. You can find anything here, including international fruits and vegetables, unique spices, all types of cheeses, and seafood.

The market hosts several eateries and food stands that offer Viennese specialties. It’ll be a great way to start your second day of touring Vienna! After you’ve enjoyed the local colors, you will head to the Spanish Riding School . 

Give the horses a visit at Spanish Riding School

The Spanish Riding School is home to Lipizzan horses and it is one of the most famous places in Vienna. The horses and their riders perform training exercises for the visitors in classical dresses which will leave you amazed. Then, you’ll head on to the Schönbrunn Garden .

Relaxing scenery at Schönbrunn Garden

Once you’re done with the interior, proceed to the gardens. Since 1779, the garden has been accessible to everyone. Admire the 8 wonderfully symmetrical, well-kept areas of the Crown Prince Garden along with the Neptune Fountain. 

Also, spend some time climbing the top of the hill of Gloriette for a fantastic sight of the palace and the main square of Vienna.

For an amazing dining experience, please visit the Schönbrunner Stöckl & Dinnertheater in its original setting with their staff dressed as famous characters from the old times. 

Day 3: Vienna’s Hidden Gems

Tour of the rathaus.

Many visitors just walk by this great building but never go inside. The 1800s saw the completion of Vienna’s Neo-Gothic Town Hall, which now houses the mayor’s offices. The Rathaus featured five towers, the greatest of which was the middle one and was topped by a statue of the Rathausman which you can visit for a guided tour.

Then, you can head to Wachau Valley for learning the history of the area.

Hike through Wachau Valley

The Wachau is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Danube Valley. It features some of the pre-historic monasteries, castles, and ruins with urban planning. You can visit its towns and villages to see its agriculture, primarily for the cultivation of vines. Head on to take a hike in the valley .

Enjoy the Sunset at Danube Tower

The Danube Tower is a great place to go for a great view in Vienna because it is the highest building in Austria.  You can enjoy a great view of the capital town. The best time to come here is in the evening, when you have a nice cup of coffee and enjoy the sunset. If that’s not enough, head on to the city river cruise. 

Wade away in the City River Cruise

If there is a river cruise opportunity in a city, we always want to take it. The river cruises in Vienna are a peaceful way to see some sights while relieving your feet of the strain and possibly sipping a cold beverage. It will be the best way to end your 3-day trip in Vienna.

Vienna Hotel Recommendations

Steigenberger hotel herrenhof: mid-range.

This hotel is a top pick owing to its ideal location in the heart of Vienna with many historic places within walking distance. The rooms at the Herrenhof are incredibly spacious with a touch of Baroque architecture and Art Déco.

Comfy apartments at Siebertgasse: Budget

Comfy Apartments at Siebertgasse is a pleasant, light-filled lodging. We adore these flats’ warmth, pastel accents, and minimalist aesthetic.

Day 4-6: Hello Salzburg!

It’s time to head to your next stop on your Austria road trip by train, which will take around 2 hours and 30 minutes. In Western Austria, Salzburg offers some of the best views of the Eastern Alps and the Salzach River, which runs through the heart of the city.

Day 4: Café Bazar & Architectural Attractions

Austro-hungarian breakfast at cafe bazar.

Start your day with the Cafe Bazar , a traditional Austrian café located beside the Salzach River. Here you will have a true Austro-Hungarian cafe experience. Then, you can visit the Mirabell Palace and Gardens .

Take a walk through Mirabell Palace and Gardens

Prince Wolf Dietrich built this magnificent castle in 1606 and gave it to Salome Alt, his mistress, as a present. You can stroll through the extensive gardens and peek inside the estate’s common areas.

Magnificent sightseeing at Residenzplatz

Then, head on to Residenzplatz for some beautiful sights. 

After admiring these magnificent sights, make your way to Salzburg’s central plaza, Residenzplatz. Here, you will find the Salzburg Museum, the Salzburg Glockenspiel, a clock tower, and the ancient residence of the Archbishop of Salzburg around a lovely fountain.

We suggest visiting the adjacent Mus Deli after all the sightseeing for the local cuisine at reasonable pricing from 9 €-24 € .

Go up the Hohen Salzburg fortress

Then, go on to visit the HohenSalzburg fortress.  

This structure is the most distinctive feature of the city’s skyline and is regarded as one of the best-preserved examples of its kind in all of Europe. It is perched on a hill with a view of the city. The fortress includes a variety of museums and observation decks where you learn about the background of this renowned fortress.

Pay a visit to the Salzburg Cathedral

It’s time to move on to Salzburg Cathedral . 

In the early 19th century, Salzburg was governed by the Catholic Church, and it wasn’t until 1816 that Salzburg joined modern Austria. Because of this, there are several Catholic churches scattered across Salzburg, but the Salzburg Cathedral stands out above the rest.

Day 5: Traditional Markets & Nature

Wander around schrannemarkt.

Take a trip to the Schrannemarkt if any of your three days in Salzburg falls on a Thursday.  Open-air markets are something you’ll really enjoy exploring. This enormous market, which is right next to Mirabell Palace, is filled with several vendors selling locally made goods and seasonal, fresh fruit.

Visit the famous Salzburg Museum

Spend some time visiting a museum or two to find out more about Salzburg and its most well-known resident, Mozart.  You can choose to go to either Mozart House, the Museum of Modern Art, or the Salzburg Museum. 

Walp up Kapuzinerberg

Take a quick lunch break at Gasthaus Zwettler and head on to Kapuzinerberg .

It’s time to be a little active and walk up Kapuzinberg, the second significant peak defining Salzburg’s skyline. It offers a view of the Hohensalzburg Fortress and the city around it. Then move to Die Weisse for some fresh beers. 

Enjoy a Cold Drink at Die Weisse

The Die Weisse Brewery offers locally brewed wheat drinks along with some seasonal brews. With a full kitchen and a sizable and welcoming beverage garden, it’s a terrific spot to unwind on warm days. If you’d like, you could even stay for dinner there.

Day 6: A Taste of the Alps & Nature

Relaxing walk by mondsee & wolfgangsee.

The lakes Mondsee and Wolfgangsee are your best options if you want to relax or engage in some water sports in the Alpine lake. These are both conveniently close to Salzburg’s city center and are beautiful to visit with a mere 45 minute drive. Enjoy the picturesque views at the lake before heading to the Werfen Ice caves. 

Explore the Werfen Ice Caves & Hohenwerfen Castle

Explore the Werfen Ice Caves if you’re seeking an amazing and engaging experience. These ice caves, which can be found in Werfen, about 40 kilometers south of Salzburg, are simply amazing. You can look for amazing ski resorts in Werfen to enjoy skiing as well.

Hohenwerfen Castle, a historic fortress perched atop a towering hill overlooking the town of Werfen, is close to the ice caves and can be reached within 15 minutes by car.

Hike through the Gollinger Waterfall

Then, you can head to enjoy the beautiful Gollinger Waterfall. 

The Gollinger Waterfall is the ideal destination for a day of hiking. This waterfall, which is about 30 km south of Salzburg, is incredibly spectacular and can be seen after a brief stroll from the parking lot.

Although the waterfall is nearly immediately visible, there is a clearly defined and well-maintained trail that you may use to observe it from vantage angles.

Salzburg Hotel Recommendations

Hotel wolf: mid-range.

In the center of Salzburg Altstadt, the hotel is housed in a structure that was constructed in 1429. Hotel Wolf features comfortably designed colorful rooms with quirky furniture and spotless bathrooms. 

Hotel Flair: Budget

The rooms at this inexpensive hotel are tidy, spacious, and offer a nice view of the city. The hotel is close to Altstadt Salzburg and Salzburg train station, both of which can be reached by walking in 30 minutes.

Day 7-8: Time for the Amazing Hallstatt

With 2 days to spend in Hallstatt, you don’t need to skip any attractions in the city. 

Read Also: How Enjoy Hallstatt in Winter (Budget-Friendly!)

Day 7: The Ice Cave & Heilbronn Cross Loop

We advise fully covering the Alpine scenery on Dachstein mountain during the entire morning and into the afternoon by road. 

After breakfast, enjoy the views from the 5 Fingers Lookout or have lunch on the balcony of the Krippenstein Alpine Lodge. You can take the cable car from the second-level station. You don’t get to eat lunch overlooking a glacier on the summit of a mountain every day.

Spend the day after lunch either trekking between the Alpine lodges or completing the three-hour Heilbronn Cross Loop Trail before heading back to Hallstatt’s main square. 

Grab a leisurely lakeside meal at Heritage Cafe in the evening, but save your appetite for exploration of the town for the day the next day.

Day 8: Hallstatt Hidden Gems

You can fully concentrate on the in-town attractions on your second day. Start the day by taking the funicular with glass walls up Salt Mountain. Move on to Rudolph’s Tower Restaurant for breakfast and then to Hallstatt Skywalk lookout sights. 

Next, take the Salt Mine’s entire 2-hour tour and think about returning to town by way of the Salt Brine Trail, which descends a hill. It is the oldest brine pipe in Europe and dates back to 1670. It takes you through wonderful woodland areas and past a waterfall with breathtaking views of the town. 

After returning to the town’s center, visit the Bone House Chapel , take a round trip, and enjoy a nice lunch in Market Square.

Consider spending a leisurely afternoon by the lake in the Hallstatt style before dinner and renting a boat for the whole experience.

Hallstatt Hotel Recommendations

Fenix hall boutique hotel: mid range.

Fenix Hall is situated in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hallstatt, about 800 meters from the center.  The rooms have oak floors and an earthy vibe. They are decorated in a contemporary country style and have mountain views.

Salzhaus: Budget

Salzhaus offers lodging with views of the mountains in Hallstatt. It also has water sports amenities. 

Day 9-10: Mayrhofen 

All seasons are wonderful in Mayrhofen, with winter and early spring offering traditional Alpine skiing and a developing ski touring culture.

Day 9: Krimml Waterfalls

If the ravine yesterday amazed you, wait until you see what is the most spectacular waterfall in all of Europe! You can choose how far you wish to travel to see the Krimml waterfalls as they cascade across a number of levels. It is amazing in and of itself that the first sight is a 15-minute walk from the parking.

You might enjoy getting into your hotel and spending a relaxing afternoon after a demanding morning. You can take another hike in the evening in the vicinity of your hotel by enquiring at your hotel reception. 

Day 10: Zillertal Valley

Another feeder town for the nearby ski resorts, is located in the Zillertal Valley in the Tyrol province and you can take a rental car up there. If you have the energy, you can take the cable cars from the city up to the resorts, where there are many hiking routes, although the scenery is beautiful on their own. Spend the day enjoying the snow activities in your ski resort. 

You can wander along the river in the city. Check out Goldkind if you need a suggestion for a dining venue.

Mayrhofen  Hotel Recommendations

Hotel berghof mayrhofen: mid-range.

This hotel features Chalet-style housing along with a restaurant serving traditional Austrian cuisine and a beer garden. For summertime dives, there is also a spa and outdoor pool. The distance to the closest ski lift is approximately ten minutes by foot.

Gasthof Zillertal: Budget

The Gasthof Zillertal provides lodging with the best views. The on-site bar is open to visitors and private parking is cost-free.  Some of the rooms at the Gasthof Zillertal have a mountain view or a river view.

Day 11-13: The Inevitable Innsbruck

Going to Innsbruck will be an overwhelming experience given its rich history, breathtaking scenery, and unique culture. You can take a train to Inssbruck or for the complete road trip experience, you can take the 1 hour drive to the place.

Day 11: Panorama Day

Check out the beautiful golden roof.

The Old Town will captivate history buffs with its ability to transport visitors back to the era of the Habsburg Emperor Maximillian I. The spectacular Golden Roof , composed of 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles, is a unique vantage point. When exposed to sunshine, it gleams brilliantly gold, therefore its name. Then head on to enjoy the views from Nordketter cable cars.

Take a ride of the Nordkette cable cars

You have to take the Nordkette cable cars in Innsbruck to enjoy the scenic views of the city. It is a funicular that features stations that also feature works of art by the late architect Zaha Hadid.

Let your eyes sparkle at Swarovski Crystal Worlds

Next, take a toll in the Swarovski Crystal Worlds . 

The crystal company Swarovski is well-known to everyone. But not many people are aware that you can tour a museum, theme park, and exhibition area that showcases everything Swarovski! You must visit Swarovski Crystal Worlds to appreciate it, since some of its exhibits are simply extraordinary!

Day 12: Ambras Castles and Alpenzoo

Visit the famous ambras castle.

Innsbruck can also pride itself in its magnificent collection of royal palaces and Medieval architecture. One such building that supports this is the Ambras Castle . While entering the Ambras Castle will undoubtedly be a memorable historical experience, it is undoubtedly a pleasure to view.

Read Also: 19 Incredible Castles in Austria You Should Visit

Say Hi to the animals at Alpenzoo

The Alpenzoo is distinctive in that it exhibits Alpine animals in a setting that is similar to their natural habitat. Even when the animals are curled up in their winter caves, you can see them through viewing windows.

Enjoy the Bergisel Ski Jump

You may already be aware that the Winter Olympics were held in Innsbruck twice. It shouldn’t be surprising that the Bergisel, one of the most recognizable ski jumps in the world, is located in this popular area for skiing and other outdoor sports, which makes it a must-visit.

Return to Old Town Innsbruck after a strenuous day of hiking, and locate the Stiftskeller. Locals and visitors enjoy eating at this sizable restaurant in the form of a Biergarten. It’s a fantastic way to meet people because the tables are lengthy and are shared by different groups of people. 

Day 13: Discover Bad Ischl

It’s time to visit Bad Ischl , a city in Upper Austria that is also known as a spa town. Stroll along the Esplanade to take in the town’s royal splendor. Sit outside on a café patio to take in the opulent mountain views and majestic palaces.

The Museum of Bad Ischl offers a glimpse into regional history. Look for historical sites like Trinkhalle and the St. Nicholas Church, which is built in the Baroque style, in the town center. Kaiserpark has other artifacts from Austria’s imperial past on exhibit. Visit the lavish chambers of Kaiservilla, the summer residence of the Habsburg family.

If none of that appeal to you, then you can spend the day relaxing in one of the best spas in Austria. 

Innsbruck Hotel Recommendations

Eurothermenresort: mid-range.

The Salzkammerguttherme Thermal Spa is directly attached to this 4-star hotel in the center of Bad Ischl. The five dining rooms of the Hotel Royal provide traditional Austrian cuisine. The bar offers a large selection of cocktails and other high-quality beverages.

Sonnhof: Budget

The Sonnhof is a hotel near to the Bad Ischl train station and across from the Salzkammerguttherme Spa Center. It is surrounded by a park with old trees. The Sonnhof’s beautifully decorated rooms all come with balconies and a scenic view.

Bonus 1 (Extra Stops) Bavarian Alps

The Eastern Alps, more especially the Bavarian Alps, are a portion of the Alps that are located in Germany with spectacular views of the Alps. A lovely country like Bavaria is one that you should definitely visit. 

If not for the weather, then at least for the breathtaking scenery. Couples can enjoy some of Germany’s most beautiful scenery and a genuinely romantic experience in Bavaria.

Day 14: Back to Vienna

It’s the last day of your road trip and it’s time to get back to Vienna. But that doesn’t mean that your trip has come to an end. There’s still time to visit two more attractive places. 

Bonus 2: Day Trip from Vienna to Bratislava

The city of Bratislava has had many different identities over the course of its history, but it has ultimately evolved into the vibrant and eccentric capital of Slovakia that you see today.

Read Also: Vienna to Bratislava by Bike : An Amazing Journey!

For your one-day trip from Vienna to Bratislava, here are some things that you would enjoy:

• A walk to the Bratislava Castle
• Old town hall museum
• Wander around the charming medieval streets
• Spend time at the Blue Church and Pink Palace
• Skim through the Bratislava Christmas markets
• View the sunset at Ufo Tower

Final Thoughts about Austria Itinerary

Your ultimate 14-day itinerary for a road trip through Austria is now complete!  You’ll be able to take in all the natural beauty and cultural richness that Austria has to offer with this itinerary. So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets and head on to visit the best places in Austria.

Enjoying reading our posts?

Join our mailing list to receive all of our travel journeys and recommendations :-)

Welcome! From now on, you won't miss any of our news!

Achraf is the cofounder of Walk Beside Me Blog. He is an expert traveler who spent 10+ years exploring 70+ countries around the world. Thanks to his passion for writing and photography, he could document his journey on 100+ blog posts on Walk Beside Me where he shared all his knowledge, expertise, and advice for like-minded travelers.

12 Incredible Things to Do in Chefchaouen (+ Our Bonus!)

Visiting siwa oasis in egypt: everything you need to know, related posts, italy’s lakeside retreats: scenic beauty and tranquility, 16 stunning eco resorts in portugal: sustainable holidays..., 25 incredible best lakes in switzerland (+ alpine..., drachensee and seebensee hike in tyrol: the full..., 22 best lakes in bavaria (most beautiful +..., neuschwanstein castle in winter: your complete guide (+..., camping in tirol: the ultimate guide (+top 10..., the best mongolia itinerary from a local’s experience, 25 best lakes in slovenia that you should..., 9 amazing things to do in the dolomites....

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Got it Read More

20+ Austria Travel Tips for First Timers & Must Knows Before You Go

Last Updated: July 6, 2023

*FYI - this post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure. for more info.

Despite its relatively small size, Austria is a country packed to the brim with sights – from majestic mountains and opulent palaces to elegant cities and more stunning cakes than you could ever eat in one lifetime.

… it’s also full of potential culture shocks and silly travel mistakes.

I used to live just across the border in Munich, so over the years I’ve gotten to know Austria fairly well… the hard way! Namely by bumbling around, committing the faux pas and embarrassing myself in the name of research.

But luckily, you’re here just in time to prepare for Austria the easy way – by reading my full list of Austria travel tips, collected over years of first hand experience (and many a starry-eyed day trip from Munich to Salzburg ).

So, from avoiding saucy schnitzels to preparing for naked saunas, here are a few weirdly specific must-knows before you visit Austria. I hope you find it helpful!

Save this list of Austria Travel Tips for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

1. Remember: Austria ≠ Australia

We’ll start with a silly Austria tip, and one that I (frankly) cannot believe needs saying.

But from US presidents to famous news outlets , it’s a gaffe that pops up time and time again, so, just to make sure we’re all on the same page… Austria is a country in Central Europe, and completely different to Australia, the Southern Hemisphere country famed for its kangaroos and koalas.

Walk around Austria for even a few minutes and you’ll come across silly souvenirs mocking this confusion, and probably a tour guide or two telling a joke about it.

So, again, before you start planning that Austria trip, make sure it’s mountains, schnitzel and Sound of Music you’re looking for, not the Outback, Didgeridoos, and giant spiders that hide in your shoes.

2. Never mistake Austrians for Germans

Just as Austria and Australia are (shockingly) not the same country, the same goes for Austria and its neighbour, Germany.

A very important Austrian etiquette tip I must shout from the rooftops is simply this: Austrians don’t take kindly to being mistaken for German.

So, remember to never say that Germany and Austria are the same, or make jokes about Germans and Austrians being the same. At best, they’ll laugh it off, at worst, you’ll cause legitimate offense.

Sure the two countries share a language and there are (admittedly) similarities, but Austrians are really proud of their country and don’t love it when people just dismiss them as the exact same as Germany, so keep that in mind.

As a Canadian who’s frequently mistaken for American, I totally get it.

3. Be sure to add Austria’s nature spots to your itinerary

Now in terms of where to go in Austria, I find that overseas visitors often gravitate towards the country’s most famous cities, Vienna and Salzburg.

But there is SO much more to explore beyond that, especially Austria’s natural marvels, which many overseas visitors miss. In fact, it’s often Austria that Europeans choose for their nature-forward holidays (whether it be for skiing or hiking), so don’t miss out!

Filled with soaring mountains, glimmering lakes, and charming swathes of countryside, Austria is (in many ways) a more budget-friendly version of Switzerland, so I highly recommend extending your time and expanding your itinerary to include at least a day trip or two to take in some of these incredible natural landscapes.

There’s the valleys and waterfalls of Salzburgerland, the alpine majesty of Tyrol’s nature parks, the beautiful lakes of Carinthia, along with more under-the-radar picks like the Bregenzerwald in Vorarlberg (which offers amazing mountains and cute alpine towns).

All that to say – there’s plenty of amazing nature to be enjoyed in Austria, so don’t just limit yourself to cities.

4. Seek out new destinations by reading Austrian websites

On that note, if you are open to visiting more offbeat places during your Austria trip, one thing I can highly recommend is doing your research on local Austrian websites.

In my opinion, there’s quite a big difference between the Austrian destinations that international tourists visit and the destinations that domestic tourists visit.

Both are great, but if you want to explore beyond the most famous sights, then reading Austrian blogs to see where locals vacation is a good starting point.

NOTE: This is also a great way to discover more offbeat things to do in individual cities as well. For instance, if I wanted to find more alternative things to do in Graz , I might browse local blogs/event websites to find pop-up events or unique festivals.

5. Don’t miss Austria’s Christmas markets

I know that neighbouring Germany is probably the best known country in the world for Christmas markets, but Austria has a fair few incredible gems too, often with far thinner international crowds.

So, if you’re looking for a magical winter destination in Europe, consider pencilling in some Austrian Christmas Markets between mid November to Christmas.

6. Learn the basics in German

In terms of which language to panic-learn before your trip, German is the official language of Austria, so that’s what everyone will speak.

In larger cities, it won’t be tough to get by with English, but it may be more difficult in the countryside.

In any case, it’s good to at least know the basics, like…

• Hello – Hallo (Ha-low!) or Grüß Gott (Grewss-got!)
• Thank you – Danke (Dahn-keh)

NOTE: The German spoken in Austria can sound very different depending on where you are because there’s a lot of different regional dialects, so don’t be surprised if you have trouble understanding locals (or vice versa). It’s all part of the fun!

7. Only rent a car if you plan to do nature trips

If your trip mainly consists of city to city travel, then I’d advise relying on public transport to save yourself the headache of driving.

Public transport is amazing in Austria, so you’ll have no trouble getting around, both from place to place and also within cities themselves.

But, if you plan to do a lot of more offbeat nature spots to see mountains, lakes and national parks, then having a car would be ideal. Be sure to check out my considerations before renting a car in Europe if that’s the case.

Of course, a more convenient alternative would be to book day tours to nature spots from the city you’re staying in – that way you can simply drool in the back seat while you see all the landscapes, without the stress of navigating.

8. Get a vignette if you’re driving

If you do plan to rent a car however, one important Austria must-know is you’ll need a vignette.

This is a sticker that you must buy for your car in order to use the country’s motorways. Failure to procure one means an aggressive fine in the mail weeks after the fact. (Ask me how I know that).

IMPORTANT: Make sure this sticker is purchased and adhered to the car before you enter the country because there are automatic scanners that look for them at the border… so you may get fined even if you buy one upon entry. (Again, ask me how I know that)

9. Understand that public transport is on an honour system

Unlike other countries which have fare gates and other measures in place to ensure you pay, public transport in Austria works on a very trusting honour system where you are responsible for buying your own ticket, and only need to show it if you are asked to (via random controls).

So, make sure you always buy the right ticket and validate it properly in case you get checked!

10. Learn the tricks to saving money on Austrian trains

Train travel is one of my personal favourite ways of getting around Austria. If you are new to train travel in Europe, then be sure to read my step by step guide to get acquainted, and scope out my favourite scenic train rides while you’re at it.

After you’ve decided that you do want to glide elegantly across the country by rail, then there are a few different ways to save money on tickets:

• Einfach-Raus-Ticket: A group ticket that gives you unlimited travel for a day on all local/regional trains across Austria. The more people you have, the cheaper it works out to be per person. Great for group day trips!
• Regional Tickets/Offers: Special passes that give you unlimited travel for a day on local/regional trains for a particular region/area. Great for day trips in a smaller area!
• Eurail: A rail pass that covers train travel across most European countries. Great only in certain instances, i.e. when you are visiting many countries and want flexibility/spontaneity. I explain more in my full Eurail review.

11. Sorry – Austrians do not know the Sound of Music

I hate to be the bearer of bad news.

And trust me – as someone who grew up watching the Sound of Music religiously every Christmas, this fact is definitely not one of my favourite things, but here goes…

Austrians do not really care about the Sound of Music. It’s not a classic film for them, they have no nostalgia tied to it, and (frankly) many of them don’t even like it.

So, when you head to Salzburg for your big Sound of Music pilgrimage, just know that your enthusiasm is probably best shared among your fellow tourists, rather than among locals.

12. Remember “W” is pronounced like V

In terms of language, a good thing to remember is that the letter W in German is pronounced like a V so if you’re saying any words or names, say it with a “Vuh” sound.

In Austria, the most prominent example would be the German name of Vienna which is spelled Wien, but pronounced “Veen”.

You’ll catch this pronunciation trap in the city’s most popular dish too -Wiener Schnitzel. So remember: if you do decide to indulge in this fried slab of goodness during your trip, order it as a “Veen-uh” schnitzel and not “Weeeeee-ner” schnitzel.

13. Avoid catching locals in photos/videos without their consent

Upon arrival in Austria, your first instinct may be to whip out your phone and capture as many of those beautiful sights as possible, to the chagrin of your 52 Instagram followers.

But just a quick note before you do that – Austrians can be very private people who don’t like having their photograph taken without consent.

So, a very important Austrian etiquette tip is to be mindful of others’ privacy and try not to blatantly take photos that might accidentally catch someone’s face head on. 

14. Don’t be alarmed if you catch people staring at you

While taking photos of others’ faces is considered very rude, one thing that isn’t is… staring.

To the shock of many first time visitors, Austrians don’t mind staring. So you could very well be sitting on the bus, minding your own business, only to feel the stony stare of a stranger who is (rather shamelessly) staring at you while you just try to peacefully exist.

Can it be jarring? Of course! But don’t worry – it’s just a cultural difference where they don’t consider staring to be a rude practice. Think of it as just them perceiving you (or if it helps your confidence, pretend it’s because you’re wowing them with your stunning face).

15. Learn how to tip in Austria

In terms of tips, tipping culture in Austria is definitely not as aggressive as in North America.

For good service you’ll tend to tip 5-10%, usually rounding up to a number that makes sense so if your meal was 45 euro, you might hand them 50. 

What’s worth noting though is that tipping works a little differently here.

For instance, you wouldn’t just leave money on the table after the meal. Instead, you have to tell them how much you intend to pay in total (including tip) as you hand over your cash or card.

So let’s imagine that (including tip), you want to pay 40 euro. In this instance, you would say “40” as you hand over your cash or your card, and then they’ll give you the appropriate change.

If you want them to just keep the change, then you hand your cash over and say “Stimmt So!”, and they’ll know to just keep the whole thing.

16. Be prepared for a different style of customer service

Now in terms of culture, it is often said that Austrians can seem cold and direct. I personally haven’t had this experience as much, but maybe I’ve just been lucky. (And tend to surround myself with the drunk ones ).

Anyways, what I will concede though is that Austrian customer service is very different from typical North American customer service.

In contrast to typical North American service which involves being bright, cheery, friendly and hands on, Austrian customer service is usually a lot less animated, and to someone who’s not used to it, it may even seem like you’re being ignored on purpose.

The way I’ve had this explained to me though is that Austrians just really value their privacy, hence why they take such a hands-off approach.

At a restaurant for example, the server will come, take your order and then leave you alone, hence why you need to flag them down if you want anything, because they consider constant check-ins a rude interruption.

So, don’t take ‘colder’ customer service personally – it’s just another one of those cultural differences.

17. Prepare for nude saunas and public nudity areas

Another fun cultural difference? The Austrian approach to nudity!

Namely, that they’re very into it.

If you go to a sauna in Austria for instance, it’s very much expected that you go naked (for sanitary reasons), and there’s often designated nude (FKK) zones at lakes and swimming areas as well.

Add on the fairly common occurrence of both men and women alike sunbathing topless, and you have a sure recipe for culture shock. So, if you’re from a part of the world where this kinda bare-it-all attitude isn’t common, just remember it’s normal here, so adapt accordingly.

18. Eat as much dessert as humanly possible

An easier thing to adapt to perhaps is the absolutely WONDER that is Austria’s sweet scene.

Truly, Austrians are masters of dessert.

While North Americans will have no doubt heard of strudel or the famous Sacher Torte, there are SO MANY more options than those. My personal favourite is the Esterházytorte which is originally Hungarian but is commonly found in Vienna these days too, or the almighty Kaiserschmarrn, shredded pancakes served with jam or apple sauce.

With hundreds of options and special regional desserts all over, I’d recommend you simply go to a coffee house or bakery and let your senses guide you.

19. Try regional specialties wherever you are

While overseas visitors often think of Austrian food as simply schnitzel and not much else, the truth is there’s a lot of culinary variety across the country, so choose your eats accordingly.

For instance, Styria is known for its crispy fried chicken (Backhendl) and delicious pumpkin seed oil. Some alpine regions are also known for their hearty eats like Käsespätzle, bouncy little dumplings slathered with cheese and onions.

Other regions do a lot of fish dishes, others work miracles with potatoes – all to say be sure to try the local specialties wherever you are.

20. Don’t miss out on Austrian wine

Despite its proximity to Germany, Austria is definitely more of a wine country than a beer country, so take advantage of all the crisp and delicious wines that they have to offer.

Or better yet – book yourself a trip to a wine region to enjoy it close to the source! South Styria is one of my favourite areas of Austria.

21. Try Almdudler

And if you’re looking for a soft drink to try in Austria, make sure you grab yourself a refreshing Almdudler.

Besides being fun to say, it’s a remarkably tasty soda made with alpine herbs, and is often considered the national drink of Austria.

22. Don’t order schnitzel with sauce

A proper Austrian schnitzel requires little more than a quick squeeze of lemon juice. Anything more is often considered akin to sacrilege, so keep that in mind before your slather your schnitzel in mushroom sauce (which I fear to admit was actually a common thing I did in Germany).

And for my fellow Sound of Music fans, no, sadly ‘schnitzel with noodles’ is not a thing. Why is it in the song then? I imagine it’s likely because few things rhyme with “potato salad”.

23. Bring cash 

While many more places accept card payments these days in Austria, paying with cash is often still the norm, especially for smaller purchases, so having cash is always a good idea, preferably in smaller denominations like 50 euro bills or smaller.

24. Prepare to pay for public bathrooms

Another important Austria travel tip is to bring coins with you wherever you go.

That’s because public bathrooms usually charge a small fee of 50 cents or a euro, so make sure you have some coins with you in case of an emergency.

25. Do not jaywalk

In Austria, the only crime worse than saucing up your schnitzel is crossing the street when you’re not supposed to.

No – really – jaywalking is not only illegal in Austria, it’s actually enforced (albeit kind of randomly), so err on the side of caution and avoid it if possible.

26. Remember that most shops are closed on Sundays

Last but not least, a very important Austria travel tip if your visit coincides with a Sunday is that Sundays are considered a day of rest in Austria so shops (including grocery stores) are closed.

That said, be sure to stock up on any shopping before Sunday, although in a pinch, bakeries, restaurants, gas stations and shops in transit hubs will usually still be open.

I hope this list of Austria travel tips was helpful!

If you’re here after all those Austrian travel tips, congrats – I’m beyond proud of you! Hopefully by now, you’ll feel much more prepared for your big Austria trip, but if you have any more questions, let me know in the comments.

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. *

TTC family of brands

My Trafalgar

Destinations

Get Inspired

866 513 1995

See All Austria Tours

See More Austria Trips

5 million happy guests and counting

Capital City

Winter avg temp

Summer avg temp

Good morning

Guten Morgen

Good evening

Guten Abend

"From schnitzel to strudel, from The Sound of Music to Strauss, from the snow capped mountains to Salzburg - Austria is simply sensational"

Evana, Travel Director

Waltz through the scenic Austrian countryside

There is no shortage of countryside to allure us in Austria. Wander just beyond the well-trodden cities or further to towns like Hallstat and Durstein and float between the glassy lakes, soft grass hills and trails that wind around mountains.

Walk through the Baroque city of Salzburg

Trips to Salzburg come with a side of opulent architecture. Amble through this town overflowing with charming fountains, squares, cathedrals and cafes, taking time to soak up the immense elegance found in centuries-old spires and domes.

Take an elevator up to the Eagle's Nest

A short drive from Salzburg, through hollowed-out mountains, the Eagle’s Nest – or Kehlsteinhaus – is a monument to the greed of the Nazi regime. Rise up to this chalet perched on a sheer rock wall and be struck by the eerie contrast of the idyllic setting and the people who once roamed its halls.

See the State Opera in Vienna

With the ghosts of Mozart and Strauss in your presence, you can hear the unforgettable sounds of authentic opera at the State Opera in Vienna. The theater come alive as the curtains rise and the performance begins, so powerful you can hear the Soprano reaching her high notes from across the street.

Admire Emperor Maximilian's Golden Roof in Innsbruck

The 2,657 gleaming copper tiles that adorn this building are hard to miss. Enter the historic old town and catch sight of the roof glistening between storybook buildings and bright alps. Walk closer to study scenes of Maximilian’s life richly decorating the alcove.

Our top 5 things to do in Austria

With Trafalgar guiding the way, you'll do so much more than admire storybook towns and see the country’s most iconic spots. These are just a few of the culture-drenched things to do in Austria.

Belvedere Museum

Give yourself a day of freedom to uncover this vast collection of art and treasures. A highlight of any Vienna trip, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Belvedere Museum features three sites with baroque palaces, parks, views and 800 years of priceless artwork. Every corner commands your awe and attention.

Natural History Museum

Discover the depths of Mother Nature at the Natural History Museum in Salzburg. Your visit will reveal the edges of outerspace and what the world looked like millions of years ago when dinosaurs roamed. You can then get aquainted with their distant relatives who amble around the museum’s reptile zoo.

Mozarts Wohnhaus

Step into the Mozart family residence, where Wolfgang wrote piano and violin concerts, serenades and symphonies. Witness the pianoforte on which the young prodigy used to play and gain a deeper insight into the fascinating life and work of this talented family.

Best museums in Austria

Austria's museums are a reflection of the country's reverence for all things natural, musical and artistic. Take a journey with Trafalgar into the museums of this country, and discover why Austria is still a culture capital of Europe.

Käsekrainer

Visit one of the Vienna’s beloved 'würstelständer' sausage stands to try the street food treat that’s an emblem of the country. Each satisfying bite of käsekrainer is a mix of Austrian sausage and rich melted cheese that oozes from within.

Wiener Schnitzel

Famed for servings so large, they spill off the plate, Austrians have long perfected this dish of tender veal coated in crunchy golden breadcrumbs. One of the country’s icons and a must-try on your trip to Austria, devour wiener schnitzel like a local with a petite side of potato salad.

Apfelstrudel

Get lost in layers of buttery pastry that swirl around baked apple and cinnamon in a dish that translates to ‘whirlpool’. Apfelstrudel tastes best in a cosy Viennese coffee house with a warm brew beside you.

Best food in Austria

Austrians are known for their love affair with meat and nostalgia-inducing desserts. Take a culinary adventure with Trafalgar, and we’ll delight you with the country’s very best gastronomical experiences.

What to pack for Austria

Opera attire

The opera is a must-do attraction in Austria, made even more enjoyable when you dress the part. If you have room, pack an elegant option in with your travel staples for this very special occasion.

Extra storage

Somewhere between the architecture and the alps, you’re bound to find your camera storage full. Pack an extra SD card or hard drive so you can click away without worry.

A train ticket

With one of the best train networks in the world, excellent overnight services and countryside galore, rail is easily the best way to get around Austria. Thankfully, this is part of the package when you travel with Trafalgar.

Antihistamines

A trip surrounded by lush countryside means the possibility of pollen. Make sure you have some antihistamine tablets on hand incase your outdoor adventures induce allergies.

Chances are you’ll be enjoying a substantial serving of the great outdoors on your Austria tour. Protect your eyes from the summer sun and winter snow with some polarized lenses.

Pack for sustainable travel

Consider your environmental impact when you next take a trip and go single-use-plastic-free by packing a reusable water bottle, a steel straw, your own shopping bags and refillable toiletry bottles.

Our Europe & Britain destinations

Bosnia Herzegovina

Czech Republic

Liechtenstein

North Macedonia

Netherlands

Northern Ireland

Switzerland

Other worldwide regions we visit

Africa the Middle East

Australia and New Zealand

North and Central America

South America

Get your free brochure

Find your next escape with the world's leading travel brand

Request A Brochure

Award winning tours

Every year, we're proud to win some of the most prestigious travel accolades around the world - from the Travel Globes to the Agent's Choice Awards

Search Our Tours

Help & Info

WE MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Unedited Reviews

Our Destination Management Companies

Frequently Asked Questions

Travel Updates

Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

Travel Planning

Get Your Free Brochure

Travel Insurance

Booking Conditions

Trip Deposit Level

Recommendations

Trafalgar Tours Limited is a proud member of  The Travel Corporation  family of companies.

#SimplyTrafalgar

Travel House, Rue du Manoir St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 2JH

Selected Region

United States

United Kingdom

New Zealand

South Africa

Copyright 2024 Trafalgar. All rights reserved.

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy

Cookie Policy

12 of the best places to visit in Austria

May 9, 2024 • 13 min read

From Zell am See to culture-packed Vienna, here are the best places to visit in Austria © auerimages / Getty Images

Imagine Austria and your mind might well drift to the lavish palaces and coffeehouses of Vienna , the snow-white peaks of the Tyrolean Alps , the river romance of the Danube and Mozart symphonies ringing out in the baroque concert halls of Salzburg .

And if this is your first visit, you’ll undoubtedly want to see all the whole darned lot and more besides. But there is far more to this pocked-sized, landlocked country than at first meets the eye. 

Whether you are heading gleefully high into the glaciated mountains of Hohe Tauern National Park , tuning into the latest tech wizardry in future-focused Graz , hiding away in the little-visited wilds of the Bregenzerwald, or tripping along the vineyard-draped wine roads of southern Styria , which have more than a whisper of Tuscany about them, Austria richly rewards those who dare to deviate from the well-trodden track.

Here's our take on the best places to visit in Austria.

1. Zell am See

Sitting smugly on the shores of a bluest-blue lake and buttressed by lofty peaks, Zell am See is a knockout. The cheerful Alpine resort has sensational wilderness on its doorstep, including the glacier-capped 3203m (10,509ft) Kitzsteinhorn , where you can embark on a glacier trail, kick back on a snow beach, spend the night in an igloo, and ski well into summer. It’s also perfect for dipping into the ravishing mountains of Hohe Tauern National Park.

The resort has a real outdoor buzz in summer, with people rocking up to swim, boat, windsurf and stand-up paddleboard on the lake, cycle around or paraglide above it. If you’re a hiker, you’re in for a treat, too: a cable-car zips up to Schmittenhöhe to hook onto the 17-km (10.5-mile), moderately challenging Pinzgauer Spaziergang , one of Austria’s most memorable day hikes, with exhilarating views of the country’s highest peak, 3798m (12,461ft) Grossglockner. The resort also makes a terrific springboard for the Grossglockner High Alpine Road , a head-spinning, helter-skelter drive, with on-high views of waterfalls, lakes, glaciers and a sea of snowy Alps. 

Planning tip: Dodge the peak-season crowds by visiting as soon as the snow begins to melt from the highest summits in late May or in autumn before the flakes fall.

Time your visit to Austria just right with our seasonal guide

Few cities move so effortlessly between past and present as Vienna, where Hapsburg emperors ruled the roost for 600 years. The pomp and splendor can be almost overwhelming, as you waltz through vast, exuberantly gilded palaces like the Hofburg and Schönbrunn , tour Klimt-filled galleries like the Upper Belvedere , stroll grand baroque streets, and saunter past follies and Greek gods in landscaped gardens that gaze down upon the city with a kindly eye.

The music of Mozart, Beethoven and that old romantic devil Strauss reverberates in some of the world’s most feted and opulent concert halls: the Musikverein and Staatsoper . And even going for a coffee can be a regal affair at the likes of chandelier-lit Café Central , where all the 19th-century bigwigs once hung out.

Vienna isn’t all about show. Venture beyond the big-hitters of the Innere Stadt and the Gothic whack of Stephansdom and you’ll find a liveable, loveable capital that moves to its own urban, edgy beat: in parks sprawling along the banks of the Danube, at the MuseumsQuartier , delivering a serious hit of culture in the former baroque imperial stables, and at food markets like Naschmarkt , where Vienna embraces the world in street food and spice.

Planning tip: As night descends and the city twinkles, take a self-guided tour of the monumental Ringstrasse boulevard that wraps around Vienna’s historic 1st district (Innere Stadt) on trams 1 and 2.

Other Austrian cities flick on the fairy-tale charm, but not Linz . This is where Austria leaps headfirst into the 21st century. With its gaze fixed firmly on the future, this tech-mad trailblazer has an ever-evolving cultural scene, and is making pioneering waves in avant-garde art and architecture, with a flurry of galleries and buildings at the cutting edge of design; all of which helped it snag UNESCO City of Media Arts status back in 2014.

At the top of any itinerary is Ars Electronica Center , zooming in on technology, science and digital media. Here you can interact with robots, animate digital objects, print 3D structures, turn your body into musical instruments and (virtually) travel to outer space. Its over-the-Danube rival is the rectangular glass-and-steel Lentos , a vast repository of modern art, with a stash of Warhol, Schiele, Klimt and Kokoschka originals. Both museums have a face-off of illuminations when they strikingly change color by night.

Planning tip: Tune into the art and technology of the future – from VR to biotech, robotics to media art – at the five-day Ars Electronica Festival held in early September.

4. Salzburg 

On the banks of the fast-flowing, turquoise Salzach River, Salzburg looks freshly minted for Hollywood. From the moment you arrive, you’re forced to gaze up in wide-eyed wonder: at the soaring spires of its brilliantly baroque Altstadt, home to the Residenz palace , where prince-archbishops once held court, and the copper-domed cathedral ; at its high-on-a-hill, 900-year-old fortress, Festung Hohensalzburg ; at the cliffs of 540m-high (1772ft) Mönchsberg flinging up above the city; and at the white-wisped peaks of the Alps that pucker up on the horizon. 

Salzburg has churned out many a legend, most notably Mozart, who was born in a bright-yellow townhouse on Getreidegasse, which now harbors a museum that’s an ode to the virtuoso. His high-note-hitting rival is Maria of The Sound of Music (1965) fame. Boundless tours and bike rides whizz around the film locations, or devise your own self-guided spin of them.

Escape the masses by taking a spirit-lifting hike along the wooded cliffs of Mönchsberg to Augustiner Bräustübl , a 400-year-old, monk-founded brewery, with Oktoberfest flavor, vaulted parlors, and a 1000-seat beer garden for quaffing foaming beers under the chestnut trees. For a breath of fresh Alpine air and trails weaving deep into the mountains, hitch a ride on the cable car up to 1853m-high (6079ft) Untersberg on the border with Bavaria.

Planning tip: Salzburg gets totally swamped in peak season. Rooms are like gold dust and rates rocket during the festival from mid-July to late August. Spring and autumn are less crowded, while winter here is cold but beautiful, particularly when Christmas markets sparkle.

5. Graz and the Styrian Wine Roads

With a castle high on a bluff, an Altstadt that’s a jumble of Renaissance courtyards and baroque palaces hinting at nearby Italy, and some strikingly avant-garde galleries, Graz is an endearingly laid-back, cultured city for dipping deeper into the oft-overlooked region of Styria in southern Austria.

Using the city as a base, you can easily strike out onto the Weinstrassen (wine roads) that vein the gently rolling hills, flower-stippled meadows, forests and vineyards that carpet the south of the province. With vineyards marching up steep hillsides and even the odd poppy and cypress tree, this is Austria’s answer to Tuscany (minus the crowds) and perfect road trip territory . As you make your way through towns like Leutschach, Ehrenhausen, Gamlitz and Berghausen, you’ll find wineries opening their doors for tastings and farmhouses offering rustic respite. 

Planning tip: On the last weekend in September, the region pops many corks at its Weinlesefest (wine harvest festival).

6. Bregenzerwald 

Everyone raves about the mountains of Tyrol and Salzburgerland, but there’s a lesser-known region that deserves a look-in. Huge swathes of Austria's far west, Vorarlberg , remain deliciously off-the-radar, with narrow, silent valleys carving up mighty peaks and forests. It is here that the Alpine heights of the Silvretta-Montafon give way to the wavy hills and lush dairy country of the Bregenzerwald, which in turn fall to the Bodensee (Lake Constance), where Austria rolls into Germany and Switzerland. 

The Bregenzerwald, in particular, is an incredibly peaceful and deeply rural corner of the country to slip off the map for a few days, whether hiking, cycling or cross-country skiing. Roads here unzip through cow-nibbled pastures, passing limestone peaks and one ludicrously pretty timber chalet-lined village after the next. The dream is Schwarzenberg, where you can visit the Angelika Kauffmann Museum before lunch in the wood-panelled parlor at Gasthof Hirschen .

Planning tip: You’ll need own wheels to explore the region’s KäseStrasse (cheese road), which twists through valley and lush mountain meadow, linking up cheese-makers, farm shops and Schoppernau’s show dairy .

For more great driving routes check out our guide to Austria's best road trips

7. Innsbruck 

The jagged Nordkette Alps rise like a theater curtain above Innsbruck , Tyrol’s rivetingly pretty capital. Here mountains whoosh up above the turquoise Inn River and seem to sneak into every picture. Can’t decide between city and slopes? Here you get the best of both, with a space-age funicular designed by architect Zaha Hadid winging you up to the Alpine heights of 2334m (7657ft) Hafelekar in mere minutes. 

Innsbruck is perhaps unique in the fact you can spend the morning carving powder, hiking or dashing downhill on a mountain bike, and the afternoon with a serious hit of culture. Begin by wafting around the swanky imperial state apartments of the cupola-topped Hofburg palace. Nearby the Goldenes Dachl catches your eye, a late-Gothic oriel shimmering with 2657 fire-gilded copper tiles. But all that glitters here is not gold: just a quick bus hop from town, Swarovski Kristallwelten in Wattens delivers some serious crystal sparkle.

To ramp up the adventure, head to the neighboring village of Igls for a pulse-quickening ride on the Olympiabobbahn, where you’ll pick up speeds of 110km/h (68mph) as you pinball around 10 curves.

Planning tip: With stays of two nights or more, you’ll receive the Innsbruck Welcome Card, which entitles you to benefits like free public transport, bike rental, rides on mountain lifts, guided hikes (in summer) and snowshoe tours (in winter) .

7. The Wachau

Few places capture the soul of Austria like the Wachau , a skip west of Vienna, with mellow landscapes unfolding as harmoniously as a Strauss symphony. Here orchards and vineyards rib terraced slopes that stagger down to the meandering River Danube, and trails waltz through field and forest to medieval castles romantically poised on hillsides. With one of the country’s most exciting food and wine scenes, paths that are a joy to explore on foot or by bike, and poetic landscapes, this stretch of the Danube Valley is so darned scenic that it has been granted UNESCO World Heritage status.

The big-hitter culturally is Stift Melk , a twin-spired, onion-domed baroque stunner of an abbey, with a sunny yellow facade and flamboyantly frescoed monastery church. Beyond this, you’ll want to see the fairy-tale that is Dürnstein’s ruined castle , where Richard the Lionheart was locked up in the late 12th century for insulting Leopold V, and the low-key village of Spitz, topped off by the 1000-Eimer-Berg, so-named for its ability to fill 1000 buckets of wine each season. 

Planning tip: Trains run from Vienna to Krems and Melk in an hour, making this a cracking day trip from the capital . Rent wheels with nextbike to pedal along the river and through wine country on a stretch of the Danube Cycle Path.

Looking for other day trips from Vienna? Here are some of the best

9. Bad Gastein

Smuggled away in a wildly romantic valley in the glacier-capped Hohe Tauern mountains, Bad Gastein is an instant heart-stealer, with belle époque villas that evoke the grace of a bygone age clinging to sheer, forested slopes, and a 341m (1119ft) waterfall plummeting over cliffs. Over the centuries the town has beguiled everyone – from beauty-conscious Romans to romantic souls such as Schubert and Klimt and royals like Empress Elisabeth – for the miraculous healing powers of its radon-laced thermal hot springs. 

Today you can take these same waters at the grotto-filled Felsentherme and architecturally innovative Alpentherme baths. Or, for greater impact, go deep into the bowels of the Gasteiner Heilstollen , a medieval gold mine turned health center, to absorb the radon (taster sessions are available), said to cure all manner of ills from arthritis to fibromyalgia.

One look at the mountains that fling up above the valley and you’ll be itching to head higher. A gondola swings up to 2200m (7218ft) Stubnerkogel , where you can hike across a 140m-long (459ft) suspension bridge for out-of-this-world views deep into the snowy Hohe Tauern peaks, or ski in winter.

Planning tip: Stay overnight and you get the Gastein Card, which entitles you to free use of local public transport, free guided half-day and full-day hikes, plus substantial discounts on mountain lifts, thermal baths and activities.

10. Salzkammergut Lakes

If you’ve ever swooned over a lake scene in The Sound of Music it was probably filmed in the Salzkammergut , a fantasy region of jewel-colored Alpine lakes, wildflower-strewn valleys and peaks topping out near the 3000m (9845ft) mark. Should you only have time to see one lake, make it crazily pretty Hallstatt , a heavenly splash of glassy green-blue water, rimmed by the Dachstein Mountains. So gorgeous that it inspired the kingdom of Arendelle in the 2013-Disney blockbuster Frozen , its looks haven’t gone unnoticed and the village’s streets are clogged in summer. A funicular floats up to UNESCO-listed Salzwelten , the world’s oldest salt mines, which peer back on 7000 years of history and once produced the region’s "white gold".

The region rewards those who don’t rush straight off: allow longer so you can soak in thermal baths in spa town Bad Ischl, bathe in the warm waters of crescent-shaped Mondsee , follow in pilgrim’s footsteps to Wolfgangsee, and explore the icy underworld of the Dachstein Caves in Obertraun.

Planning tip: While July to early September are ideal for lake swimming (the water is mighty chilly at other times of the year), you might prefer to visit in the shoulder seasons – spring and autumn are glorious – to escape the selfie stick-wielding throngs and enjoy the lakes in peace. 

11. Steyr and Nationalpark Kalkalpen 

So you want to go properly off piste? Upper Austria is the place to do just that. Somehow this region has managed to slip under the tourist radar – making it ripe for an away-from-the-crowds adventure. This province has its own quiet, lingering beauty, with golden wheat fields giving way to patchwork fields and apple orchards that in turn rise to mountains rolling to the Czech border. It’s a joy to explore on foot or by bike, with cycle paths hugging river banks, rambling farms selling homegrown Most (cider) and mellow autumn mists. 

The fairest town by far is Steyr, which composer Franz Schubert called "inconceivably lovely" and used as the inspiration for his sprightly "Trout Quintet". At the confluence of the swiftly flowing Enns and Steyr rivers, this pretty town of cobblestones and pastel-hued baroque houses makes a brilliant base for diving into the rest of the region.

Planning tip: For hiking, mountain-biking and rock climbing action, the Nationalpark Kalkalpen ’s limestone peaks, gorges, and high moors are within easy striking distance. 

12. St Anton am Arlberg

In the beginning there was St Anton am Arlberg... In the place where the country’s first ski club was founded in 1901 and downhill skiing was born, the Austrian Alps take a huge leap into wilder heights. Overshadowed by a real beast of a mountain called Valluga (2809m/9216ft), this resort makes even veteran skiers quiver in their boots with some of Austria’s steepest on- and off-piste skiing . The ultimate challenge is the Run of Fame. One of the longest circuits in the Alps, this 85km (53-mile) marathon ski wraps up the entire Arlberg arena and covers 18km (11 vertical miles). With 305km (190 miles) of slopes to pound, the skiing here is the stuff of legend. And the après-ski scene is bonkers – people here like to party as hard as they play.

While winter is the big deal for most, the outdoor action ramps up in summer too, with hiking trails heading from peak to glorious peak, and adventure pros H2O taking you white water rafting on the fast-flowing Inn River, canyoning in the surrounding gorges, tubing, and mountain biking. If mindfulness is more your bag, mountain yoga is having a moment here too, with the resort playing host to a peak-gazing, mood-lifting, body-bending festival in early September.  

Planning tip: From mid-June to early October, all guests receive the handy St Anton Summer Card , including benefits like free use of public transport, entrance to local museums, guided hikes, yoga classes and swimming pool entry.

This article was first published Nov 2, 2021 and updated May 9, 2024.

Explore related stories

Architecture

Aug 2, 2024 • 8 min read

Despite its luxe palaces and ornate architecture, a trip to Vienna doesn't have to blow the budget – there's plenty to do that's completely free.

Jul 31, 2024 • 5 min read

Jul 19, 2024 • 7 min read

Jul 16, 2024 • 6 min read

Jul 1, 2024 • 10 min read

Jun 12, 2024 • 12 min read

Jun 11, 2024 • 7 min read

May 25, 2024 • 6 min read

May 21, 2024 • 4 min read

May 20, 2024 • 6 min read

Welcome to the Holiday Information Service

Our holiday experts are here to assist you with your holiday planning. Send us a message and we will get back you as soon as we can.

Please fill in fields marked with *

Give us a call Monday to Friday from 8am to noon. Outside of our office hours please drop us an email and we'll be happy to answer your questions.

Telephone: 00800 400 200 00 Österreich Werbung Vordere Zollamtsstraße 13 A-1030 Wien Wien AT

[email protected]

*toll-free; calls from mobile networks may incur charges

From cities to summits, discover all of Austria's facets on a custom round trip.

• Things to Do
• Round Trips & Itineraries

Get lost in the pulsating lifestyle of the cities, discover the mighty summits, the far-ranging fields, the crystal-clear waters, the delicious specialities. Put together your personal round trip of Austria here.

Discover Austria's major cities

First time visiting Austria? Looking for new ideas on how to explore Austria even more in-depth? We have created some itineraries to ensure you'll see Austria through the eyes of experts - us.

Vienna in 3 Days

Salzburg in 48 hours, innsbruck in 3 days, graz in 3 days, explore austria by train.

Travelling through Austria by train is reliable, comfortable, and convenient. Relax, sit back, and enjoy your vacation, the Austrian Railways takes you to Austria’s most beautiful places.

Itinerary Suggestions for Your Austrian Round Trip

An introduction to austria: vienna, salzburg, and innsbruck, round trip itinerary: austria's hidden treasures, austria itinerary in 9 stages, excursions and theme roads, a tour of austria's regional capitals, romantic road of austria, austrian theme routes, bregenzerwald, the cheese road in vorarlberg, download pdfs to take on your next trip, a must-visit guide to vienna.

Austria’s capital Vienna offers a blend of imperial traditions, music, and endearing charm.

Vienna Alps - scenic train ride and nature paradise

Situated just one hour south of Vienna, is the start of the Vienna Alps arc – a spectacular range of summits sprinkled with pretty, cultural villages.

A must-visit guide to Salzburg

The baroque city centre of Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace and home to the famous Salzburg Festival, was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

Salzkammergut: where mountains meet lakes

In the heart of Austria, spread across the provinces of Upper Austria, SalzburgerLand and Styria lies the Salzkammergut, home to 76 lakes surrounded by majestic peaks of the Alps.

Austria for Foodies

Discover Graz, Austria's Culinary Capital, and Southern Styria where you can indulge in local produce and wine.

A must-visit guide to Innsbruck

Nestled amidst majestic peaks, the Capital of the Alps offers a unique combination of nature, history, and culture - concentrated over a remarkably small area.

More Inspiration For Your Holidays In Austria

Your austria bucket list: how many of these 10 things have you done.

Have you ever bathed in a waterfall or slept in an Alpine hut?

Records & Superlatives: Austria's Extraordinary Nature Up Close

From the longest gorge and the oldest national park to the largest bathing lake: where Austria's nature boasts superlatives. #feelAustria

The Best Places to Stargaze

Picnic under the stars, star gardens, star huts. Be bedazzled by the night sky at these places where stargazing becomes a true experience.

Austria's Most Beautiful Lakes

Austria's most beautiful bathing lakes to spend a summer day swimming, paddling - or just lazing around all day.

Austria’s Prettiest Places, According to Austrians

Find out about the magical places chosen by Austrians as the country’s most beautiful spots.

How To Get To Austria

How to get to and around austria.

Find information about travelling to Austria by plane, car, train, and coach.

5 to 10 Day Itinerary for Austria (Totally Customizable!)

By: Author Taylor Lorenz

Posted on Last updated: 10/26/2023

I feel that far too many people skip Austria, or opt to just go to Vienna, but not for a good reason! Austria’s location makes it an easy destination to visit and with the mix of history, architecture, drinks, and cuisine in this country, you can easily spend plenty of time here and not get bored.

If you’re short on time, 5 days will take you to the top spots that most people want to visit. But if you can stretch your time out here, a week or 10 days in Austria will take you to the highlights more in-depth. This itinerary for Austria covers where to go, what to do, where to stay, and my recommendations as someone who has been to Austria multiple times. Enjoy!

Table of Contents

Austria Fast Facts

Austria is a part of the EU (European Union) and has been since 1995. It’s a small country and is easy to travel to from the surrounding countries, which also makes day trips to or from Austria extremely easy as well!

• Currency:  Euro (€)
• Languages:  German, with many dialects, and English is widely spoken
• Capital: Vienna
• Population:  8.9 million
• Religion: Christianity is the majority

Recommended Austria Tours

Skip planning your trip yourself with these top-rated tours around the country.

• Sound of Music in 9 days
• Prague, Munich & Austria in 7 days

Austria Itinerary

I’ve laid out this itinerary so that you can choose one of the routes I recommend below or I give you what you can expect to do on a day-to-day basis so you can pick and choose which days suit you and your travel style best.

5 Days in Austria

• Vienna (2-3 days)
• Salzburg (1-2 days)
• Day trip to Hallstatt

7 Days in Austria

• Vienna (3 days)
• Salzburg (2 days)
• Innsbruck (2 days)

10 Days in Austria

• Wachau or day trip from Vienna to Bratislava, Slovakia
• Salzburg (2-3 days)

Breakdown of My Austria Trip Itinerary

Vienna: 2-3 Days

Vienna is the largest city in Austria, and with so many notable places to visit in Vienna , and a number of day trips can be done from here so be sure to plan enough time! 2 days in the city can be done, but I recommend 3 days in Vienna so it’s not a rush. Because when in Vienna, do as the Viennese do and take your time, enjoy the cafes and culture.

DAY 1: Begin your trip to Austria where the royals did, in the old town. Spend the day roaming through the cobblestone streets and popping into cafes, lounging in parks, and visiting churches and museums. I recommend beginning the day with a walking tour to get your bearings (I personally did this tour and recommend it), tips for the rest of your time in Vienna, and to understand the history of this magnificent city and how it’s laid out.

Other highlights for day 1 I recommend are visiting St Stephen’s Cathedral and climbing the tower to the top for views over Vienna, having a slice of the famous sacher torte at Sacher Cafe , and visiting the Sisi Museum to see some of the Imperial Apartments in the Hofburg Palace .

DAY 2 : Just a few kilometres outside of the city centre you’ll find Schönbrunn Palace , which is a highlight of Vienna. This yellow summer palace is where you can explore more ornately decorated rooms as well as the gardens, tea house, a zoo, and even an apple strudel show! You could easily spend a whole day here, but half a day will suffice too. In the afternoon some options are Belvedere Palace which is a museum that houses some of the most famous pieces by Klimt. Other options include indulging at the Naschmarkt , a local market, hitting up the rides and ferris wheel at Prater Park , or having some sweets at one of the famous cafes such as Demel or Cafe Central. In the evening, head to the opera to see inside the opera house and a show for only 10 euros!

DAY 3: All of the above is a lot to do in 2 days, so whatever you don’t get to, plan to do today. But some additional options are enjoying a cruise on the river , watching the Spanish Riding School practice or put on a show, visit one of the many, many other museums, catch a Mozart show in the beautiful Karlskirche , join a food tour , or do a day trip to Bratislava . You’ve got options.

Where to Stay in Vienna

Budget: Wombat’s City Hostel Vienna Naschmarkt Modern, clean, and fun, Wombat’s hostels are a great option for all kinds of travellers. This Vienna hostel offers small to mid-size dorm rooms and private rooms with the option for a private bath in a great location that is walking distance to many attractions and within minutes of a subway stop.

Mid-Range: Hotel IMLAUER Wien From this hotel you’ll be able to walk to most places in Vienna in 20 minutes and under, or a subway stop is within minutes of the hotel. It’s on a quiet street and is very spacious for a hotel in Europe. I’ve personally stayed here and recommend it.

Luxury: Hotel Sacher Wien Luxury and opulence ooze out of this centrally located hotel that is apart of Viennese history. A stay here is truly a treat with the Vienna Opera House and pedestrian-only walking streets right at your doorstep.

Wachau: 1 Day

You have two options for visiting the Wachau Valley. It’s possible to do it as a day trip from Vienna, or spend a night in one of the towns along the 40km or so stretch of the area along the Danube. Some would prefer to do a day trip so it’s not a hassle to pack luggage and move it again. Since Wachau Valley is only about an hour from Vienna, it’s really not a long journey to travel back to Vienna and then onto Salzburg the next day, so it’s completely up to you!

If you opt to stay in Wachau, Melk and Krems are easily accessible by train which would make having baggage easy to deal with. These two points are perfect for if you’re doing a day trip on your own, arriving at one and departing from the other, if you choose not to do an organized day trip .

If doing it on your own, you can visit plenty on foot or by renting a bike. Winery hopping is an obvious choice, and the Melk Abby is a must-see as a highlight not only in Austria, but in all of Europe. Consider jumping onto a cruise too to take in the small towns from the water.

Salzburg: 1-2 Days

If you can only visit 2 places in Austria, make it Vienna and Salzburg! This small city is deserving of at least 2 days but if you can only fit in a day, it’s still absolutely worth visiting.

DAY 1: I always suggest a walking tour of European cities to begin anywhere because there are so many things you can miss just walking around yourself. This tour specifically was awesome. Afterward, head to the Salzburg Cathedral for 12:05 to watch and listen to the organs being played for 20 minutes in an intricate and grand church. After lunch, make your way up to the Hohensalzburg Fortress . But instead of going directly there, head to St. Erhard . You will find some stairs on your way there, take them and behind the church are great views of Salzburg and the mountains. From here you can walk back out to the stairs but don’t go down, stay left and you’ll find yourself at the fortress within a few minutes. Continue your way to the Museum der Moderne Salzburg (you’ll stay above the city so don’t go all the way down). There is a lovely walk connecting the 2 and ask for directions to avoid getting lost like I did! End your day with some Salzburger nockerl , a dessert famous in Salzburg.

DAY 2: You could do a Sound of Music tour which is widely popular or continue exploring the city. In the city there are still the main shopping streets to explore, Getreidegasse and Linzer Gasse , as well as the Mirabell Gardens and Palace . Museums such as the Christmas Museum and Mozart’s Birthplace are both right in the old town and cafes such as Cafe Konditorei Fürst (where you can find the original Mozart chocolate balls) and Cafe Bazar are top spots to treat yourself. A river cruise is a relaxing and informative way to learn more about the city too. A cruise can also bring you to Hellbrun Palace , yet another highlight of Salzburg that’s not too far from the city centre. This palace has a few tricks up its sleeve so consider yourself warned!

Where to Stay in Salzburg

Budget: The Keep Eco Rooms An eco-friendly hostel with down to earth decor and modern amenities. The location of this hostel is amazing, within walking distance to the train station, minutes walking to Mirabell Palace, and less than 15 minutes to the old town. Small dorms and private rooms are available. 

Mid-Range: Altstadt Hotel Stadtkrug A stylish and centrally located hotel right on one of the main walking streets of the old town, here you’ll be able to roll out of bed in comfort and be at most of Salzburg’s main attractions or restaurants in 5-10 minutes on foot.

Luxury: Radisson Blu Hotel Altstadt You’ll be hard-pressed to find a location better than this. Tucked away in the old town not only is everything literally at your doorstep, but you’ll also have the option of beautiful views of the river. Old world charm with a touch of modern make this hotel one to feel fabulous in.

Hallstatt: 1 Day

Tours from Salzburg to Hallstatt are only half a day, which could work amazingly with your schedule. You’ll enjoy scenic drives in and out of Hallstatt and free time in the town to explore at your own pace and visit some of the highlights such as the view from the entrance to the salt mines and the Bone House . Hallstatt is not big so you don’t have to worry about not having enough time!

However, if you’re able to do the trip yourself, it’s best. Also in Hallstatt are ice caves and the Dachstein Mountains , both of which you can access via cable car and aren’t included in day trips. Renting a car is easiest, but taking the bus will stop close to the cable car. The train is also an option with a short ferry across the lake to town. If driving, get there early as parking fills up very fast and is limited.

Innsbruck: 1-2 Days

I recommend spending at least a day and a half in Innsbruck as the time it takes you to get up to the mountains will eat away most of a day, and you’ll most likely want to spend more time up there once you are there! Innsbruck is quite small though, so it’s very easy to enjoy at a leisurely pace while still seeing it all. Check the weather and whichever day has the best weather opt to travel up the Nordkette Mountains .

DAY 1: If the weather permits, get yourself an Innsbruck card (this is the only city I found it to be well worth it) and hop on the cable car up to the Austrian Alps! First, from the city centre you’ll take the funicular to Hungerburgbahn. After a few stops (one of which is the Alpine Zoo ) you’ll arrive at the last station, Hungerburg Station , and make a short walk across Hermann Buhl Platz, which already has amazing views, to the cable car station. There are 2 stops on the cable car and both are most definitely worth visiting. The first stop is Seegrube , where there is a restaurant and a number of trails leading off to hikes and climbing. There are easy trails here, you do not need to be a hiker to enjoy the easy 20-40 minute Trail of Perspectives.

Travel further up on a second cable car to Hafelekar to reach the top of Innsbruck after another short and easy hike. There is also a restaurant here where you can dine while watching the paragliders (or try paragliding yourself ) float through the sky.

Come back down into town, grab some lunch and then make your way over to Bergisel Ski Jump which was built for the 1964 Olympics. After the walk across town and up a hill, you’ll be rewarded with even more views of Innsbruck, but from the other side of town. You can go up to the viewing platform at the top of the ski jump and there is a restaurant here too to treat yourself to a nice cool drink.

DAY 2 : Spend most of the day in town today wandering the streets of the old town and seeing the main highlights. The Stradtturm is a tower that will take you to the top of the old town for yet more views! The Court Church (Hofkirche) is a museum and church that has the grandest and most elegant tomb I’ve ever seen. The Innsbruck Cathedral is of course worth a wander over to, and Hofburg Innsbruck is the imperial palace. Undoubtedly you will walk by the most famous attraction in Innsbruck, the Golden Roof , which is also a museum. And lastly, be sure to walk along the water and see the views of the colourful houses. All of these Innsbruck attractions are within walking distance of each other so you will have enough time to them all in less than a day.

But be sure to leave time for visiting the Swarovski Crystal Worlds Museum . Yes, it is quite touristy, but it is so well done and is something I highly recommend checking out. With an Innsbruck card , you will have a shuttle bus from the train station or in town to the museum as it’s just outside of town.

If time permits, you may want to join a Tyrolean evening of food and entertainment or find yourself some delicious local cuisine and a beer or Radler in a beer garden or while in view of the Golden Roof.

Where to Stay in Innsbruck

Budget: MEININGER Hotel Innsbruck Zentrum Right by the old town, this part hostel, part hotel, is a fun and funky option for those who are looking for a more social atmosphere. Both small dorms and privates for a variety of group sizes are available.

Mid-Range: Hotel Neue Post This hotel has a stellar location where the train station is within a 10-minute walk and you enter the old town as soon as you cross the street. Comfortable beds, easy, contactless check-in and breakfast on-site if you’d like make this mid-range option a top choice.

Luxury: Altstadthotel Weißes Kreuz A luxurious room with a view of the Golden Roof? Yes, please! With amazing views, stellar decor, and a better-than-ever location, don’t pass up on the opportunity to stay here.

Best Time to Visit Austria

Austria can be visited any time of the year thanks to the number of activities, both indoors and outdoors that change or continue to stay open during the changing of seasons. From May until September is peak tourist season, the best weather, and perfect for sightseeing. It’s during this time that the streets of the cities will be bustling and hiking on the alpine trails will be free of snow.

Come in the shoulder seasons, April or October and you will be rewarded with fewer crowds, cooler weather, and discounted prices on flights and accommodation. Lastly, and not to be overlooked is late November and into December when Christmas markets in Austria light up the cities and towns.

Austria Budget

For those who are looking to travel to Austria on a budget you can expect to pay around €75 a day. This is if you’re staying in hostel dorm rooms, which are €25+ a night, are eating out but mostly street food or from cheaper restuarants only (approx. €5-10 per meal), which leaves you €30 or so a day for activities, special splurges or travel. Keep in mind this is tight but there is also wiggle room. If you’re willing to cook for yourself you’ll save more, couchsurf, or aren’t so much into the main tourist sites you’ll save a lot!

For those with a mid-range budget, expect to pay around €150 a day. This is a comfortable mid-range budget that allows for a mix of private rooms in hostels (€75+ per night) or hotels (€100+ per night), a mix of street food, cafes, and sit down meals (€5-25 per meal), and €50 per day for activites and transport.

For those who are looking for some luxury, plan to spend around €250 per day or more. Luxury is defined differently to everyone and Austria certainly has some amazing hotels, such as the Sacher Hotel in Vienna or Salzburg, that may well be worth the spluge for you!

How to Get to Austria

By air is the obvious choice if visiting from overseas or travelling from a distance within Europe. It’s best to fly into Vienna as it’s the largest airport and is a great place to kickstart your Austrian adventure.

By Train or Bus

If travelling from Switzerland, the south of Germany (such as Munich), or Italy, it would be ideal to take the train to Innsbruck to begin your journey. From Slovenia or Croatia, hop on a bus to Graz or Vienna.

Getting Around Austria

Train is by far the best way to travel around Austria, especially with this itinerary. Austria’s national rail operator, OBB , is one of the best in Europe. It’s clean, with free wifi on board, food cars, and it’s comfortable. For intercity travel, you’ll be connected from city to city in a manner of hours, typically 1-3 hours max. Be sure to also check out Westbahn , which is a great rail operator too and offers competitive prices.

Note that if you’re travelling between Austria and surrounding countries check the other national rail operators as OBB is known for being nice but also pricey. For example, Deutsche Bahn (DB) if travelling to or from Germany.

For the majority of travellers to Austria it is not necessary to rent a car to get around because the rail network is so spectacular. That being said, if you plan on heading up into the mountains, to some off-the-beaten-track destinations, or up to alpine huts, a car may be necessary.

Before renting a car keep in mind it is quite pricey in Austria. While some drives into the mountains are absolutely stunning, they are not for the faint of heart. Some areas in the winter months do require snow tires or chains, and some roads and highways it is mandatory to have a toll sticker, so be prepared! Lastly, make it clear when renting a car if you need an automatic or not as lots of rentals are manual.

Bus travel in Austria is most popular to the more remote regions. The only time you may need to use a bus with this itinerary is to Hallstatt. The bus and train schedules tend to work with each other well. You can find schedules on Post Bus or Flix Bus .

Within Cities

Do not stress about travelling around within the cities or places you visit. Most places are walkable or offer easy-to-use buses or streetcars if you wish to visit places that are outside of city centres. Vienna you will most likely use transport but their subway system is extremely easy to use and purchasing a ticket at machines within stations is translated in a number of languages, including English.

Travel Insurance in Austria

Where to Go in Austria

For the purposes of this itinerary, we’ll stick with Austria’s main cities and towns so that you can get a great overview of the country.

Vienna: An absolute must when visiting Austria, Vienna (Wien in German) is one capital city that can’t be passed up. Roam through the streets of the city centre to meander past intricately decorated buildings, stumble across towering churches, past cafes where locals take their time, and around the Hofburg Palace that is the centre of town. I could go on about Vienna forever as it is one of my personal favourite cities, but just take my word for it that a trip to Austria is not complete without a stop in Vienna!

Salzburg: Steeped in history, the birthplace of Mozart, and picturesque, Salzburg is most certainly a tourist hot spot in Austria. Don’t let the fact that this city is touristy deter you though. Salzburg is quite charming despite the crowds and is a place where you will find restaurants, cafes, and a number of viewpoints to relax, take in the scenery and slow down while surrounded by the beauty of nature and the architecture.

Innsbruck: Innsbruck is truly the best combination of a place for those who love the city and the outdoors. Towering over this small city is the Nordkette Mountain Range that provides ample space for hikers, mountain bikers, and climbers alike to enjoy. The best part? It’s all accessible via cable car in about 20 minutes or you can start hiking right from the edge of town. The old town is rich in history, full of beautiful buildings, and restaurants serving delicious Tyrolian dishes and drinks.

Hallstatt: A town that is well-known around the world, many will come to Austria just to witness the beauty of this small town nestled among the mountains, the Salzkammergut Mountains, that also sits along a lake. Hallstatt is Austria’s picturesque views at its best. And with mountains so close by, there’s more to do here than just roam through the town itself. Head up towards the Dachstein Mountains in a cable car and take in the incredible views from above too.

Wachau Valley: Wine lovers this is your spot. Just west of Vienna along the Danube you’ll find Wachau Valley which is dotted with towns and wineries, abbeys and castle ruins. Day trips from Vienna are common here, and while many recommend renting a car to explore this region, biking from winery to winery is a top option too.

Graz: Often overlooked due to its location in the southeast of the country, Graz is a great stop if coming from the south, such as Slovenia or Croatia . Graz is Austria’s second-largest city and while it holds a ton of history and well-preserved Renaissance and Baroque architecture in the old town, it’s also a lively city due to the number of universities that are in and around Graz. For the purposes of this itinerary, Graz is not included but mentioned here for those coming from the southeast of Austria.

How Long to Spend in Austria?

Austria may be a small country, but that doesn’t mean that you should spend less time! 5 days in Austria I would suggest as the bare minimum. This will give you time to explore 2 cities. A week in Austria is ideal and will allow you to see 3 cities, and do a day trip or two, depending on how long to spend in each city. However, adding on a few days or a week and a half in Austria will lend you to a more leisurely pace and take you to some destinations that are less frequented.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links which I earn a small commission from and are at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure policy for details. Thank you for supporting my small business!

Disclaimer: Taylor’s Tracks is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.Com and affiliated sites.

Austria Itinerary: Best of Austria in 10 Days

Disclaimer: This article includes affiliate links to the products we earnestly love and recommend, meaning at no extra cost to you, we might make a teeny-weeny commission if you click on the link and decide to buy something. The money will be used to sustain this little cozy blog we call our virtual home.

Planning to spend 10 days in Austria? Our perfect Austria Itinerary for 10 days includes all the best things to do in Austria and detailed info about when to go, how to get around, where to stay, and more. You’ll find practical tips sprinkled all through the post. Plus, I’ve also included an interactive map for your ease.

Austria Itinerary: An Introduction

From the famously imperial and elegant capital of Vienna to the UNESCO World Heritage region of Wachau to the city of Music, Salzburg to the beautiful Alpine city of Innsbruck to the fairytale village of Hallstatt to the city of culture, Graz – Austria effortlessly charms its visitors.

Austria is full of beautiful places and experiences and I know it can get a bit overwhelming, yet, if you make the right use of your time and resources and plan your trip well, I’m sure you gonna ace the trip.

I believe the key to a perfect trip lies not just in ticking off the major attractions but in allowing yourself to pause, wander, discover, and connect. Instead of cramming too many places into your trip, pick a few places as per your interest, and take your time to explore them immersing yourself in each experience.

The secret to experiencing the best without feeling rushed or missing out is a well-thought-out itinerary. I’ve done the groundwork for you.

Here I give you the epic ten-day itinerary that lets you discover the best of Austria without the rush.

What’s so epic about it?

Well, we crafted our Austria itinerary in a way that’d allow you to get a taste of the iconic Austrian cities and breathtaking Austrian countryside. The best of both worlds, eh?

ℹ️ This itinerary perfectly fits families and couples who love road-tripping. Having said that, you need to rent a car to explore Austria. We love Discover Cars when it comes to renting a car anywhere in the world.

Planning A Trip To Austria: Travel Tips

Now that you have already made up your mind to visit Austria and are in the process of designing an itinerary that fits your interests, it’s vital to know the trip planning essentials like when to go, how to get to, how to get around, and more before you set off.

Best Time to Visit Austria

I often find myself suggesting trips during the shoulder months—April, May, September, and October. These months boast pleasant weather (perfect for outdoor fun), fewer crowds, and bargain prices. I visited Austria during the peak month of June and the quieter month of September too.

I enjoyed both times, yet, there’s something special about the off-season. It brings a unique charm, where you can slow down, and discover the more intimate side of the country. Austria is super busy and hot during the summer months of June, July, and August, so it’s best to avoid them.

If you don’t mind the cold, winter is a great time to soak in the festive spirit. Vienna and Salzburg are known for their Christmas markets . Plus, Hallstatt is one of the most beautiful winter wonderlands in Europe . And if you love winter adventure, Austria has some of the best spots for skiing, snowboarding, and winter hiking such as St. Anton am Arlberg , Kitzbuhel , Ischgl , and Solden . Winter is also a good time to experience one of the thermal spas in the country like Aqua Dome.

My favorite months to visit Austria are March and September. March brings spring with its wildflowers, green meadows, and stunning mountain views. September is perfect for witnessing the beautiful fall colors and exploring the wine regions.

You can also time your visit around the cultural experiences like Almabtrieb, Vienna Spring Festival, and The Donauinselfest.

Editor’s Note: This itinerary is versatile so you can tailor it to enjoy it in any season. If you need help customizing it, give me a shout-out.

How to Get to Austria?

Vienna International Airport is a perfect gateway to Austria from all the countries across the world and Austrian Airlines is the major airline carrier with a vast global network. Direct flights are available from famous cities in the USA, UK, rest of Europe, and India while one-stop flights operate from Australia. You can use Skyscanner or WayAway to get great deals on flights.

Vienna Airport Transfer

You can travel between the airport and the city through public transport (City Airport Train – CAT,  S7 Schnellbahn, Local Train – S-Bahn, ÖBB railjet train) or, airport shuttle – Vienna Airport Lines (scheduled around flight arrival times), or a taxi.

For a truly hassle-free experience, you can pre-book the fast and reliable private transfer from Vienna International Airport to your hotel or a vacation rental in Vienna .

Getting Around Austria

It’s easy to get around Austria. From domestic flights, trains, buses, taxis, and cars – there are innumerable options depending on your travel style and time. The public transportation system in Austria is robust. We haven’t used it, so can’t comment on the price point.

If you are traveling as a family (like we do), we recommend renting a car because it’s cheaper than the other options for group travelers or families and gives you much-needed comfort and freedom to explore the new country.

You can choose a car of your choice from hundreds of options at Discover Cars , an excellent and reliable car rental reservation platform.

Driving in Austria

If you’re driving into Austria from a neighboring European country, you must (without fail) buy a vignette or toll sticker and display it on the inside of your windscreen to navigate the motorways and expressways in the country.

A 10-day vignette costs € 9,90. You can buy it online at ASFINAG . Also, make sure you read our guide to renting a car in Europe .

During our trip, we found that the prices for petrol and diesel in Austria were quite reasonable, often much lower than in other EU countries. However, I’m not up to date on the latest price changes.

🚘 Looking for reliable & affordable car hire in Austria?

We trust and recommend Discover Cars , a leader in online car rental bookings! It promises transparency, security, convenience, and incredible savings.

Is Austria Expensive to Visit?

For real. After all, it’s one of the top 10 most expensive countries in Europe, yet it’s somewhat more affordable compared to Denmark , Norway , and Switzerland.

So, I’d say, when compared to other European countries, Austria is moderately expensive. Costs for accommodations, dining out, and attractions can add up, particularly in popular tourist cities like Vienna and Salzburg.

But, you can save money by traveling during the off-peak season for better deals on places to stay and things to do, visiting free attractions, eating at local spots, staying in places where you can cook your own food, shopping for groceries at supermarkets, and getting city cards for discounts.

10 Days in Austria Itinerary Map

Austria Road Trip Itinerary: An Overview

This 10-day Austria itinerary starts and ends in Vienna and covers the cities of Vienna, Melk, Salzburg, Hallstatt, Graz, and Eisenstadt along with little countryside towns and a classic alpine pass road drive.

Just So You Know: We wanted to but couldn’t explore Innsbruck due to a time crunch. You can add the beautiful capital of Tyrol, Innsbruck to this itinerary for Austria with additional (2 or more days) time on hand.

Hitting the road without travel insurance? That’s a gamble you don’t want to take!

Secure your peace of mind on the road with Heymondo travel insurance—they’re a game-changer—covering you fully and paying medical bills upfront. Yup, you read that right, no out-of-pocket expenses while you’re overseas. Click HERE and score a cool 5% discount on your policy.

Detailed Austria Itinerary: Best of Austria in 10 Days

Day 0: arrive in vienna | day at leisure.

Your Austrian odyssey begins in Vienna, Austria’s capital and the largest city. It has to be one of my favorite cities in Europe. Why? You’ll see it for yourself!

Depending upon when you arrive in Vienna , you can plan your day accordingly.

We recommend checking out the Fenster Cafe for the best coffee in the town and Figlmueller for the traditional  Weiner schnitzel .

Austria’s love for coffee and cake is worth mentioning here. Viennese passion for coffee was recognized by UNESCO and it listed the Viennese Coffee House Culture on its Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

So, when in Vienna , you must not miss tasting one of the finest coffee cultures in the world . Make your way to Café Central , one of the most iconic coffee houses in Europe .

The interior is like stepping back in time, and the pastries? They’re like heavenly bites of Austria!

You can stroll the lovely streets of Vienna to get acquainted with it to understand its pulse before you start exploring the next day.

Day 1: Explore Vienna (Free Walking Tour, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Naschmarkt, Schonbrunn Palace, Hundertwasser House, & Prater Wien)

Well rested, all rejuvenated, today you’ll tour the beautiful city of Vienna. Don’t rush around. You miss out on all the fun when you try to see or do everything. Remember, less is more.

We’d suggest taking a free walking tour that takes you through about 20 most important sights in the old town of Vienna. The tours start at Albertina Square and end at St. Stephen’s Cathedral and last for 2 hours.

We found it a nice way to explore a city if you just have a day or two in a city.

They’ll take you around Albertina Square, Monument against War and Fascism, Vienna State Opera House, Burggarten, Hofburg Palace, Graben, Mozart House, and all the lovely squares and parks.

For a sneak peek into the imperial history of Vienna, you can plan a visit to Hofburg Palace. The palace complex is home to many museums, a church, and chapel, the Spanish Riding School , and the Austrian National Library . The three most-visited places within the complex are the Imperial Apartments , the Imperial Siver Collection , and the Sisi Museum .

The guide is usually knowledgeable and interestingly narrates the history. You can tip him or her at the end of the tour as per your choice. Tourists usually tip from €10 to €30.

If you prefer a private walking tour, we recommend this tour which includes all the highlights of the Old Town. It’s loved and rated highly by travelers. Check the availability and book in advance !

Once you’re done with the walking tour, we recommend climbing the South Tower (Steffl) of St. Stephen’s Cathedral aka Stephansdom Cathedral to enjoy the wonderful view over Vienna. It costs €5.50 per adult and €2 per child aged 6 to 14 years.

Like Vienna’s big old heart, standing tall and proud in the city’s center, Stephansdom has been around since the 12th century—talk about being ancient! Imagine a giant, gothic cake made of stone, complete with lacy spires and a roof that looks like a colorful tile puzzle.

PS: You can buy an all-inclusive ticket for €20 per adult and €5 per child aged 6 to 14 years that includes a visit to the cathedral, catacomb tour, north tower, and south tower. Check the official website for more details.

After relishing the beautiful views, it’s time to relish the good food. Head to Naschmarkt . It’s about a 10-minute walk from St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Naschmarkt is a destination in itself. Stands are selling fresh, fruits, vegetables, and local delicacies and then there are restaurants serving Viennese, Italian, Mediterranean, Indian, Thai, Vietnamese, and whatnot cuisines.

If you go by our suggestion, go to Gasthaus Zur Eisernen Zeit to enjoy the local cuisine. It’s one of the best places in Vienna to try traditional Austrian food because tasting traditional cuisine is a window into the culture of the place!

Once done with lunch, make your way to Karlsplatz U-Bahn station and board the U4 to Schönbrunn Palace , the summer palace of Hapsburg.

The palace is grand and beautiful, so much so, it feels like stepping into your most extravagant dreams. No wonder, it’s one of the best things to do in Vienna .

You can walk the gardens and admire the palace from outside for free. Or you can take one of the guided tours of the palace to see the rooms of the palace. And there’s even a zoo to delight the young visitors!

Click Schoenbrunn’s official website for more information on opening and closing hours, tours, and tickets.

Take a U-Bahn (U4) to Landstraße and walk a bit to Hundertwasser’s House . Admire the unusually beautiful house of Austria’s artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser and know more about the artist at Kunst Haus Wien .

Hundertwasser House looks like a rebel kid who has refused to follow the straight and narrow. He’s like – Who needs rules? Imagine a building doodled by a daydreaming artist—no straight lines, just wavy walls, uneven floors, and a roof teeming with trees and plants. I call this living, breathing piece of art an architectural smile 🙂

Take tram 1 to reach Prater Wien , the world’s oldest amusement park.

It’s a place where both the young and the young at heart come to let loose. You can spend an entire day hopping from one ride to another and gorging on delicious food, still not get bored here.

The park is open 24/7 and entry is free. The individual attractions and rides are charged. Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel (Riesenrad) is Vienna’s trademark and a must-take ride at Prater. The ride costs €13.50 per adult and €6.50 per child.

End your day with dinner at Rollercoaster Restaurant . It’s unique and one of the best places in Vienna to dine with kids.

Day 2: Explore Vienna (Belvedere Palace, House of Music, Vienna Woods, or Stadtpark & MuseumQuartier, and Vienna State Opera)

Start your day 2 with a visit to the Belvedere Palace , a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and home to an extensive collection of Austrian art.

This place is a feast for your eyes both inside and out! The palace has two main buildings: Upper and Lower Belvedere .

Upper Belvedere houses the famous The Kiss by Gustav Klimt , among other art treasures. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this!

How about a second round with Vienna’s famous coffee scene? Trust me, it’s like an encore performance you won’t want to miss!

You’ve experienced the classic – Cafe Central. This time around, try Cafe Sacher . Not just a cafe, it’s an institution in Vienna!

This iconic spot is home to the famous Sacher-Torte , a delectable chocolate cake that pairs perfectly with your coffee.

Now that you’re caffeinated, head over to the House of Music .

This interactive sound museum gives you a crash course in the evolution of music, especially focusing on Austria’s classical music heritage. Tap, beat, and compose—this is a hands-on experience!

All soaked in the timeless Viennese charm, it’s time to continue your love affair with the city, but through food. I’d recommend Plachutta Wollzeile , a perfect place to indulge in traditional Austrian cuisine. With warm, old-world charm, the restaurant is known to serve the best Tafelspitz in Vienna.

If you or someone in your crew leans more towards plant-based delights, Tian Bistro am Spittelberg offers a menu that’s an artistic take on vegetarian and vegan dishes. Go try it!

If you’re in for some lush scenery, the Vienna Woods are an absolute treasure. Known as the Lungs of Vienna , these woods offer a fresh, tranquil break from city life.

But if you’d rather not stray too far from the city’s heartbeat, Stadtpark is your urban oasis right in the heart of Vienna.

And, if you’re looking to mix some culture with your fresh air, the MuseumsQuartier is where it’s at! With its artsy, hip vibe, MuseumsQuartier isn’t just a cultural cornerstone—it’s also a social hotspot.

Home to some of Vienna’s most prestigious museums and exhibitions, the area thrives with outdoor cafes, funky art installations, and even impromptu street performances. It’s a bustling space where locals and tourists alike can get their fill of art, food, and Vienna’s inimitable style.

You sure wouldn’t find it difficult to find a place to dine in Vienna – a city bursting with culinary creativity, however, if you need my recommendation – how about Steirereck ? One of the best restaurants in Austria, it offers a modern twist on Austrian cuisine.

It’s time to watch an opera or a concert at the renowned Vienna State Opera House – a classic Viennese experience you can’t miss.

You must check the schedule and book your tickets online on their official website well ahead of time, as these shows often sell out. Ticket prices can range from a budget-friendly €15 for standing-room spots to splurges of €200+ for premium seats.

If opera isn’t your jam, Vienna’s nightlife is just as enchanting. Feel free to explore a Viennese night adventure that aligns with your vibe and interests.

Read More: How to Spend 10 Days in Europe: Perfect Europe Itineraries

With More Time in Vienna

If you find yourself with extra time in Vienna, there are so many hidden gems in and around the city and a lot of day trip options to keep you busy and happy.

You can visit Zentralfriedhof aka the Central Cemetery, one of the largest cemeteries in the world. Located in the 2nd district, Leopoldstadt, Karmeliterviertel is a quaint neighborhood that is a window into the Jewish life in Vienna. If you are here on a Saturday, make sure to soak the local life at Karmelitermarkt .

You can drive to the outskirts of Vienna and visit Lainzer Tiergarten to spend a day amidst peaceful nature.

Where to Stay in Vienna

We stayed at the Hotel Altstadt Vienna . It’s about 1.6 km (1 mile) from the center and is a great place for families and couples to stay.

Here are the other hotel recommendations in Vienna:

Hotel Sacher Wien: Located close to Hofburg and the State Opera, the Hotel Sacher is the best when it comes to luxury. It’s also known for being the birthplace of the original Sachertorte.

Hotel Beethoven Wien: With historic charm, a family-run Hotel Beethoven is the best mid-range accommodation you can get in Vienna.

Motel One Wien-Staatsoper: Just a few steps from the Vienna State Opera and the Ringstrasse, Motel One Wien-Staatsoper is great if you are looking for affordable yet stylish accommodation.

Der Wilhelmshof: Located in a quiet area close to the Prater Amusement Park, Der Wilhelmshof is perfect for families. With spacious rooms and suites, it can accommodate families of various sizes.

Hotel Imperial: In existence since 1873, Hotel Imperial is the symbol of the royal history of Vienna, making it a timeless choice for history and culture travelers.

I have a guide to the best neighborhoods with the best hotels in each neighborhood in Vienna to make choosing an accommodation easy for you.

How to Get Around Vienna

Vienna has an extensive public transportation network that makes getting around the city easy and efficient.

You can use a combination of buses, trains, trams, subway (U-Bahn), and regional trains (S-Bahn).

You can access the transport maps posted at U-Bahn stations, bus stops, and tram stops. Wiener Linien information offices at U-Bahn stations offer free maps.

The tickets and passes can be bought at U-Bahn stations and Tabak Trafik kiosks or on tramcars and buses.

A single ticket costs about €2.40 and a bit more when purchased on trams and buses. You can also buy 24-hour, 48-hour, 72-hour, or, weekly tickets that save you some Euros if you are planning on using public transportation expensively for your stay in Vienna.

Do consider buying a Vienna Pass or Vienna City Card (both are different) if you’ve more than 2 days in Vienna as they save a lot of money, time, and hassle.

Vienna Pass offers:

• Free entry to 60+ attractions
• Fast-track entry to many attractions
• Unlimited access to Hop on Hop off Buses
• Free guidebook and map
• Travelcard that gives unlimited access to public transport at an additional cost

Vienna City Card offers:

• Free Unlimited travel on public transport in Vienna
• Discounts in museums, tourist attractions, restaurants, and shopping

The city card has different options viz. Vienna City Card (public transport and discounts), Vienna City Card public transport, discounts, and 24h Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus), Vienna City Card Transfer (public transport, discounts, and Airport Transfer), and Vienna City Card Transfer + Tour (public transport, discounts, 24h Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus, and Airport Transfer).

We purchased the Vienna City Card for 48 hours.

Get your Vienna City Card here

Vienna Pass is only worth it if you want to cram a lot of museums and attractions during your short stay (2 or 3 days) in Vienna.

We usually love to wander around the city while visiting 2 to 3 attractions and trying local cuisines rather than running around to cover a larger chunk of them. So, Vienna Pass will be a waste of money for people like us.

Vienna Pass would add value to people who want to see all or at least most of the popular attractions in the city.

Buy your Vienna Pass here

Unique Local Experiences in Vienna

• Attend a classical music concert in a historic venue such as the Musikverein, the Vienna State Opera, or Schönbrunn Palace Orangery • Experience the UNESCO-listed Viennese coffee house culture by spending time in one of the city’s traditional coffee houses like Café Central, Café Sperl, or Café Demel • Indulge in local wine tasting in a Heuriger (traditional Austrian wine tavern) in one of the neighborhoods famous for their Heurigen such as neighborhoods of Grinzing, Heiligenstadt, Nussdorf, and Stammersdorf • Participate in a traditional workshop at the Augarten Porcelain Manufactory , one of the oldest porcelain manufacturers in Europe. • Take a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Austrian dishes such as Wiener Schnitzel, Apfelstrudel, or Sachertorte. • If you’re visiting during the ball season (November to February), attend a traditional Viennese ball at one of the most beautiful balls in Vienna like the Vienna Opera Ball and the Ball of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. • Sample local food at Naschmarket , the largest and most famous market in Vienna • Join a magical Christmas tour around Vienna • Try the local delicacies of Wiener Schnitzel at Figlmuller, Apfelstrudel and Kaiserschmarrn at Cafe Landtmann, and Sachertorte at Sacher Cafe

Day 3: Day Trip to Bratislava from Vienna

How about taking a day trip to another country?

You can take day trips to Budapest (Hungary), Prague (Czech Republic), and Bratislava (Slovakia) from Vienna.

As we had Budapest and Prague already on our Central Europe itinerary , we chose Bratislava as our day trip destination over them.

Why did we choose Bratislava as a day trip from Vienna? Well, Budapest is about 3 hours and Prague is about 4 hours away from Vienna compared to Bratislava that’s just about an hour’s drive. Also, Bratislava is compact enough to be explored in a day but Prague and Budapest need more time.

The drive from Vienna to Bratislava is a breeze. You wouldn’t know when you crossed the border into another country.

The must-see sights in Bratislava in a day include Bratislava Castle, St. Martin’s Cathedral, Old Town Hall, Primate’s Palace, Michael’s Gate, Blue Church, Slavin, and UFO .

Oh! And don’t forget to get clicked with weird but interesting statues in Bratislava Old Town .

Finally, you can’t leave Bratislava before you dine at Bratislava Flagship Restaurant . It’s one of Europe’s largest restaurants and is known for local Bratislava cuisine and traditional Slovak dishes. Bryndzove halusky (potato dumplings with sheep cheese) and kapustnica (sauerkraut soup) are must-tries.

You can also join a food tour to explore the traditional Slovak cuisine.

Where to Stay in Bratislava

If you plan to extend your visit to Bratislava and want to spend a night there, we suggest LOFT Hotel Bratislava or Apartment Alex .

How to Get Around Bratislava

Bratislava has an extensive network of trams, buses, and trolleybuses. Though, you’d rarely find a need to use public transport except for Bratislava Castle and Petržalka.

Bratislava Old Town is compact and can pretty much be explored on foot.

Bus 93 goes to Petržalka while Trolleybus 207 goes to Bratislava. You can catch them from Hodžovo námestie, the main square in Bratislava. Tickets can be purchased at stops, newsstands, and tourist information centers.

We walked the old town and used a small tourist city train ( Prešporáčik Oldtimer ) to see other major landmarks that can’t be explored on foot.

Book your Bratislava City Tour by Prešporáčik Oldtimer here

PS: The Bratislava Card offers unlimited travel by public transportation in Bratislava, free entry to about 14 museums and galleries, a free guided tour of Bratislava, and 100+ discounts on many attractions and restaurants.

Head to the Danube Tower while returning from Bratislava to enjoy dinner with a view. Danube Tower (Donauturm), the tallest structure in Austria offers panoramic views across Danube Park, Vienna’s old town, and Vienna woods.

A bit expensive in terms of food, 360˚ rotating restaurant, Turmrestaurant offers views that leave you breathless.

With More Time in Bratislava

If you extend your time in Bratislava, you can explore the ruins of Devin Castle . It affords beautiful views over the Danube and Morava rivers. This day trip combines wine tasting along with a visit to the castle.

You can take a Bratislava post-communism tour to learn more about the political history of Slovakia.

The Little Carpathians have some amazing hiking trails offering beautiful views of the vineyards, forests, and even Bratislava from afar. The region is also known for its wine production, so you can consider a wine-tasting tour.

Day 4: Drive from Vienna to Wachau Valley | Explore Wachau Valley

It’s time to say auf wiedersehen to Vienna and hallo to the Austrian countryside.

Today you’ll enjoy a beautiful drive to Danube Valley (Wachau) . It’s a beautiful stretch between the towns of Krems and Melk.

A drive from Vienna to Melk takes just around an hour but as there are amazing sights and attractions along the way, the drive will take longer depending on how much time you spend at each place.

The main points of Interest on the way from Vienna to Wachau:

• Aggsbach Markt
• Schloss Schönbühel
• Melk/Melk Abbey

Melk Abbey   (Stift Melk) , a major attraction in Wachau is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site and one of the biggest Baroque monasteries in Europe. Once you’re done touring Melk Abbey, enjoy your dinner at Stiftsrestaurant .

The road trip ends in Melk. You’ll spend a night in Melk.

Where to Stay in Melk (Wachau Valley)

We stayed at Ferienwohnung im Cottageviertel and you know, couldn’t get enough of it. It’s that lovely!

Find out the cheap deals on the best places to stay in Melk

How to Get Around Wachau

The most efficient way to get around Wachau is by rental car. Our Austria itinerary urges you to rent a car to explore Austria. Find cheap and best car rental here.

If you plan to explore Wacahu on a day trip from Vienna , you can book this full-day Danube Valley Bus and Boat Tour from Vienna.

Unique Local Experiences in Wachau

• Sample local wines at one of the historic vineyards like Gruner Veltliner and Riesling • Take a bike tour to explore Wachau Valley. • You can visit a local apricot orchard (Wachau is famous for apricots) to taste fresh apricots, apricot liqueurs, jams, and other products made from this delicious local fruit. • For a unique cultural experience, attend one of the local festivals that celebrate the region’s wine, apricots, and local culture such as the Apricot Blossom Festival in spring and the Wachau Gourmet Festival • Discover the region’s beauty on a ride on a traditional wooden boat known as Zille on the Danube • Explore the Wachau World Heritage Museum for deeper insights into the region’s significance

Day 5: Drive from Melk to Salzburg | Explore Salzburg

It’s time to head to the city of Mozart, Salzburg . From Melk to Salzburg it’s a little less than 2 hours of drive.

Like a postcard coming to life, Salzburg is such a beautiful little town. It’s the birthplace of the famous composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , so you can imagine that music is in the soul of the city. The Hollywood classic, The Sound of Music , which brought even more musical fame to its streets, was also filmed here.

And the host of cozy cafes and stunning baroque buildings dotting the music-filled cobbled streets add to the vibe. I’m not exaggerating when I’m saying that the Old Town of Salzburg aka Altstadt feels like stepping into a living museum. There’s a reason it’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Getreidegasse, a street full of antique shops with traditional wrought-iron signs, is the most beautiful part of the Old Town. You’ll find a super pretty canary-yellow color building here, that’s Mozart’s birthplace!

With its striking dome and twin towers, the Salzburg Cathedral is another landmark in the Old Town that holds great spiritual, cultural, and historical significance. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was baptized here.

There is also a majestic fortress sitting on a hill above the city. It elegantly defines the city’s skyline (view of the fortress from the musical steps of Mirabell Gardens is my favorite) and when climbed, offers you views so breathtaking, they’ll etch themselves in your heart.

To sum up, the major attractions in Salzburg include Mirabell Palace and Gardens, Mozart Wohnhaus, Love Locks Bridge, Getreidegasse, Old City Hall, Grunmarkt, Alter Markt, DomQuartier, ResidenzPlatz, MozartPlatz, KapitalPlatz, Fortress Hoehnsalzburg, Mönchsberg, St. Peter’s cemetery, Hellbrunn Palace, and Kapuzinerberg.

Salzburg is compact enough to be explored on foot. You’ll be able to see most of the sights without rushing. That’s the beauty of Salzburg.

Have dinner at Bärenwirt before you check into your hotel.

With More Time in Salzburg

If you want to extend your visit, you can take a day trip to Hohenwerfen Castle aka Burg Hohenwerfen in Werfen. About an hour’s drive away, this 900-year-old castle is perched like a crown above the Salzach Valley and is hugged by the Berchtesgaden Alps and the adjoining Tennen Mountains. Considering the location, you can imagine the view it affords. Plus, the falcon show here is the absolute highlight, especially for the kids.

While here, you can take on The Sound of Music Trail , a scenic walking path that takes you through some of the iconic filming locations from the 1965 classic, The Sound of Music, including the meadow where the famous Do-Re-Mi song was shot. If you have watched the movie (I’m sure you’ve), you won’t need them, just so you know, you’ll find the Informational panels that point out each location where specific scenes were filmed.

You can also plan a day or two in Innsbruck , the Capital of the Alps. An easy 2.5-hour drive from Salzburg, its Old Town is one of the most beautiful historic town centers in Europe. Some of the most famous landmarks include the Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl), the Hofburg Imperial Palace and Ambras Castle , and Casa Helbling .

Proud host of the Winter Olympics twice, Innsbruck is a haven for winter sports enthusiasts, offering world-class skiing, snowboarding, and bobsledding.

Where to Stay in Salzburg

We stayed at an Airbnb apartment in Ainring, Germany. It’s around 7 km from the center of Salzburg. Gerhard was an amazing host and the apartment was sparklingly clean with a beautiful view of the mountains.

If you want the comfort of a hotel, here are a few of my top picks:

Hotel Sacher Salzburg : Famous for its original Sacher Torte, the Hotel Sacher is strategically located on the banks of the lovely Salzach River. In existence since 1866, it holds out luxury with a side of history.

Hotel Goldener Hirsch : We chose Hotel Goldener Hirsch , a traditional luxury hotel, on our second visit to Salzburg and absolutely loved our decision. Right on Getreidegasse, in the heart of the Old Town, their location is on point! I loved their classic Austrian-style decor.

Hotel & Villa Auersperg : Within walking distance of the Old Town, Hotel & Villa Auersperg is a family-run boutique hotel that is a secluded retreat right in the middle of the city.

Meininger Hotel Salzburg City Center : If you are looking for a budget stay, Meininger offers great value. It’s a bit outside the city center but well-connected by public transport.

IMLAUER HOTEL PITTER Salzburg: This one’s great for families. IMLAUER has spacious family rooms and is equipped with kid-friendly amenities.

Check our guide to the best hotels in Salzburg for more inspiration.

Grab the best deals on hotels in Salzburg

How to Get Around Salzburg

Salzburg has an efficient public transportation system consisting of buses, trams, and bus taxis but we recommend getting around on foot. The city is pretty walkable. In fact, you’d explore more on foot.

The bike is another great option to discover the city of Salzburg. You can rent a bike or join a bike tour to enjoy Salzburg.

There are many guided group tours and private tours available like this introduction walking tour , this one including Lake District , and the original Sound of Music tour . You can choose one of them to cover the highlights of Salzburg.

Get advantage of free and unlimited access to public transport, free entry to top attractions and sights, and additional discounts and perks with the Salzburg Card .

Unique Local Experiences in Salzburg

• Walk in the footsteps of the musical genius, Mozart • Take the Sound of Music Tour • Attend the Salzburg Festival which celebrates the city’s rich musical heritage • Explore Salzburg on the Salzach River Boat Tour • Salzburg is home to some of the oldest breweries in the world and a perfect place to experience the rich beer culture of Austria . Augustiner Brau is where beer is still served from wooden barrels in a traditional beer hall or garden • Watch a performance showcasing intricate puppetry art at a historic Salzburg Marionette Theatre • Relish the original Sacher-Torte at Sacher Cafe • Taste the sausage culture at Salzburger Wurstelkonigin • Take the Christmas market tour

Day 6: Day Trip to Hallstatt from Salzburg

Today, you’ll take a day trip to the charming tiny town of Hallstatt. It’s around a 1 hour 30 minutes easy drive from Salzburg to Hallstatt.

You can also take a half-day guided tour to Hallstatt from Salzburg .

Easily one of the most beautiful places in Austria, there’s nothing much to do in Hallstatt but to pause and enjoy the beauty of it.

It’s a teeny-weeny Alpine Valley village that literally looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale. Its setting by the lake ( Lake Hallstatt ), with mountains ( Dachstein Alps ) all around, makes it super pretty. It’s so tiny that you can walk around the entire village in less than 2 hours.

As I walked along the lake promenade, I couldn’t stop taking pictures. With the stunning lake on one side and the historic, colorful houses on the other, every moment was picture-perfect.

You are sure to notice a simple yet elegant building with a striking spire that adds to Hallstatt’s fairy-tale skyline, it’s the Evangelical Church . Don’t just admire it from the outside, go inside and experience the peaceful beauty of the place.

Tucked against the mountain, the Catholic parish church , along with the world-famous Ossuary (charnel house) and the peaceful cemetery are also worth visiting attractions in Hallstatt.

You’ll find a lot of cozy cafes to relax in at the historic square, Market Square . Or you might choose to sit at one of the lakeside cafes with a cup of coffee.

If you plan a visit during Christmastime, the square is alive with the beautiful Hallstatt Christmas Market.

You might also enjoy taking a walk along the upper path , where you can catch glimpses of the lake peeking through Hallstatt’s rooftops.

You can also enjoy a boat ride on Lake Hallstatt to appreciate the different perspectives of the town.

Once you’ve walked the town, ride the funicular that takes you to Salzwelten Hallstatt aka Hallstatt Salt Mine , the oldest known salt mine in the world where you can learn how salt was mined thousands of years ago.

After exploring the salt mine, gather some energy to hike up to a panoramic viewpoint that floats in the air,  Hallstatt Skywalk which offers a bird’s-eye view of Hallstatt and its stunning surroundings.

If you have time and preferably, the comfort of your car, you can also add Dachstein Krippenstein to your itinerary for Hallstatt. Less than 7 km (4 miles) from the center of Hallstatt, it’s a Dachstein massif within the Salzkammergut region of Upper Austria. Outdoor lovers can hike, ski, or snowboard here.

For me, the  5 Fingers viewing platform stood out. It extends out over a cliff like a hand (I was scared)  and gives stunning views of the Alps.

You can also plan to explore the underground world of ice and stone at Dachstein Ice Cave and Mammoth Cave .

I’d not recommend eating in Hallstatt. I didn’t find good places to eat in Hallstatt. I’d suggest making a stop (of course, if you have your own car) at Fuschl or Bad Ischl on the way from Hallstatt and Salzburg. We ate at BRUNNWIRT ESSEN und WOHNEN in Fuschl and really liked it.

Looking for offbeat stays? Check out the best places to stay in the Salzkammergut region of Austria.

With More Time in Hallstatt Dachstein Salzkammergut

I had no idea that the World Heritage region of Hallstatt Dachstein Salzkammergut is a gold mine of experiences. Be it nature, culture, history, or wellness – it has something for everyone. I promised myself to come back to Austria and spend a week or more here to explore it all.

The region is a sweet treat for travelers who love the outdoors! There are endless numbers (there are over 76) of lakes such as Attersee , Traunsee , Gosausee , Mondsee , Altaussee , Grundlsee , and Wolfgangsee , all known for their crystal-clear water. You can drive around the region exploring the stunning lakes and spending time sunbathing by the lakeshores or trying out water sports.

The area is also dotted with more than 4,150 kilometers of trails for hiking and biking. There are trails of different levels such as Giglachseen Trail , a moderately challenging 5.4-mile (or 8.6 km) loop trail near Schladming, an easy 2.6-mile (or 4.2 km) Plombergstein Trail that’s perfect for families, or Echern Valley Loop , a 4-mile (or 7 km) trail that takes you to the unique glacial gardens and the beautiful Waldbachstrub waterfall.

There are charming towns of Bad Ischl , St. Gilgen , and Gmunden in Salzkammergut that are perfect for families who love culture and history. They are home to iconic castles, museums, galleries, and theatres. The historic wellness and spa town of Bad Ischl is also known for its therapeutic thermal springs. Felsentherme Bad Gastein is one of the most famous thermal spas here.

Where to Stay in Hallstatt

If you decide to extend your time in Hallstatt, you’ll need these recommendations. There are not many accommodation options in Hallstatt and if not booked in advance, already few options are also full.

If they are already booked, you can choose to stay in one of the charming towns nearby such as Obertraun , Bad Goisern , Bad Ischl , and Gosau .

Hallstatt: Heritage Hotel Hallstatt , Seehotel Grüner Baum , and Fenix Hall

Obertraun : Haus Salzkammergut , Apartmenthaus Simmer , and Landhaus Osborne

Bad Goisern : Hotel Moserwirt , Pension Maria Theresia

Bad Ischl : EurothermenResort Bad Ischl Hotel Royal , Villa Seilern Vital Resort , Pension Waldesruh , and Landhaus Fay

Gosau: Landhaus Koller

How to Get Around Hallstatt

Hallstatt is a tiny village with just one street along the lake. You can walk the entire length in just about 10 to 15 minutes.

You can drive or catch bus 542 or 543 from Hallstatt Bus Station to Dachstein Krippenstein.

Day 7: Drive Grossglockner High Alpine Road

It’s time to drive one of the most beautiful and epic roads in Austria – Grossglockner High Alpine Road. You’d love everything about it.

The Grossglockner, named after Austria’s highest mountain is one of the highest alpine roads in Europe. The road leads through Austria’s Oldest National Park, Hohe Tauern National Park .

Spanning 48 kilometers from Bruck an der Großglocknerstraße in Salzburg to Heiligenblut am Grossglockner in Carinthia, this stunning road climbs more than 3,000 feet, weaving through a thrilling series of 36 hairpin bends.

It’s not just a road trip but offers several amazing attractions and activities on the way. I have a detailed post about this exhilarating road trip that you can check out.

There are many restaurants and cafes along the road for you to eat or just relax with a cup of coffee and cake.

Be aware, the road operates within specific months due to weather conditions. Typically, it’s open from early May to early November. Always check the current opening times before planning your trip, as these can vary based on snow levels and maintenance work.

Where to Stay Along the Grossglockner High Alpine Road

You’ll spend a night at Lienz .

We stayed at Parkhotel Tristachersee in Lienz. It’s awesome in every aspect. The view of Lienz Dolomites and exceptionally peaceful surroundings make it desirable.

Check out the amazing deals on hotels in Lienz

Day 8: Drive from Lienz to Graz | Explore Graz

Often overlooked, Graz is Austria’s second-largest city and the capital city of Styria. Named the European Capital of Culture (2003) and City of Design (2009), Graz has so much to offer in terms of art, design, architecture, and culture.

The heart of the city, Hauptplatz is full of historic architecture. Graz is also home to the Kunsthaus Graz (Art Museum) and the futuristic Murinsel , an artificial island on the Mur River.

With its beautifully landscaped gardens, The Eggenberg Palace is a fine example of baroque architecture that makes it a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Schlossberg is a hill in the city center that you can climb to take in the panoramic views. It’s accessible by foot, elevator, or funicular. At the top, you’ll find the Uhrturm (clock tower), Graz’s iconic symbol, and beautiful gardens.

I was fascinated by Graz’s cultural richness. Plus, it’s not as crowded as some other famous cities in Austria, so you can take your time and enjoy everything at your own pace.

The best places to eat and drink in Graz are dreizehn by Gauster , Schmidhofer im Palais , Ginko , Tribeka , and Cafe Fotter .

Where to Stay in Graz

We stayed at Schlossberghotel – Das Kunsthotel . Located near the base of the Schlossberg hill, it’s like an art extravaganza. It’s a delight to see the art pieces displayed throughout their public areas and rooms.

Some other nice accommodation options include:

Grand Hotel Wiesler Graz : This one’s placed along the Mur River and the charm of Grand Hotel Wiesler lies in the way it combines a historic exterior with modern, design-focused interiors.

Hotel Weitzer Graz : Located near the Graz Hauptplatz and the Schlossberg, Hotel Weitzer is one of the largest hotels in the city. It’s known for its traditional Styrian hospitality and elaborate breakfast buffet.

Lendhotel : A newer addition to Graz’s hotel scene, Lendhotel is a unique boutique hotel that stands out for its artsy design and decor.

Find out the best deals on hotels in Graz

How to Get Around Graz

Graz’s public transport system includes buses, trams, old town trams, the Schlossbergbahn funicular, and the Schlossberg lift. Flat-fare tickets are valid for all buses, trams, and Schlossbergbahn funiculars.

You can buy tickets from the bus driver, ticket machines in the tram, ticket machines at certain train stations, TicketApp, and Tabak/Trafik kiosks.

Unique Local Experiences in Graz

• Visit local vineyards or wine bars in the city to taste a Styrian wine like Sauvignon Blanc • Enjoy a traditional meal with local wine at Buschenschank (a traditional Styrian wine tavern) • Sample local produce, cheeses, meats, and other Styrian specialties at local farmers markets such as Lendplatz and Kaiser-Josef-Platz

Day 9: Drive from Graz to Eisenstadt | Lake Neusiedl (Burgenland)

Today you’re traversing through Burgenland while driving from Graz to Vienna.

Burgenland is a region to the southeast of Vienna that borders three countries – Hungary (east), Slovakia (north), and Slovenia (south).

It, in fact, feels like traversing different countries on one road trip.

We recommend exploring the towns of Eisenstadt and Neusiedl am See.

Eisenstadt is a small but charming city that showcases the diverse heritage of Austria. Talking about the main attractions here, Esterhazy Palace , a former residence of the influential Esterhazy family, is one of them. The palace is famous for its beautiful baroque architecture and huge gardens. It’s also a major cultural venue, notably associated with the composer Joseph Haydn , who worked there for many years.

Inside the palace complex, you’ll also find the Haydn Church (Bergkirche), where the composer’s tomb is located, and the Haydn House , a museum dedicated to his life and work.

The most relaxed way to explore the city is to walk its pedestrian-friendly streets, stop by the charming main square, and enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the cafes lining the streets.

Located right on the shores of Lake Neusiedl, Neusiedl am See is a haven for birdwatchers, nature, and outdoor lovers. You can indulge in sailing, windsurfing, and cycling (there’s an extensive network of bike paths around the lake). The town is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its special steppe lake and nearby wetlands full of a diverse range of flora and fauna.

You have the option to spend a night at Neusiedl am See or drive an hour to Vienna.

Find out the best places to stay in Neusiedl am See

Day 10: Fly Back Home

Day 10 – your last in Austria – is completely yours to spend however you want to.

A museum? Just strolling the streets? Shopping for souvenirs? The last cup of Viennese coffee at one of the historic cafes in Europe , Cafe Central?

And yes, make sure to reach the airport on time considering you’ve to drop your rental car at the airport depot before beginning your journey back home.

A trip through Austria is definitely going to be a trip to remember for you!

Have you ever been to Austria? How did you like it? We’d love to hear from you. Followed this itinerary and enjoyed it? Share it with the world. Pretty please?

Essential Resources for Visiting Austria Here are the essential resources I personally use and recommend for planning a trip to Austria. Visa for Austria: Please check if you need a visa or not for Austria on the   website of the Federal Ministry of the Interior . We have a complete guide to walk you through the Schengen Visa process. For a hassle-free experience, you can delegate your visa application process to iVisa . For travel insurance:   Heymondo . It’s the most affordable travel insurance with maximum coverage. You get 5% off if you use my link. For Connectivity:   Airalo . It’s the first-ever eSIM global website where you can buy an eSIM at affordable prices and stay connected while traveling. For booking flights:   Skyscanner  and  WayAway . They are the best search/comparison flight booking sites that help you find the best and cheapest flight deals. And with the  WayAway  membership plan, you’ll get cashback for every booking. Plus, with the special promo code “MELODIES” a 10% discount is activated. International money transfer & currency exchange:   Wise . With competitive exchange rates, fast transfers, and a 9.1/10 rating on TrustPilot, it’s the only service you should use every time you transfer and exchange internationally. For finding accommodations:   Booking.com  and  Agoda . They are the pioneers among hotel booking websites that give you a lot of choices with their huge selection of properties reviewed by travelers. For rental car:   Discover Cars . It’s the best international car rental platform for all your car rental needs. For ground transport:   Omio ,  RailEurope , and  Bookaway . Best sites for booking bus and train tickets in Austria. For tours & day trips:   Viator ,  Get Your Guide , and  Klook . They offer the best city tours and day excursions in Austria. For guidance on the go: A Lonely Planet Guidebook for Austria comes in handy here. It has been our trusted travel friend for years now for the most relevant and up-to-date recommendations on what to do and what not.

Recommended Reading: Renting a Car in Europe Schengen Visa for Europe How to Plan a Trip to Europe Gorgeous Places to Visit in Austria Best Things to Do in Austria 10-Day Central Europe Itinerary Things to do in Vienna, Austria Where to Stay in Vienna, Austria Best Day Trips from Vienna, Austria Vienna Quotes Wachau Valley, Austria Things to do in Salzburg, Austria Best Hotels in Salzburg Things to do in Hallstatt Grossglockner High Alpine Road

Save the Austria Itinerary to Pinterest

Sharing is nice 🙂 If you have liked our post please share it with your friends and family and feel free to  subscribe  to our mailing list or you can also follow our stories on  Facebook ,  Instagram ,  Pinterest , and  Twitter .

3 thoughts on “Austria Itinerary: Best of Austria in 10 Days”

best package made /tour by you, i am interest for ten days with family by road after reach at vienna, tour stars from vienna and end at vienna.

Hi … loved ur Austria itinerary We are a group of 5 adults ages – 56-60 yrs wanting to travel Austria & south Germany sometime in 1st week of june’23

Can u help ? And we don’t want to drive . Looking at a car with guide cum driver . Do let me know .

Glad you loved our post. June is a peak season so make sure you book everything well in advance. There are several car rental companies in Austria that offer chauffeur-driven cars. You can check with autoeurope. Also, you can check with the hotel concierge, they might help you get good service at a great price.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

© 2024 Travel Melodies. All Rights Reserved.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

A Perfect Austria Itinerary | Vienna, Hallstatt, Salzburg, Mayrhofen

By: Author Charles

Posted on August 21, 2023

From cities and villages to lakes and mountains, Austria has so much variety to offers its visitors.

This 7 day Austria itinerary will go over how to put together the perfect one week trip that will take you to 4 different places in the country.

The trip will start off in Vienna for 2 days, before heading westwards towards Hallstatt, where you can spend the next 2 days, followed by a day trip to Salzburg.

From there, the itinerary takes you further west to the valley town of Mayrhofen, where you can end with 2 days of exploring the Zillertal Alps.

*  Affiliate Disclosure : This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you make a purchase through the links provided, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting the work I put into TripTins!

Austria Itinerary Overview

Before jumping into the itinerary, below are some helpful tips to better prepare you for your trip to Austria:

» The itinerary goes over 7 full days in Austria , meaning arriving early on day 1 (or the previous day), and leaving late on day 7 or sometime on day 8.

» The trip also begins in Vienna and ends in Mayrhofen (near Innsbruck). Depending on your travel plans, you can either 1) drive 5 hours back to Vienna on day 8, 2) fly from Innsbruck to Vienna sometime later on day 7 or day 8, or 3) fly out from Innsbruck internationally, which has flights to some other cities in Europe.

» You will want to rent a car for most of your trip . While public transport is an option, it will be much more difficult to visit everything within a week’s time.

You can pick up a car from Vienna city center on the morning of day 2 before heading towards Hallstatt. You will then drop off in either Vienna or Innsbruck depending on your travel plans at the end of your trip.

Car Rentals : If you are renting a car in Austria, be sure to check out Rentalcars.com to browse through options. Once on the site, you will be able to filter by price, car type, rental company, and more, to find the perfect car for your trip to Austria.

» This itinerary can really be done at any time of year , depending on your preferences. While Vienna and Salzburg are just cities, you can find some varying activities around Hallstatt and Mayrhofen depending on time of year.

For example, a summer trip will be perfect for those hikers out there, while a winter trip will be great for those wanting to ski.

» Since I did opt for a late summer trip, I will focus most of those mountain activities on the hiking portion of the country.

Where to Stay in Austria

The breakout of the itinerary will be as follows:

• Vienna | 2 Nights
• Hallstatt | 2 Nights
• Mayrhofen | 2 Nights

⇔ Depending on your flights you may need to add an additional night in Vienna or Mayrhofen at the beginning or end of your trip.

⇔ If you have extra time, feel free to check out the Grossglockner High Alpine Road Guide up on the site and a trip to the Pasterze Glacier

⇔ Below are my hotel recommendations for each of the three cities mentioned. Be sure to book ahead of time because they can sell out during peak season!

When visiting Vienna I would recommend staying close to the Innere Stadt district, where many of the main attractions are located.

From there you will also be super connected by all sorts of public transport to get you to different parts of the city when the time comes to travel a little.

Below are several options to choose from based on budget that are all situated in prime location:

• Budget: Pension Dr. Geissler | Hotel Bajazzo | Motel One Wien Staatsoper
• Mid Tier: Hotel Post Wien | Austria Trend Hotel Astoria Wien | Boutique Hotel Das Tigra
• Luxury: The Ring – Vienna’s Casual Luxury Hotel | Hotel Topazz & Lamee | Vienna Marriott Hotel

When it comes to Hallstatt you can decide to stay within the town itself or choose a nearby town instead.

While staying in Hallstatt is a great option, there is also a chance that either 1) all rooms are sold out or 2) the available rooms are out of your budget.

Since Hallstatt is pretty small, there are not that many options to choose from. So, if you can’t get something you are looking for, then it is time to choose a nearby town instead.

With that said, here are some alternatives to staying within Hallstatt – Bad Ischl, Bad Goisern, and Obertraun.

All of these towns are within a 10-30 minute drive to Hallstatt / you can leverage the trains and busses that pass through them to get to town.

Below are some of my recommendations to choose from in Hallstatt as well as in each one of the alternative towns. Each one is highly rated and would be a great option to choose from for your trip.

• Hallstatt: Heritage Hotel Hallstatt | Seehotel Gruner Baum | Gasthof Pension Gruner Anger
• Obertraun (10 minute drive): Seehotel am Hallstattersee | Hotel Haus Am See | Dormio Hotel Obertraun
• Bad Goisern (20 minutes): Hotel Moserwirt | Sofias Apartment | Wohlfuhlhotel Goiserer Mühle
• Bad Ischl (30 minutes): Hotel Garni Sandwirt | Sonnhof  | Der Hubertushof

Since Mayrhofen is a relatively small valley town, no matter where you stay in it, you will be at most a 20 minute walk to restaurants, bars, cable cars, and the train station.

Below are some great options to choose from depending on your budget:

• Luxury: Hotel Neue Post | Alpin Lodge das Zillergrund  | ElisabethHotel Premium Private Retreat
• Mid Range: Sporthotel Manni | Alpendomizil Neuhaus | Zillertalerhof Alpine Hideaway
• Budget: Birkenhof | Landhotel Rauchenwalderhof | Gasthof Edelweiss

Austria Day by Day

Below is the day by day breakdown of what to expect when visiting each one of these four cities in Austria.

Austria Map

I also wanted to pinpoint each attraction and activity that is mentioned throughout the rest of the itinerary. Each color represents a different day of the travel route through Austria.

If you click the icon in the top left hand corner of the map, you will be able to see the attractions by day.

A Perfect Austria Itinerary

Now let’s get into a more detailed view for what to expect on a day to day basis. At some points I will link some more detailed guides that I have written up about a particular place or activity.

Feel free to check those out along the way or take a look at the Austria itineraries and guides up on the site.

Day 1 – Vienna

After arriving either the previous night or earlier on in the day, it is time to explore the capital city of Austria. Vienna has so much to offer its visitors, and over the next two days you will have the chance to explore much of it.

For more info about Vienna and the attractions listed below, feel free to check out the Vienna Itinerary I have up on the site.

On your first day in the city I recommend heading off to the following attractions in the Innere Stadt district of Vienna:

Vienna State Opera : You can start the day by walking around the Vienna State Opera as you take in the architecture from all different angles.

Once you are all set from the outside, you can opt for a guided tour of the inside of the Opera House. Tickets for the tours cost 13 Euro and run a few times a day.

Take a look at the Vienna Opera House tour schedule to learn more.

St Stephens Cathedral : Up next for the day is St Stephens Cathedral, which is located straight down one of the main streets of downtown.

Not only is the Cathedral a gorgeous building to walk through, but it also gives visitors the chance to take in the views from the top.

Michaelerplatz : The Michaelplatz is the name of the square right in front of the Hofburg Palace. Here is where you can enjoy the best views of the Hofburg as you see the entirety of the grand architecture that makes up the complex.

Hofburg Palace : While the outside of the palace is a great view to take in, you can actually spend some time within the Hofburg Palace itself exploring the ins and outs of several exhibitions there.

Some of the main highlights include the Imperial Apartments, Sisi Museum, and Imperial Silver Collection.

Spanish Riding School : Also located within the Hofburg Palace directly across from the museums and apartments is the famous Spanish Riding School. Here you will find the training ground for the Lipizzaner horses classical dressage.

There are a few different main offerings that the Spanish Riding School has depending on what day you end up going there. Check out their website for events and hours by day.

Day 2 – Vienna

After a day exploring downtown Vienna on day 1, it is time to head a bit further out of the city on day 2 of your Austria itinerary.

You can hop on the metro to the Schonbrunn Palace and Gardens, where you can spend several hours exploring both attractions.

At day’s end, once back in the city center, feel free to just walk around and enjoy downtown Vienna as you roam around its streets.

Schonbrunn Palace : The Palace itself is an absolutely massive structure with all types of different rooms, architecture, and artwork to take in. There are two main ticket offerings for the inside of Schonbrunn – the Imperial Tour and the Grand Tour.

The Imperial Tour allows access to 22 different rooms with the Palace, which include highlights such as Great Gallery, Emperor Franz Josef’s apartment, and the Chinese Cabinets.

The Grand Tour offers access to 40 different rooms, which include highlights such as Feketin Room and Gobelin Salon on top of the others offered in the Imperial Tour. There are audio guides available for both options as well.

Schonbrunn Gardens : While you must pay an entrance fee to go into the Palace, you can actually roam the gardens free of charge. Do note however that not every section of the garden is free to enter.

There are a few places such as the Privy Garden, the Orangery Gardens, the Zoo and the Maze that do require an entrance fee. You can pay for them individually based on preference or you can buy one of the combo tickets offered.

The Gardens are absolutely massive in size, ranging 1KM+ in every direction. There are several different areas to visit as you make the walk around.

One of the highlights for me was definitely heading up the hill to the Gloriette, where for a small fee you can get a spectacular view of the Schonbrunn Gardens and Palace from above.

Day 3 – Drive to Hallstatt / Hallstatt Village

It is now time to grab that rental car and head west towards Hallsatt. The drive should take around 3.5 hours as you make your way across Austria and through the beautiful mountain areas of the country.

Odds are you will find some lakes, viewpoints, & villages along the way to stop at, so feel free to spend some time enjoying the countryside as you drive towards Hallstatt.

Once you arrive in Hallstatt, it should be sometime around midday or early afternoon. I will warn you now, that the village will be packed by all those day visitors.

For that reason, I recommend just enjoying the lake by the Small Island Viewpoint, heading up the Salzbergbahn to get a view from the Hallstatt Skywalk , and just taking it easy after the drive.

As the day goes on, you will see the town get less and less crowded as all those day trippers leave and the streets become more enjoyable. Spend the evening strolling around the village, taking in the views, and having dinner nearby.

» Note if you are not staying in Hallstatt itself, you may find it difficult to find a parking spot at midday. If that is the case you may want to take the local bus from the village you are staying into Hallstatt.

Learn More : The Hallstatt Itinerary I put together has a ton more info about the village and the things to do there including a visit to the Waldbachstrub Waterfall  if you have the time.

Day 4 – Hallstatt

You can choose from a variety of activities to do on your second day in Hallstatt. In the morning I would recommend getting up early and enjoying the town for an hour without the crowds .

You may also want to visit some of the local attractions such as the Marktplatz, Beinhaus Ossuary and the Lutheran Church.

I would then recommend heading to the Dachstein Krippenstein – a 2,100 meter high mountain overlooking Hallstattsee and the village itself. Up on the Dachstein you can choose from several unique attractions such as:

• The Dachstein Giant Ice Cave
• Mammut Cave
• 5 Fingers Viewing Platform
• Welterbespirale Viewing Platform
• Heilbronner Hiking Trail

On the other hand if you are more of a hiker or thrill seeker, I would HIGHLY recommend a day out to the Donnerkogel and Gosausee.

About 30 minutes away from Hallstatt is the Donnerkogel mountain, which can be hiked normally or be climbed by a Via Ferrata.

Learn More : Check out the Klettersteig Donnerkogel hiking overview

After a day of hiking, head down to Gosausee, one of my favorite lakes in the region (the first image of this itinerary).

You can hop in for a frigid swim as you cool down after the hike. Or you can just relax by the lakeside and stroll around for a bit before returning to Hallstatt for the night.

Day 5 – Salzburg Day Trip / Drive to Mayrhofen

It is now time to leave the village of Hallstatt and make the one hour drive to Salzburg on day 5 of this Austria itinerary.

Since the main area of Salzburg is car free, you will simply need to park at one of the many lots located just outside the town center.

Once you are all parked, it is time to head off for a day of exploring all that Salzburg has to offer. It is a perfect place to spend a day as you get to both enjoy some of the main sites and just spend time wandering around.

I would recommend visiting the following 10 places during your day in Salzburg:

• Hohensalzburg Fortress
• St. Peter’s Abbey
• Kapitelplatz
• Franciscan Church
• Residenzplatz
• Salzburg Cathedral
• Mozartplatz
• Mozart’s Birthplace and Museum
• Getreidegasse
• Mirabell Palace and Gardens

Learn More : Read about each attraction in the One Day Salzburg Itinerary up on the site

After a full day around Salzburg, head back to your car and make the 2 hour drive to the valley town of Mayrhofen. The next two days will be full of outdoor adventure!

Day 6 & 7 – Mayrhofen

The town of Mayrhofen is known both for its hiking and for its skiing. As mentioned though, I was there during the late summer so I will dive into some of my favorite activities and hikes to take part of for the next two days.

Check out some of the top things to do in Mayrhofen during a visit.

Ahornspitze Hike

Directly from town you can take the Ahornbahn up into the surrounding mountainside. From there you can begin the 12 km round trip trail that brings you to the top of the Ahornspitze.

At 2,973 meters high it is one of the tallest in the area and has 360 degree views of the surrounding landscape.

Learn more in the Ahornspitze Hiking Guide

Mayrhofen Via Ferratas

Throughout Mayrhofen and the nearby villages, you will find a variety of Via Ferratas or Klettersteigs.

These fixed line routes are a mix between hiking and mountaineering, and there are plenty to choose from in the area. From nice and easy to very difficult, there will something out there for every skill level.

Learn more in the Mayrhofen Via Ferrata Guide up on the site

Schlegeis 131

You can head further down the valley to the Schlegeis 131 area, where you can take part of a few adrenaline activities that are built above the 131 meter dam wall.

These activities include a Via Ferrata route, a zipline, a bungee jump, and an abseiling station.

Spending some time walking along the Schlegeis lake will be a great way to finish up your time around the area.

The Schlegeis 131 Guide goes over everything you need to know about the different activities

Olperer Hut & Friesenberghaus Hike

One of my favorite hikes in Austria is the one that takes you up to the Olperer Hut and the famous suspension bridge overlooking Schlegeis lake.

The beginning of the hike begins down the road from the Schlegeis 131 area and the route will take you up above the lake into the mountains.

If looking for a longer loop option, you can also add on the Friesenberghaus to your day as well. This will add a few more hours to your day hiking in the Zillertal Alps but it is one that is sure worth the effort.

I have guides for both the Olperer Hut Hike and Friesenberghaus Hike if you would like to learn more

Beyond those, you can also spend some time just enjoying town, heading up the Penkenbahn cable car, or even doing some whitewater rafting.

There is a ton that Mayrhofen has to offer and it would be my recommendation when choosing a base in the Austrian Alps.

After 7 days of making your way through Austria, it is time to head back home or onto your next destination.

Like mentioned at the beginning, you can either make the 5 hour drive back to Vienna, fly from Innsbruck to Vienna, or fly from Innsbruck to another city in Europe.

I hope this Austria itinerary has given you a better idea of how to plan your trip to the country. If you have any questions or comments about the above, feel free to add them in below.

Have fun out there and safe travels!

Related posts:

Sharing is caring!

Tuesday 26th of March 2024

Hi, I am from india. Planning 6-7days in austria in june24 with 2 kids age 19 and 14. Help me to plan a budget holiday

Sunday 11th of June 2023

Very informative blog, thank you! Can you share details of the hike that takes you up to the Olperer Hut and the famous suspension bridge overlooking Schlegeis lake? How much time does it take and what's the difficulty level? Can it be done without a guide?

Monday 12th of June 2023

Hi Satvik - feel free to take a look at the hiking guide I put together for the hike. It should have all the info you need in there. Enjoy!

Friday 27th of January 2023

Glad to find this website of yours. I am planning to visit on 3rd of April, I was wondering if it will still be snowy that time? I am not really into skiing so I was planning to replace Mayrhofen with Innsbruck. I think Innsbruck would still have some snowy mountains to visit to. Do you think it would be a good idea? Thanks very much.

Sunday 29th of January 2023

Hi Zue - it is likely you will still find snow on the mountains during the beginning of April. Ski season will mostly be over by then, but it is possible some trails may be open. Innsbruck would also be a great option for a visit. No matter which you choose, you should still be able to enjoy some views from on top of cable cars, and hikes at lower altitudes. Enjoy!

Tuesday 25th of October 2022

This itinerary is perfect. Everything we want to do in Austria. The extra links for added adventures are great too. I have two questions: first - how old is this itinerary (is everything still possible); second - is there a similar itinerary for 2-3 weeks? Thanks, Joe & Sandy Canadian travelers and adventurers

Thursday 27th of October 2022

Hi Joe - glad the itinerary has helped. As various attractions may continuously change their rules/hours/etc over time, I would just recommend double checking any places you plan to visit by looking at their websites. I have a hard time believing there would be much that isnt still possible. If you are looking to extend, I would highly recommend combining it with the Bavarian Alps -> https://triptins.com/bavaria-itinerary/. This should give you the perfect 2-3 week itinerary for the region. Enjoy!

Wednesday 19th of August 2020

Hey! Great informative blog. However I would like to know weather we will need a guide for the hikes you have mentioned or we can manage it by own. Your response will be appreciated.

Thursday 20th of August 2020

Hi Medha! Glad you found the blog post helpful.

You should have no problem doing the hikes on your own as they are all well marked throughout. I will say though that you should not do any of the via ferratas on your own if you have not had similar experience in the past. Feel free to take a look at any of the more in depth hiking posts that I linked in the article for more details.

Hope that helps!

Get the Hottest Deals First!

Soaring Peaks. Classical Cities

Listen for the music of the great classical composers. Seek out grand capitals and wide boulevards. Austria travel takes you to fairytale landscapes and glorious castles. You are in Austria, a country that brings together a distinct culture with a diverse landscape.

Destination Must-See's

Europe’s mighty mountain range. Many of the Austrian people’s favorite activities have developed because of these mountains that cross the country including skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and hiking. The plentiful lakes, glaciers and rare flowers that lie on and around the mountains make for amazing vistas and one reason why tourism flourishes.

Lying in the midst of two mountain chains, the view from the city is impeccable. This lively and colorful city has a little something for everyone, from historic art and architecture to high-end and boutique shopping opportunities. Innsbruck has been host of the Olympic winter games twice, in 1964 and 1976, making it a major winter sports center with plenty of year round outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.

Austria’s great capital is famous for its regal history and rich culture. The city is alive with activity, and there is so much to do! There is always an opera or classical music concert to attend, an art exhibition to browse, and another street to wander. No matter what you prefer, you’ll have to find the time to join the locals at one of its amazing coffee shops to sip their acclaimed coffee and sample the delightful local wines.

Medieval Castles:

The landscape is dotted with castles perched in the hills, allowing them to be seen from miles away. These white or light-colored stone castles look like something out of a fairytale. You are sure to be awed by these majestic structures with speared towers and tall-notched walls built in forests on top of the highest hills. As you travel through Austria, you find an abundance of castles to admire.

Destination Must-Do's

Apple strudel is a popular pastry in Austria. This sweet, layered pastry filled with apple goodness is sure to delight your taste buds. However, strudel can be more than a sweet treat, it can also be savory. It originated as an easy yet satisfying meal made by the poor. The oldest known strudel recipe was written in 1696 and was a milk-cream strudel. The Viennese have taken strudel and made it famous.

Melk Abbey:

Just outside of Vienna, on the banks of the Danube River, lies a yellow-hued architectural beauty that has been a religious and political center in the region since Roman times. The building has an impressive two-story library with a colorful frescoed ceiling and boasts many amazing views of the river. Even today, the abbey is a center of learning and culture and is still one of the most incredible sights along the Danube.

Habsburg Monarchy:

The Habsburg Empire began with Count Rudolf of Habsburg who moved the family’s rule from their ancestral Switzerland to what is now Austria in 1282. The Habsburg kings and queens made Austria the center of a multi-nation empire that spread through central Europe. They ruled Austria for centuries, all the way up to 1918. Their immense power and wealth earned them the title of one of Europe’s greatest royal families.

Classical Music Greats:

Austria is a country where classical music lovers flock from all over the world. They come to attend its music festivals and walk in the footsteps of the world’s greatest composers including Haydn, Mozart, Schubert, Liszt, J. Strauss, Mahler, and Bruckner. You can hear their masterpieces resonating in the music halls daily and visit the places they worked and lived all throughout this amazing country.

Expert Advice

If you are venturing out on your own, I suggest public transportation. Trains in Austria are timely and quite reliable, as is the bus system.

Our local guides love their countries. Be sure to take advantage of your time with them and ask a lot of questions about local life.

I love Vienna. This is a city of classical music and grand palaces. Enjoy the cafés and parks. Savor the chance to slow down a bit and relax at a café or stoll through one of its famous parks like the Stadtpark.

Featured Tours to Austria

Christmas on the Danube featuring a 6-night Danube River Cruise

Magical Christmas Markets of Austria and Germany

Discover Switzerland, Austria & Bavaria

Exploring the Alpine Countries Austria - Germany - Switzerland

Discover Switzerland, Austria & Bavaria featuring Oktoberfest

Imperial Cities featuring Prague, Vienna & Budapest

European Christmas Markets featuring Prague, Vienna & Budapest

Brochures that Feature Our Austria Tours

Find a travel agency.

Once you've found the perfect Collette tour, your local travel agent can assist you in making reservations. To find a preferred travel agent in your area, please enter your 5-digit zip code, then click Search.

Enter a Whole or Partial Zip Code

Please tell us everything, we want it all.

We really value your feedback, please be open an honest. Tell us where we can improve, how we can get better. This feedback is anonymous, but if you would like us to get in touch with you regarding an issue provide your email address as part of your feedback and we will get right back to you.

Talk to an Expert

Please fill out the form below, and a Collette Expert will contact you shortly.

• Yes, I'm a Travel Professional
• Yes, I am working with a Travel Professional
• I am traveling with 8 or more travelers

View or Download

Austria Tours & Holidays

Once one of the world’s most powerful empires, now one of Europe’s most powerful draw cards.

It’s not just Austria’s hills that are alive with the sound of music: the whole country hums with a harmony of history, culture and beauty. From Vienna’s grand palaces to Innsbruck’s ski runs and Salzburg’s manicured streets, Austria dishes up schnitzel with a side of pinch-yourself moments. This is the land of Klimt, of Mozart, of – dare we say it – Schwarzenegger himself. In fact, by the time you finish your Austria tour, we can almost guarantee you’ll be saying ‘I’ll be back’ too.

Our Austria trips

Let's create an exclusive trip for your group.

Austria at a glance

Capital city.

Vienna (1.951 million)

9.1 million

(GMT+01:00) Amsterdam, Berlin, Bern, Rome, Stockholm, Vienna

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type C (European 2-pin) Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth)

Learn more about Austria

Culture and customs.

Though the Austria we know now is a small, beautiful country covered in forests and mountains with small alpine towns and grand imperial cities, it was once the most powerful empire in the world. It ruled   Europe  for centuries and brought wiener schnitzel to the world and for that, at the very least, we should be thankful.

Austria’s historical power and reach mean that its modern ‘culture’ is an amalgamation of its many neighbours and former territories.   Germany , Hungary, and   Italy – all three and more, including the Ottoman   Turks , have had a part to play in Austria’s unique national identity and this is reflected in its art, food, music and the people’s attitudes.

A central part of Austrian culture, particularly in Vienna, is the coffee house. Viennese coffee houses are legendary and listed by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. The organisation describes the cafes as places ‘where time and space are consumed, but only coffee is found on the bill,’ while Austrian author Stefan Zweig wrote that they’re ‘actually a sort of democratic club, open to everyone for the price of a cheap cup of coffee.’

Then there’s art; architecture; opera and music. Mozart. Joseph Hayden. Johann Strauss. Austria’s culture is exactly that: cultured. And while Vienna has mind-boggling palaces, an unrivalled history of classical music and art and is one of Europe’s most popular urban getaways, that’s not all there is to Austria. Head out of the city and you’ll find snow-capped mountains hosting some of Europe’s best skiing. Walk down the hill and you'll come across Europe's largest lake, acting as both a summer retreat and the Swiss border.

If anything, the Austrians are dabblers, equally comfortable with high culture and high peaks. And whether you're standing at the top of the Alps or the back of the opera, you can be sure that there'll be someone on hand to clink beer glasses and say 'prost'.

History and government

The habsburgs.

Europe was ruled for many centuries by the Habsburg family. They dominated Europe through a series of smart marriages and their ascent to power began with the acquisition of the Duchy of Austria through Rudolf I. He was elected Holy Roman Emperor in 1273 and, after a protracted war, took control of Austria and a number of territories under the Habsburg crown.

The Habsburgs were early adopters of a ‘make love, not war’ approach to gaining territory, and Emperor Maxmilian I began a policy of strategic marriages around 1500 to increase his power and possessions. The Habsburgs gained control over large parts of Southern Germany, the   Netherlands , Burgundy,   Hungary , southern Italy and   Spain , as well as the Spanish colonies.

Ottoman rivalry

The Siege of Vienna, in 1529, was the first attempt by the Ottoman Empire, led by Suleiman the Magnificent, to capture the city of Vienna. The Ottoman army was 100,000 strong and attempted to tunnel under the walls of Vienna to lay siege on the city. They were unsuccessful, but military conflict continued against the Ottoman Turks for over 150 years, with the Ottomans claiming Hungary for over a century. The conflicts culminated in the Battle of Vienna, which the Ottomans eventually lost at the end of the 17th century.

The Reformation

Austria not only faced a threat from the Ottomans in the 16th and 17th centuries but also from the advent of Protestantism. The Reformation spread across Europe and animosity towards the Catholic Church, to which the ruling Habsburg family belonged, became widespread. The Habsburgs attempted to re-Catholicise Protestant Europe through force, which triggered the Thirty Years’ War. The war devastated Europe and permanently altered the continent’s power balance, with both France and Sweden rising as powers and Austria and the Holy Roman Empire becoming severely weakened.

When Napoleon rolled through Europe with the   French  army, he was focused on destroying the Austrian Habsburg-led Holy Roman Empire. Perhaps the most important battle fought within the Austrian Empire was the Battle of Austerlitz, which is considered one of Napoleon’s greatest tactical victories. He took Vienna and the defeated Holy Roman Empire dissolved in 1806, some thousand years after it began, and never reappeared.

The decline of an empire

Following increased pressure from the people of Hungary to be independent, Austria became Austria-Hungary or the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1867 under Franz Josef I. He ruled for almost 68 years until his death in 1916 during WWI, which began after Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia following the assassination of the heir to the Empire, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, in Sarajevo in 1914. WWI Austria-Hungary received the unconditional support of Germany, who also declared war on   Serbia .

During the war, a young Austrian named Adolf Hitler enlisted in the Bavarian army. He would go on to become one of the most influential, evil and infamous men in European and world history. He desperately wanted to rejoin Germany and Austria and in 1938 the Nazis annexed Austria – known as the 'Anschluss' –  to a mostly positive response from the Austrian people. Austria would remain a state of Germany until the end of WWII when it was divided into four zones by the victorious Allied nations.

Modern Austria

Austria became an independent nation once more in 1955 and declared permanent neutrality, joining the UN the same year. It is now one of the 20 richest countries in the world and governed by a conservative democratic government. Vienna consistently tops lists of the world’s most liveable cities and the country is a popular tourist destination thanks to its outdoor activities, history, culture and food.

Eating and drinking

Austrian cuisine has much in common with its neighbours. It’s carb-heavy, comforting and so, so delicious. Here are a few classics:

• Schnitzel This alone is a good enough reason to come to Austria. Take boneless meat, thin it with a hammer, coat it in breadcrumbs and fry it up. It doesn’t sound pretty, but the taste speaks for itself. The wiener schnitzel is traditionally served with a slice of lemon (leave your ketchup at home) with potato salad or potato with parsley and butter. September 9th is National Wiener Schnitzel Day, but unfortunately, this isn’t a national holiday – yet.
• Strudel The strudel gained popularity in the 18th century and is related to the Ottoman Empire’s baklava pastry, arriving in Austria via the Turk’s occupation of Hungary. The filling is made of grated apples, sugar, cinnamon, raisins, and breadcrumbs, with ice cream or whipped cream on top.
• Sacher Torte A type of chocolate cake that was invented by Austrian Franz Sacher in 1832. Prince Wenzel von Metternich had asked his chef to create something special for his important guests and the head chef, having fallen ill, let his 16-year-old apprentice, Franz Sacher, take the lead. Sacher’s eldest son, Eduard, perfected the recipe and established the Hotel Sacher in 1876, which was the first place to serve the cake. It remains the city’s most famous culinary speciality and can be eaten at the original hotel.
• Viennese coffee The Vienna coffee is the perfect winter treat. Take a couple of shots of espresso and fill the cup with whipped cream as a replacement for milk and sugar. Drink through the creamy goodness and consider yourself cultured. The coffee houses have, after all, been the centre of Vienna’s social life for more than a century.

Plant-based options

Though traditional Austrian food tends to be meat-heavy, vegetarians and vegans will still have plenty of options. Cities like Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck have seen more and more vegetarian/vegan restaurants open and the many bakeries across the country also sell sweet and savoury vegetarian snacks. If you’re after a more traditional meal, there’ll be plenty of potatoes and sauerkraut to keep you going, and vegetarians may want to try spatzle, a gnocchi-like dish often served with tomato sauce or cheese.

Geography and environment

Austria is a landlocked nation bordered by Germany, Italy,   Switzerland , Slovakia, Liechtenstein, Slovenia, Hungary and the   Czech Republic . Austria itself can be split into three geographical areas: the Alps, the Danube River Basin and the forest country to the north.

The Austrian Alps, which typically sit at an altitude of 3000–3800 m (9843–12,467 feet) cover approximately 65 per cent of the country. There are the Western Limestone and Southern Limestone Alps, which border Switzerland and Italy/ Slovenia  respectively, and then the Northern Limestone Alps running along the German border. The Central Eastern Alps, which are the most dramatic of the mountainous regions, runs west to east through the centre of the country.

Danube River Basin

The Danube, which is Europe’s second-longest river, flows eastward from southern Germany through Austria and out to the Black Sea. Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest were all built along the river, with Vienna and Bratislava separated by just 80 kilometres (50 miles). The river snakes from the northwest to the east, passing through the cities of Linz and Vienna, and the surrounding land is generally low-lying and fertile.

Northern forests

To the north of the Danube, reaching up towards the Czech border, much of the land is undulating and forested. It’s a fairytale-like landscape filled with charming small towns and rolling green hills.

Austria has three types of climate. Vienna experiences a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers while the other major cities, like Salzburg and Innsbruck, are located at a higher altitude and experience cold winters and cooler summers. The mountainous regions have an alpine climate, which is freezing in the winter and cool in the summer, with thunderstorms in the summer afternoons.

Austria has plenty of markets for all your food, art and handicraft needs. Whether you’re in Vienna or Salzburg, Innsbruck or Linz, you’ll no doubt find a market street that’s straight out of a postcard. There are also a few Austrian gifts that you could pick up while travelling in the country:

Channel your inner Julie Andrew and don a dirndl as you frolic through the mountains. We’re not sure how to solve a problem like Maria, but this is a surefire way to look like one. The dirndl is the traditional dress worn by women in both Bavaria and Austria.

Swarovski crystal

Sure, you can find Swarovski all over the world, but has been a family-owned business since it began in Austria in 1895. If you have someone special to come home to, a crystal sculpture or piece of jewellery from the motherland may just confirm that absence really does make the heart grow fonder.

Snow globes

A snow globe? How tacky. Or is it? These cute souvenirs were actually created in Austria by a man named Erwin Perzy, who was trying to improve the brightness of the electric bulb. Shoemakers used water-filled glass globes to increase candlelight and Perzy wanted to do the same with a bulb. After pouring powder into a globe he discovered that it looked a little like snowfall, so he gave up on his idea and instead created a diorama to put inside. Vienna has been producing snow globes ever since, with hundreds of designs available in the gift shop at the city’s Snow Globe Museum.

Festival and events

Austrians love to embrace their cultural history, and throughout the year, there are festivals dedicated to classical music, theatre, opera and modern music. 

ImPuls Tanz Festival

This month-long dance festival is held in Vienna and attracts thousands of professional dancers, choreographers, teachers and students from around the globe. It has been running for over 30 years and was awarded Austria’s most prestigious art prize in 2012.

Bregenz Festival

This is an opera festival with a difference. An open-air, floating stage is built on Lake Constance, Europe’s biggest lake, and features some truly incredible productions. The festival was founded in 1946, following the end of WWII.

World Bodypainting Festival

It's all in the name. Artists from around the world travel to Klagenfurt, in southern Austria, to compete in bodypainting while also running workshops. The three-day main event is one of the region's summer highlights and attracts over 30,000 people.

Wiener Festwochen

Held in Vienna, the Wiener Festwochen is a high point of the Viennese cultural calendar. It features theatre productions, orchestra concerts, recitals and performances. It was established in 1951 as a ‘demonstration of Austria’s will to survive’ and to prove that a city ravaged by war could still engage in cultural activities.

Salzburg Festival

The Salzburg Festival celebrates music and theatre in the birthplace of Mozart (and the Sound of Music). It was first held in 1920 and begins in late July and runs through the end of August.

Public holidays that may impact travel include:

Ascension Day

Whit Monday

Corpus Christi

National Day

All Saint's Day

Liberation Day

Immaculate Conception

Please note that the dates of  Austria's public holidays  may vary.

Further reading

For inspiring stories to prepare you for your Austria adventure, check out these books:

• The World of Yesterday   – Stefan Zweig
• Schlepping Through the Alps   ­– Sam Apple
• The Story of the Trapp Family Singers   – Maria von Trapp
• The Age of Insight   – Eric R. Kandel
• The Painted Kiss   – Elizabeth Hickey
• The Radetzky March   – Joseph Roth
• The Piano Teacher   – Elfriede Jelinek

Austria travel FAQs

When is the best time to visit austria.

The best times to visit Vienna and Salzburg are late spring and early autumn (May, June, and September). That said, there’s really no bad time to visit. Each season has its own charms and though mid-late summer (July, August) can see afternoon thunderstorms rolling in, there’s plenty of sunshine to be had.

The winter months are freezing and snowing, so this is a good time to visit the cities if you’re after a classic European Christmas atmosphere. January and February tend to be dark, quiet and cold.

If you’re looking to take a skiing holiday, the best months are February and March when snow is plentiful and the days are longer than in December or January.

What is the weather like in Austria?

Vienna averages a temperature of 14–24°C (57–75°F) in the summer and -2–3°C (28–37°F) in the winter. It has relatively low levels of precipitation, peaking at 60 mm (2.4 inches) in the middle of summer.

Temperatures are much colder in the mountainous regions, with an average temperature of 8–21°C (46–69°F) in the summer and -9–1°C (16–34°F) in the winter. This gets colder the higher you go. Precipitation is more abundant, typically falling as snow in the winter and thunderstorms in the summer. Austria’s highest mountain, Grossglockner, averages about 165 mm (6.5 inches) in summer and 145 mm (5.7 inches) in the winter.

Is it safe to visit Austria?

Yes, Austria is safe to visit and the cities experience very low crime rates. The biggest risk to travellers probably comes from the mountainous areas, which can be dangerous for inexperienced skiers and hikers. Be sure to pack appropriate clothing, water and food, and tell someone what your plans are if you are heading into the hills.

Do I need a visa to travel to Austria?

Austria is a member of the Schengen Convention, which means that if you travel to an EU member country or countries, like Austria, for a total of fewer than 90 days, a visa is not required. Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the US, the UK and other member countries of the EU and Schengen area are included under this arrangement.

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your country of origin. Check the Essential Trip Information section of your tour itinerary for more information.

Is tipping customary in Austria?

Most restaurants will include service charges and taxes in the bill. Rounding the amount up or adding 5–10 per cent to the bill is customary too, although it’s not compulsory.

Your local leader may discuss the idea of running a group tipping kitty on the first day of your trip. In a group tipping kitty, everybody contributes an equal amount at the start of the tour that your leader uses to tip drivers, local guides and hotel staff on your behalf. The leader will keep a running record of all monies spent, which can be checked at any time.

Any money remaining at the end of the tour is returned to group members. This is often the easiest way to avoid the hassle of needing small change and knowing when and what is an appropriate amount to tip. Participation in this kitty is optional, and you are welcome to manage your own tipping separately if you prefer. Please note the tipping kitty excludes tips for your tour leader.

What is the internet access like in Austria?

Internet access in Austria is generally very good. In both larger cities and small towns there will be wi-fi available at hotels, cafes, bars and in some public spaces.

Can I use my mobile phone while in Austria?

Mobile phone coverage is great in most parts of Austria although service may be limited in the more remote parts of the Alps. If you want to use your own SIM card, ensure global roaming is activated before you arrive and make sure you’re aware of any international roaming charges.

What are the toilets like in Austria?

Flushable, Western-style toilets are the norm in Austria.

Can I drink the water in Austria?

Yes, it’s safe to drink the tap water in Austria unless otherwise marked. The water in the mountains is beautiful while Vienna has some of its tap water pumped in directly from the Alps. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water and fill a reusable bottle instead.

Are credit cards widely accepted in Austria?

Credit cards are generally accepted all over Austria although some smaller shops and cafes may only accept cash. Always carry a small amount of euros to cover cash purchases, especially when visiting more rural areas.

What is ATM access like in Austria?

ATMs are very common in Austria. It shouldn't be a problem finding one in most towns and cities.

Is Austria safe for LGBTQIA+ travellers?

Austria is a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travellers. Austrians are generally open-minded and very tolerant, and there are protections in place against discrimination towards LGBT-identifying people while same-sex marriage was legalised in 2019.

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting  Equaldex  or  ILGA  before you travel.

If you are travelling solo on an Intrepid group tour, you will share accommodation with a passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at time of booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly. A single supplement is available on some tours for travellers who do not wish to share a room.

What to wear in Austria

This depends on the area you’re visiting and what time of year it is. Summertime in Vienna, for example, is perfect for light clothing while the winter requires a full winter wardrobe.

Weather in the mountains is often unpredictable and can change extremely quickly. It’s best to be prepared with layers including a waterproof jacket, waterproof shoes, a warm jumper and thermal layers if need be.

Is Austria accessible for travellers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Vienna is a relatively accessible city for travellers. Most U-Bahn stations have wheelchair access and ramps are common, though buses and trams won’t necessarily be wheelchair friendly. The Vienna Tourist Information has a comprehensive   Accessible Vienna guide   available for download.

Outside of Vienna, it can be difficult to get around thanks to cobblestone streets and old European buildings, even in the bigger cities like Salzburg and Innsbruck. As a general rule, knowing some common words in the local language, carrying a written itinerary with you and taking to the streets in a group, rather than solo, can help make your travel experience the best it can be.

How do I stay safe and healthy while travelling?

Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilise school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

Austria Guided Tours & Trips

• Choose from 100+ Austria tours
• 150+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
• 24/7 customer support

10 best fully guided Austria tour packages

Compiled by

Nina Austria travel expert at TourRadar

Tailor-Made Private Austria Tour to Vienna & Salzburg with Daily Departure

Prague, munich and austria, eastern whispers, ski austria (weekender, 3 days), christmas in central europe, berlin to vienna, danube dreams (eastbound) 2024, danube discovery 2024, europe christmas markets: munich to budapest, danube dreams for wine lovers (eastbound) 2024.

• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year
• Stroll through Salzburg's historic sites
• Explore Vienna's elegant Ringstrasse
• Attend a classical concert in Vienna

“We got to visit some picturesque places.” Hongmei Han, traveled in August 2024

• Coach / Bus
• Sightseeing
• Stroll through Munich and dine in Innsbruck's Old Town
• Ride a cable car in the Alps and cruise on Traunsee Lake
• Explore Prague Castle and cruise the Vltava River

“Amazing trip. Toilet on bus will be helpful.” Elizabeth Lategan, traveled in October 2022

• Cruise along the Danube & see the impressive Budapest
• Visit the Swarovski Museum & learn how they are made
• Explore the historic Prague and then enjoy a beer or two

• Ski, Snowboard & Snow
• Enjoy a full day of skiing in Hopfgarten
• Get picked up from Worgl to Haus Schoneck
• Ski or travel to your next destination

• Festival & Events
• Discover Vienna's iconic landmarks and cafes
• Experience Salzburg's festive Hellbrunner Market
• Taste traditional Bratwurst in Alexanderplatz

“We were taken on excursions by coach, which was a great experience.” Laurence Horsfield, traveled in June 2024

• River Cruise
• Tour Melk's Benedictine Abbey
• Board your Suite Ship in Munich
• Hike along the Ilz River in Passau

• Relax in Passau before your Danube adventure
• Discover Linz's mix of culture and creativity
• Explore Vienna's rich cultural scene

• Cruise through the UNESCO-listed Wachau
• Taste the famous Linzer Torte in Linz

“Great markets, wonderful food and drink, beautiful city. We ended in Budapest where the rain drove me into the thermal baths for the day.” Marilyn Holbeck, traveled in December 2017

• Enjoy the thermal baths of Budapest
• Discover the vibrant sights of Vienna
• Central Europe’s festive market scene

• Wine tasting
• Hike trails by the Ilz River in Passau
• Bike through Vienna's Danube Island

More about Austria

Discover TourRadar

Road Trip through Austria: The Best Travel Itinerary for 2-4 Weeks

Majestic mountains and picturesque valleys, kaiserschmarrn and germknödel, imperial flair and quaint mountain villages – all that and much more awaits you on a road trip through Austria. 

Spoiler: No other country in the world is as beautiful as Austria! We are possibly a little bias (we were born in Austria and grew up there), but one thing is for sure: You will have countless wow-moments on a road trip through Austria. 

In our travel blog we show you the perfect travel itinerary through Austria. It will take you to the greatest highlights of the country in two weeks but has many route options so that you could also easily extend it to four weeks. 

We also provide some useful planning tips in this blog article, such as maps with the most important places along our travel route, so that you can perfectly prepare yourself for your trip around Austria. 

1. Austria Travel Itinerary: Each of the Stops on our Road Trip 

2. map: overview of the travel route, 3. further travel tips for your austria road trip .

Something to note: Our route starts in Vienna but it is a round trip so you can start at any point you wish. So, if you enter from Germany, for example, then you could easily start in Salzburg or Tyrol. 

Our Austrian road trip starts in the heart of the country, in our home city, Vienna. Perhaps we are a bit partial because we have lived here for over 30 years but in our eyes, Vienna is simply the most beautiful city in the world. 

We love Vienna’s baroque, classical flair. The small, picturesque alleyways and the imposing constructions in the inner city look like a film backdrop. We recommend you plan to stay at 

Detailed blog article:  Travel Tips for Vienna Recommended length of stay:  2-4 nights Our hotel tip:  25hours Hotel

Optional: Wachau

Our road trip starts from Vienna towards the west. The first stop is the beautiful Wachau – a picturesque river valley on the Donau between Melk and Krems. We love Wachau but marked this as ‘optional’. (There are just so many highlights in Austria!)

What can you expect from Wachau? One of the most scenic river valleys, sun-drenched vinyards, picturesque wine growing villages and impressive castles or castle ruins. You can take a wine tour, for example, or simply enjoy a bit of Austria’s wine culture. 

Getting from Vienna to Wachau:  This is a fairly short stage of the road trip. You drive about an hour out of Vienna before reaching Wachau. 

Detailed blog article:  Sights of Wachau   (coming soon) Recommended length of stay:  1-2 nights Our hotel tip:   Steigenberger Hotel & Spa

Salzkammergut (Traunsee)

One of our favourite regions in Austria is not to be left off our travel route: The Salzkammergut. The combination of picturesque mountain lakes and rugged peaks is unparalleled. 

Traunsee (Lake Traun) is a great starting point to explore the Salzkammergut. The Gosau Lakes and Lake Altaussee are also undoubtedly worth a visit. And last but not least, you can also find one of the most well-known mountain villages of Austria here in the Salzkammergut: Hallstatt. 

Getting from Wachau to Salzkammergut: You can expect a two hours drive for this part of the roadtrip. Would you like to make a stopover on the route? Then we can recommend the small town of Enns – quite an insider tip.

Detailed blog article: The best things to do in Salzkammergut (coming soon) Recommended length of stay:  2-3 nights Our hotel recommendation: Seehotel Das Traunsee

Salzburg (City)

It wouldn’t be an Austria road trip without a visit to Salzburg! In our opinion, you shouldn’t leave Austria without having paid a visit to the city of Mozart. Yes, Salzburg is very touristy. However, the small city is also just so pretty and cute that we are simply amazed again and again. 

Paying a visit to the majestic Hohensalzburg Fortress is on the must-do list, and of course wandering through the picturesque old town. And please be sure to try an original Salzburger mozartkugel (mozart chocolate). These are only available in Salzburg – just delicious. 

Getting from Salzkammergut to Salzburg:  You can expect just a small drive for this part of the road trip. From Traunsee you will be on the road for just an hour before reaching Salzburg. (Warning: Parking in Salzburg can be a bit of a trouble. It’s best to contact your hotel in advance about a parking space.) 

Detailed blog article:  Salzburg tips   Recommended length of stay:  1-2 nights Our hotel recommendation:  Arthotel Blaue Gans

Bad Gastein

Our travel route takes us out of the city now and in the direction of the mountains. There are countless great destinations in the Austrian mountains, but we dare to say that none are as hip and unique as Bad Gastein. 

Belle-Époque buildings, morbid charm & rugged peaks – either you love Bad Gastein or you will never warm up to it. One thing is for sure: There are countless spectacular hikes around Bad Gastein waiting just for you. The nature is really breathtakingly beautiful. 

Getting from Salzburg to Bad Gastein:  You should allow about 1.5 hours for this stage of the road trip. 

Detailed blog article:  Holiday in Bad Gastein (coming soon)   Recommended length of stay:  2-3 nights Our hotel tip:   Design Hotel Miramonte

Optional: Innsbruck & Bregenzerwald

Now you have two options for the onward journey of this road trip. Either you drive directly south to East Tyrol (then skip to the next chapter). Or you include the west tip of Austria – more precisely the North Tyrol and Voralberg regions. 

The bonus: This is one of the most spectacular scenic areas of Austria. The mountain landscape is unbelievably majestic and impressive. One disadvantage: The region is located a bit off the main route, so you need to allow enough time for it. 

As well as a stop-off in Innsbruck (the capital city of the Tyrol region) we very highly recommend the Bregenzerwald (Bregenz Forest) in Voralberg. The combination of picturesque mountain villages, lovely hills and rugged peaks is wonderfully beautiful. 

Detailed blog article:   Holiday in Bregenzerwald Recommended length of stay:  3-4 nights (better 5-6 nights with a stop off in Innsbruck) Our hotel tip:  Hotel Hirschen  

We’ll say it in short: We love East Tyrol! The rugged peaks and crystal-clear mountain lakes are breathtakingly beautiful. Therefore, we can only warmly recommend including East Tyrol in your travel route. 

If you love (high-)alpine hiking, this is the right place for you. There are countless peaks just waiting to be conquered. We would highly recommend East Tyrol to anyone who is looking for impressive mountains, picturesque valleys and rustic huts. 

Getting from Bad Gastein to East Tyrol:  Here you can expect to experience what might be the most spectacularly scenic stage of the road trip. Be sure to take the route over the Großglockner high alpine road. (Note: only passable in summer and subject to a toll.) The road is already a highlight in itself, so it’s almost worth spending one night along this stretch. The complete travel time is around 2 hours. 

If you decide to take our optional route to Voralberg, then the stretch will take significantly longer. In this case you should allow around 4 to 5 hours driving time. 

Detailed blog article:  Holiday in East Tyrol   (coming soon) Recommended length of stay:  3-4 nights Our hotel recommendation:   Hotel Waldruhe  

Lakes of Carinthia: Lake Faak and Lake Weissensee

What would an Austrian road trip be without a visit to the lakes in the Carinthia region? Unfortunately, Austria is not located close to the sea but when the weather is good the lakes in the south of the country exude equally as much holiday flair. Therefore, the next stop on our route through Austria is perfect for anyone looking to cool down and refresh. 

We personally have two favourite lakes: One of these is the picturesque Lake Faak – a peaceful little spot for a wonderful beach holiday. And the other is the idyllic Lake Weissensee, which is unbelievably beautiful with its turquoise colour. 

Getting from East Tyrol to the lakes of Carinthia:  This stage is one of the shortest. Plan for around one to two hours driving time – depending on which place you leave from in East Tyrol and which lake you are drawn to. 

Detailed blog article:  The Most Beautiful Lakes in Carinthia (coming soon) Recommended length of stay:  3 nights (gladly more, if you visit both lakes) Our hotel tips:  Kleines Hotel Kärnten (Lake Faak) or Seehotel Enzian (Lake Weissensee)

South Styria

If you like wine, you cannot leave out South Styria. The region in the south-east of the country doesn’t have the nickname the Tuscany of Austria for nothing. 

A wonderful, soft rolling landscape, magical trip destinations, rustic taverns and great hotels await you in South Styria. In short: An enjoyable break and the best way to get to know Austria’s wine culture. 

Getting from the Carinthia lakes to South Styria:  You can comfortably drive this stretch of the travel route in around two hours. 

Detailed blog article:  South Styria Tips (coming soon) Recommended length of stay:  2-3 nights Our hotel tip:  Loisium Südsteiermark

Optional: Graz

The last stop on our travel journey is Graz, Austria’s second biggest city. This pleasant university city is an unexciting but very worthwhile destination on a road trip through Austria. 

The city’s landmark is the Graz clock tower on the Schlossberg. A walk (or alternatively a drive) up to it is definitely one for the must-do list. As well as that, the inner city of Graz is really pretty. And last but not least, Graz offers a large range of art and culture. 

Getting from South Styria to Graz: This stage of the road trip is one of the shortest. It will take you less than an hour to reach Graz.  

Detailed blog article:   Graz Tips Recommended length of stay:  1-2 nights Our hotel recommendation:  Grand Hotel Wiesler

We have marked the individual stops of our road trip on this map so that you can get a better overview of the roadtrip journey. The travel times of each stage are very manageable. You will usually be on the road for one or two hours. 

The best time for a road trip through Austria 

Our travel route is primarily designed for a road trip in warm temperatures (i.e. spring / summer / early autumn). We would like to take you through the pros and cons of each month. 

High season: summer months of July and August 

The most popular time to travel is clearly the summer months of July and August, and there are two reasons why: Weather and school holidays. 

• July and August are ideal for a beach holiday. It is warmest in Austria at this time and the lakes also have the most enjoyable temperatures. (The disadvantage: Many hotels at the lake are booked out or the prices skyrocket – more about that soon.)
• Summer is also great for hikes in the mountains. Many huts in the high alpine area open at the beginning or middle of June. Important to know: Thunderstorms occur in the summertime in the mountains. So, definitely keep an eye on the forecasts!
• Staying in the city and going sightseeing can be really tiresome in the summer temperatures. We are mainly thinking about Vienna where it can get uncomfortably hot in summer. However, therefore they have some really great outdoor events such as the film festival at the Rathausplatz (town hall square) in Vienna. 

July and August are the busiest months due to the summer holidays. The Austrian school holidays last nine weeks. (Some regions begin a week later, so it’s actually ten weeks). And then let’s not forget the German holidays. In short: There are many families with children underway in Austria during mid-summer. 

Some regions (especially Austria’s lakes ) are booked to the brim in July and August and almost overcrowded. However, we don’t find it all that necessary to avoid the summer months. Or in other words: If you want to go on your road trip through Austria during the summer, go for it! 

Our tip: late spring / early autumn

If you would like to avoid the summer holidays, then we recommend spring for you. Personally, we find June to be a fantastic time of year for a road trip through Austria. It is usually less busy, and the weather can be quite stable. 

Good to know: Some huts in the high alpine region open at the beginning or middle of June (due to snow). Some roads, such as the Großglockner high alpine road, are also only open from around the beginning of May. 

The autumn season is equally as great. When the leaves are in colour, the atmosphere of some places is really like something out of a picture book. Of course, you also need to be prepared for changes in weather or unstable weather conditions (rain, cold). The weather is usually still quite pleasant in September. 

Booking a rental car

We ourselves always book our rentals through Sunny Cars . Sunny Cars is a platform that compares the offers from various rental car companies. You book through Sunny Cars and then pick up your car at the local company (e.g. Hertz). 

The big benefit of Sunny Cars (apart from the cheap price): You always have fully comprehensive insurance. More precisely, in the event of damage, Sunny Cars will reimburse the deductible. That way, according to experience, you can travel a lot more relaxed. 

You can book your rental car through Sunny Cars from many different locations in Austria – including Vienna and Salzburg. If you start your road trip in Germany, then of course you can also book the car from Munich, for example. (Note: Sometimes a small fee for border crossings may be added.) 

You can search for cheap rental cars here:  Sunny Cars  

Vignette & tolls in Austria 

All highways and expressways in Austria are subject to tolls. Therefore, you can’t get around purchasing a vignette for your road trip through Austria. 

You can get a vignette for 10 days, 2 months or 1 year. The price for 2 months is just under 30 euros. You can quite easily purchase the vignette right before the border crossing at a service station or store. 

Even better: You can purchase it in advance in digital form (‘digital vignette’). It’s important to know that you need to purchase a digital vignette at least 18 days before you start your road trip. (The Consumer Protection Act applies here, which is why the digital vignette is only valid after this period.)

You can purchase the digital vignette here:  ASFINAG (official webshop)

Important to know: Some roads/tunnels in Austria have additional tolls. This includes the Großglockner high alpine road and the Arlberg expressway (Arlberg tunnel). The drive over the Großglockner high alpine road is especially expensive, costing just under 40 euros. 

Book accommodation in advance or spontaneously?

If you really want to stay in your dream-accommodation, then we recommend booking your hotels in advance. That especially applies to certain regions during the main season. Popular hotels (such as those directly on the lake or many that have regular guests) are often booked out weeks in advance. Then it could easily be that your desired hotel is already booked out. 

However, we have also had the experience of still being able to spontaneously get a room somewhere even during the high season. Often you need to settle for your second (or third) choice, but you will always find a place to stay. 

We recommend you do a combination of both booking in advance and spontaneously. (We like to do this on road trips and find it to be the best way to still have some flexibility.) It’s best to book the hotels that particularly appeal to you some weeks (months) in advance. Then you can book the rest of your accommodation while on the road. 

Disclaimer: Affiliate Links

This blog article contains our personal recommendations in the form of affiliate links. If you book or buy something through the links, we receive a small commission. This does not change the price for you at all. A million thanks from the both of us!

Have you already been on a roadtrip through Austria? What did your travel route look like? Are there other stops that you would add to the route? We look forward to hearing about your experiences in the comments. 

You might also be interested in this

Hallstatt Travel Guide: The Most Beautiful Sights & Photo Spots

Vienna on a Budget: Saving Tips for a Cheap City Visit

Bregenz in Austria: The Best Things to Do and See

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Privacy Policy

• The Perfect 10 Day Austria Road Trip Itinerary

With its outstanding natural beauty and sophisticated cities that fuse old with new, Austria is one of the most enchanting countries to visit in Europe. As there are so many pristine lakes, rivers, and mountain ranges to explore in between the urban areas, the best way to experience the place has to be with an epic Austrian road trip.

Renting a car and hitting the road in Austria gives you so much freedom to pick and choose which places you get to visit. No matter where you drive, you will find yourself surrounded by incredible landscapes the whole time, without even needing to leave the car.

If you’re not sure where to begin, then my 10 day Austria road trip itinerary is here to help! This guide contains all the practical information you need as well as the most impressive destinations that let you experience a bit of everything that Austria is known for.

* Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link. *

No time to read now? Pin it for later!

Table of Contents

Overview of Your 10 Day Austria Road Trip Itinerary

Breakdown of your 10 days in austria.

This is your itinerary at a glance, with details about where you will need to book accommodation for each of the 10 nights. Remember, you can do the route in reverse if it suits your travel plans better.

• Day 1-2: Two full days in Vienna (overnight in Vienna)
• Day 3: Grüner See, Admont Abbey Library, arriving in Hallstatt (overnight in Hallstatt)
• Day 4: Full day in Hallstatt (overnight in Hallstatt)
• Day 5: 5 Fingers Viewing Platform (Dachstein), Gosauseen, arriving in Salzburg (overnight in Salzburg)
• Day 6: Full day in Salzburg (overnight in Salzburg)
• Day 7: Gollinger Wasserfall, Bluntauseen, Hohenwerfen Castle, arriving in Zell am See (overnight in Zell am See)
• Day 8: Stausee Mooserboden, Sigmund-Thun Klamm, Alpine Coaster Maisiflitzer Kaprun, Mitterberghof Jausenstation (overnight in Zell am See)
• Day 9: Krimml Waterfalls, arriving in Mayrhofen (overnight in Mayrhofen)
• Day 10: Olpererhütte, Innsbruck (overnight in Innsbruck)

Map for your Austria road trip

Below you can find a customized map that includes all the locations you’re going to visit on this Austria road trip itinerary.

I marked the different parts of the road trip with different colors so you can easily see which places you’re going to visit each day.

How to use this map: This map is fully interactive, so you can move around, zoom in/zoom out, and click on the icons. If you want to see a larger map, click on the bracket in the upper right corner. To see more details and the different layers, click on the tab in the upper left corner. If you want to save it for later, click on the star icon next to the name of the map. Then simply open Google Maps either on your desktop or phone, go to ‘Saved’/’Maps’, and open the map whenever you need it.

Day 1-2: Vienna

Number one on your Austria itinerary is Vienna, the capital and largest city in the country, located in the northeast. The oldest part of the city and its most central district is the Innere Stadt, which is contained by a ring road.

Within this neighborhood, you will find the majority of the key attractions and majestic architecture, including Baroque palaces and gardens, museums, and concert halls. No wonder that Vienna is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe !

Vienna is synonymous with classical music and was the home of musical masters including Mozart and Beethoven so you will find numerous references and recitals in town.

Two days in Vienna is plenty of time to explore the major landmarks of this elegant city. You will not need a car for these two days as it’s easier to get around the city via public transport and walking so you can pick up your rental car after your two days in Vienna are over.

Where to stay in Vienna

If this is your first time visiting Vienna then I recommend staying in the Innere Stadt. Hotels are more expensive but deals can always be found. Alternatively, you can choose accommodation in one of the outlying neighborhoods and connect to the Old Town easily by metro.

Trendy Wieden has affordable accommodation which is convenient for seeing the sights featured on this road trip in Austria. Landstrasse, to the east of the Innere Stadt, is another alternative for budget hotels. As you will not pick up your rental until the third day, you don’t need to worry about finding a hotel with parking.

Below you can find my suggestions for the best places to stay in Vienna for 2 nights.

• Luxury: Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna
• Mid-range: Hilton Vienna Plaza
• Budget: K+K Palais Hotel

Best things to do in Vienna 

Explore the innere stadt.

Vienna’s old town is brimming with museums, monuments, and landmarks that you can explore on foot. Slip into your sneakers and spend a day touring the key sights.

Look out for the ornate Anker Clock, the commanding Rathaus (city hall), the manicured Volksgarten, and the Wiener Minoritenkirche which features a mosaic of Da Vinci’s Last Supper.

Hundertwasserhaus

Perhaps the most unusual building you’ll see during your Austria road trip, the Hundertwasserhaus was conceived by the artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser and architect Joseph Krawina in 1985.

The concept was to create a space in harmony with nature and highlights include the grass on the roof and the trees that grow freely through the floors. Thanks to its vibrant colors, it’s definitely one of the best Vienna Instagram spots !

Classical concert

In a city famed for its lineage of classic music, you might want to book tickets to catch a show for yourself. There are various concert halls scattered throughout the Innere Stadt.

Once you’ve confirmed the dates for your itinerary for Austria, check out what’s on at the Wiener Musikverein, Wiener Konzerthaus, and the Vienna State Opera House . The main season runs from September to June.

Schönbrunn Palace

This 18th-century palace and gardens are located southwest of the Innere Stadt. Once the summer residence of the Habsburg royal family, this colossal complex is now the star attraction in Vienna. Queues are always long so I recommend booking a skip-the-line tour of Schönbrunn Palace to save time.

Hofburg Palace

Another palace for your list, this one was built during the 13th century and has been restored and expanded in the following centuries. Originally the winter home of the Austro-Hungarian Empire leaders, the property is now the office of the Austrian president.

Vergnügungspark

One of the most fun things to do in Vienna at night is to visit the Prater amusement park. The star attraction is the giant Ferris wheel which has been rotating since 1897 but there are plenty of other rides to satisfy all thrill-seekers.

Where to eat in Vienna

• Honu Tiki Bowls : Colorful cuisine in an equally colorful setting! You can select one of the signature bowls or customize your own. There are plenty of options to satisfy vegans, carnivores and seafood lovers.
• Das LOFT : Dine high above the rooftops of Vienna at this upscale restaurant that serves contemporary Viennese dishes, quality wines, and delectable cocktails. They’re also open for breakfast.
• Café Anzengruber : Located in the foodie haven that is Wieden, the 4th District, this is one of the best places for authentic schnitzel, goulash, and other traditional Austrian plates you must try during your 10 days in Austria.
• Restaurant Ofenloch : Another option for classic Austrian food this time in the heart of the Innere Stadt. This historic venue has an irresistible ambiance and an expansive menu. 

Day 3: Vienna to Hallstatt

Pick up your rental and ready your playlist, your Austria road trip officially begins today as you journey into the mountainous state of Styria! The total drive time to today’s final destination, Hallstatt, is around 5 hours and the distance is 340 km (211 miles).

But you will stop along the way before reaching your hotel in Hallstatt so allow extra time to visit the destinations listed below.

Once in Hallstatt, you will need to book 2 nights of accommodation. Refer to the next day if you want to learn about my recommendations for where to stay in Hallstatt!

Grüner See

Driving time: 2 hours and 15 minutes (175 km/110 miles) from Vienna to Grüner See

Leaving the city behind, Grüner See in an unbelievably beautiful pool of water formed by the snowmelt of the surrounding karst mountains. Translating into ‘Green Lake’, the water is an ethereal emerald hue.

There is a huge parking lot at the entrance of the lake but since it’s a popular place among locals and tourists alike, it’s better to go early to secure a parking spot. Parking is €6 for a full day (there is no hourly parking option) and you can only pay with cash.

It takes around 20 minutes to reach the lake from the parking lot on a gravel road, the trail is completely flat and very easy. You can walk around the lake in its entirety in around 30 minutes to appreciate the viewpoints and take photos.

There is a small restaurant next to the lake if you need lunch or you can prepare a picnic to enjoy by the water. Note that swimming is not permitted in the lake due to conservation efforts.

Admont Abbey Library

Driving time: 1 hour and 40 minutes (87 km/54 miles) from Grüner See to Admont Abbey Library

The next scenic stop on today’s journey is a sensational library situated inside Admont Abbey. Stepping into the library feels as if you would enter the library from the Beauty and the Beast !

The archive represents the largest monastic library in the world and the works span architecture, frescoes, sculptures, manuscripts, and printed tomes. Constructed by the architect Josef Hueber, the library hall was completed in 1776.

It registers 70 meters (230 feet) in length, 13 meters (43 feet) in height, and features seven ceiling frescoes that represent the Enlightenment. These were composed by the painter Bartolomeo Altomonte who was 80 years old at the time!

70,000 volumes are stored in the hall while the abbey in total contains around 200,000 books and manuscripts, with some dating as far back as the 8th century AD.

There’s a huge parking lot right next to the Abbey where you can leave your car while you explore the inside.

A ticket to Admont Abbey Library costs €16.50 and it also includes entrance to a bunch of museums such as the Museum of Fine Arts or the Natural History Museum. I’m not a museum kind of girl myself but I really enjoyed wandering around these museums so definitely give them a try!

Depending on how many museums you want to visit, you can easily spend 2-3 hours inside. If you happen to visit at 11 am or 2 pm, you can also take part in a guided tour of the library which lasts for 40 minutes (it’s already included in your ticket price).

Please note that the library only operates on a limited opening time. As of March 2023, according to the official website it’s closed and will be open from April to May between 10.30 am to 3.30 pm and it’s completely closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. From June to October it will be open every day from 10 am to 5 pm. In November you can count on the same opening hours as in April and May. From the second half of December the library is going to be closed.

The official website doesn’t get updated that much so if you want to go for sure, it’s worth calling them in advance about the current opening hours. We almost missed our chance to visit this masterpiece because of the incorrect opening hours on the website so if you want to avoid the struggle, make a call!

Outside of the library, it’s also worth taking a stroll around the beautiful gardens and popping into the Abbey itself (it’s free to visit). Admont itself is situated on the banks of the Enns River right in the middle of the Ennstal Alps so if you have more time, it’s also worth taking a wander around this picturesque town to savor the incredible scenery. 

Arriving in Hallstatt

Driving time: 1 hour and 30 minutes (78 km/48 miles) from Admont Abbey Library to Hallstatt

After wandering around Admont and taking in the scenic views, pop back into your car and drive all the way to Hallstatt. It takes around 1.5 hours to reach this fairytale town from Admont. In case you’re not staying directly in Hallstatt, you might need to calculate different driving times depending on where you’ll stay.

Day 4: Full day in Hallstatt 

Hallstatt is a quaint lakeside village located in the mountainous region of Salzkammergut. It is known for its salt mining heritage and historic center which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Hallstatt’s setting on the shore of Hallstätter See (Hallstatt Lake) means that you have arresting views in all directions which really do look like something you’d see on a postcard. This is easily one of the prettiest places you’ll stay during your Austria road trip.

Cars are not allowed in Hallstatt Zentrum. So, you will need to leave your car at the parking lot suggested by your hotel while you carry on with your one day in Hallstatt . 

Where to stay in Hallstatt 

As Halsttatt is a small village, accommodation options are limited and it’s essential to book far in advance. However, as you will have your own car you can also consider staying further out of the village in either Obertraun or one of the other nearby hamlets. These are my suggestions for where to stay in Hallstatt for your two nights.

• Luxury: Hallstatt Hideaway
• Mid-range: Heritage Hotel Hallstatt
• Budget: Gasthof Bergfried

Alternatively, if you have a car, you might want to stay a little further out of town in one of the surrounding hamlets. One of the best options is Obertraun, from where you can reach Hallstatt within 10 minutes by car or you can also take advantage of the ferry.

We stayed at  Haus Salzkammergut  on our second visit to Hallstatt and absolutely loved everything about the hotel! Great location, amazing views from the balcony, lovely owners, cute doggie, and delicious breakfast. I can only recommend this place!

In case the hotel is full or you’re looking for something else, you can  check all the accommodation options in Obertraun here .

Best things to do in Hallstatt 

Hallstatt zentrum.

The center of Hallstatt is totally walkable and you can spend the morning exploring the main sites. Roam the Marktplatz Hallstatt with your camera, take in sweeping views from the top of Evangelisches Pfarramt and visit the ossuary (bone cemetery) at Michaelskapelle. You can also walk down to Small Island and head north of the village to appreciate the scenic viewpoints of Hallstatt.

Ride the ferry

Whether you stay in Hallstatt Zentrum or Obertraun‎, it is worth hopping on the ferry that connects the two towns in order to experience a different perspective of the river. The crossing takes around 25 minutes.

Hallstatt Skywalk

Ride the Salzbergbahn funicular up to this observation deck that rises 350 meters (1,148 feet) above the village and provides sensational views of the alpine landscape. You can also walk up but it is very steep and takes around 1.5 hours. The compromise is that you ride the funicular up and walk back down!

Salzbergwerk Hallstatt

Take a tour of this 7,000 year old salt mine which includes exploring on foot and by traditional mine train. The mine is only accessible via the 90 minutes guided tour which you can book online in advance to secure your spot. Access to the attraction is also via the funicular so you can plan these two activities for the same time.

Hallstatt Waterfall

A shorter waterfall option: you can walk to the Hallstatt Waterfall from Marktplatz in around 20 minutes. It gushes out from the vegetation and is a great way to warm up for a day of sightseeing or cool down in the spray during summer. 

Waldbachstrub Waterfall Hike

It takes around 40 minutes to hike to the Waldbachstrub Waterfall from Parkplatz Echerntal or just over 1 hour from Hallstatt Zentrum. This is an easy trail with minimal incline and is a great way to experience the local nature and warm up for some more challenging hikes later in the Austria itinerary.

Gletschergarten (Glacier Garden) Hike

The Glacier Garden is another wonderful hike that you can do from Hallstatt or Parkplatz Echerntal. This assemblage of rocks and streams formed during the last Ice Age as the local glacier receded from the gorge. It takes 2-3 hours to cover the entire complex and it isn’t too demanding.

Where to eat in Hallstatt

• Restaurant Rudolfsturm : Located within a medieval tower, this place is worth it for the views alone. The menu is typically Austrian and they also do a great apple strudel. 
• Restaurant Am See : This lakeside eatery offers charming views and the menu is rich with local dishes and fresh fish dishes. 
• Pizzeria Kegelbahn : Situated across the lake in Obertraun, this Italian restaurant serves good quality pizza and pasta alongside soups, salads, and Austrian fare. 

Day 5: Hallstatt to Salzburg 

Today you’ll need to check out of your hotel in Hallstatt as it’s time to head to your next destination: Salzburg! You’re going to have two stops along the way so your driving time will be around 2 hours including both stops.

I recommend starting the day as early as you can as you’ll have some exciting plans for the day!

5 Fingers Viewing Platform (Dachstein)

Driving time: 10 minutes (7 km/4.5 miles) from Hallstatt to Dachstein Krippenstein

Your first stop today is going to be the slopes of the Dachstein massif, a dramatic glacial mountain range that rises 2,700 meters (8,858 feet) in the region south of Hallstatt. Once you reach the summit, you can explore the 5 Fingers lookout, an ice cave, and 360° views.

You can park at the cable car, Dachstein Krippenstein, and then hop on the gondola up the mountain to experience incredible views as you soar. The ticket price depends on which attractions you’re planning to visit, you can check the different options here .

For reference, if you only want to visit the 5 Fingers platform, you’ll need to purchase a Panorama ticket that costs €35.30, while the all-inclusive ticket costs €52.20 which includes a visit to the caves as well.

In a remarkable feat of engineering, the 5 Fingers observation platform protrudes 400 meters (1,312 feet) above the ground below and is shaped in the form of a hand with 5 ‘fingers’ stretching out to grasp the cool mountain air.

Once you leave the cable car at Krippenstein (section 2), you’ll need to hike around 25-30 minutes to get to the viewing platform.

The hike is really easy and well-marked so it shouldn’t be a challenge even if you’re not in the best shape. And the views along the way are out of this world!

Within the same area as the lookout, you will also find the Dachstein Giant Ice Cave. Entering this huge cavern, you will encounter stalactites of all different colors before you catch sight of the massive wedge of ice filling the chasm.

Guided tours of the ice cave last 50 minutes and require a 15-minute walk from the cable car station, Schönbergalm (section 1). If you do want to explore the cave, you will need to dress warmly as the average temperature inside is -2 °C (26.6 °F), even during summer. Make sure you pack layers for your 10 days in Austria!

You can find another cave at Schönbergalm (section 1) called Mammut Cave. It’s known as one of the largest karst caves in the world, hence the name. It takes around 15-20 minutes to reach the cave from the cable car station and as with the Giant Ice Cave, a guided tour lasts for 50 minutes as well.

Depending on how much time you have, you can visit either of the caves or both, or you can just go for the 5 Fingers platform for the panorama – it’s completely up to you!

Gosauseen 

Driving time: 30 minutes (27 km/17 miles) from Dachstein Krippenstein to Gosauseen

Gosauseen is a cluster of three beautiful lakes located in the Alps of Upper Austria. You can drive to the Gosausee Parking lot and park your car here while you explore, or you can park near the Gosaukammbahn cable car station and ride up to the lakes this way instead if you prefer.

There are a series of hiking trails that connect the lakes and give you the chance to explore phenomenal nature.

The shortest option is to just walk around the first of the three lakes, Vorderer Gosausee, which takes around 1-1.5 hours in total. The more challenging options take you to the middle lake, Gosaulacke, as well as the third and final lake, Hinterer Gosausee.

To visit all three bodies of water, you will need to allow around 5 hours. As the drive time today is around 3 hours, this is feasible if you depart from Hallstatt as early as possible and skip the caves at Dachstein.

If you don’t want to fully drain your batteries, my recommendation is to visit only the first lake and rest a little bit after you arrive in Salzburg.

Arriving in Salzburg

Driving time: 1 hour and 10 minutes (80 km/50 miles) from Gosauseen to Salzburg

After exploring the lakes, you’ll need to drive around 1 hour to get to Salzburg, which will be the next destination on your Austria road trip itinerary. Once in the city, you’ll need to stay for 2 nights to be able to spend one full day in Salzburg.

If you need recommendations of where to stay in Salzburg, check the next section for my tips!

Day 6: Full day in Salzburg

Salzburg presses its way up against the border with Germany in Western Austria and affords some of the finest views of the Eastern Alps. The Salzach River flows through the center of the city, with the Salzburg Alstadt (Old Town) resting on the left bank.

As the birthplace of the legendary composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, much of the culture of the city revolves around his lineage.

Fans will no doubt want to visit both Mozart’s Birthplace and Mozart’s Residence and catch a recital while in town. But Salzburg is also abundant in museums, galleries, stately residences, and gardens, restaurants, and shops, and it’s really not a place to skip off your Austria road trip.

You can easily spend one day in Salzburg exploring the delights of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and strolling along the riverside. 

Where to stay in Salzburg

As with Vienna, it makes sense to book accommodation as centrally as your budget allows. Hotels in Salzburg Altstadt are priced higher and you should expect to pay around €15 per day for parking so do factor that into your plans and budget.

If you stay further out in areas such as Itzling, Maxglan or Taxham then you will find that accommodation rates drop and you can transfer into the city center efficiently via bus.

These are my suggestions for where to stay in Salzburg for your two nights.

Best things to do in Salzburg

Salzburg alstadt.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Salzburg Alstadt is where you will find the most historic buildings and streets in the city, as well as museums, public squares, shops, and cafes.

You can call in at the shops on Getreidegasse, stroll down Sigmund-Haffner-Gasse, tour Mozart’s Birthplace, or dip into one of the Salzburg Museum institutions. 

Mirabell Palace & Gardens

This resplendent palace dates back to 1606 when the prince-archbishop Wolf Dietrich commissioned and gifted the residence to his mistress, Salome Alt. You can explore the sprawling gardens and peer into the public rooms of the estate.

If you are a fan of The Sound of Music then this place will be familiar to you already!

Kapuzinerkloster Viewpoint

This viewpoint is accessible via a climb up 260 steps to the Aussicht Kapuzinerberg. Your reward is the scenic views across the city towards Hohensalzburg Castle from the deck and they are worth the effort, I’d say they’re the best in town. 

Hohensalzburg Castle

Ride the funicular up the mountain to get up close to the defining emblem of Salzburg, and one of Austria’s most iconic sights.

Hohensalzburg Castle, the largest fully preserved castle in Central Europe, is home to a portfolio of museums that you can take your pick from. However, it’s the views of the city and the looming alps that more than justify making the journey. 

Where to eat in Salzburg

• Imlauer SkyBar : Located on the sixth floor of the Imlauer Hotel, this swanky restaurant is the perfect place to start your day in Salzburg with brunch or wrap up a perfect day of sightseeing with a decadent dinner!
• Café Bazar : After tackling the viewpoint climb, you can recoup your energy at this historic cafe that looks across at Salzburg Altstadt. Considered the home of artists and poets, the menu spans lunchtime specials, sweet treats, and moreish specialty coffees. 
• S’Kloane Brauhaus : Slip inside this 400 year old building and you will be greeted with the scents of traditional Austrian delicacies. The friendly staff are on hand to guide you through the menu to find your perfect dish!
• Lazarte : It might feel odd to dine on Latin American food during your Austria itinerary, but Lazarte delivers the real deal. Add a dash of spice to your trip and experience the flavors of Mexico, Peru, and beyond at this top rated restaurant. 

Day 7: Salzburg to Zell am See 

The distance from Salzburg to Zell am See via the specified attractions is 120 km (75 miles) and the drive time is approximately 2 hours. Tonight you will need to book accommodation in the little town of Zell am See-Kaprun for 2 nights.

Gollinger Waterfall 

Driving time: 35 minutes (28 km/17 miles) from Salzburg to Gollinger Waterfall

Head to Parkplatz Gollinger Wasserfall where you can leave your car and walk to this remarkable 75 meter (246 feet) waterfall which forms two tiers as it crashes down the cliff from the forest.

Between the months of May and October, you must pay €5 to visit the waterfalls on top of the parking fee which is also €5. You’ll need to drive around 35 minutes to get to the waterfall from Salzburg which makes it one of the best day trips from Salzburg.

There are different viewpoints along the waterfall and you can even hike to the top which I 100% recommend! It takes around 10-15 minutes to reach the lower viewpoint while it will take you approximately 35-40 minutes if you want to go all the way to the top.

The waterfall is super strong so be prepared to get a little bit wet! If you decide to go up, you’ll find a bridge that crosses over the water so that you can get very close to the water spray. It’s recommended to wear sneakers or hiking boots as the trail gets wet and slippery due to the mist.

Driving time: 7 minutes (3.5 km/2 miles) from Gollinger Waterfall to Parkplatz Bluntautal

Another day, another magical lake nestled between mountains and forestry to add to your Austrian road trip! Bluntausee changes color depending on the time of day you visit and what the weather is doing, so it might be emerald or sapphire tinted.

You can follow the hiking trail around the perimeter in less than one hour however swimming in the water is forbidden.

Since it’s only 3.5 km (2 miles) from Gollinger Waterfall, you can easily walk from one place to the other but if you’d rather drive, you can leave your car at Parkplatz Bluntautal which is the closest parking lot to Bluntausee. From the parking lot you’ll need to hike for around 30 minutes to reach the lake.

The trail is completely flat so the hike itself is really easy and it goes through a beautiful forest and crosses a crystal clear river. It’s absolutely worth visiting Bluntausee just for the scenery alone!

Hohenwerfen Castle

Driving time: 20 minutes (18 km/11 miles) from Parkplatz Bluntautal to Hohenwerfen Castle

In a country that is overflowing with beautiful castles, this one really takes the biscuit and is an essential sight during your 10 days in Austria! The hilltop fortress of Hohenwerfen Castle has stood in this spot for over 900 years and from the complex, you can look down at the Salzach River and across at the surrounding mountains and woodland. 

Access to the castle is via funicular or a short but steep 25-minute hike. Once at the fortress, you can observe a demonstration of the resident birds of prey in addition to exploring the museums.

There are always a number of temporary exhibitions which change throughout the year and seasonal events are hosted on the grounds. Entrance to the castle costs €10.40 and if you want to take advantage of the elevator, you can buy a combo ticket for €14.40.

Zell am See-Kaprun

Driving time: 50 minutes (57 km/35 miles) from Hohenwerfen Castle to Zell am See-Kaprun

Today’s final destination is Zell am See-Kaprun, a small town that sits on the shore of Lake Zell (Zeller See). The town is the gateway to the ski resorts and slopes of the Schmittenhöhe mountain that looms over the town and is accessible via cable car if you wish to take in the views.

You can go for a walk or hire some bicycles and cycle along the esplanade that begins at the southwest of the lake and skirts the circumference of the water.

Down at the south corner, you also have the option to rent kayaks or stand up paddleboard and float your way across the lake. There are a number of pretty parks dotted along the lakeside where you can enjoy a picnic and the town has a good spread of restaurants and hotels.

Where to stay in Zell am See

Zell am See-Kaprun is small but it does have a substantial number of hotels and guesthouses. As with Hallstatt, I encourage you to book accommodation way ahead of your Austria road trip and look further out of town if needs be.

Here are my recommendations for where to stay in Zell am See-Kaprun for two nights.

• Luxury: Salzburgerhof Wellness-, Golf- und Genießerhotel
• Mid-range: Hotel Neue Post
• Budget: Hotel Glasererhaus

Day 8: Highlights of the Kaprun Valley 

Today you will explore the attractions of the Kaprun Valley before returning to your Zell am See accommodation for a second evening.

Stausee Mooserboden

Driving time: 20 minutes (16.5 km/10 miles) from Zell am See-Kaprun to Kaprun Stauseen Parkhaus

Stausee Mooseroden is one of two high-altitude reservoirs and dams in the Kaprun Valley that resemble fjords. At 2,000 meters (6,562 feet) above sea level, the water is a startling shade of turquoise that contrasts against the circling cliffs and snow-capped peaks.

The dam wall at the Moserboden is 107 meters (351 feet) high and almost 500 meters (1,640 feet) long.

Unfortunately, you can’t drive all the way up to Stausee Mooserboden, so you’ll need to leave your car at Kaprun Stauseen Parkhaus (it’s free) and use the shuttle buses from there.

The parking house has 11 floors and if there’s enough free space, it’s worth driving all the way to the top because that’s the direction you’ll need to go in order to find the ticket office and the shuttle buses. If you park on the lower levels, you’ll need to climb up the stairs to get to the top of the parking lot.

Once you purchase your ticket, you’ll need to get on the shuttle bus which will take you to a very cool open-air lift. This is the largest open lift in Europe and it will take you up on the 431 meters (1,414 feet) incline within minutes.

After that, you’ll need to board another shuttle bus which will take you all the way to the reservoir. The whole process takes around 45 minutes and a return ticket costs €28 per person.

During your exploration, you can follow short hiking trails to get a full perspective on this dramatic landscape from the surrounding viewpoints. If you’re up for a challenge, you can also try some of the via ferrata routes but for that, you’ll need to have the proper gear.

If you want something easier, you can just hike up to the upper viewpoint which takes 10-15 minutes and it’s fairly easy. The route is quite narrow and steep so it’s best to wear sturdy shoes and watch out for your steps.

Sigmund-Thun Klamm

Driving time: 6 minutes (4.5 km/3 miles) from Kaprun Stauseen Parkhaus to Sigmund-Thun Klamm

Once you’re reunited with your rental you can drive 5 minutes along the road to the next attraction on your Austrian road trip itinerary.

Sigmund-Thun Klamm is a stunning ravine with an excellent wooden track that lets you walk past the water that thunders through the narrow chasm before culminating in a massive waterfall that falls like a veil.

You’ll find a couple of parking lots near Sigmund-Thun Klamm, the closest one is right at the crossing of Kesselfallstrasse and Klammweg. Once you park your car, you have to follow Klammweg and around 5 minutes later you’ll come across the ticket office which marks the entrance of Sigmund-Thun Klamm (an entrance ticket costs €6.50).

It takes around 20-30 minutes to go through the gorge and it’s important to note that the wooden track is one way only, you will have to take another road to get back to your car.

At the end of the trail you will reach another gorgeous lake called Klammsee that you can then complete a lap around. The lake is quite small and the trail around the lake is only 1.8 km (1.1 miles) so you can walk around the whole lake in 30 minutes.

All in all, you should factor around 1.5-2 hours to fully explore Sigmund-Thun Klamm and Klammsee together. There are few places where you can experience such an extraordinary spectacle of nature and it’s worth taking the time to complete the full route.

Alpine Coaster Maisiflitzer Kaprun

Driving time: 6 minutes (4 km/2.5 miles) from Sigmund-Thun Klamm to Alpine Coaster Maisiflitzer Kaprun

The next item on today’s agenda isn’t one for the fainthearted but it’s great fun! The Alpine Coaster Maisiflitzer Kaprun is essentially a rollercoaster combined with a toboggan.

Once comfortable in your two-seater sled, you will charge down the track reaching speeds of up to 40 km/h (25 mph), and screaming is fully acceptable.

The ride is open year-round and you can opt for a single ride for €14 or pay for 5 for €59.50.

Dinner at Mitterberghof Jausenstation

Driving time: 25 minutes (15 km/9.5 miles) from Alpine Coaster Maisiflitzer Kaprun to Mitterberghof Jausenstation, then 15 minutes (9 km/5.5 miles) back to Zell am See-Kaprun

After a fairly strenuous and hair-raising eighth day of your Austria road trip, you might just want to flop into your hotel bed. However, if you can summon the energy to drive a little bit more, this awesome restaurant is worth the 15-minute drive, especially on a balmy evening.

From the outdoor dining terrace, you can drink up views across the Kaprun Valley and Zeller See. Although, on overcast days you might be seated above the clouds!

You’ll find wholesome Austrian fare on the menu as well as an excellent variety of desserts. The restaurant is actually part of a family-run inn and you could even choose to stay here rather than in Zell am See if you prefer.

In case you’re not hungry or you have other dinner plans, it’s still worth driving up to the restaurant for the view alone.

Day 9: Zell am See to Mayrhofen 

The journey time from Zell am See to Mayrhofen via the below attractions is just shy of 2 hours, and the distance covered is 100 km (62 miles). You will need to book one night of accommodation in Mayrhofen for the penultimate evening of your Austria road trip itinerary.

Krimml Waterfalls 

Driving time: 55 minutes (55 km/34 miles) from Zell am See-Kaprun to Krimml Waterfalls

If you were impressed by the ravine yesterday then just wait until you clap your eyes on what is said to be the highest and most powerful waterfall in Europe!

You’ll find plenty of parking lots near the Krimml Waterfalls, the closest one is P4 so if you find free space there, go for it! There is a small tunnel going under the main road right next to the P4 parking lot, you’ll need to follow this road to get to the ticket office.

An entrance ticket costs €10.20 and if you want to visit the nearby Water Worlds Krimml museum as well, you can purchase a combo ticket for €13.90.

The Krimml waterfalls tumble over several layers and you can decide how far you want to hike. The first viewpoint is accessible via a 15-minute walk from the parking and this alone is impressive.

However, if you want to walk all the way to the summit of the falls, it will take 2-2.5 hours to complete the 380 meters (1,250 feet) hiking trail, and then you’ll need to climb back down so factor in a 5-hour round trip. It does get steep and slippery due to the spray, so excellent hiking boots and a reasonable level of fitness are required.

Driving time: 55 minutes (44 km/27 miles) from Krimml Waterfalls to Mayrhofen

After an intense morning, you can look forward to checking into your hotel in Mayrhofen and taking a leisurely afternoon. It’s a further hour to reach Mayrhofen from the waterfalls if you take Gerlos Strasse.

Since this is a private road, you’ll need to pay €11 per car for the road usage. Sometimes this road gets closed due to weather circumstances so it’s worth checking it in Google Maps in advance before you go in that direction.

If the road is closed or you don’t want to pay, you can take a detour and use another road to get to Mayrhofen, but it will take you 2 hour and 15 minutes this way.

Situated in the Zillertal Valley, in the province of Tyrol, Mayrhofen is another feeder town for the local ski resorts. You can ride the gondolas from the town up to the resorts where you’ll find loads of hiking trails if you have the energy, but the views are lovely on their own.

The Pfarrkirche Mayrhofen is a cute church and you can take a stroll along the river in town.

If you need a restaurant recommendation for dinner, check out Goldkind . They’re the number one restaurant in Mayrhofen according to TripAdvisor and let me tell you, they’re not wrong! The restaurant caters to everyone from vegans and vegetarians to meat lovers.

All the meals we tasted there were super delicious and the prices were reasonable as well (nothing too fancy or expensive). Give them a try, you won’t regret it!

Where to stay in Mayrhofen

As a lively ski town, Mayrhofen features a good spread of accommodation options. The following places are all centrally located and provide free on-site parking which is perfect for your one night in Mayrhofen.

• Luxury: Huber’s Boutique Hotel
• Mid-range: Gut Stiluppe
• Budget: Brugger ApartHotel

Day 10: Mayrhofen to Innsbruck 

Can you believe that it’s the final day of your Austrian road trip already? Today your final destination will be Innsbruck but first you’re going to take a little detour to reach one of the most epic viewpoints in Austria.

Once you get to Innsbruck, you’ll need to book a hotel for one night.

Olpererhütte 

Driving time: 40 minutes (25 km/15.5 miles) from Mayrhofen to Parkplatz Schlegeis Stausee (Olpererhütte)

First up on the agenda today is a demanding hike up to Olpererhütte, a mountain refuge that sits 2,388 meters (1,273 feet) above sea level.

Olpererhütte is a 30-minute drive southwest of Mayrhofen. There is a parking lot marked as Parkplatz Schlegeis Stausee where you can leave your car as you tackle the Olpererhütte trailhead which starts a few minutes walk from the parking area.

This is another occasion where hiking boots are essential as the trail is steep and strewn with rocks and even some streams that trickle down the mountain which you’ll have to wade through.

The hike up will take between 2-2.5 hours and then you’ll need to make your way down carefully as well so you can factor in 4-5 hours for the whole hike. This is by far the most challenging hike on your Austria road trip itinerary but trust me, it’s so worth it for the views!

Once you reach the summit you are rewarded with breathtaking views of the landscape. You can appreciate the scenery from the Panoramabrücke Olpererhütte, which is a suspension bridge that overlooks the valley and turquoise Schlegeisspeicher down below. And of course, you can get a much-needed drink and snack at the hut.

If you do not fancy the hike then you can enjoy a more relaxing walk around the shore of Schlegeisspeicher, or even head straight to Innsbruck and spend longer there.

Ps: Before you think I’m crazy, I just wanted to let you know that I obviously did not hike up to Olpererhütte in a skirt! I was wearing proper hiking shoes with leggings and a top and I just changed to this red skirt at the bridge for the photos. Don’t underestimate this hike and please don’t try to complete it in pretty dresses!

Driving time: 1 hour and 40 minutes (92 km/57 miles) from Parkplatz Schlegeis Stausee (Olpererhütte) to Innsbruck

The final destination on your Austria road trip (or first, if you’ve flipped the itinerary) is the colorful city of Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrol province. Most of the touristic attractions are situated within the Altstadt (Old Town) and you will find monuments, museums, and restaurants galore here.

Notable sights include the 16th-century palace, the Hofburg, and the Roman-style Triumphpforte which was erected in 1765. You can walk along the River Inn or hire a bicycle while a series of cable cars whisk you away high into the Nordkette mountain range which is situated in the Karwendel Nature Park.

If you completed the whole Olpererhütte hike then you’ll probably feel super tired so I recommend just casually strolling around the Old Town and finding a great restaurant for dinner.

My personal recommendation is Gasthof Goldener Adler, which is allegedly the oldest restaurant in Innsbruck. They have a really nice terrace right in the heart of the historic old town and their menu is full of authentic Austrian delicacies.

Where to stay in Innsbruck

Innsbruck is teeming with budget-friendly and luxury hotels and you can find decent deals in the city or elect to stay further afield if you are keeping your rental for the final night. Here are my top picks for where to stay in Innsbruck.

• Luxury: aDLERS Hotel Innsbruck
• Mid-range: Faktorei
• Budget: Hotel Garni Römerhof

Useful Info for Your Austria Road Trip

How to get to austria .

This Austria road trip itinerary is designed to start in either Vienna or Innsbruck. My guide starts in the east, in Vienna, and concludes in the west, at Innsbruck. However, you can flip it and do it in reverse if that suits you better!

Both Vienna and Innsbruck are served by an international airport. As the Austrian capital and largest city, Vienna International Airport (Flughafen Wien) connects nonstop to the vast majority of European cities. You can also find direct flights from the US, Canada, the Middle East, and some Asian cities.

As a smaller airport, there are fewer direct flights to Innsbruck Airport (Flughafen Innsbruck). However, you can fly nonstop from other Austrian airports as well as from a select number of European destinations including Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands.

Best time to visit Austria 

Austria experiences the four distinct seasons as per the Northern Hemisphere and other Central European nations, so the best time to visit Austria really depends on the type of experience you are after. The climate and temperatures differ depending on the altitude, so during the course of this road trip in Austria, you should expect the weather to fluctuate somewhat. 

The peak travel season is the summer months of July and August when the temperatures are at their hottest, reaching typically 27-29°C (80-84°F) or sometimes even higher. Meanwhile, winter brings snowfall to the mountains and sees the ski resorts open up for the season.

In terms of the best time to visit Austria as part of a road trip, the shoulder seasons of late spring and autumn are the most pleasant overall. Temperatures are at their most comfortable, you will have less competition for accommodation and parking space, and tours and hotels will be a fraction cheaper. And to be honest, when you’re up in the mountains you will likely still see dustings of snow on the peaks.

Car rental in Austria

No matter which airport you fly to (Vienna or Innsbruck), there are car rental agencies located at both of the airports and in the cities themselves.

I recommend booking your rental well in advance to get the best deals. Prices can be pretty inflated during the summer months so the earlier you book, the better deals you can snag.

Driving tips for Austria 

Driving in Austria is a doddle, providing that you follow the rules and understand the local road rules. Naturally, you must wear a seatbelt at all times, not drive while under the influence, or when using your mobile phone. Here are a few more driving tips for your Austria road trip itinerary: 

• During the summer season and warmer months, Austrian roads are a joy to drive. They are paved and well maintained. However, between December and March, snow and ice is likely at higher altitudes so you will need to ensure that your rental is fitted with winter tires and that you have snow chains in the boot. 
• To drive in Austria, you must possess a full driving license from your home country as well as an International Driver’s Permit (IDP). You will need to arrange this documentation prior to arriving in the country to start your Austria road trip. If your driving license was issued by one of the member states of the European Economic Area, you will not need the IDP as your license is valid in Austria.
• Traffic rules and regulations are comparable to other European countries. In general, the speed limit is 100 km/h (62 mph) on Bundesstraße (freeways) and S Roads (expressways) and 130 km/h (81 mph) on Autobahn (highways). When driving through residential areas and inner cities, the speed limit is usually 50 km/h (31 mph), but you should stay alert for signs.
• In order to drive on the Austrian Autobahn and S Roads, your rental must display a vignette toll sticker. If your rental car doesn’t have one, you must purchase a vignette before hitting the highways. For this Austria road trip itinerary, purchasing a 10-day vignette is the best option which costs €9.90. You can buy the vignette at any of the petrol stations and then stick it to your windshield.
• Driving with your headlights on is optional during daylight hours and compulsory at night in Austria. 
• ÖAMTC and ARBÖ are the two major breakdown assistance services in Austria and both operate 24/7. The numbers are 120 and 123, respectively. As a non-member, you will be liable to pay a fee if you use this service. 
• This itinerary for Austria includes a generous amount of hiking so it’s really important to have some sturdy hiking boots in your rental that you can throw on whenever you reach the trails. You should also have a significant stash of water ready for the hikes. 

Planning a trip to Austria?

Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about Austria. I promise, they are just as awesome as this article was!

• Where to Stay in Vienna: 7 Best Areas & Hotels
• 2 Days in Vienna Itinerary: The Perfect Weekend in Vienna
• 19 Stunning Vienna Instagram Spots You Can’t Miss
• How to Spend One Day in Salzburg, Austria
• One Day in Hallstatt Itinerary: The Perfect Hallstatt Day Trip
• Hotel Review: Das Edelweiss Salzburg Mountain Resort
• Hotel Review: Hotel Post Lermoos, Austria

Pin It for Later!

8 thoughts on “The Perfect 10 Day Austria Road Trip Itinerary”

Hi, we are planning to visit Austria from 26 Nov- 3rd Dec and kind of follow this itinerary. However, could you please tick-off routes and places to be avoided during this time of the year?

I’ve never been to Austria during that time of year so unfortunately I don’t have any first hand experience to help with.

Some good advice but all of these places can be visited by train without adding to green house gasses. I can only hope that this ridiculous trend of travel bloggers posing in long dresses and skirts is dead soon. Seriously, posing in a flowing dress on a hanging bridge or hiking trail just distracts from your articles. It also clogs up travel spots for the rest of us travelers as we have to wait around while you get the perfect photo. Isn’t this blog to serve other travelers? Help with our trips? You’re doing the opposite. Please. Just stop.

Well, yes, most of these places can be visited with a train but then you’ll need a lot more time and wouldn’t be able to complete this itinerary in 10 days. But if you have more free time, go for it! I’m sorry if the pictures bothered you but at the end of the day, did you find the information on this blog helpful? Did it help you to plan your trip? If yes, you are welcome, if you found it useless, then you can just click away and read another blog. I don’t think that by sharing some pictures I like makes the article unhelpful but again, sorry if you feel that way.

Hi! I have been to Austria a few time and I still learned a lot from this blog. Some I have done before and I totally agree with your suggestions so I trust the many suggestions and ideas that I have not heard of or tried. Thank you for your thorough research and clear, well thought out itinerary. I picked and chose what I liked from it and will definitely use it on my trip in May. Really great job. Glad I came across your page. Thank you. Thank you!

Thank you so much for your lovely comment, it really means a lot and I’m so happy I was able to help you plan your trip. Have fun in Austria in May!

Can You tell me please which time have you visited. Because the flow of waterfalls is insane. To witness the same experience I’m asking your travel month. And yes i love your article so much that everyday i come and read your blogs.

Sure! We’ve been to Austria multiple times but most of these photos were taken on a road trip in the middle of June. Hope that helps!

Comments are closed.

• Last Minute
• About KE Adventure
• KE Office Team
• Awards & Accolades
• The KE Experience
• Grades Explained
• Flight Information
• Booking with KE
• Travel Insurance
• Booking Conditions
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Book with Confidence
• Sustainability
• Climate Change
• Carbon Absorption
• Partnerships and charity
• Sustainable Travel
• Enquire now
• Canary Islands
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• North Macedonia
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• South Korea
• Reunion Island
• Sierra Leone
• South Africa
• New Zealand
• Papua New Guinea
• El Salvador
• French Guiana

The world’s best walking routes from leisurely footpaths to challenging trails.

Road, mountain, adventure, e-bike and leisure cycling holidays.

Taking you high into the world's most spectacular mountain ranges.

Active journeys focusing on the cultural highlights of a country.

Wildlife experiences and safaris to see the world's most incredible animals.

Fun-filled adventures to share with all the family, led by specialist leaders.

Discover the unique wilderness landscapes and wildlife of the Arctic and Antarctica.

Thrilling snowy escapes away from the downhill crowds.

Unique, expedition-style trips; adventures you never knew existed.

From challenging trails, to an scenic running adventures

Small group holidays led by fantastic local KE leaders.

Travel at your own pace while we arrange all the logistics.

Experience our guided adventures, exclusively for your friends and family

Join like-minded travellers on our guided group adventures, or travel Self-Guided.

Encapsulating the spirit of KE from the past 40 years of adventure travel.

Enjoy a cycling tour with the pedalling made easier.

Try ski touring, snowshoeing, dog sledding, iglo building and more.

Once-in-a-lifetime adventure across the frozen oceans.

For the peak-baggers! Climb the highest peak in each country.

Incredible landscape by day, stargaze the endless sky by night.

Island-hopping in the Galapagos to the Canaries to the paradise trails of Bali.

Timing your holiday right to coincide with a local festival.

Step into one of our best-selling adventures.

Experience something different over the festive period.

11 reviews for our Austria Holidays

Adventure holidays in austria.

Austria is a country of startling contrasts, from the soaring Alps to the lush expanses of the Danube Valley, making it the perfect place for adventure holidays.

This European beauty is renowned not only for its rich historical architecture and captivating museums and galleries, but also for its exceptional winter conditions and stunning mountain scenery. The Austrian Alps provides a spectacular setting for both cycling and walking holidays , making it a must for those seeking an adventure holiday.

Featured Holidays in Austria

Self-Guided Austria: Dachstein Circuit Trek

Complete the classic Dachstein Circuit in Austria at your own pace on this self-guided walking holiday, a great alternative Tour du Mont Blanc hike

12 days from

US$2,430 without flights

Self-Guided Danube Cycling: Passau to Vienna

Discover the beauty of the famous Danube cycle path from Passau to Vienna at your own pace on this self-guided biking holiday

8 days from

US$1,475 without flights

Self-Guided Walking In Austria

Discover the crystal clear lakes of Austria’s Salzkammergut on foot

US$1,135 without flights

Self-Guided Cycling Lake Constance & Rhine Falls

Austria , Germany

Cycle through Germany, Switzerland and Austria and explore beautiful Lake Constance & the dramatic Rhine Falls at your own pace

US$1,645 without flights

Self-Guided E5 Alpine Trek: Oberstdorf to Merano

Austria , Italy

Walk the highlights of the classic E5 long-distance trail on this challenging one week cross-border Alpine trek.

US$1,840 without flights

Self-Guided Danube Cycling: Vienna to Budapest

Austria , Hungary

Cycle through three countries along the Danube from Austria, through Slovakia and ending in Hungary on this one week self-guided holiday

US$1,265 without flights

Self-Guided Walking: Salzburg’s 10 Lakes

Discover the high passes and glistening lakes of Salzburg's Ten Lakes region on foot at your own pace

US$1,290 without flights

Trans Tyrol Trek

Trek the Tirolerweg, from Germany into Austria through the Bavarian Alps and the Tyrol

US$2,725 without flights

Recent Reviews

Varied Trekking in a Beautiful Area

Our family of three (youngest member 12) had a tiring but rewarding experience over the course of this holiday which we undertook in July/August. It was easy to get to the start point from Salzburg airport using Austria’s excellent public trans...

Beautiful countryside

A lovely trip with my daughter, great accommodation, and lovely varied routes with option to modify in poor weather, which we did on one day, otherwise we had lovely weather in late September and lots of places to swim .What’s not to like ?...

Danube cycling

Everything about the trip went smoothly. My highlight was the fun cycling along beautiful countryside knowing KE was doing its part with luggage and any problem solving....

We really enjoyed this trip

My husband and I really enjoyed this trip. We hiked 5-6 hours every day and then landed in another story book Austrian town. This was our third KE trip and our first self guided one. The hiking wasn't too difficult so it hikers of many ages could do ...

Worldwide Adventure Holidays

We offer over 360 active adventures in 100 countries worldwide. Best known for our pioneering itineraries and challenging trips with an 'edge', we also offer a range of easier guided and self-guided walking, cycling, family and wildlife journeys throughout the world. Based in Keswick in the Lake District, we are passionate about creating unique travel experiences for our customers.

40 years of operating; fully bonded and your money 100% protected.

From leisurely walking and cycling to push-your-limits expeditions.

400 Guided Group and Self-Guided adventures in 100 countries.

Sustainable

100% carbon absorption. Caring for the environment and local communities.

Phone Hours

Your wishlist.

Start your next adventure.

Click the heart icon on the search or holiday pages to save a holiday to your wishlist.

{{ result.name }}

{{ result.locations['country'] }} , {{ result.locations['region'] }}

{{ result.introduction }}

{{ result.duration }} days from

{{ result.fromPriceWithoutFlights }} without flights

{{ result.fromPriceWithFlights }} with flights

Holiday Search

• Switzerland

Tips Melancong ke Austria dan Aktiviti Menarik

A dakah anda bercadang untuk melancong ke Austria?

Jika ya artikel 3 minit akan memberikan anda panduan yang ringkas namun padat untuk anda memulakan kajian. Austria adalah salah satu negara pegunungan di Eropah.

Cerun yang berselang-seli dengan laluan yang berliku-liku seperti satu taman permainan gergasi tidak kira semasa musim sejuk ataupun panas.

Bahasa utama yang dituturkan di Austria adalah Standard Austria Jerman . Ia adalah sama dengan Standard Jerman, dengan perbezaan dalam perbendaharaan kata dan sebutan.

Bahasa ibunda kebanyakan digunakan oleh penduduk tempatan, bagaimanapun,  Austro-Bavarian , juga bahasa Jerman digunakan tetapi hanya sebagiannya dipahami oleh orang Jerman.

• Lihat Promosi Pakej Percutian Negara Balkan
• Lihat Penginapan Terbaik di Vienna Austria
• Lihat Aktiviti Menarik di Vienna Austria
• Lihat Peta Percutian di Vienna Austria

Bahasa Inggeris digunakan secara meluas di seluruh bahagian-bahagian ini, terutama mereka yang bekerja dalam industri pelancongan .

Jika bahasa Jerman anda tidak berapa fasih, anda mungkin mempunyai kesukaran untuk berkomunikasi ketika melancong ke Austria.

Penerbangan dalam Austria adalah mahal tetapi ia adalah cara yang cepat untuk menjelajah di seluruh negara. Keretapi adalah perkhidmatan utama di Austria.

Perkhidmatannya adalah kerap dan kemudahannya yang sangat baik. Jika tiada keretapi and juga boleh menggunakan perkhidmatan bas untuk menuju ke destinasi yang anda mahu.

Antara kawasan-kawasan yang menarik yang terpilih adalah termasuk Tyrol , Lembah Danube , Salzburgerland , Salzkammergut dan  Steiermark.

Tempat-tempat tersebut mempunyai pemandangan yang indah di lembah yang dipenuhi dengan perkampungan tradisional yang mempunyai reka bentuk bergerigi sehingga mencapai tinggi ke langit.

Cuba Bayangkan: Dengan pemandangan yang indah ini, anda boleh menikmatinya sambil berjalan ataupun aktiviti berbasikal dan bermain ski.

Ia juga mempunyai keretapi dan boleh membuatkan percutian keluarga anda lebih menyeronokkan. Jika anda melancong ke Austria , Vienna adalah tempat yang berbaloi untuk anda habiskan masa.

Tempatnya yang bersejarah boleh dinikmati dengan menghadiri banyak pesta-pesta dan merasai budaya disana.

Menjelajah sungai, menghadiri persembahan muzik klasik ataupun mengambil bahagian dalam festival filem tahunan di ibu negara adalah acara terbaik untuk mengalami rasa menarik dan meriah di bandar ini.

Menuju ke selatan, Graza menawarkan kepada pelancong-pelancong salah satu bandar-bandar lama yang dijaga dengan baik di Eropah. Cathedrals , istana dan muzium adalah tarikan utama di bandar ini.

Pelancong yang datang ke Salzburg akan segera mengetahui tarikan utama di bandar ini.

Alunan musik klasik mengagumkan  Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart yang dilahirkan di bandar indah ini iaitu di tepi Sungai Salzach , manakala filem Hollywood yang amat popular, ‘ The Sound of Music ’ yang telah dirakamkan di sini.

Pun Begitu: Untuk merasai suasana kawasan luar Austria, pengunjung boleh menuju ke Innsbruck , ibu negeri Tyrol. Bandar yang indah ini terletak di sebuah lembah berdekatan dengan kaki gunung Eropah yang paling terkenal, Alps .

Bermain Ski pada musim sejuk dan mendaki gunung pada musim panas adalah aktiviti yang paling ramai orang lakukan semasa mereka datang kesini.

Di Innsbruck , pengunjung boleh melihat Hofkirche , sebuah gereja Gothic yang menempatkan sebuah peringatan khusus untuk maharaja Agung Rom Maximilian I .

Jauh di barat Tyrol adalah St Anton Arlberg , salah satu bandar peranginan ski yang terkenal yang sentiasa menjadi tempat yang paling terkenal sebagai destinasi ski global.

Bandar indah Bregenz yang terletak di sepanjang pinggir Tasik Constance dan di kaki Pfander , sebuah gunung di Alps Jerman , adalah satu lagi tempat yang sentiasa di penuhi orang ramai.

Berenang, belayar serta mendaki, antara aktiviti yang sentiasa menjadi aktiviti pilihan utama para pengunjung semasa percutian di Austria.

Tidak kira waktu, Austria mempunyai pelbagai aktiviti-aktiviti yang menarik untuk ditawarkan kepada para pelancong, dari pelayaran sungai musim panas dan mendaki di lereng bersalji pada musim sejuk.

Manakala di bandar-bandar menawarkan beberapa warisan budaya yang paling berharga di Eropah terutamanya untuk pecinta  musik klasik Mozart yang merupakan komposer terkenal yang dilahirkan di Austria.

Tiada kata yang dapatkan kami ungkapkan melainkan anda sendiri yang melancong ke Austria.

Bersambung…

Hadi Ghazali

Meminati dunia pelancongan sejak kecil lagi. Seorang konsultan pelancongan berpengalaman, Follow Hadi di Facebook . Ketahui selanjutnya tentang kami . Dapatkan pakej percutian di Melancong.my . Sertai Group Saya Kaki Melancong!

Artikel + Bersambung

Trip Negara Balkan: Tentatif Cadangan Percutian Terbaik

  Negara-negara Balkan terletak di Eropah Tenggara dan mempunyai sejarah yang kaya serta budaya yang pelbagai. Trip negara Balkan: Kawasan...

Tempat Menarik Di Bulgaria: 5 Tarikan Paling Popular

  Bulgaria adalah sebuah negara Balkan dengan rupa bumi yang merangkumi garis pantai Laut Hitam, pedalaman dan sungai pergunungan, termasuk...

TREND PAKEJ | PROMOSI TERKINI

10 bangunan bersejarah di malaysia yang paling popular dikunjungi, 30 tempat menarik di kota bharu berserta aktiviti tentatif percutian, kepentingan sektor pelancongan kepada malaysia, 10 tempat menarik di putrajaya yang paling popular, 14 tempat menarik di hatyai songkhla thailand, tempat menarik di batam: 25 sebab pelancong memilih percutian di batam, pakej popular | terkini 2024.

• Tentang Kami
• Terma dan Syarat
• Hubungi Kami

© 2024 Melancong.my - Powered by Hasrul & Co.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Remember Me

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.