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"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.

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Born To See The World

Austria itinerary: 7,10 and 14 days.

Austria, a land of captivating history, stunning alpine landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage, beckons travelers with its diverse attractions and vibrant cities. Nestled in the heart of Europe, this enchanting country offers a plethora of experiences for visitors, whether they are seeking imperial grandeur in Vienna, exploring the picturesque lakes of Salzburg, or immersing themselves in the charming alpine towns of Innsbruck. From the opulent palaces and classical music traditions to the breathtaking mountain vistas and outdoor adventures, Austria enthralls visitors with its unique blend of old-world charm and natural beauty. Whether you have 7, 10, or 14 days, embark on an unforgettable journey through Austria and discover the treasures that await in this captivating country.

7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Vienna - Explore the historic city center, visit Schönbrunn Palace, and enjoy a classical music concert in the evening.

Day 2: Salzburg - Take a train to Salzburg, visit Mozart's birthplace, explore the Mirabell Palace and Gardens, and enjoy the views from Hohensalzburg Fortress.

Day 3: Salzburg Lakes - Take a day trip to the picturesque lakes region around Salzburg, such as Wolfgangsee or Hallstatt.

Day 4: Innsbruck - Travel to Innsbruck, visit the famous Golden Roof, explore the Old Town, and enjoy the Alpine scenery.

Day 5: Tyrolean Alps - Take a cable car up to Nordkette and enjoy the panoramic views, or go hiking in the surrounding mountains.

Day 6: Graz - Travel to Graz, visit the historic Old Town, see the Schlossberg, and explore the museums and galleries.

Day 7: Wachau Valley - Take a day trip to the Wachau Valley, visit the charming towns of Melk and Dürnstein, and enjoy a boat ride along the Danube River.

10-Day Itinerary

Days 1-4: Follow the 7-day itinerary mentioned above for Vienna, Salzburg, Salzburg Lakes, Innsbruck, Tyrolean Alps, and Graz.

Day 5: Hallstatt - Take a day trip to the postcard-perfect village of Hallstatt, known for its stunning lake and mountain scenery.

Day 6-7: Bregenz and Lake Constance - Travel to Bregenz, visit the Bregenz Festival (if available), and explore the beautiful Lake Constance region.

Day 8-9: St. Anton and Arlberg - Head to St. Anton am Arlberg, a renowned ski resort in winter and a great destination for hiking and outdoor activities in summer.

Day 10: Linz - Visit Linz, explore the charming Old Town, and visit the Ars Electronica Center, known for its interactive exhibitions on art, technology, and society.

14-Day Itinerary

Days 1-10: Follow the 10-day itinerary mentioned above for Vienna, Salzburg, Salzburg Lakes, Innsbruck, Tyrolean Alps, Graz, Hallstatt, Bregenz, Lake Constance, St. Anton, Arlberg, and Linz.

Day 11-12: Eisenstadt and Burgenland - Travel to Eisenstadt, visit the Esterházy Palace, and explore the vineyards and nature reserves of Burgenland.

Day 13-14: Klagenfurt and Carinthia - Head to Klagenfurt, explore the city, and enjoy the beautiful lakes of Carinthia, such as Wörthersee or Millstätter See. Take time for outdoor activities and enjoy the stunning alpine landscapes.

Do you need a custom itinerary tailored to your wishes and needs? Use our Trip Planner tool.

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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.

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9 ways to make meaningful cultural connections through food in 2023

Slice of life: this Austrian café staffed by seniors hits the sweet spot

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 there are festivals dedicated to classical music, theatre, opera and modern music throughout the year. 

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

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 at 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, featuring 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, running through till the end of August.

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

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

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.

What will it cost for a...?

Austria’s unit of currency is the euro. Prices here are approximate and shown in US dollars for ease of comparison.

• Single espresso = USD 3
• A large beer in a bar = USD 4
• A bottle of wine from a supermarket = USD 5
• Traditional meal in a standard restaurant = USD 10–15
• 24-hour travel card in Vienna = USD 9

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.

What public holidays are celebrated in Austria?

1 Jan – New Year’s Day

6 Jan – Epiphany

Easter Monday*

1 May – Labour Day

Whit Monday*

Corpus Christi*

15 Aug – Assumption of Mary

26 Oct – National Day

1 Nov – All Saints’ Day

8 Dec – Immaculate Conception

25 Dec – Christmas Day

26 Dec – St Stephen’s Day

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

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 Perfect Day Trip to Salzburg from Vienna

The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Vienna Itinerary

The Perfect One Day in Graz Itinerary

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

• 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

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. 

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.

If you open up this post on your phone and you click on the bracket in the upper right corner of the map, it will automatically save this map to your Google Maps app so you can always have it with you. Super convenient, right?

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

Built as a hotel for the World Exhibition in Vienna in 1873, the luxurious Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna can be found right on the famous Ringstraße boulevard in the heart of the city. The hotel features 2 restaurants, a bar, and an exclusive spa and fitness center.

MID-RANGE – Hilton Vienna Plaza

Located on the historic Ringstraße in the Innere Stand, the city center of Vienna, Hilton Vienna Plaza combines modern and Art Déco design elements. The elegantly decorated rooms come with marble bathrooms and offer amazing views of the city from their large windows.

BUDGET – K+K Palais Hotel

Centrally located in the quiet part of Vienna’s city center, K+K Palais Hotel is a total steal. Boasting fully air-conditioned rooms and state-of-the-art amenities, the property is in close proximity to many major sights, such as the St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

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

This adults-only resort is located right on the waterfront and comprises a deluxe portfolio of suites that offer lake views. Modern interiors feature a rustic twist and the most decadent options come with additional features ranging from private patios to private spa pools.

MID-RANGE – Heritage Hotel Hallstatt

All rooms and suites at this 4-star hotel provide lake views and are equipped with a private bathroom, coffee maker, and homely touches. The accommodation spans three buildings and there is also a restaurant and sauna on site.

BUDGET – Gasthof Bergfried

This centrally located guest house features compact rooms with en suite bathrooms with the option to upgrade to a balcony suite. The property offers a shared relaxation area with a spa and sauna.

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.

LUXURY – Small Luxury Hotel Goldgasse

All suites at this deluxe hotel are artistically presented and some feature a private terrace. The property is situated in Salzburg Altstadt within walking distance to all the major landmarks and has a wonderful restaurant on the premises. 

MID-RANGE – Hotel Wolf

Colorful rooms are comfortably designed with eclectic furnishings and immaculate bathrooms. The hotel is positioned within a building that dates back to 1429 and is located in the heart of Salzburg Altstadt. A fantastic breakfast is included in the rate. 

BUDGET – Hotel-Flair

Rooms at this budget hotel in Salzburg are clean with plenty of space and each comes with a private bathroom. The property is conveniently located for walking to and from Salzburg Central Station and is a 30-minute walk into Altstadt Salzburg. 

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

This luxurious, family-run spa, golf, and pleasure hotel offers unique holiday experiences in a beautiful location in Zell am See. Surrounded by a splendid natural landscape, the Salzburgerhof combines 5-star comfort with 4 lilies in the Relax Guide for its spa quality and the culinary pleasures of 3 toques by Gault Millau.

MID-RANGE – Hotel Neue Post

Only a 3-minute walk away from the Zeller Bergbahn cable car, which provides access to the Schmittenhöhe skiing and hiking area, Hotel Neue Post enjoys an exceptional location in the heart of the old town of Zell am See.

BUDGET – Hotel Glasererhaus

Just a 5-minute walk from the shore of Lake Zell in the heart of Zell am See, Hotel Glasererhaus offers individually furnished rooms, a wellness area, and free WiFi. Most rooms additionally come with a balcony featuring a seating area.

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

This stylish hotel comes with all the luxury trimmings including a pool, spa, and scrumptious breakfast. The top-tier suites feature idyllic freestanding bathtubs and spacious balconies.

MID-RANGE – Gut Stiluppe

This beautiful lodge offers a spread of rooms and suites, including ‘Romantic’ and ‘Royal’ themed choices. There is a pool, sauna, spa, and garden terrace where you can unwind.

BUDGET – Brugger ApartHotel

Rooms at this inviting hotel are decorated in traditional Tyrolean style with wooden furnishings and feature a balcony, a private bathroom, and a seating area. Breakfast is included and the price is happily affordable.

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

Being the tallest hotel in Innsbruck, aDLERS Hotel Innsbruck offers a breathtaking panorama from its stylish rooms. There is also a spa area on the 11th floor and guests can dine at the Panorama Restaurant and Bar on the 12th floor.

MID-RANGE – Faktorei

Sophisticated rooms weave minimalism with a rustic touch and a number are equipped with a balcony. On site you will find a bohemian cafe and a lovely bar where you can toast the end of your trip!

BUDGET – Hotel Garni Römerhof

Combining modern facilities with a traditional style, Hotel Römerhof enjoys a quiet location only 8 km from the center of Innsbruck. Stylish rooms offer amazing views of the surrounding woods and meadows and there is also a spa area on site.

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

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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!

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A Detailed 10-Day Austria Itinerary

I’m convinced that the best part of Austria is its nature. The Alps with their amazing viewpoints, deep gorges and cool waterfalls are a huge part of this Austria itinerary, though I’ll take you to a handful of towns and cities as well.  

You’ll be changing hotels a few times and sleeping in Vienna, Hallstatt, Zell am See and Innsbruck and using them as a base to explore the incredible surroundings.  

You might also be interested in reading:

• 3 Days in Vienna: The Ultimate Itinerary
• What is Austria Known For? 13 Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
• 9 Unusual Things to do in Vienna
• 7 Top Tourist Cities in Austria: Highlights, Trips, Hotels, and More

Austria itinerary map and overview  

At the beginning of each the description of each day you’ll find a map, a list of the main stops of the day, my restaurant tips , and some links to my other articles where you can read up on further details.  

I’ve also tried to save you a chunk of time by recommending hotels in each city, all from my personal experience.   

This Austria itinerary expects you to be renting a car . You can read what I think about driving in Austria at the end of this article.  

This is the itinerary route:  

Day 1: Vienna (sleep in Vienna) Day 2: Vienna (sleep in Vienna) Day 3: Schloss Ort, Salzburg (sleep in Hallstatt) Day 4: Hallstat  (sleep in Hallstatt) Day 5: Dachstein (sleep in Hallstatt) Day 6: Hohenwerfen Castle, Liechtenstein Gorge, Zell am See (sleep in Zell am See) Day 7: Grossglockner, Zell am See boat tour, Bad Gastein (sleep in Zell am See) Day 8: Kitzsteinhorn, around Kaprun (sleep in Zell am See) Day 9: Krimmler Waterfalls, Swarovski Kristalwelten, Innsbruck (sleep in Innsbruck) Day 10: 007 elements (Museum of James bond) (back to Vienna or sleep in Innsbruck)  

Day 1 of itinerary for Austria: Vienna 

Main sites visited on day 1: Stephansdom, Anker Clock, Cafe Sacher, Belvedere, Karlskirche, Rathausplatz, Hundertwasser House, Kunst Haus Wien Restaurant tips: KLYO | Superfood Deli | Dogenhof | Taeko Ramen | Café Sacher Hotel recommendations: Boutiquehotel Das Tyrol | Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof Further reading: Vienna 3 day itinerary | Austria in a Nutshell | Know Before You Go: Austria

You’ll kick off your Austria itinerary with a wander around Vienna, the country’s capital. I already have a full Vienna 3 day itinerary written up with extensive details of visiting every single spot, so I will keep it simple here and you can go check out more details in the other article if you need to.  

First things first though- you need a place to sleep in Vienna.   

Your hotel in Vienna  

I’ll give you two tips on places to stay, each different in style so everyone can choose their favorite.  

First is the cheaper of the two, the 4-star Boutiquehotel Das Tyrol. It’ very artsy fartsy—pieces from Vienna’s best designers decorate the interior. It’s located on Mariahilfer Straße shopping street .   

The beds in this hotel are uber-comfortable, the staff goes above and beyond and Prosseco is served with breakfast. Nuff said.  

Prices start from EUR 180 per night.  The second hotel is one star more expensive: Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof, but it’s smack in the middle of Vienna’s center. It has probably the best price/quality/location ratio out of all of Vienna’s hotels.   

The rooms in this historical building are pleasantly modern (with AC), with 21 st century interpretations of various styles.  

Two whole floors of the hotel are dedicated to a spa and fitness center . So instead of artsy fartsy, you can be... working out.  

Prices start from EUR 250 per night. 

Day 1—Vienna—stop 1: Stephansdom  

Time spent here: 20 minutes to 1.5 hours   

Every Vienna visit starts with St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom), which stands prominently on Stephansplatz —even a bit too prominently, because it takes up the whole square!  

You can see the main length and some smaller chapels of the Stephansdom for free , but you do need a ticket to go further into the church and see the alter, for instance.  

I recommend at least paying to go up the north tower for the best views of those tiles that are so inconveniently on the rooftop, and also Vienna’s largest bell, the Pummerin.  

Another hidden option is touring the catacombs (only with guide), where you’ll be in the company of the bones of 11,000 people, including some very high-ranking Habsburgs (actually, Stephansdom only has their internal organs, but more about that on the tour).   

Tickets can’t be bought online on the official site. Buy tickets at the ticket desk in person, they take cash only !   

• Stephansdom official website   
• Google Maps link   
• Open Monday to Saturday 9am–11:30 am and 1 pm–4:30 pm, Sundays and public holidays from 1 pm–4:30 pm. Check the website for detailed opening times for each section though.   
• Tickets EUR 20 for all inclusive, EUR 6 for cathedral audio guide, EUR 6 for each of the towers and the catacomb tour.   

Day 1 —Vienna— stop 2: Ankeruhr (Anchor Clock)   

Time spent here : 10 minutes   

Now take a little quick stroll through the streets off of Stephansplatz. A couple blocks north is the Anker Clock, built in Art Nouveau design in 1914.   

It forms a bridge between two buildings, with 12 figures “walking” through the little windows, each being showcased for 1 hour and accompanied by music on the hour every hour.   

The main attraction is at noon when all 12 figures form a parade for all of the tourists on the street below. It takes about 10 minutes, so prepare for your neck to ache afterwards!   

• Google Maps link to Anker Clock    

Day 1—Vienna—stop 3: Time for sacher!

Time spent here : 1 hour    

Is it ever too early for cake? Nah, and this one is a Viennese classic—Sachertorte is a  decadent chocolate cake with apricot jam  in the middle.  

The home of Sachertorte is  Café Sacher , a café with a typical Viennese coffeehouse atmosphere. It’s part of  Hotel Sacher Wien , which is a fabulous, very Viennese and very expensive 5-star hotel in the center of Vienna. If you book a stay there using my affiliate link , I will love you forever. I get a bit of commission at no extra cost to you, so all you’ll feel is a sense of fulfilment and joy.   

You can walk to Hotel Sacher Wien from Stephansplatz in about 10 minutes using the pedestrian street called Kärntner Straße.   

Café Sacher offers sacher from an original 1832 recipe , so go and try the famous cake at its original home. It sits across from the State Opera , so you can get a glimpse of that on the way, too.    

Making reservations is strongly recommended.  

• Café Sacher   
• Google Maps link   
• Open daily 8 am–8 pm   

Day 1—Vienna—stop 4: Belvedere   

Time spent here : 2 hours to see at least one museum, min. 4 hours for everything  

The Belvedere consists of the Upper Belvedere Palace (in the south), the Lower Belvedere Palace (in the north), and the 600 m (0.4 mile) long garden that’s between them, plus the Belvedere 21 art space.   

It’s a big place and you won’t have time to see everything unless you really prioritize it in your itinerary.  

The Upper Belvedere is the main palace, bigger and grander, and houses a large Gustav Klimt collection , including his most famous work, “The Kiss”. Plus works by Schiele, Funke, Messerschmidt and van Gogh.   

The Lower Belvedere and stables show special exhibitions and art from all periods. The palace is overall smaller and less grand, but still nice. It’s where Prince Eugene used to live, so it’s not ordinary in the slightest.   

If you’re more into contemporary art or think palaces are boring, visit the Belvedere 21 instead. It belongs under the Belveder umbrella, but it’s a “vibrant urban hub” just a bit further south from the Upper Palace.  

The main garden is free to enter, as is the botanical garden. The Privy Garden is free if you have the palace ticket. Then there’s Europe’s oldest Alpine garden with over 100 bonsais and the main attraction— rhododendrons that blossom starting in April. You pay EUR 4 to see those (this garden is only open from the end of March to the beginning of August).   

I love rhododendrons, as I’ve mentioned in some other articles (l ike this one about Scotland’s best castles —see Dunvegan Castle), so I’d certainly try to see the Alpine Garden if you’re visiting in the time when you can see the flowers in full bloom, it’s just spectacular.   

• Belvedere   
• Google Maps link   
• Open daily 10 am–6 pm  
• Tickets available online , EUR 15.90 for just the Upper Belvedere, EUR 22.90 for Upper and Lower Belvedere. See website for other combinations.   

Day 1—Vienna—stop 5: Karlskirche   

Time spent here : 20 minutes  

Just a 10-minut walk back towards Vienna’s historic center is the Karlskirche, aka St. Charles Church. It’s considered the best Baroque church in Vienna , but is actually a mix of styles: Byzantine, Renaissance, and Baroque with Greek and Roman elements. You’ll see what I mean when you see the two huge columns in the front.   

There’s a slightly out-of-place metal elevator in the middle of the church that takes you up to the dome so you can stare at the ceiling frescos from way up close.  

You can also go outside on the terrace for a nice view of the city and the fountain and park in front.    

• Karlskirche official website   
• Google Maps link    
• Open Monday to Saturday 9 am–6 pm, Sundays 12 pm–7 pm  
• Tickets cost EUR 8  

Day 1—Vienna—stop 6: Rathausplatz and Town Hall   

Now I suggest hopping on a tram on Oper, Karlsplatz and getting off 4 stops later at Rathausplatz .  

Rathausplatz is the square and park that’s always bustling with people and, especially in the summer and winter, plenty of events. The main focus point is the massive city hall, or Rathaus .   

The town hall’s façade is apparently modeled after Brussels’ Town Hall , which is the most eye-catching building on the already fabulous Grand Place in Belgium’s capital. Read more about Brussels’ highlights (including the Town Hall) .   

You can visit the Rathaus interiors (or some of the representative halls at least) on a guided tour, but it is mostly offices full of officials that are going about their daily business. I prefer just seeing it from the outside.   

If there’s nothing special going on when you’re visiting, you’ll only need a few minutes to take a look around.   

Day 1—Vienna—stops 7+8: Hundertwasser House and Kunst Haus Wien   

Hop back on the tram (no. 1 takes you there directly) and go to Hertzgasse .   

Hundertwasser House looks like you let kindergarten kids paint the façade, but in fact, it’s an architectural highlight, built in 1983–1985.  

It’s an apartment building   designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, a famed Austrian painter. He was given complete free reign in the design of the house, and his style is loud and clear . You will see bold colors, swirling designs, and grass and trees everywhere.    

The building is still used as a residence , so you can only look at it from the outside.   

• Hundertwasser House is on  Kegelgasse 37–39  ( Google Maps link )  
• Opening hours of the Hundertwasser museum: 10am-6pm  
• Tickets cost around 9,5 EUR and are available here   

Time spent here : 1 hour  

A couple blocks down the road is the similarly quirky  Kunst Haus Wien . This building was also designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Inside, you can admire some top international exhibitions with a  focus on photography , and it also serves as the  Hundertwasser Museum.    

Stick around at the café downstairs for more artsy vibes. You can also buy some souvenirs at the gift shop.   

Tip:  If you like weird, organic architecture, take a  trip to Barcelona  and see Gaudí’s best work!    

• Kunst Haus Wien   
• Google Maps link    
• Open daily 10 am–6 pm   
• Tickets cost €12    

Day 2 of itinerary for Austria: More of Vienna 

Main sites visited on day 2 : Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens, Museum Quartier, Hofburg Palace and Heldenplatz, Prater’s Giant Ferris Wheel Restaurant tips: KLYO | Superfood Deli | Dogenhof | Taeko Ramen Hotel recommendations : Boutiquehotel Das Tyro l | Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof Further reading: Unusual places in Vienna | Vienna 3 day itinerary | Know Before You Go: Austria   

Today you’ll do a bit of a combination of days 2 and 3 of my Vienna 3 day itinerary . You’ll start at Schönbrunn Palace, spend some time in Vienna’s museums in the center, and end your day at the funnest place in town, Prater.  

Day 2 —Vienna— stop 1: Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens   

Time spent here : 2 hours minimum 

Right away I have to warn you that the gardens are so vast that if you wanted to visit everything there (like the Palm House and Zoo), you’d have trouble to see it all in a full day . So come here ready to just get a taste of Schönbrunn.   

Schönbrunn Palace is an imperial summer residence in Baroque style, kind of like the Austrian version of Versailles.  

A visit to Schönbrunn is easily worth it even if you decide against visiting the palace interiors. The gardens are huge and are worth visiting in their own right. There are fountains, lakes, statues, ruins, a rose garden, and many beautiful avenues to walk through.  

Entrance to the Schönbrunn gardens is free .   

I recommend that you stop at  Gloriette Viewing Terrace  ( Gloriette Schloss ). Not only is it pretty on its own, especially when viewed from over the lake, but the entrance is free and you can get the perfect photos of Schönbrunn Palace from there. You’ll get the palace gardens in front and the city in the background, it’s pretty cool.   

If you want to see the interiors, Schönbrunn offers a good variety of tours , like the Imperial Tour that takes you through 22 rooms with an audio guide and takes just about 30 minutes .  

Make sure to book tickets in advance . Especially in the summer months, there can be crowds trying to get in, and they do limit the number of people inside, which results in hours of waiting.  

Schönbrunn’s located a bit of a ways away from the city center, but you can easily get there by tram, bus or metro (Schloss Schönbrunn is the stop you’re looking for), and obviously by taxi too. If you have your own car, there is a parking lot ready to babysit your vehicle for EUR 4 per hour.     

• Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens website   
• Google Maps link .  
• Open daily 8:30 am–5:30 pm most of the year for the palace, 6:30 am–8 pm for the gardens (shorter opening times in the winter, check website for details)  
• Entrance to the gardens is free. Tickets to the palace vary depending on which tour you choose. For example, the Imperial Tour costs EUR 22 including audio guide.   

Day 2 —Vienna—s top 2: Museum Quartier and some museums  

Time spent here : 2 hours 

Go back to Vienna’s city center to the Museum Quartier, a museum neighborhood that’s a pleasant combination of historical buildings, modern architecture and (sometimes strange) art. 

You can stroll around Museum Quartier, looking at the outdoor art and popping in for a coffee if you feel like it. There are several restaurants/ cafes right in the main courtyard, and most museums have their own coffee offering as well.   

Tip: If you are a book nerd, stop by the Buchhandlung Walther König. It’s a cool little book shop with tons or art books.   

Most of the museums here are art galleries focusing on modern art . Choose one based on your interests.  

The mumok is the big, grey, windowless one that screams “I’m a contemporary art museum”. It has some very wacky pieces that you’ll either love or hate.  

Alternatively, try the Austrian Architecture Museum , the Leopold Museum (Austrian modern art), international contemporary art at the Kunsthalle , or the interactive children’s museum called ZOOM .  

If none of that sounds interesting and you’d like to step back in time instead of into the future, you can head across the street to the Kunsthistorisches Museum , aka Vienna’s Art History Museum. Even if you just take a minute to look at the incredibly ornate dome in the entrance hall, it’s worth a stop.  

Day 2—Vienna—stop 3: Hofburg Palace and Heldenplatz   

Time spent here : 1–2 hours for just the exteriors    

The next spot you’ll want to visit is one of the biggest palace complexes in the world : Hofburg Palace. It might sound surprising since it’s in the middle of Vienna, but the place is vast!   

Having said that, visiting all the interiors in the Hofburg complex would take you all day, so for this visit, I recommend just spending time outside. There’s still a lot to see. 

Hofburg is where the Habsburg Empire was ruled from for centuries. The kings moved out in 1918, but Austria’s president still takes care of all his boss duties from there to this day.   

Aside from being a place to manage an empire (or country) from, Hofburg serves as a place of many museums. There’s also the Imperial Chapel , Austrian National Library, the Imperial Treasury and even the Spanish Riding Schoo l.  

Tip: I’ve included the Spanish Riding School in my article about unusual places to visit in Vienna . It’s home to the Lipizzaner stallions and is the oldest classical horse-riding school in the world.     

If you do visit the interiors of Hofburg Palace, you’ll be able to see the private apartments and representative rooms of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth and get a feel for what it was like to be part of the imperial family.   

The square in front of the Imperial Palace is called Heldenplatz . You get the best views of the palace from there, along with some statues of important men on horses.   

Walking away from the palace, the square turns into the Volksgarten , a large, regal public park which includes fountains, manicured flower gardens, a rose garden, and even a replica of a Greek temple.    

• Hofburg Palace website   
• Opening times vary from building to building, but in general, 10 am–6 pm daily should get you into most places.   
• Tickets to the apartments, the Sisi Museum and the Silver Collection cost EUR 16. Other ticket options are available. Just walking around the complex and gardens is free.   

Day 2—Vienna—stop 4: Prater’s Giant Ferris Wheel   

Time spent here : However long you wish; the ride itself takes about 15 minutes 

The day is almost at it’s end, so it’s time for some fun! Hop in a taxi and head out to one of Vienna’s most prominent symbols, the Ferris Wheel (“ Wiener Riesenrad” ).   

Located in Prater Amusement Park to the north of Vienna’s city center, The Giant Ferris Wheel. It’s been adorning Vienna’s skyline for over 100 years .   

You can either just take a ride in one of the wooden cabins—that takes about 15 minutes—, or, turn it into an extra special experience:    

For a kick of adrenaline, hop on Platform 9. You’ll get a harness and then you’ll be strapped onto a simple steel construction with a glass floor! Up you go! Tickets cost EUR 89 .   

For a culinary experience, buy tickets (in advance) to one of the gourmet wagons and go round and round while you eat! It won’t come cheap though— a dinner for 2 starts at EUR 260 .   

Before or after your ride, visit the Panorama at the foot of the Ferris Wheel to learn about the history of the Wheel through audio-visual installations in eight Ferris Wheel cabins.   

Of course, the rest of Prater is right there, so if you’re up for it, continue your evening on some fun rides! Each ride is paid for separately , so you can even just wander around and enjoy the atmosphere without paying any kind of entrance fee.   

• Giant Ferris Wheel website   
• Open (almost) daily year-round, mostly morning until midnight. Check opening hours here .   
• Tickets cost EUR 13.50 for adults.   

Day 3 of itinerary for Austria: Schloss Ort, Salzburg

Main sites visited on day 3 : Schloss Ort, Salzburg Fortress, Salzburg Old Town Restaurant tips : Marc's Restaurant-Bar in Salzburg | Rudolsfturm | Seecafé Hallstatt Hotel recommendations : COOEE Alpin Hotel in Gosau Further reading: Best places to visit in Salzburg | Best places in Hallstatt  

Today you’ll be driving to Salzburg, stopping at a water castle, and ending your day in your hotel in Hallstatt –that's right, not in Salzburg. It’s because Salzburg is boring and Hallstatt is not.  

Your hotel in Hallstatt...sort of  

I’ve taken extra care to recommend really good hotels in this super cute town, so feel free to make use of those affiliate links! You pay nothing extra and I get a small commission if you do.  

When I say “in” Hallstatt, I don’t necessarily mean “in” Hallstatt—any of the neighboring villages will do. If you want to take my advice, stay where I stayed :  

The COOEE Alpin Hotel in Gosau was an amazing place. Nice, spacious bedrooms, wonderful breakfast, and awesome location. There is also a sauna at the hotel and free parking.   

Prices start at EUR 150 per night with breakfast.  

Day 3, stop 1: Schloss Ort  

Time spent here: 1 hour   

The drive to Salzburg from Vienna takes 3.5 hours without stops, so you’ll want to break that up a bit. Austria’s lakes make for the perfect excuse to get out of the car and stretch your legs.  

At Schloss Ort in a town called Gmunden, you can get amazing views of the lake and the Alps from a tiny island, and with a small castle to boot. It’s about 2.5 hours into your drive.  

To set expectations straight, the castle is fun to visit because there is a narrow wooden walkway out onto the lake to it, and the views are fantastic from there and the peninsula that it leads from. The castle isn’t an actual tourist site apart from the courtyard with a small museum about peasant life. You par EUR 5 to walk inside even just the courtyard.  

The only other way to see more of the inside of the castle is to have a wedding there, and there’s no time for that on this Austria itinerary! This isn’t Vegas ok.  

You can take advantage of the onsite café (accessible without paying the entrance fee) and take in those views with a mélange in your hand.  

The little island that the castle sits on is reached by walking across a bridge from the peninsula that includes a nice park area called Toscanapark.   

Park your car on the large and free parking lot right at the start of the peninsula.  

• Schloss Ort website  
• Parking lot map 
• Open daily 10 am–5 pm 

Day 3, stop 2: Salzburg Fortress and the city  

Time spent here: 2 hours for the fortress, indefinite for the city 

I’m not a huge Salzburg fan (boring!), so think you don’t need to kill yourself trying to see the entire town if you’re short on time or energy. The one part I do recommend visiting is the fortress— Festung Hohensalzburg . But even that isn’t that amazing. Not inside at least.  

Salzburg’s fortress is an eye-catching part of Salzburg’s skyline, because it site perched atop a hill right above the city center. It’s one of the largest (still existing) 11th-century fortress complexes in Europe.   

There are several options of tickets for Salzburg Fortress , so just choose what sounds most appealing. I thought the interiors weren’t the greatest, aside for maybe the armory. The private bathroom in the Archbishop’s bedroom was a unique sight, too!  

If you buy your tickets online, you skip the inevitable lines at the entrance.  

How to get to Salzburg Fortress  

You have to leave your car under the hill somewhere in the city. The closest and most convenient parking for Salzburg Fortress is at Mönchsberggarage . It’s underground and there’s enough space for everyone. If you get your parking ticket stamped at the fortress , you only pay EUR 4 for under 4 hours, EUR 6 for longer.  

You can either hike for 15 minutes to get up to the fortress, or hop on the funicular at Festungsgasse 4 . The ride up only takes a minute. The funicular price is included in the fortress ticket , so buy it as a combination. If you only want to take the cable car up the hill, it costs something like EUR 4.5.  

If you get stuck in cable car traffic, don’t be afraid to tuck into the li ttle café right by the bottom station . It’s a simple place that serves simple food at good prices.  

Right when you get out of the funicular, turn right and head to the terrace . You’ll get views of the city and of the mountains and it’s arguably the most impressive part of Festung Hohensalzburg.  

• Salzburg Fortress official website  
• Google Maps link 
• Open daily 8:30 am–8 pm between May and September ( check opening times for other months here)  
• Ticket prices start at EUR 13.30 for the basic pathway with funicular included 

What to see in Salzburg in one day  

Other than the Salzburg fortress, I have a whole article on what to see in Salzburg that also includes an itinerary for a 1- and 2-day trip, so jump on over to that for details of other spots that you might want to see in the city. 

For example, you might want to visit the Salzburger Weihnachtsmuseum . A small museum with a historical collection of Christmas decorations, toys, and various Christmas-related this and that.  

Besides the fortress and some Christmas fun, you can spend some time around Residenzplatz (the Residence Square), with all the mandatory sights at your fingertips:  Salzburg Cathedral , DomQuarter/Alte Residenz , Neue Residenz  with the famous  Glockenspiel  (nowadays home of the  Salzburg Museum ), St. Peter’s Monastery , Cemetery, and Catacombs .  

Once you’re done in Salzburg, drive the 1 hour to my favorite Austrian city—Hallstatt . It’s more of a village, but you’ll love it, I’m sure of it!  

Day 4 of itinerary for Austria: Hallstatt 

Main sites visited on day 4 : Salt mines, Skywalk, the church and ossuary, Hallstatt Museum, boat tour Restaurant tips : Rudolsfturm | Seecafé Hallstatt Hotel recommendations : COOEE Alpin Hotel in Gosau | Fenix Hall Boutique Hotel Hallstatt Further reading : Best places to visit in Hallstatt | Austria background | Top cities in Austria

Today you’ll stay put in Hallstatt , my favorite Austrian village.  It’s small, but it certainly warrants a full day to visit!  

Get up bright and early and head out to explore the cutesy alleys of Hallstatt before the rest of the hordes of tourists do. You can literally see the whole thing in 20 minutes, so just take a wander. Don’t forget to make your way out to this viewpoint north of town for the best photo ops.  

Day 4—Hallstatt—stops 1+2: Salt mines and Skywalk  

Time spent here: 2 hours + time for lunch

Take the funicular up the mountain so you can head into the salt mines— Salzwelten Hallstatt .  

Hallstatt gained its glory mainly for salt mining, are the Hallstatt Salt Mines (Salzwelten). It’s the oldest salt mine in the world with 7,000-year history. The ancient tribes were working in these mines 7,000 years ago, which means the mines are older than the Egyptian pyramids !  

The tour of the salt mines is super fun—it starts with a train ride and includes going between the individual floors on wooden slides ! You can get details of my visit to the salt mines in my Hallstatt article .  

The salt mine combination ticket ( EUR 36 ) also gets you into the second-best experience in Hallstatt—the Hallstatt Skywalk ( Welterbeblick ).  

The same Salzbergbahn funicular will take you up 838 m (2,750 ft) onto the mountain. Then, cross the suspension bridge leading to the Rudolf’s tower and right under the tower, you will see the viewpoint platform .    

Yes, the platform hangs there as if in thin air , and yes, the views are spectacular. 

If you grab lunch at Rudolfsturm Restaurant (at the aforementioned Rudolf’s Tower), you’ll be eating with the best views far and wide!  

• Hallstatt Salt Mines   
• Skywalk aka Welterbeblick  
• Open daily 9:30 am–4 pm between April and November ( check opening times for other months here ) 
• Tickets cost EUR 36 for the salt mines and funicular that takes you to both the mines and the Skywalk 

Day 4—Hallstatt—stop 3: The church and the ossuary

Time spent here : 1 hour 

On the hill a little ways over the city, the Catholic church called Pfarrkirche Mariä Himmelfahrt guards the ancient cemetery. As you can see immediately, the cemetery is rather small, so the residents decided to make an ossuary in the small chapel of St. Michael to store the remains of their ancestors .  

In the Beinhaus (the “bone house”), there are more than 1,200 skulls, and around 600 of these are hand-painted with names and ornaments.    

• The ossuary is open Wednesday to Sunday 11:30 am–3:30 pm  
• There is a EUR 1.50 entrance fee  

Day 4—Hallstatt—stop 4 : The museum and excavations

Time spent here: 1 hour 

Next, visit Hallstatt’s Welterbemuseum to learn more about its history from its salt mining days until more recent history.  

It’s a nice little museum that gives you some extra appreciation of the city. You can be in and out in 30 minutes unless you are really interested in all the exhibits.  

• Museum Hallstatt official website (German only) 
• Google Maps link  
• Open daily 10 am – 6 pm (May to September; check website for opening times in other months) 
• Tickets cost EUR 10 

Just a few steps from the museum, across the little square, there is a sport equipment store . And no, I’m not telling you to go buy tennis shoes.  There’s an   excavation site under the store !  

It was discovered by accident, when the owner of the house wanted to build a boiler room under the store. The archeologists and student from the University of Vienna were summoned to explore the site and today  you can see a number of excavation pieces and ancient walls  from different parts of Hallstatt rich history.   

It’s open daily from 9 am to 6 pm and costs absolutely nothing.  

Day 4—Hallstatt—stop 5: Boat trip on the lake  

As the evening nears, I thought it would be a nice touch to get another perspective over Hallstatt from the lake— on a boat tour .  

But skip the tourist boats and stay away from the rude boat rental places in the village center and rent your own little electric boat from this place . Yes, you yourself will be the captain, and don’t worry, it’s easy enough!  

There’s room for 4 people and the price for a 1-hour rental is EUR 27. Take cash, they don’t accept cards!  

Day 5 of itinerary for Austria: Dachstein Krippenstein

Day 5—Dachstein—stop 1: Caves  

Time spent here: 2 hours 

The entire region Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut is on the UNESCO list as a cultural landscape , so there’s a lot to explore. 

Across the Hallstättersee from Hallstatt lies Obertraun village, and behind the village there is a large cave complex inside the Dachstein Krippenstein Mountains (a popular ski resort in the winter).  

There are several caves you can explore , so decide on a plan ahead of time so you know which cable car station to get off at.  

There is a huge Mammut cave, one of the largest karst caves in the world, the Koppenbrüller cave with an underground lake and my favorite, the Giant Ice Cave (I already covered this one in my article about 11 Top Tourist Attractions in Austria ). Roam the caves and sink in the mysterious atmosphere of the underground kingdom. 

The opening times of the caves are tied to the operation of the cable car, which rides every 15 minutes. Check ticket prices at Dachstein Krippenstein Official Websites. Prices just for the cable car start at EUR 35, tickets that also include a cave start at EUR 40.  

You can park your car at the huge parking lot by the bottom cable car station.  

Day 5—Dachstein—stop 2: 5Fingers viewing platform  

Time spent here: 30 minutes 

Continue up from the caves by cable car to reach the 5fingers viewing platform.  

Located over 400 m (1,312 ft) drop, it offers spectacular view over Hallstatt, the Hallstättersee and the mighty mountain range .   

There are 5 different fingers that you can stand in on the viewing platform.  

If you continue to hike a little further you reach the World Heritage Spiral (Welterbespirale), a  at 2,100 m (6 890 ft), you get a 360° view of the Dachstain and Salzkammergut region.  

And if it’s still not enough for you, you can choose one of the official Dachstein hiking trails .  

Day 5—Dachstein—stop 3: The other side of the mountain  

For this next bit, you’ll need to drive around to the other side of the mountain to find a different gondola. It’ll take you about 1.5 hours (it’s about 90 km/55 miles).  

Don’t be deterred by the EUR 20 toll for the last part of the road that leads to the parking lot. Just make sure you get your toll ticket validated at the cable car ticket office and then your toll will be waved.  

The views from the gondola are already stunning, but when you get to the top, it’s like a mountain Disneyland ! I mean that in the best way possible.  

In the altitude of almost 3,000 m (9,840 ft) several attractions await, one more exciting than the other. First, you can try the Sky Walk —a glass viewing platform on the top of the 250-meters (820 ft) long vertical rock face. Followed by the Suspension Bridge and the Stairway to Nothingness.  

For normal people, it's a breathtaking experience. If you fear heights, it might be a heart-attack experience .  The bridge takes you to the final 14 narrow steps down to a glass platform in the middle of nowhere, so you might feel like you’re just hovering in the air above the mountain peaks. There’s also an Ice Palace on the top, a restaurant and of course several slopes for skiing. 

The steep cable car price of EUR 47 takes you up and down Dachstein and already includes all of the attractions, so if you feel it’s too much, you need to stare out at the views some more. It’s worth it!  

In the “summer” months (May to September), it’s advised to make a gondola reservation , because the crowds that want to go up the mountain are a little too much for the capacity of the gondolas.  

Make sure to b ring warm jackets and good shoes even in the summer!  

Get detailed info on the Dachstein official website .  

Day 6 of itinerary for Austria: Between Hallstatt and Zell am See

Main sites visited on day 6 : Hohenwerfen Castle, Liechtenstein Gorge, Zell am See Restaurant tips: Seebar | Kraftwerk restaurant & winebar | Deins & Meins Hotel recommendation : Elements Resort Zell am See; BW Signature Collection Further reading : Best things to do in Zell am See | Best places in Austria

Today you’ll be changing hotels . Your base for the next 3 nights will be in Zell am See.  

The hotel I’d recommend, Elements Resort Zell am See; BW Signature Collection,   is like a cross between a cozy mountain chalet and a cool designer hotel —I say perfect!  

There’s a sauna to warm you up and a (heated) pool to cool you down just a bit.  

I’m not into self-catering if I can help it, but the Elements Resort has apartments with kitchens if you really insist on spending your vacation making your own meals. For the rest of us, the the onsite restaurant is a godsend.  

Prices start at EUR 160 per night with breakfast.  

But! Before you get to Zell am See , there’s still a ton to see. 

Day 6, stop 1: Hohenwerfen Castle   

Time spent here: 1.5–3 hours depending on the tour you choose 

Hohenwerfen is one of the must-see places in Austria for people who love medieval architecture. This mighty fortress sits on top of the hill about an hour’s drive from Hallstatt, and you don’t need to worry about getting lost as you can see it from afar.   

It’s an impressive structure in a beautiful location. Admittedly, the interior of the castle isn’t all that. What I enjoyed is the Mythos Jackl exhibition dedicated to witches’ and wizards’ history in Austria. 

Mythos Jackl is an interactive presentation with 3D holographic prisoners and many other intriguing artifacts of this gruesome era in Austrian history. Apart from the real witch cases, we enjoyed the display dedicated to Germanic/Central-European myths and mythical creatures.   

There is free parking under the hill right at the funicular station and at the beginning of the forest route leading to the castle. That’s in case you want to save EUR 3.50 for the short ride up and instead walk up to Hohenwerfen in about 20 minutes or so.  

• Hohenwerfen official website  
• Open daily except for Mondays from 9 am–anytime between 4 and 6 pm depending on the month ( details of opening times by month here ).  
• Tickets for the full tour cost EUR 17.40 including the cable car. Other prices online .  

Day 6, stop 2: Liechtenstein Gorge  

Time spent here: 2 hours  

Liechtensteinklamm aka Liechtenstein Gorge is a gorge that you go into by walking down a huge spiral staircase and then, at the end of the walk (I wouldn’t call it a hike by any means), is a waterfall. An enjoyable way to spend 1.5 hours in “civilized nature”.  

If you visit in the summer season, be prepared to share this experience with tons of other tourists. If you visit in the winter, it’ll be closed (that is November to end of April).  

The path through Liechtenstein Gorge is about 1.5 km (1 mile) long and is out-and-back.   

There is ample parking that is free of charge. It’s about 300 m (1000 ft) from the ticket desk of the gorge.  

• Liechtensteinklamm official website  
• Open daily May through end of October from 9 am to 6 pm (only until 4 pm in October). 
• Tickets cost EUR 12. 

Day 6, stop 3: Zell am See  

Time spent here : the rest of the day 

Last but not least, get yourself over to your base for the next night or two, Zell am See.   

Long story short, it has a marvelous setting. Not only that the town itself is adorable, but there are plenty of great places to see nearby. You’ll see what I mean in the next days.  

Zell am See’s Old Town is small and there’s not much to see, however, the restaurants are good and in the summer months, you can take a dip in the lake (the underwater springs make it warmer than you’d expect!).  

There are literally just three sights in the town worth mentioning, but that’s ok, since you’re done enough touristing today already.  

• The Rathaus (town hall) which resides in the former castle of Rosenberg brothers— Schloss Rosenberg —built in 1583.  
• Vogtturm (Vogt tower) Stadtmuseum: The oldest building in the town, first mentioned in 926. Nowadays, there is a four-story museum of local history and culture together with geographical exhibits.  
• The 13th-century parish church of St. Hyppolitus , richly decorated with original medieval frescoes. 

Day 7 of itinerary for Austria: Grossglockner

Main sites visited on day 7: Grossglockner High Alpine Road, glacier hike, Zell Lake boat tour, Bad Gastein for dinner Restaurant tips : La Pizzeria Napoletana | Gatz Tapas & Steaks | Moons Pub Gastein Hotel recommendation : Elements Resort Zell am See; BW Signature Collection Further reading : Best things to do in Zell am See | Best places in Austria

The main reason you’re staying in Zell am See are the gorgeous mountains all around. And today, you’re in for a special treat— G rossglockner , otherwise known as the most beautiful place in Austria (at least in my mind)!  

Day 7—Grossglockner—stop 1: High Alpine Road   

Time spent here: 1–2 hours  

The Grossglockner is the highest mountain in Austria at 3,798 m (12,461 ft).  

The High Alpine Road leads you through the mountain range at around 2,500 m (8,215 ft). For us, it was a whole-day trip, but it depends on how much you want to explore the surroundings.  

The 48 km (30 mile) scenic route starts in Bruck an der Grossglocknerstrasse and leads to Heiligenblut.  On the way, there are numerous parking lots with hiking trails leading to the most popular lakes and peaks. Or, you can just stop for photos . 

Beware the Großglockner Hochalpenstraße has opening times! Or rather that it’s closed in the winters altogether, which is generally from November to the beginning of May. You can check if the road is open on the Großglockner Hochalpenstraße official website .  

Tickets cost EUR 40 per vehicle.  

Day 7— Grossglockner— stop 2: Glacier hike  

Time spent here: 3 hours 

Now it’s time to leave your vehicle and walk. You can choose any of the hikes, but this one to the glacier is one I think is the most badass. But it’s not for couch potatoes or those not ready to scramble!  

Hike length : 6 km/3.7 miles (loop)  Hike duration : 2.5 hours  Elevation gain: 430 m/1400 ft  Difficulty: Hard 

This hike will take you from Kaiser Franz Joseph Höhe to the Pasterze, the largest glacier in the Eastern Alps. It’s not long, but it’s quite hard just due to the trail being a little hard to follow, the steep descent at the beginning and the rocks that you sometimes need to hold on to cables to get over safely.  

Read reviews on Alltrails to find tips and even some recommendations on alternate (less crazy) routes, like taking the cable car part of the way.  

You can easily park (for free) in what’s probably the most scenic parking garage I’ve ever seen. There’s also an information center there which could be useful when you’re deciding on a hiking route.  

Day 7—Zell am See—stop 3: Lake Zell boat tour  

You deserve a breather. But if you’re like me, you don’t just want to plop onto your hotel bed , you’d be missing all the amazingness out there !  

So, I’ve got a better plan for you—rest, don’t move a muscle and still explore while on a boat tour around Lake Zell . They do all the work for you, but you’re still out and about. Great, idea, right? I know, I’ll take a bow now.  

There are several ships that tour the lake, so you can be certain there’s one leaving at almost any time you’re ready. Here are the departure times and details .  

A boat tour will generally take about 45 minutes, the base price is EUR 17 for adults . On some boats, you can pay extra for a spot on the sun deck.  

Day 7—Bad Gastein—stop 4: Dinner    

Why Bad Gastein? Because this is the Alps so it’s only appropriate to have a meal in a town with a huge waterfall gushing down the middle of it !  

The villas and hotels in Bad Gastein are built on the slopes of the mountains, partly hidden in the forest, but definitely not hidden from tourists—it's a popular ski resort in the winter and hiking/spa/forest bathing (you read that right) destination in the summer.  

You’ll get a glimpse of this unique location with a [ fill in dinner of choice here ] stuffed in your mouth. 

The obvious choice here is to find a restaurant right next to the waterfall . If pizza sounds good just about now, La Pizzeria Napoletana is probably the best option in town. That little terrace on the waterfall is a winner. If you don’t feel like pizza, at least stop by for an ice cream with a view (and possibly a spray, because the water is THAT close).  

If you’re happy to swap the view for a big fat steak , head away from the falls to Gatz Tapas & Steaks.  

And if you aren’t happy until you get a cocktail, Moons Pub Gastein  has got you covered.  

If you’re intrigued by Bad Gastein, or rather it’s natural splendor, see what else I think is worth exploring in and around it in my article about my 7 favorite Austrian cities .  

Day 8 of itinerary for Austria: Kitzsteinhorn and around Kaprun

Main sites visited on day 8 : Sigmund Thun Gorge, Kitzsteinhorn and Gipfelwelt 3000, Kaprun dam Restaurant tips : Gipfel Restaurant at Kitzsteinhorn | Bergrestaurant Mooserboden at Karpun Dam Hotel recommendations : Elements Resort Zell am See; BW Signature Collection Further reading: Best things to do in Zell am See | Best places in Austria  

Day 8, stop 1: The Sigmund Thun Gorge Waterfall  

Time spent here: 2–3 hours 

The Sigmund Thun Gorge (Sigmund Thun Klamm in German) is a wonderful world of narrow zig-zag paths and walkways through the cliffs where you can admire the crystal-clear waterfalls and moss-covered stones . Just look at the photos!  

Take at least two hours to walk the route.  

The roaring river forces its way through the valley meandering and offering a magnificent view from the narrow and slippery boardwalks and bridges (proper footwear essential!). It kind of reminded me of the Hobbit barrel scene, where the dwarves escape from the elves.  

The parking lot is free of charge and is close to the visitor center.  

• Sigmund Thun Gorge official website  
• Open roughly between May and end of October, daily from either 9 or 9:30 am to 5:30 or 7 pm ( check website for exact times based on month ).  
• Tickets cost EUR 6.50 for adults 

Day 8, stop 2: Kitzsteinhorn and Gipfelwelt 3000  

Another day, another glacier! Kitzsteinerhorn Mountain is at the altitude of 3,203 m (10,508 ft) and is a landmark of the Hohe Tauern National Park (just like Grossglockner).  

The absolute top of the glacier is reserved for professional climbers, but there’s Gipfelwelt 3 000 Center at 3,029 m (9,880 ft) that has its arms wide open to tourists of all fitness levels. Even if you have a fitness level of zero, you can still come up here and stare out from the viewpoint , visit the Gipfel Restaurant and cinema. If you do have some stamina, go over to the Ice Arena.  

To get up to Kitzsteinhorn’s Gipfelwelt 3 000 , you can either take a hike up, but I’ll take a wild guess and give you the information for the cable car .  

It’s not cheap, with up-and-down tickets at EUR 50 per adult, but hey, it’s pretty up there and you’re too lazy to walk.    

Leave your car at one of the spacious parking lots (free of charge) but be ready for it to be very busy if you wait until 10 am to get there. 

Day 8, stop 2: Kaprun dam    

About 13 km (8.2 miles) further south from the Sigmund Thun Gorge lies the Kaprun Dam . 

The technical marvel is at an altitude of around 2,000 m (6,500 ft) and provides electricity for the whole Zell am See-Kaprun region. The bonus is it also looks fantastic!  

There are two mountain reservoirs, a restaurant, and plenty of hiking options . Just be mindful of the rapid elevation gain (around 1,500 m/4,900 ft) which may cause trouble with breathing or dizziness .  

Getting to Kaprun Dam is simple, but you need to board a bus. There are no cars allowed. Yikes!  

Park your car by the ticket office, from which you will be taken by bus to a huge platform that creeps up the mountain, then you’ll be stuffed onto a crowded bus once again , and then you’ll have finally reached the reservoirs at the dam. The entire journey will take about 30 minutes and cost EUR 25.   

The inclined elevator is an interesting experience by itself, the bus is more a pain, but there’s no other way.  

Or, you could take a 2-hour hike. Up to you.  

If you are so inclined, make sure to also book a tour of the power plant when you’re buying your tickets (EUR 6). 

There’s no exact timetable , but the buses leave continuously every 15 minutes or so throughout the day. 

Once at the dam, you can choose to walk a 45-minute walk on the educational trail and, whatever you do, make sure to reach this viewpoint .  

Or, if you need adrenaline to feel alive, make like Spiderman and climb the actual dam wall! The MOBO 107 via ferrata will be an experience to remember.  

Day 9 of itinerary for Austria: Between Zell am See and Innsbruck

Main sites visited on day 9 : Krimml Waterfalls, Schwaz Silver Mines, Swarovski Kristalwelten, Innsbruck  Restaurant tips : Gaia Cuisine | Akropolis | Woodfire Steak&More (all in Innsbruck) Hotel recommendations : Hotel Innsbruck   Further reading: What to see in Innsbruck  

Your final destination today is Innsbruck, but you’ll be making a couple of stops on the way to break up the 2.5-hour drive in some pretty spectacular spots. Think waterfalls, silver mines and a crystal world. 

Day 9, stop 1: Krimml Waterfalls  

Time spent there: 2.5 hours 

The first stop, at about the halfway point in the journey to Innsbruck, is none other than Europe’s tallest waterfalls — Krimml Waterfalls ( Krimmler Wasserfälle ) .  

Walk the 4 km (2.5 mile) long trail with many viewpoints and platforms leading you up to the top through the Krimml Ache Valley along the numerous waterfalls. The overall altitude gain is 431 m (1,414 ft), and the trail takes about two hours up and down . You reach the first waterfall in about 15 minutes.  

There are several parking lots near the town by the falls, so you should be able to find a spot even on the busiest days. Parking is—you guessed it—free.  

Get your tickets at the ticket desk , along with souvenirs, maps, and even food.  

• Krimml Waterfalls website  
• Krimml Waterfalls are open daily from mid-April to the end of October.  
• Tickets cost EUR 8 for adults.  

Day 9, stop 2: Schwaz Silver Mine  

Time spent here: 1.5 hours 

Another hour’s worth of driving and you arrive at the Schwaz Silver Mines, a big deal of a place where you can discover how they mined silver and copper 500 years ago. It wasn’t just a random mine—it was where 85% of the silver in the Middle Ages came from!   

The tour starts and ends with a ride on a little miners’ train , so no need to walk in and out of the depth of 800 m (2,600 ft). It feels like a claustrophobic Disneyland ride in the dark.  

You’ll get a raincoat and hardhat before you enter, but make sure you also have some warm clothes on and some proper shoes. The temperature below is 12°C (53°F) and it’s wet and slippery in parts.  

Once you leave the train, you walk around with a German-speaking guide for about an hour. If you nicht sprechen Deutch, you can download their app for English explanations, but definitely bring headphones .  

Guides are great, but the ladies at the ticket desk can be a bit of a mood-buster . You can avoid dealing with them if you book your ticket online .  

Overall, I would’ve loved more details on the technology back then, but maybe that’s just me. If you have 1.5 hours to spend walking around in a damp underground tunnel, go for it.  

There’s a silver shop where you can get something for your grandma back home.  

Tours keep going throughout the day based on how many people are interested, so you might have to wait a while either because there are too many people or not enough people.  

• Schwaz Silver Mine official website  
• Open daily 9 am–5 pm during May to September, 10 am–4 pm in other months. Tours leave every 30 to 60 minutes throughout the day.  
• Tickets cost EUR 18 (or EUR 20 online) 

Day 9, stop 3: Swarovski Kristalwelten  

Time spent there: 2 hours minimum 

Experiencing this Swarovski wonderland is like taking Alice in Wonderland and blinging her up !  

This place is a stark contrast to the silver mines you just visited. Everything is beautiful, magical, mesmerizing and clean! No damp tunnels at the Swarovski Kristalwelten!    

So what is this place? Yes, it’s a big Swarovski store, but it’s also an indoor and outdoor exhibition space that any fancy man or woman will enjoy and leave with a twinkle in their eye.  

The gardens and the 18 Chambers of Wonder were put together by internationally recognized artists and architects. The centerpiece is the Giant spitting out water, but you can also hop on a carousel if you’re head is spinning from all the glitz and you need to sit down for a bit. Wait, that won’t help...  

Obviously, there are crystals everywhere , and I date you to leave without buying yourself something shiny.  

Parking is free of charge. Audio guides are available in many languages. Get your tickets online to avoid lines at the ticket desk (especially if visiting on a weekend).  

• Swarovski Kristalwelten official website  
• Open daily 9 am–6 pm 
• Tickets cost EUR 23 + EUR 2 for audio guide 

Day 9, stop 4: Innsbruck  

After getting your bling on at Swarovski, you’re just a 15-minute drive to your last overnight stop on this 10-day Austria itinerary:  Innsbruck, also known as my second-favorite city in Austria .  

After the long day you’ve had, especially if you managed to visit every spot I recommended, you’re probably ready to call it a day and hit the hotel bar. OR, get naked and hit the rooftops!   

…let me explain:  

Hotel Innsbruck, which is where I stayed and would stay again, has a nude area in its Panorama Wellness with huge windows and even a sun terrace with views over the roofs of Innsbruck’s Old Town. So throw away your worries and your undies and take your first peek at Innsbruck in your birthday suit!  

The only slight nuisance here is that unless you grab a reservation for the limited parking spots in the hotel garage you need to park in the public parking garages. Granted, they’re only like 3 minutes away on foot, but I thought I’d mention it so you aren’t surprised. You can unload your luggage at the hotel before heading to the garage.  

Otherwise, Hotel Innsbruck was the perfect spot to explore the city from.  

Prices start at EUR 200 per night with breakfast.  

Exploring Innsbruck’s Old Town  

If you’re the type that tirelessly explores every destination and you don’t want to give up on the day just yet, take a stroll through Old Town, either before or after your evening in Hotel Innsbruck’s amazing spa and pool area.  

Check out my article dedicated to all things Innsbruck to read up on what there is to see. The Stadtturm (tower) is right around the corner from the hotel, as is the Golden Roof . And also a Swarovski store, just in case you’re wondering if you should’ve bought that other necklace at Swarovski Kristalwelten.  

I love Innsbruck because there isn't stupid Baroque everywhere. The streets of Innsbruck Old Town are filled with medieval houses and surrounded by majestic alpine landscape , and that’s something hard to beat.    

Across the river from the Old Town lies Mariahilfestrasse with the famous colorful houses . The photo of the houses clutched between the river Inn and the mountains is a must-have in Innsbruck.  

Day 10 of itinerary for Austria: James Bond Museum 

Main sites visited on day 10: 007 Elements Restaurant tips : Restaurant ice Q | Restaurant Ad Vinum Hotel recommendations: Hotel Innsbruck Further reading: What to see in Innsbruck | Know Before You Go: Austria | Vienna 3 day itinerary  

Day 10, stop 1: 007 Elements (Museum of James Bond)  

Time spent here: 3 hours plus time for lunch 

It’s the last day on this Austria itinerary, and you’ll be heading out even further from Vienna! Sound like a excruciating drive back to the capital? You’re right! But it’s a high-tech James Bond museum inside a mountain summit—you can and will do this!   

Drive a little less than 1.5 hours from Innsbruck to Sölden and visit the James Bond Museum called 007 Elements. You leave your car at the parking garage at the base of the Gaislachkogl Mountain and then take the gondola up the mountain .  

You’re surely bought your combination ticket online in advance , so you already have your ride up and down paid for. Just make sure to allow 30 minutes for the gondola ride so you get to 007 Elements in your time slot.  

The cinematic installation takes you through the major moments of James Bond movies, with special emphasis on Spectre , which was shot at Sölden.  

It might sound random, but it’s a must-see stop for fans of classy cars and badass agents . You will see how the tricks in the movie were done, an exhibition dedicated to action scenes, the hall of James Bond’s legacy, and more in a total of 9 exhibition rooms. All are superbly well done, it really is a cool place. You’ll need 2 hours to enjoy everything. 

When you’re ready for lunch, head to the on-site Restaurant ice Q . The food is delicious, the view is breathtaking... and so is the bill.   

• 007 Elements official website  
• Open daily 
• Combination ticket (museum + gondola) costs EUR 54 

If you’re heading back to Vienna today, get ready for the 6-hour minimum drive if you’re going from Sölden. If you have extra time, just stay another night in Hotel Innsbruck so you have more time to explore this amazing Alpine city and shorten your drive to the capital to a doable 5 hours.  

Driving in Austria 

While it may pay off to travel by public transport in the big cities (especially if you have a city card), it can turn into a nightmare in the country areas. Renting a car is a great way to make the most out of Austria. The views are breathtaking and if you have a car, you can easily see the whole of Austria in just a few days. That is particularly relevant in the mountain areas , where it might be complicated to travel by public transport. However… 

Driving in Austria can be a nightmare. Not that the roads aren’t in good condition or anything—they are. Even the signs are well posted. But I’ve been driving in South Africa and it was much more disciplined there!  

Austrian drivers are madmen amd are always driving in the left lane even though they know it serves for overtaking. However, to my big surprise, they do respect the speed limit (which I tend to forget about sometimes). 

What are speed limits in Austria?  

• In towns: 50 km/h (31 mph) 
• Country roads: 100 km/h (62 mph) 
• Highways: 130 km/h (80 mph) 

Also remember that in Austria, they drive on the right side and wearing a seatbelt is required by law . 

I’m doing personal research on driving in different destinations (because I always rent a car wherever I travel, with the small exception of Belgium ). Here are some of my findings:  

• Driving in Scotland  
• Driving in Mexico  
• Driving in Peru  

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[{ "@context": "http://schema.org/", "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "/static/img/icon/experience.png", "contentUrl": "/static/img/icon/experience.png", "caption": "In Austria, il fascino senza tempo dei treni storici", "isFamilyFriendly": true }] In Austria, il fascino senza tempo dei treni storici

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Austria 1-Week Tours and Itineraries

Discover the best 1-Week multi-day tours in Austria with Bookmundi. We offer a total of 12 Austria 1-Week tours and itineraries with 33 customer reviews.

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12 Trips in Austria with 33 Reviews

• Starts Linz, Austria
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The pearls of the Danube (port-to-port cruise)

• Best price guaranteed
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• Age Range 18-79 yrs
• Operated in English
• May 14 Only 10 seats left
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• May 14 Only 1 seat left

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• May 31 10+ seats left

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• Jun 17 10+ seats left

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• Dec 08 10+ seats left

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7 days in Austria, itinerary for first time visitors

Austria is one of the more underrated countries in Europe despite having some of the continent’s most quaint towns, epic scenery and arguably the world’s best opera house! This 7-day itinerary in Austria takes you through some of the country’s highlights, allowing you to soak up the culture, cuisine and countryside.

If the only image you have of Austria is the von Trap family dancing around in their lederhosen, you’re going to be blown away by the beauty and variety of this small but spectacular country.

Visit picture-perfect Hallstatt, hike or ski through the stunning trails around Innsbruck and witness the impressive architecture of Vienna and Salzburg. Trips along the Danube, cozy meals in the mountains and listening to Mozart and Strauss are an absolute must. As is trying a slice of traditional chocolate sachertorte and some schnitzel, of course!

You’re sure to fall in love with the country’s character and charm. With mountain village taverns welcoming you in like old friends and the capital’s cool bars treating you like royalty, you’re sure to have a trip to remember!

This 7-day Austrian adventure will give you enough to enchant you while leaving you longing to return time and time again.

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Table of Contents

Austria itinerary:  Day 1- Arrive in Vienna

The Austrian capital, situated on the banks of the Danube, is considered the cultural capital of Europe. Home to imperial palaces, endless balls, and of course, music. You could spend weeks walking in the footsteps of musical giants like Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert or emperors and empresses of the glittering Hapsburg dynasty. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time discovering all this exquisite city has to offer.

How to get from/to Vienna International Airport

City Airport Train (CAT)

The CAT will take you directly from the airport to the city center with no stops along the way. The train runs from 06:00-23:30 and trains leave the airport every half hour, at 6 and 36 minutes past the hour arriving at WIEN MITTE. Once you collect your bags, follow the green CAT signs. Tickets can be purchased online or in-person at the CAT terminal.

Time: 16 minutes

Cost: 11 EUR

S7 Commuter Train

Running on the same tracks as the CAT, the S7 Schnellbahn takes a few minutes longer, costs a few euro less, but will get you to the same destination of WIEN MITTE. After you get your bags, follow the Schnellbahn signs (an ‘S’ in a circle). You can purchase tickets from the machines at the top of the escalator and you can pay by cash or card. Be sure to validate your ticket when purchasing to avoid issues on board the train. Get on the train that leaves in the direction of ‘Floridsdorf.’ Trains run daily at 17 and 42 minutes past the hour and run between 04:00 and midnight.

Time: 26 minutes

Cost: 4 EUR

ÖBB Railjet

Railjets depart every thirty minutes from the airport to Vienna Main Station or Wein Meidling Station and run between 06:33 to 11:03 daily.

Time: Vienna Main- 15 minutes

            Wein Meidling- 30 minutes

Cost: 4.20 EUR

Vienna Airport Lines

Another airport transportation option is bus service through Vienna Airport Lines. It’s cheaper than the CAT and faster than the S7. There are three lines that offer service to different locations throughout the city. After you pick up your bags, follow the signs for buses. Buses run from 04:50-00:20 and depart every 30 minutes at 20 and 50 minutes past the hour. Purchase tickets from the driver on the bus.

Time: 22 minutes

Cost: 8 EUR

If you’re not on a budget, taking a taxi is the most convenient way to get from the airport to your destination. Just past the baggage claim, out the main doors, taxis are lined up.  Some taxis do accept card, but be prepared with euro just in case.

Time: 20 minutes

Cost: 30-40 EUR

Private Airport Transfer

Coming in at about the same price as a taxi, private airport transfer can be a much more comfortable and relaxed way to get from the airport to the city center. You can pre-book online and your driver will be waiting for you as you make your way out to the baggage claim area.

Cost: From 30 EUR

Where to stay in Vienna

Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof

Perfectly located in the center of Vienna’s 1st District–a UNESCO World Heritage Site–many historic sites are within walking distance and friendly staff make it a top choice.

Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Hotel Rathaus – Wein & Design

Located in Vienna’s 8th district, each room is dedicated to a specific Austrian winemaker and the hotel has a wine list of over 450 wines.

You might be interested in my 3-day Vienna itinerary .

Austria itinerary : Day 2 – Explore Vienna

Hofburg palace.

The buildings of the Vienna Hofburg make up one of the largest palace complexes in the world. For over 600 years, the palace was the winter home to Austrian dynasty, the Hapsburgs. The palaces dates to the 13th century and has been extended by resident emperors who occupied the residence until 1918. Since 1946 the massive complex has been home to the office of the Austrian Federal President. Today, you can visit the Sisi Museum which offers visitors insight into the complex and fascinating life of Empress Elisabeth. Over 300 of her personal items, including her famous dresses, are on display. The Imperial Apartments are also open and allow visitors to see how Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife Sisi lived.

Hours: September-June 09:00-17:30, July and August 09:00-18:00

Cost: 15 EUR

St. Stephen’s Cathedral

The tower of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, with its famous multi-colored, tiled roof has dominated Vienna’s skyline since it’s construction. The Gothic church is the seat of the Archbishop of Vienna. Step inside to see the church’s 18 alters, small chapels, and tombs and catacombs. You can make the ascent up the 136-meter-high south tower for unbeatable views of the city. There is no elevator in the south tower, there are 343 stairs, and it takes about 10-15 minutes to climb.

Hours: Monday-Saturday 09:00 to 11:30 and 13:00 to 16:30

Sundays and public holidays 13:00 to 16:30

South Tower

Hours: 09:00-17:30 daily

Cost: 5 EUR

Vienna’s Neo-Gothic style Town Hall was completed in the 1800s to house the offices of the mayor. The Rathaus had 5 towers, with the middle tower being the largest and topped by the Rathausman statue. Step inside for a free guided tour at specific times throughout the week

Hours: Guided tours are available on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 13:00

Vienna State Opera

In a city that is so steeped in music and culture, no visit would be complete without a night at the opera. The opera house in Vienna is considered one of the finest in the world with its impressive Neo-Renaissance architecture and the inside feels more like a palace than an opera house. Visit during the day for a 40-minute guided tour of the building. Or, for an evening of luxury, visit at night for an opera composed by one of Vienna’s musical giants.

Hours: tours are given multiple times throughout the week, check the opera house’s website for available times during your visit.

Cost: 9 EUR for guided tour, operas vary by performance

Weiner Riesenrad

Take a ride on Vienna’s “Giant Ferris Wheel” which was originally built in 1897. The 65-meter-tall ferris wheel that stands today isn’t the original, but a ride at sunset is an experience you don’t want to miss. A full rotation takes about 20 minutes and is a nice way to slow down and take in the beauty of Vienna.

Hours: 10:00-19:45+

Cost: 10 EUR

Austria itinerary: Day 3- Vienna

Schönbrunn palace.

Get an early start and head just outside of the city center to the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace. This 1,441-room Baroque palace is considered one of the most important historical, cultural, and architectural building in all of Austria. The former hunting grounds of the royal court, the Schönbrunn Palace as you see it today was largely built in the mid 1700s by Empress Maria Theresa. Since that time this palace has been the summer residence to the Hapsburgs. The tour of the palace will take you through 40 of the palace’s splendidly furnished rooms. You can see the Mirror Room, where a 6-year-old Mozart gave his very first concert.

Hours: April-June & September-October 08:00-17:30

            July-August 08:00-18:30

            November-March 08:00-17:00

Cost: 17.50 EUR

Schönbrunn Park

Once you’ve successfully explored the interior, head out the gardens. The park has been open to the public since 1779. Stroll down the Great Parterre and admire the 8 sections of perfectly manicured, symmetrical gardens of the Crown Prince Garden. At the end of the pathway you’ll arrive at the centerpiece of the Great Parterre–the Neptune Fountain. Beyond the fountain stands the Gloriette. Take the time to go to the top of the hill for a great view of the palace and the city behind it.

Hours: November-February 06:30-17:30

            February-March & September-October 06:30-19:00

            April & August 06:30-20:00

            May-July 06:30-21:00

Apple Strudel Show

If you’re going to try apple strudel in Vienna, you might as well do it like a Habsburg! You can watch how the tasty dessert is made in the court bakery of the Schönbrunn Palace’s Café Residenz, where it has been baked for centuries. The show lasts about 20 minutes an at the end of the show you’ll get to indulge in a freshly baked Viennese apple strudel. You’ll also get to take home a copy of the recipe so you can replicate the treat when you get home.

Hours: 11:00-16:00, shows every hour

Cost: 11.90 EUR

Natural History Museum

Filled with over 30 million objects, Vienna’s Natural History museum is one of the most important in Europe. The museum is located in a beautiful palace complex and has something for everyone from massive dinosaur skeletons and meteorites to impressive architecture. If you have time, walk across the street to the Kunsthistoriche Museum which features paintings, sculptures, and antiquities that once belonged to the Hapsburgs

Hours: Thursday-Monday 09:00-18:30

Wednesday 09:00-21:00

Closed on Tuesday

Cost: 12 EUR

Austria itinerary: Day 4- Travel to Salzburg

You can also see the map here

Now that you’ve sufficiently explored Austria’s capital city, is time to visit “the jewel in its crown,” Salzburg. There are three ways to get between the two cities:

By far the easiest way to travel from Vienna to Salzburg is by train. The journey between the cities takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes and trains depart to Salzburg on the hour between 06:00 and midnight.

By Rental Car

If you want a little more flexibility to get out and see some of the countryside on your way to Salzburg, renting a car may be the way to go. The autobahn route runs parallel to the railway line almost the entire journey. Transit time depends on the traffic and the weather but usually takes less than 3.5 hours.

While there are flights that go between Vienna and Salzburg, taking a flight form one city to the other doesn’t really make sense when you can take the train or drive in about three hours. Once you account for transit time to the airport, check-in, security…etc., traveling by plane would end up taking much longer and being more expensive than necessary.

Where to stay in Salzburg

Radisson Blu Hotel Altstadtc

This 5-star hotel dates back to 1377 and is perfectly located in the heart of Salzburg’s Old Town. The hotel was recently renovated and it’s centrally located to the sights.

Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.

Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Salzburg

This traditional hotel is conveniently located near the Mirabell Palace. The Vier Jahreszeiten is within walking distance to the train station and Old Town.

Situated along the Salzach River, the city whose name literally translates as Salt Fortress, is Austria’s 4th largest city. It’s home to some of history’s most fascinating figures. 18th century composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born here and Salzburg isn’t going to let you forget it. You can walk in the footsteps of Maria and the von Trapp family as Salzburg was home to the singing family made famous by the award-winning film and musical The Sound of Music . Churches, castles and palaces decorate this fairytale city that’s home to the world’s most famous chocolate cake.

Salzburg Fortress

The dominating fortress that sits atop the Festungsberg has been overlooking the city of Salzburg since the 10th century. Hohensalzburg is one of the largest intact fortresses in all of Europe and has never been overtaken by foreign forces. It was once frequented by prince-archbishops and you can explore their former apartments. The cherry on top is the view. The panorama of the Old Town and the Alps is awe-inspiring. All tickets include a roundtrip Fortress funicular ride.

Hours: January-April 09:30-17:00

May-September 09:00-19:00

October-December 09:30-17:00

Cost: 12.90 EUR

Mirabell Palace and Gardens

Just a 15-minute walk from where the funicular lets you off is Mirabell Palace. You might recoznige the perfectly manicured gardens from The Sound of Music . It’s at the Pegasus Fountain, entrance steps, and round pond where the Do-Re-Mi scene was filmed. The palace was built in 1606 by prince-archbiship Wolf Dietrich. The palace’s Marble Hall is considered one of the most beautiful wedding venues in the world, and you might even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a couple on their lucky day.

Hours: Mirabell Palace and Angel Staircase: daily from 08:00-18:00

Marble Hall: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 08:00-16:00, Tuesday, Friday: 13:00-16:00

Gardens: 06:00-dusk

Altstadt (Old Town)

You’ve already seen the Old Town from the viewpoint of the Fortress, now it’s time to get up close and personal! Take a stroll down the Medieval shopping street of Getreidgasse. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time, with the exception of the fancy McDonald’s. Each shop displays a sign above their door. In the Middle Ages, the city’s population was mostly illiterate, and these signs helped customers located skilled craftsmen and tradesmen such as blacksmiths, hat makers, and locksmiths.

St. Peter’s Abbey

Founded in the 7th century, St. Peter’s is the spiritual heart of Salzburg. The monastic order that founded the monastery still exists today and is the oldest order in the German-speaking world. The Abbey (closed for renovations until September 2019) is a blend of Romanesque, Renaissance, and Rococo architecture. The catacombs are a must-see and are built right into the side of the Mönchsberg on which the Salzburg Fortress sits.  The cemetery was the backdrop for the scene in The Sound of Music when the vonn Trapp family is fleeing from the National Socialists.

Hours: Catacombs: May-September 10:00-12:30 pm, 13:00 pm-18:00

                     October-April 10:00-12:30 pm, 13:00-17:00

Cemetery: Summer 06:30-19:00

                   Winter 06:30-17:30

Cost: Catacombs: 2 EUR

            Cemetery: Free

Hellbrun Palace Trick Fountains

Most visitors come to see the gazebo from The Sound of Music . While this is definitely a good reason to visit Hellbrun Palace, also worth your while are the Trick Fountains. The palaces fountains have been entertaining visitors for over 400 years. Hidden water jets, mysterious grottos, and water-powered figures will keep you on your toes and get you a little wet!

Hours: April 1 – November 3

April: 09:00-16:30  May, June: 09:00-17:30  July, August: 09:00-18:00 September: 09:00-17:30  October, November: 09:00-16:30

Cost: 12.50 EUR

Mozart’s Birthplace

A visit to the famous composer’s birthplace is an absolute must! Mozart’s birthplace is one of the most visited museums in Austria. The museum is carefully appointed and lets you stip back in time to the days of Salzburg’s most famous resident.

Hours: Daily 09:00-17:30  July, August: daily 08:30-19:00

Cost: 11 EUR 

Austria itinerary: Day 5- Salzburg to Hallstatt day trip

Getting from Salzburg to Hallstatt is a little logistically challenging, but well worth it!

There is no direct train from Salzburg to Hallstatt, so you will have to make one change. The beautifully scenic journey by train takes about 2 hours. Once you arrive at the Hallstatt main station, you will find yourself on the opposite side of the lake from the village. You will have to take the ferry across, which is actually an advantage. The views approaching Hallstatt from the water are unbeatable. The ferry runs every hour and costs 2.50 EUR.

Traveling to Hallstatt by car will take just under 1.5 hours. You can take the scenic route on B158 via Fuschl, St Wolfgang, Bad Ischl and Bad Goisern or the highway route of A10 and B166 via Golling and Gosau. The former is more scenic and the latter requires and Austrian vignette, or toll sticker.

Alternatively, I suggest that you do an organized day trip to Hallstatt with a tour company.

Click here for more information and to book a half-day trip to Hallstatt.

This picture-perfect, tiny alpine village is one of the oldest still-inhabited villages in Europe. Hallstatt is home to the world’s first salt mine and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and has become a favorite destination among tourists. Hallstatt is a huge day-trip destination from many closer large cities. Around mid-morning the day trippers start to flood the streets, so in order to enjoy some peace and quiet be sure to start your day early!

Walk the Town

Start at one end or the other and start exploring. The town is only 1 kilometer from end to end, so it won’t take you too long. There are photo-ops around every corner. If you walk all the way to the north end of the village, fast the ferry station, you will get the iconic, postcard-perfect picture with the lake, the church, and the mountains all in the frame.

Take the Funicular to the Skywalk

Make your way down to the south end of town and take the funicular to the top of Salt Mountain for more spectacular views. Walk out on the free-floating Skywalk 350 meters above the town of Hallstatt for a World Heritage view that’s not to be missed!

Hallstatt Salt Mine

This 7,000-year-old mine is Hallstatt’s main attraction. Hallstatt owes is prosperity and fame to this ‘white gold’ and you can see for yourself the inside of the mine, the history of mining and the life of the miners who worked there. The mine also has a slide, which is a really fun way to get from one level of the mine to the other.

Hours: December-March Closed

March 09:30-14:30

            April-September 09:30-16:30

            October-January 09:30-14:30     

Cost: 24.00 EUR

Austria itinerary Day 6- Salzburg to Innsbruck

The journey from Salzburg to Innsbuck is both simple and breath-taking at the same time meaning travellers can explore numerous places in Austria while taking in the stunning scenery en route.

Travellers can take a direct train from Salzburg to Innsbruck in under two hours, with ticket prices starting at €9 one-way. Trains run from around 2.30am until 10pm so there are plenty of options to choose from.

Both Salzburg and Innsbruck have a number of taxi and rental car services available so this is definitely a viable option, especially for families. Hiring a private car is also a great option for those wanting to stop off en route to take photos of the incredibly photogenic landscapes on the way.

Drivers can take various routes depending on time vs. wanting to choose a scenic trail. These include passing through places such as Zell am See, Mittersil, Gerlos Pass and Ziller Valley or dipping into Germany. It can also be fun to add the Grossglockner High Alpine Road if you have an extra 2/3 hours to spare!

Where to stay in Innsbruck

Best Western Plus Hotel Goldener Adler Innsbruck

An excellent value in Innsbruck, this hotel is located in the heart of the city. Walk only 5-minutes to reach the Imperial Palace and the Hofkirche.

Hotel Maximilian-Stadthaus Penz

The Maximilian Hotel is family-run one of the top-rated hotels in Innsbruck. It’s situated right at the edge Old Town and is perfectly located to all of the major sites, shopping, and dining.

A visit to the “Capital of the Alps” is the perfect way to end your Austrian tour. Situated between high, snow-capped mountains along the River Inn, Innsbruck is known world-wide for being a premier winter sports destination and the showcase for the Hapsburg Empire’s legacy. The versatile city is equally fun to visit in the summer and winter as activities abound year-round.

Altstadt von Innsbruck

Start your time in Innsbruck in the old town center. Cafes and restaurants fill the medieval streets and a are a great place to sneak inside, warm up for a bit, and enjoy a nice, warm apple strudel. You could easily spend an entire day exploring the Old Town as many of Innsbruck’s attractions are located in the Altstadt.

If you’re looking for the kind of love that can stand the test of time, look no further than the Golden Roof. This iconic landmark was built in 1500 to mark the occasion of the marriage of Maximilian I to Bianca Maria Sforza. The roof is adorned with 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles and is truly brilliant when the sun hits its shimmery surface.

Hofkirche (Court Church)

This Gothic church located in the Altstadt was built in the 1553. Commissioned by Emperor Ferdinand I in memory of his grandfather Emperor Maximilian I, the Court Church contains an empty grave, or cenotaph. The construction of the massive cenotaph took over 80 years and is surrounded by 28 impressive bronze statues depicting Maximilian I’s wives, relatives, ancestors, and heroes in order to edify the emperor’s claim to the throne.

Hours: Monday-Saturday 09:00-17:00

            Sundays and Holidays 12:30-17:00

Cost: 7.00 EUR

Imperial Palace (Hofburg)

The Imperial Palace in Innsbruck is one of the three most important historic-cultural monuments in all of Austria. (One of the others being the Vienna Hofburg).The palace was built in the 15th century by Emperor Maximilian I. The Innsbruck Hofburg underwent extensive renovations in the 18th century under the influence of Empress Maria Theresa. The meticulously restored former imperial residence now serves as a museum where you can go see how the Hapsburgs lived in luxury. Only a small portion of the palace is open to visitors, but it is well worth a visit.

Hours: Daily 09:00-17:00

Cost: 9.50 EUR

Innsbrucker Nordketten Bahnen

One of the best ways to experience Innsbruck is from the top of the surrounding mountains.  Hop on the Nordkettenbahnen at Innsbruck Congress (560m) to climb at a 46 percent incline to reach the Hungerburg (860m) with gorgeous cloud-free panoramas. Once you get off at Hungerburg, you will have to go to a different building to catch the cable car to Seegrube (1905m).

From Seegrube you will catch the next cable car to 2256m above sea level. To make it to the summit you will have to hike the remaining 78m, but don’t worry—it only takes 15 minutes. At the top you’ll see the summit cross and be rewarded with 360-degree views that stretch all the way to Italy in the south and Germany in the north.

Hours: For up-to-date timetables check the Innsbrucker Nordketten Bahnen website here

Cost: 36.50 EUR

Bergisel Ski Jump

Hovering high above the city’s southern skyline is the Bergisel Ski Jump. This famous hilltop has seen some of the world greatest skiers fly through the air during the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics. You can take the lift up to the 50-meter-high tower for splendid panoramic views of Innsbruck. While you’re at the top, imagine what it must be like to have to make the hair-raising descent on skis!

Hours: November-May (closed on Tuesdays) from 10:00-17:00 (On weekends and public holidays from 09:00)

June-October daily from 09:00-18:00

Tirol Panorama

While you’re atop Bergisel Hill take the time to visit the Tirol Panorama. This hill was the site of the Four Battles of Bergisel in 1809 when local rebels fought against Napoleon’s army and Bavarian forces. The battle was the inspiration for the Tirol Panorama, Tyrol’s largest oil painting by Zeno Diemer. The impressive canvas painting is a 360-degree experience that stretches over more than 1,000 square meters, making you feel like you’ve stepped right in the middle of the battle.

Hours: Wednesday-Monday 09:00-17:00 (open until 19:00 on Thursdays in July and August)

Austria Day 7- Innsbruck to Vienna and flight home

Hopefully by now you’re inspired to travel to this small but mighty country using this exciting 7-day itinerary in Austria. You’ll have chance to explore all the best bits giving you a taste of what Austria has to offer while still leaving you some undiscovered gems to add to your next trip.

From breath-taking natural beauty to man-made works of art and architecture, Austria really does have it all. Another added bonus of this European treasure is that varies so much from season to season; you could visit year after year to witness the changing scenery and different activities on offer!

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2 thoughts on “7 days in Austria, itinerary for first time visitors”

Nice post! Thanks for sharing!

this is a superb itinerary, i am travelling from india, family of 4. and plan to follow this one to the t.

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7 Day Austria Tours & Trips

Filter for departure dates and price to find the right 7 day Austria tour with TourRadar. Choose from 121 trips with 25 customer reviews, that range from 4 up to 7 days.

121 Austria 7 day tour packages with 25 reviews

• Hiking & Trekking
• Mountain Hikes
• Self Guided Walking Holidays

Styrian Salzkammergut

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Trans Tyrol - Garmisch to Innsbruck

• River Cruise

Danube Symphony with 1 Night in Budapest (Westbound) 2024

• Christmas & New Year

Austria in a Week - Best of Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck

• Self-Guided Cycling

Drau-Cycle Path for Families

Panorama Walking Tours in the Zell am See District With Charm

My family and I simply loved this vacation in the mountains! The tour description was perfect - only the best itineraries, essential to get to know this mountain region in Austria were included. The Operator was very careful to suggest other route options since one of the cable cars was closed due to Covid, so we could enjoy anyways. We stayed at the Hotel Gasthof Zur Post in Maishofen, which was very charming, with great service and delicious food (Käsnockpfanne and the Jausebrettl are really a must-have). In the end of each day we could enjoy the swimming pond with a view to the mountains. Beautiful, thank you so much :)

• In-depth Cultural

Prague, Munich and Austria ( 7 days )

Group size was nice (about 14 people). We had expected our tour to be an english tour and instead it was a combination of english, spanish and arabic. We did not like the fact that people switched from our tour bus to another mid-way through on 2 occasions because their itinerary was different had ours/

Salzkammergut - based in one hotel

Cycling Austria's vineyards to Vienna

Prague & Vienna

Driver was kind and helpful to guide us thru the days.

Ten Lakes & Sound of Music Sporty 7/6

• Bike and Barge
• Road Cycling

Active Alps (7 Days)

• £100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Festival & Events

Christmas in Central Europe, Berlin to Vienna

Star Hiking at Lake Wolfgangsee

Alpe-Adria-Cycle Path Salzburg-Villach 7/6

What people love about 7 day austria tours.

My very 1st vacation tour! Cities were a good pick. Our guide Mario was very good as were the local guides. I liked being in a group, but also enjoy the freedom of not being together all the time.

Regions in Austria

• Danube (37)
• Western Austria (28)
• Vienna Budapest Prague (18)
• Salzburg (13)
• Lower Austria (11)
• Salzkammergut (10)
• Upper Austria (5)

Other Regions in Austria

• Western Austria 10 day Tours (39)
• Western Austria 7 day Tours (35)
• Tyrol 10 day Tours (31)
• Tyrol 7 day Tours (26)
• Salzkammergut 10 day Tours (20)
• Lower Austria 7 day Tours (15)
• Salzburg 7 day Tours (13)
• Salzkammergut 7 day Tours (10)
• Salzburg 10 day Tours (8)
• Lower Austria 10 day Tours (7)
• Upper Austria 10 day Tours (7)
• Upper Austria 7 day Tours (6)

Best 5 Days in Austria Itinerary for First Time Visitors

By: Author Amanda OBrien

Posted on Last updated: 19/03/2024

If the thought of sipping Viennese coffee in a historic café or wandering through the Baroque streets of Salzburg makes your heart flutter, then this 5-day Austrian itinerary is your dream come true. Austria, a country that boasts an unparalleled fusion of cultural richness and natural beauty, has captured the hearts of travelers for generations.

With cities like Vienna, celebrated for its music, art, and history; and Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and the backdrop of “The Sound of Music,” a journey through these two iconic cities promises an unforgettable experience.

Here is my 5 days in Austria Itinerary.

5 Days in Austria Itinerary

Austria 5 days itinerary: day one – vienna.

Vienna is located in the east of Austria on the Danube River and the best way to kick off 10 days in Austria.

Take a Vienna City Tour

Regarding the best places to visit in Austria, Vienna is high on the list. One of the best ways to get a feel for a new city is to take a tour .

There are several different ways to explore Vienna via a tour:

⇒ Take a Vienna City Walking Tour

⇒ Take a Cycling Tour around Vienna

⇒ Hop on a Segway and tour Vienna

⇒ Try the Vienna City Exploration Game

⇒ Or take a Private Tour of Vienna

The Vienna City Card is fantastic value. It allows you to prepay and save on all Vienna public transport. And you’ll get discounts at more than 200 museums, shops and restaurants.

⇒ Buy your Vienna City Card Now and Save

Vienna by Hollywood

If you’ve seen the films The Third Man or Before Sunrise you will want to take a turn on Vienna’s 212 feet tall Ferris Wheel or Wiener Riesenran.

Vienna’s Ferris wheel was built back in 1897 and is not only one of the best places in Austria but one of the oldest Ferris Wheels in the world. Winer Risenran is located in lovely Prater park and not only does the Ferris wheel provide a movie experience it also provides some fairly amazing views over Vienna.

⇒ Beat the Queues and Buy your Ticket for Winer Risenran here

Classical Music Vienna

Vienna is often heralded as the capital of classical music. So whilst in Vienna, you must take in at least one classical music experience:

⇒ Book a Vienna Mozart Concert at the Musikverein

⇒ Enjoy Kursalon Vienna: A Johann Strauss and Mozart Concert

⇒ Listen to Strauss and Mozart at an unforgettable concert at Schonbrunn Palace

⇒ Enjoy several masters in a concer t at Vienna’s famous St Anne’s Church .

Vienna Restaurant Pick

Stay classic on your first night in Austria by enjoying dinner at the wonderful Wratschko Gastwirschhaft . This historic pub dates back to the 1800s and was a bit of a local secret until it was discovered by Anthony Bourdain and declared the best restaurant in Austria. Don’t miss the dumplings.

⇒ Check out some of the other best places to eat traditional food in Vienna from Australian turned Vienna local Carly.

Vienna Boutique Hotels

Vienna has a lot of boutique hotels. Go super hipster and somewhat trippy and check in to one of the 25 hours Hotels .

Vibrant colors, unique vintage finds, and exclusive wallpaper by the Berlin-based illustrator Olaf Hayek shape the design of the 183 guest rooms and 34 suites at the 25 Hours Hotel. And don’t miss their amazing roof terrace with fantastic views across Vienna and terrific cocktails.

🛏️ Check Prices and Availability for the 25 hours Hotels

It’s all 1940s glamour at Hotel Lamee and Topazz . They are actually two hotels (the Lamee and the Topazz) and have a fantastic location in the center of Vienna overlooking St Stephen’s Cathedral. And don’t miss the amazing rooftop bar at The Lamee.

🛏️ Check Prices and Availability for Hotel Lamee and Topazz

5 Days Austria Itinerary: Day Two – Vienna

Start your day with classical music and horses.

Head to the famous Spanish Riding School to watch the morning exercises.

Watch the training of grey young stallions as well as the fully trained stallions in the stunning Winter Riding School, all with the soundtrack of classical Viennese music.

The public training takes place over 2 hours which allows guests to see four different sets of horses. When it comes to where to go in Austria, the Spanish Riding School should be high on your list.

⇒ Book your ticket for the Spanish Riding School Now

Visit Schonbrunn Palace

For me, the stunning Schonbrunn Palace is one of the places in Austria not to miss. Over 300 years old, this beautiful palace was the main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers.

Since the 1950s, its 1,441 rooms have been a major tourism attraction in Austria. Schonbrunn Palace has much to explore, including its beautiful gardens.

It is also home to stunning Christmas markets if you are visiting Vienna in the winter .

Grab a beat the queue ticket and you’ll also be able to see the Austrian Parliament, City Hall, Burgtheater, the Museum of Art History, and Hofburg Palace (where Marie Antoinette was born) along the way.

⇒ Skip the Queue with this Schonbrunn Palace Ticket

Vienna Dinner

Pace yourself on the schnitzels and strudels by choosing a modern dinner location tonight. O Boufes is known for small plates, natural wines and an industrial-chic style aesthetic.

5 Day Austria Itinerary: Day Three – Head to Salzburg

The train journey between Vienna and Salzburg takes about 2.5 hours. Head to Salzburg in the morning for maximum exploring time.

Did you know it was salt that financed Salzburg? It was mined in the nearby mountains and created enormous wealth for the residents of the area – who then lavished it on the palaces, churches and castles of Salzburg.

It is a stunning city – and this was possibly one of the reasons it was chosen to appear in the iconic Sound of Music movie – more on that to come.

Spend your first day exploring the old town of Salzburg. Start off on the Festungsbahn funicular railway in the old town and head up to the Hohensalzburg Fortress for amazing views of Salzburg and the surrounding mountains. This is one of the most photogenic things do in Salzburg. Don’t miss seeing Salzburg made out of salt.

You might enjoy reading some of my other articles on Austria: – Salzburg 2 days itinerary – Austria 5 Day Itinerary – Naturhotel Forsthofgut Review – One day in Innsbruck – Things to do in Graz – Things to see in Vorarlberg – Hotel Arosa Kitzbuehl Review

Then, it is time to pay tribute to Mozart. Head to his birthplace on the third floor of the Hagenauer House, at 9 Getreidegasse, then to the historic Mozart’s Residence and if you’re still interested, then visit the Residenz Palace where Mozart played some of his first concerts as a prodigy.

Stop off for an awesome schnitzel in the old town at Gasthof Goldgasse . The street of Goldgasse has some fantastic shopping for after lunch.

Check out the oldest bakery in Salzburg Stiftsbäckerei St Peter and try one of their amazing buns. They have their own still functioning water wheel. Then head to St Peter’s Abbey for one of the most picturesque cemeteries I have ever seen.

Walk down old Salzburg’s main street Getreidegasse and admire the beautiful ironwork signage on many shops. Then head to Mozart Square and visit the charming Salzburg Christmas Museum . The museum features items collected by Ursula Kloiber related to Christmas and New Year between 1840 and 1940. This unique little museum is a real Salzburg hidden gem.

⇒ Book Your Salzburg Walking Tour

OR I had a private tour of the Salzburg Old Town with the wonderful Michaela Muhr, owner of Salzburg Experience . She can work with you to develop the perfect tour.

Top Tip: Don’t miss the Salzburg Card . The ticket has 24, 48 and 72 hour options and is fantastic value for money. It provides free entry to most of the main tourist attractions in Salzburg, free public transport, discounts and more.

Head to Wein and Co for a pre-dinner glass of Austria’s signature grape, Gruner Veltliner.

Salzburg is home to the oldest restaurant in Europe, St. Peter Stiftskulinarium . It is believed that this restaurant in St Peter’s Abbey has been running since 803 AD. In my experience, these types of restaurants tend to be very old fashioned. However, that assumption was completely incorrect for St Peter Stiftskulinarium.

This is an old restaurant that has kept up with the times. In addition to the traditional style indoor eating area there is a beautiful Instagram friendly courtyard. And it is known, even by locals, to have some of the best food in Salzburg.

Salzburg Boutique Hotels

Amadeus boutique hotel.

I stayed at the charming and well named Amadeus Boutique Hotel when I was in Salzburg. It has a fantastic location just across the river from the old town. It is located on a bustling pedestrianised street so there are lots of great places to eat and drink just a short walk away.

This four-star boutique hotel has only 20 rooms, all of which are furnished with some lovely ornate touches like baroque wallpaper and chandeliers. The hotel has two terraces and the ground floor has a large comfortable sitting area. Coffee and tea are available on the ground floor 24/7, there is an honor bar and warm croissants are served in the morning.

🛏️ Check Prices and Availability for Amadeus Boutique Hotel

Hotel Goldgasse

If you would prefer to stay in the heart of Salzburg’s old town, check out the 700 year old Hotel Goldgasse. This art hotel has just 16 beautiful rooms and an amazing location.

🛏️ Check Prices and Availability for Hotel Goldgasse

Hotel Stein

For a room with a view, check out the adults only Hotel Stein . The hotel is located by the River Salzach and has amazing views of Salzburg’s old town. It is also only a short walk from the old town.

🛏️ Check Prices and Availability for Hotel Stein

Austria Travel Itinerary 5 Days: Day Four – Salzburg

Head to the Rooftop restaurant at Hotel Stein (if you’re not already staying there) for a fantastic breakfast with one of the best views of Salzburg’s old town. Or head here for a pre dinner drink tonight. Just don’t miss the view!

Then take the two most popular tours in Salzburg. First up is The Sound of Music Tour. When it comes to what to see in Austria, the Sound of Music tour is high on the list of many visitors.

The major scenes for the movie were shot in the Salzburg city center, just outside and then further afield. In the city center is the Palace of Mirabell, where the Do-Re-Mi scene was shot in the gardens and St Peter’s Cemetery was where the tension-filled shots towards the end of the Sound of Music were filmed.

Nonnberg Abbey is not only the oldest female convent north of the Alps, but it was also home to the real Maria AND where the movie was filmed.

The tour will take you to see the two different filming locations for the Von Trapp family home, the laneway Maria skips down with her guitar at the beginning of the film, the I am 16 going on 17 gazebo, the church where Maria and Captain Von Trapp go married plus some great views of Salzburg’s lake district.

The tour guides tend to be quite entertaining and share lots of stories about the filming itself as well as some insider gossip. Best of all they will play the soundtrack and get the whole bus singing along!

⇒ Book your Sound of Music Tour from Salzburg

The second half day tour of the day is Eagle’s Nest . Eagle’s Nest is actually located over the border in Germany (don’t worry you don’t need your passport). The Nazi Party used Eagle’s Nest during World War Two and Adolf Hitler visited multiple times. The building sits on top of the Kehlstein and is a bit of a marvel of engineering.

The views from Eagle’s Nest are extraordinary and well worth seeing. The building contains many elements that are original to the time when the Nazi Party used it. Most Eagle’s Nest tours include a stop in the nearby pretty town Berchtesgaden .

⇒ Book your Eagle’s Nest Tour from Salzburg

After a big day of tours, you will be hungry, so head to Wirsthouse Zwettler’s for the best goulash in Salzburg. The restaurant is in the old town and has loads of pretty outdoor seating for goulash and people-watching.

Austria in 5 Days: Day Five – Graz

In the morning, drive or take the train from Salzburg to Graz. The Salzburg to Graz train journey takes about 4 hours on the fast train. Driving from Salzburg to Graz takes about 3 1/4 hours.

Why isn’t everyone talking about/going to Graz? I absolutely loved this city and there are so many fantastic things to do, places to eat, stuff to experience.

Start your time in Graz with a wander around its beautiful old city. Graz is known for its many lovely hidden courtyards; randomly walking its streets is one of the best ways to find them.

Pop up to the top of the Kastner Und Ohler department store and have a coffee and check out the amazing views at Freiblick Tagescafe .

Built in 1499, the double spiral staircase or Doppelwendeltrepp is a must-see and a great photo opportunity.

Then climb the 260 steps of Kriegssteig, which connect the clock tower to the historic old town of Graz and visit the lovely Schlossberg , a hill in the Graz city center. This hill is filled with restaurants, bars and great views.

Have a pre-dinner drink with a view of Schlossberg and then head down to the well-respected Der Steirer Graz for a classic-style Austrian meal.

⇒ Read my Post on 23 Things to do in Graz

Graz Boutique Hotels

As you would expect in a City of design, boutique hotel lovers are spoilt for choice in Graz.

Hotel Grand Wiesler

First up for me is Hotel Grand Wiesler . This airy and stylish boutique hotel has a great location about a 5-minute walk from the center of the Graz old town. It mixes shabby chic with minimalism and pulls off a very comfortable boutique hotel.

The highlight for me was the brilliant buffet breakfast. A mega coffee machine needed staff to assist but generated good coffee. The buffet had fantastic yogurts and cereals and loads of local delicacies, including the famous pumpkin seed spread of the area.

🛏️ Check Prices and Availability for Hotel Grand Wiesler

Only a 10-minute walk down the road is the Lend Hotel. This contemporary hotel is full of modern art pieces and has the most fantastic roof terrace with glorious views of Schlossberg.

The rooms are modern, minimalist, and very comfortable. Wooden parquet floorboards, king-sized beds, flat-screen TVs and even Malin and Goetz toiletries. I had a standard room and it was a perfect size. The Lend Hotel also offers medium and large rooms with balconies.

🛏️ Check Prices and Availability for the Lend Hotel

How to Get to Austria

Vienna, Graz and Salzburg all have airports that receive direct flights from London. As you would expect, the largest number of flights are through Vienna.

⇒ Flights to Vienna

⇒ Save time and book the train from Vienna Airport to the city center here .

This itinerary ends in Graz so if you’d like to follow it completely, there are still quite a few airlines that fly out of Graz.

⇒ Flights from Graz Austria

⇒ Airports in Austria and who flies where

NB: Austria Time is CEST or GMT +1 Vienna Austria time.

How to Get Around Austria in 5 Days

Austria is one of the most mountainous countries in Europe. This means excellent views throughout most of the country.

However, it can make things trickier when it comes to getting around. Hiring a car if traveling in Austria during winter is often not such a good idea if you’re not used to wintering mountain driving.

From November to mid-April, snow chains or winter tires are required.

A car can be fantastic for getting around outside of the winter months but car hire isn’t that cheap and toll stickers are required to drive on Austria’s highways. I don’t mean to put you off but driving in Austria can be a bit of a pain.

⇒ Prices on Car Hire in Austria

As Austria is relatively small, it is ideally suited for train travel. And even better, Austria has the OBB Railjet, one of Europe’s most luxurious and high-tech trains. Train journeys in Austria are usually relatively short and you’ll arrive in the city center.

⇒ Train Times & Prices in Austria

I hope you enjoyed this Austria 5 Days Itinerary and that it helps you plan a fantastic trip to this beautiful country.

Who Paid for What in this Post

My most recent trip to Austria just covered Graz. However, I have previously visited Vienna, Salzburg, Kitzbuhel and Innsbruck on my own dime. The entire trip to Graz and around was funded by the Graz Tourism Board and Propel – thank you very much.

As always, despite this support, the opinions above are all my own. Also, if you click through on the links in this post and make purchases it is highly likely that I will receive a small commission. Just wanted to make sure you knew.

READ NEXT: 23 THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND GRAZ AUSTRIA

Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.

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• 8 Giorni in Austria – Tour Completo
• Viaggi Itinerari di Viaggio Completi
• Itinerari di Viaggio Completi
• Centro Storico

L’Austria è una meta ideale per chi ama la natura ma non vuole rinunciare alla visita di città e arte. Il suo territorio, grande poco meno di un terzo rispetto a quello italiano, è coperto per la maggior parte da aree montuose, spesso disseminate di laghi. Le sue città ottimamente curate sono cosparse di palazzi imponenti e ricchi di storia. 8 giorni in Austria saranno sufficienti per visitare le sue destinazioni principali e qualcuna più particolare . Rimarrà anche il tempo per un paio di destinazioni bonus oltre confine .

Nell’itinerario completo degli 8 giorni in Austria ripercorro tutte le mete visitate, attraverso un viaggio itinerante che mi ha portato a cambiare albergo quasi ogni sera, toccando tutte le regioni austriache : la Carinzia, la Stiria, l’Austria Inferiore e il Burgenland, l’Austria Superiore, Salisburgo e il Tirolo con il Vorarlberg.

Cosa Vedere 8 Giorni in Austria

Organizzare il viaggio in Austria – L’Austria in Automobile – tutte le regole Klagenfurt e Graz – Giorno 1 – Klagenfurt, la Capitale della Carinzia – Graz, la Capitale della Stiria Seegrotte e Bratislava (bonus) – Giorno 2 – Lago Sotterraneo di Seegrotte – Bratislava – Giornata Bonus in Slovacchia Vienna – Giorni 3 e 4 Melk e Mauthausen – Giorno 5 – Abbazia Benedettina di Melk – Visita al campo di concentramento di Mauthausen Hallstatt, St Wolfgang e Fuschl am See – Giorno 6 – Hallstattsee, il lago patrimonio dell’UNESCO – Lago e Paese di St Wolfgang – Lago Fuschl am See, al quartier generale di Red Bull Salisburgo e Berchtesgaden (bonus) – Giorno 7 – Salisburgo, la città di Mozart – Berchtesgaden – visita bonus alla Baviera tedesca Innsbruck e Ritorno – Giorno 8 Mappa dell’itinerario del viaggio in Austria Dove dormire durante il tour dell’Austria

Organizzare il viaggio in Austria ^

In Austria si parla la lingua tedesca, ma nella stragrande maggioranza dei casi si potrà parlare indifferentemente anche l’inglese . Nelle aree di confine con l’Italia e nelle città preferite dagli italiani (come Innsbruck) spesso si incontrano persone che parlano fluentemente anche l’italiano. L’Austria fa parte dell’unione europea, quindi la moneta utilizzata è l’euro e non sono presenti confini di stato sorvegliati o sottoposti a dogana: per muoversi all’interno dei suoi territori è sufficiente la carta d’identità italiana valida per l’espatrio .

Al contrario di quanto succede in Italia, in Austria si osserva ancora la chiusura domenicale per moltissimi negozi e anche i musei hanno mantenuto un giorno di chiusura settimanale. Per questo motivo è necessario pianificare bene cosa vedere e quando.

Essendo l’Austria una meta così vicina all’Italia si è favoriti nella pianificazione del viaggio, soprattutto se si decide di raggiungere questo stato con la propria auto per muoversi liberamente durante la permanenza. In alternativa si può scegliere di arrivare in aereo a Vienna e proseguire da lì la visita: in questo caso si può optare per il noleggio di automobile oppure per muoversi con i treni. La rete ferroviaria austriaca è efficiente e permette di raggiungere tutte le maggiori città, ma inevitabilmente bisognerà rinunciare a qualche destinazione più di nicchia, ma molto meritevole. L’ultima possibilità è quella di arrivare in Austria in treno: in questo caso si passerà da Innsbruck.

L’Austria in Automobile – tutte le regole ^

Noi optiamo per l’automobile. Ci si può muovere liberamente con la patente di guida italiana, ma prima di partire è necessario verificare di essere in regola. Viaggiare in automobile in Austria richiede quattro piccole accortezze che da noi non sono considerate:

• La targa della propria automobile dev’essere di tipo europeo : ovvero riportare lo stato di provenienza dell’auto (sigla del paese sotto all’icona europea);
• Bisogna necessariamente avere a bordo un piccolo set di primo soccorso autorizzato . Questo set è una borsina con dentro forbici, garze, disinfettanti, cerotti. Lo si può trovare in parecchi supermercati anche da noi, oppure se ve ne siete dimenticati, gli ultimi autogrill prima del confine ne hanno una scorta infinita da vendere. Il costo del set, da tenere tassativamente in automobile, varia dai 10€ ai 20€. Se doveste essere fermati per un controllo, la polizia austriaca non esiterà nel richiedervi di mostrarglielo tra le dotazioni di bordo;
• Oltre al set di primo soccorso è necessario avere in auto anche il giubbotto catarifrangente e il triangolo per la segnalazione di pericolo sulla strada ;
• Per viaggiare su tutta la rete autostradale austriaca è necessario acquistare ed esporre in automobile la vignetta autostradale austriaca . Si trova di diverse durate, a seconda delle necessità, ed è obbligatorio appiccicarla al vetro dell’automobile. Il costo va dai circa 9€ per una durata di 10 giorni, ai circa 90€ per quella annuale. Una volta attaccata, la sua rimozione comporta l’automatica invalidazione del titolo. Anche la vignetta autostradale può essere acquistata negli ultimi autogrill prima del confine oppure, quando si accede in Austria c’è una grande rivendita che però è spesso presa d’assalto.

Ovviamente l’acquisto della vignetta è indispensabile per un viaggio on the road, a meno che non si vogliano allungare i tempi di percorrenza oltre il necessario. Le uniche altre strade austriache a pagamento, non comprese nella vignetta, sono il passo del Brennero (A13 – 9 €) e l’autostrada da Salisburgo a Villach (A10 – 11,50 €). I limiti di velocità sono invece simili a quelli italiani: 130 km/h sulle autostrade, 100 km/h sulle strade secondarie e 50 km/h nei centri urbani.

I parcheggi a pagamento  o riservati hanno invece una segnaletica differente dalla nostra . Spesso, soprattutto nelle grandi città, si trovano dei parcheggi con indicato un numero massimo di ore di sosta: vuol dire che sarà necessario pagare attraverso parchimetro la sosta e non si potrà eccedere il numero di ore esplicitato. Gli stessi sono invece parcheggi liberi per i residenti, che potranno lasciare l’automobile senza esporre tagliandi e per il numero di ore che vorranno.

Klagenfurt e Graz – Giorno 1 ^

Il primo giorno partiamo prestissimo, è ancora notte quando ci mettiamo alla guida, per arrivare a Klagenfurt in mattinata e poterla visitare prima di raggiungere Graz. La pioggia batte forte come non succedeva da mesi e sotto questa bomba d’acqua arriviamo fin’oltre il confine. Giusto un paio di tappe in autogrill per una seconda colazione e sgranchirci un po’ le gambe durante le 5 ore di tragitto.

Klagenfurt, la Capitale della Carinzia ^

Arriviamo a Klagenfurt, la capitale della regione della Carinzia , che ancora la città si deve svegliare. Una tregua dalla pioggia ci permette di visitare il centro storico in tranquillità, fino a quando ormai concluso il nostro itinerario, non ricomincia a piovere.

Klagenfurt è una città piuttosto raccolta e ci si muove benissimo a piedi . La storia della città è piuttosto affascinante, perché le sue origini sono avvolte nella leggenda . Questa è la prima grossa città che si incontra passando oltre il confine italiano prendendo per Udine. Da Klagenfurt capiamo già quanto gli austriaci tengano al loro territorio e al mantenimento delle loro città, così ordinate e curate da sembrare spesso molto distanti da quelle italiane.

La città venne fondata nel XII secolo e diventò velocemente un importante snodo commerciale. A seguito di un incendio, l’intero centro venne ricostruito sui progetti di alcuni architetti italiani, avvicinandone lo stile a quello italico. Il periodo barocco, invece, fu il momento di maggior espansione e ancora una volta gli edifici vennero rimaneggiati.

La visita a Klagenfurt è abbastanza veloce e si snoda tra l’Alter Platz e la Neuer Platz . In una o due ore si può vedere tutto il centro storico. Essendo domenica, tutti i negozi sono chiusi e quindi non possiamo nemmeno farci distrarre da botteghe che vendono prodotti tipici.

Una veloce visita, se si passa nelle vicinanze, è altamente consigliata!

Ecco cosa vedere a Klagenfurt .

Graz, la Capitale della Stiria ^

Ci rimettiamo in automobile e raggiungiamo Graz in circa mezz’ora . La distanza è poca, ma siamo passati dalla capitale della Carinzia a quella della Stiria. La città di Graz è bellissima da visitare , la mia meta preferita di tutto il tour dell’Austria .

Il centro storico , conosciuto come Altstadt (città vecchia), è l’eredità di un ramo cadetto della famiglia degli Asburgo, e per via della sua ottima conservazione rientra anche questo nei territori  patrimonio dell’umanità dell’UNESCO . L’altra parte della città, la città nuova, si estende su entrambi i lati del fiume Mur proprio ai piedi del monte Scholssberg. La presenza di un’università e il clima fresco e giovanile, le è valsa anche il titolo di capitale europea della cultura nel 2003 , che ha portato a nuovi investimenti in città.

Le sue dimensioni sono l’ideale per essere visitata a piedi, ma è comunque sensibilmente più grande di Klagenfurt, tanto da essere la seconda città austriaca per dimensioni . Il centro storico ha tantissimi punti di interesse e anche diversi spazi verdi. La città di Graz si sviluppa a cavallo del fiume Mura , sul quale è stata costruita una piccola isola artificiale in cui si trova un café. Merita tantissimo anche la salita (possibilmente a piedi sugli scalini che percorrono la roccia) del monte cittadino: Schlossberg , su cui sorgeva il castello ed è tutt’ora visibile l’Uhrturm, la torre dell’orologio cittadina.

Una volta saliti fino alla sede del vecchio castello, si può scendere passando per il duomo e il mausoleo dell’imperatore Ferdinando II, due opere degne di nota.

Anche qui in una giornata si può vedere quasi tutto quello che la città ha da offrire. Noi allunghiamo la visita fino alla serata, prima di tornare in albergo a riposare.

Qui l’itinerario completo di Graz di una giornata.

Seegrotte e Bratislava (bonus) – Giorno 2 ^

Il secondo giorno del viaggio in Austria ci porterà dritti verso il primo bonus al di fuori dei confini  nazionali. Ci svegliamo di buon’ora a Graz, perché vogliamo partire presto e raggiungere la prima destinazione poco dopo l’orario di apertura, ottimizzando la giornata.

Lago Sotterraneo di Seegrotte ^

Seegrotte dista circa 200 km da Graz e ci arriviamo poco prima delle 10 di mattina. C’è un solo motivo per visitare questa cittadina a pochissima distanza da Vienna: il suo lago sotterraneo. Il lago di Seegrotte è il lago sotterraneo più grande di tutta l’Europa e si è formato a causa di una mina fatta brillare erroneamente in quest’area, che ha provocato l’inondazione della preesistente miniera. Questo fatto l’ha reso in fretta una celebre attrazione turistica, ma durante la seconda guerra mondiale le venne temporaneamente cambiata la destinazione d’uso .

Si può visitare il lago sotterraneo di Seegrotte esclusivamente attraverso una visita guidata, piuttosto frequente e in diverse lingue. La visita turistica, all’interno dei tunnel a temperatura costante di 9 gradi centigradi, si conclude con la navigazione sul lago .

Non è una meta imperdibile ma se si ha tempo e si passa da queste parti è qualcosa da provare, per lo meno per vedere un paesaggio insolito. Qui la guida della visita al Seegrotte e come organizzarsi .

Bratislava – Giornata Bonus in Slovacchia ^

Dopo aver visitato il lago sotterraneo si può decidere di recarsi direttamente a Vienna, che dista poche decine di minuti, o proseguire varcando il confine austriaco e arrivare fino a Bratislava .

Bratislava, la capitale della Slovacchia , si trova estremamente vicina all’Austria , tanto che dalle ultime cittadine austriache si può vedere il bianco castello di Bratislava sulla collina della città. Essendoci così vicini, pensiamo sia un peccato non fermarci a visitarla.

Anche in questo caso il centro storico è abbastanza piccolo da girarlo comodamente a piedi. Una grande arteria stradale divide in due il centro storico: da una parte la salita fino al grandissimo castello , mentre dalla parte opposta, dietro le mura, si sviluppa tutto il rimanente centro.

Una delle attività preferite dai turisti di Bratislava, oltre che visitare i suoi numerosi e vicini palazzi storici, è quella di andare a caccia delle particolari statue che caratterizzano le bellissime piazze. La giornata del lunedì, quella in cui ci troviamo noi, molti musei sono chiusi, come quello all’interno del castello. Via libera invece alle numerose chiese, dove è possibile entrare a qualunque ora del giorno.

L’ itinerario di visita di Bratislava si sviluppa dalla lunga Piazza Hviezdoslav, fino al castello, passando per la cattedrale di San Martino e le numerose piazze interne. A fine giornata, dopo una cena tipica slovacca, si può fare una passeggiata sul lungo fiume: il Danubio bagna la città e regala bellissimi scorci sul centro storico .

Qui l’itinerario di cosa vedere a Bratislava in un giorno , sarà sufficiente!

Vienna – Giorni 3 e 4 ^

Arriviamo a Vienna nella mattinata del terzo giorno di viaggio. Vienna, la capitale dell’Austria , dista circa un’ora da Bratislava e una volta risolto il problema parcheggio (consiglio di lasciare l’automobile in uno dei cari parcheggi sotterranei, onde evitare fatiche inutili di ricerca) cominciamo la visita della città.

Abbiamo cambiato nuovamente regione dell’Austria e ci troviamo all’interno di quella conosciuta come Austria inferiore .

La capitale austriaca è la città più grande, perciò sarà l’unica in cui ci fermeremo due notti . Sarà infatti l’unica destinazione in cui spenderemo 2 dei nostri 8 giorni in Austria. All’interno di Vienna ci si può muovere comodamente con i mezzi pubblici (metro, tram e autobus), anche grazie alcuni biglietti cumulativi che permettono di viaggiare senza limiti e su tutte le linee. In realtà, una volta fatto il biglietto, scopriamo che ci si muove molto bene anche a piedi tra i vari punti di interesse.

Suddividiamo la visita secondo le varie zone del centro storico:

• il centro storico all’interno della Ringstrasse , un antico viale ottocentesco che ripercorre la posizione iniziale delle mura. All’interno di questo quartiere si trova la bellissima zona dei musei, l’imponente e immenso palazzo residenziale Hofburg , lo Stephansdom (il duomo cittadino), le principali vie del centro storico, la bellissima chiesa Karlskirche e molto altro ancora..;
• la zona a sud della Ringstrasse , dove si trova il famosissimo hotel Sacher, nel quale nacque la torta simbolo dell’Austria. Qui c’è anche il grande palazzo dell’opera e degli splendidi giardini. Questa zona è facilmente raggiungibile a piedi dalla visita del quartiere all’interno della Ringstrasse;
• il castello di Schönbrunn, la famosissima residenza della principessa Sissi . Questa è la prima meta della seconda giornata a Vienna ed è d’obbligo visitarla per chi arriva in città. La visita richiederà circa una mezza giornata, perché oltre le prestigiose sale interne al palazzo ci sono tantissimi giardinetti e un labirinto da visitare. Da qui si gode anche di una buona vista sull’intera città di Vienna;
• il centro storico a nord di Mariahilfer Strasse occupa invece il pomeriggio della seconda giornata a Vienna. Anche qui le cose da vedere sono tante, ma molto vicine tra loro. Da non perdere il palazzo sede dell’università e l’area dirigenziale con il municipio di Vienna, il parlamento e il Burgtheater. Se, come a noi, rimangono un paio d’ore è possibile raggiungere l’ Hundertwasserhaus: un bellissimo agglomerato di case popolari di design .

In due giorni è possibile girare tutto il centro storico di questa imponente città, ma non si riusciranno a visitare troppi musei o il castello Belvedere , un’altra importante meta turistica a sud del centro storico. Per farlo si può aggiungere un giorno all’itinerario austriaco o, alternativamente evitare la visita di Bratislava, guadagnano più di mezza giornata.

A questo indirizzo è disponibile la guida del primo giorno a Vienna: centro storico e zona a sud della Ringstrasse , mentre qui tutti i dettagli sul castello di Schönbrunn, la zona a nord del centro storico e l’Hundertwasserhaus.

Melk e Mauthausen – Giorno 5 ^

Gli 8 giorni in Austria continuano e siamo entrati nel classico mood da viaggio. Purtroppo oltre la metà della vacanza è trascorsa e siamo pronti ad affrontare la seconda parte. Partiamo da Vienna per raggiungere l’abbazia benedettina di Melk e successivamente ci recheremo in visita al memoriale costruito nel campo di concentramento di Mauthausen.

Abbazia Benedettina di Melk ^

La città di Melk dista poco più di un’ora da Vienna . Per arrivarci percorriamo quasi esclusivamente la rete autostradale, dalla quale si vede la forma della grande abbazia, quando ci si trova nelle sue vicinanze. A Melk si trova una delle più grandi abbazie benedettine del mondo e la sua struttura, costruita sulla roccia, copre praticamente tutto il centro storico cittadino sviluppatosi grazie alla presenza di questo convento.

La visita all’abbazia dell’XI secolo, protagonista del romanzo “Il nome della rosa” dura circa un paio d’ore e si sviluppa tra le sale dell’abbazia, i cortili interni, la grande chiesa  Stiftskirche, e i giardini esterni. Si può considerare circa un’altra ora per la visita del centro storico, nel quale sono numerose le botteghe che vendono prodotti tipici locali e di artigianato .

Scopri qui tutti i dettagli su Melk e la sua abbazia .

Visita al campo di concentramento di Mauthausen ^

Dopo aver mangiato qualcosa, nel pomeriggio raggiungiamo Mauthausen attraverso un’altra ora in auto. Questa località austriaca, un tempo ridente destinazione turistica , è divenuta la custode delle terribili angherie messe in atto durante la seconda guerra mondiale.

Arrivati al campo di concentramento di Mauthausen il tempo è repentinamente cambiato e dal sole, ci troviamo sotto una pioggia fine e fitta. La visita al campo di concentramento è piuttosto dura e toccante . All’ingresso si può richiedere un audioguida o utilizzare un’APP per smartphone appositamente dedicata e che ci guida all’interno delle sale del campo, fino ai forni crematori.

Nel campo di concentramento c’è anche un museo che racconta il susseguirsi dei fatti storici all’interno di questo Lager , e mette in mostra anche alcuni oggetti arrivati fino a noi, scampando alla distruzione messa in atto dagli austriaci quando avevano ormai capito che sarebbero stati sconfitti.

Adiacente al campo si trova il parco dei monumenti , dove le nazioni che ebbero vittime all’interno del lager, costruirono alcune opere a memoria dei deportati. Qui si trova anche la scala della morte che conduceva i prigionieri fino al lavoro forzato nella miniera. La presenza di questa miniera fu il motivo per il quale venne scelta questa zona per la costruzione del campo di concentramento.

La visita al lager di Mauthausen è piuttosto forte, ma penso sia utile per scontrarsi apertamente con la nostra triste storia e cercare di non ricadere negli errori già commessi. Qui tutte le informazioni per organizzare la visita al campo di concentramento di Mauthausen .

Hallstatt, St Wolfgang e Fuschl am See – Giorno 6 ^

Il sesto giorno del tour di 8 giorni in Austria, parte in maniera molto più leggera rispetto al pomeriggio precedente. Il nostro programma prevedere per questa giornata un po’ di sfogo e camminate in mezzo la natura . Siamo nella regione dell’Austria superiore , che porta questo nome per la sua posizione a nord del fiume Danubio. I confini della regione arrivano fino alla Repubblica Ceca e si stringono tra i fiumi Inn (ovest) e Enns (est).

Questa regione, con capoluogo Linz, è la più ricca, subito dopo a Vienna. La ricchezza non è però il motivo che ci ha spinto a visitarla, ma lo è piuttosto l’ alto numero di laghi e aree naturali alternati alle miniere di sale che hanno reso così benestante quest’area già in tempi antichi. Il parco naturale di questa regione è conosciuto con il nome di Salzkammergut .

Hallstattsee, il lago patrimonio dell’UNESCO ^

La mattina raggiungiamo Hallstattsee, uno dei laghi più a sud della regione , sul quale si affaccia un bellissimo borgo che sembra essere fermo nel tempo e che ha origini molto antiche. La miniera di sale visitabile sopra il borgo ha infatti popolato questa zone fin da tempi antichissimi: alcuni scavi hanno fatto riemergere resti databili all’età del bronzo.

Durante la visita al centro storico di Hallstatt è possibile fare una breve tappa al Beinhaus: l’ossario adiacente la chiesa principale che accoglie al suo interno teschi decorati con alcuni dipinti.

La salita fino al punto di osservazione, lo Skywalk, ci dà l’occasione di fare un piccolo trekking in mezzo al verde e alla natura, su di questo lago inserito all’interno dei beni patrimonio dell’UNESCO austriaci.

Per visitare Hallstatt può essere sufficiente poco più di mezza giornata, a questo link tutto quello che c’è da vedere .

Lago e Paese di St Wolfgang ^

Poco più a nord di Hallstatt c’è il Wolfgangsee , un lago di dimensioni più contenute del precedente e sul quale si affaccia un altro piccolo borgo : St Wolfgang . La visita a questo lago è più rilassante rispetto la precedente: il paese è dotato di un lungolago incantevole dove le passerelle di legno sull’acqua si alternano a piccoli capanni . Il paese, la cui nascita si trova al centro di una leggenda, è piuttosto piccolo e ha come attrazione principale la chiesa del pellegrino, bellissima e con suggestivi affacci sul lago attraverso alcuni porticati nelle piazze adiacenti l’edificio.

Ecco l’itinerario per un paio d’ore a St Wolfgang .

Lago Fuschl am See, al quartier generale di Red Bull ^

L’ultima tappa del sesto giorno in Austria è una meta non prevista. Proprio mentre puntiamo dritti a Salisburgo, passiamo al fianco dell’ennesimo lago: Fuschl am See . Non abbiamo intenzione di fermarci.. ma pensando che si tratterà di una sosta piuttosto veloce decidiamo di fare tappa anche qui.

Il lago è di dimensioni contenute ma a poca distanza dalle sue sponde notiamo un edificio estremamente moderno e particolare . Dopo qualche secondo capiamo che è il quartier generale di Red Bull . Così parcheggiamo la macchina all’interno della sua piazzetta e non perdiamo l’occasione di vedere meglio almeno la parte esterna della sede.

Sul lago c’è il piccolo paese Fuschl am See risalente al XV secolo , ma che non conserva quasi più nulla di quel periodo. Attualmente si tratta di una delle più rinomate aree di villeggiatura austriache , anche grazie alle vicine montagne sulle quali praticare sport invernali o trekking nelle stagioni migliori.

In poco più di un’ora è possibile visitare il quartier generale di Red Bull e affacciarsi sulla sponda del lago Fuschl am See. Qui la visita completa .

Salisburgo e Berchtesgaden (bonus) – Giorno 7 ^

Siamo ormai giunti alla fine dei nostri 8 giorni in Austria e nella lista di cosa vedere ci manca ancora qualche importante destinazione. Oggi è il turno di Salisburgo, che oltre ad essere una delle città più conosciute dell’Austria, dà anche il nome alla regione che occupa .

Successivamente, nel tardo pomeriggio, raggiungiamo il secondo bonus del tour, una destinazione fuori dai confini austriaci: Berchtesgaden, nella Baviera tedesca.

Salisburgo, la città di Mozart ^

Siamo arrivati a Salisburgo la sera del sesto giorno dei nostri 8 giorni in Austria e, nonostante l’ora tarda, ne abbiamo approfittato per fare una passeggiata in città verso la stazione. La mattina, dopo una veloce colazione, partiamo per la visita alla città di Mozart .

Salisburgo è divisa in due parti dal fiume Salzach . Da una parte si trova la città nuova, le cui maggiori attrazioni sono il palazzo Mirabell, la residenza di Mozart e il Kapuzinerberg , una collina dalla quale si gode di un bellissimo panorama su tutta la città.

Dall’altra parte, nella città vecchia, i luoghi da visitare sono molto più numerosi. Tra le numerosissime chiese di Salisburgo, le porte di accesso alla città, la casa natale di Mozart, l’imponente duomo con le sue piazze e la fortezza di Hohensalzburg si riuscirà benissimo a riempire una giornata di visita. Qualora si voglia accedere ai musei cittadini e a quelli su Mozart, conviene acquistare la Salzburg card , che consente di risparmiare parecchio sugli ingressi.

Salisburgo è molto bella e abbastanza piccola da essere girata tranquillamente a piedi . La figura di Mozart ritorna continuamente in città, tra le piazze, le statue e i palazzi il filo conduttore è la musica e il noto compositore nato in questa città.

I giorni ideali da trascorrere a Salisburgo, secondo me, sarebbero due. Due giorni permettono di vedere tranquillamente tutto il centro storico e di entrare nei diversi musei della città . La nostra visita è decisamente rovinata dalla pioggia continua, che oltre al disagio per l’acqua provoca anche il fastidio di avere decine e decine di ombrelli sempre addosso, a causa dei numerosi turisti in città. Per questo motivo, nel tardo pomeriggio decidiamo di andarcene anziché sfruttare anche la serata per vedere la città con più calma.

La città è davvero molto bella, a questo link è disponibile l’itinerario completo e dettagliato della visita in un giorno a Salisburgo .

Berchtesgaden – visita bonus alla Baviera tedesca ^

Prima di raggiungere Innsbruck, facciamo una piccola deviazione nuovamente oltre confine. Arriviamo nella Baviera tedesca, nella città-borgo di Berchtesgaden . Con questo nome non si identifica solo la città, ma anche una regione particolarmente verde nella quale si trova il parco nazione del Berchtesgaden .

Qui c’è un bellissimo lago meta di pellegrinaggi chiamato Konigssee , dietro al quale si nasconde la cascata più grande dell’intera Germania . Prima di arrivare al lago, sul quale trascorreremo giusto una mezz’oretta, visitiamo la città di Berchtesgaden. Incastonata tra le montagne, le sue vie sono rese speciali dai numerosi dipinti sulle facciate delle case . Anche i porticati del castello hanno un grande dipinto dedicato ai caduti delle due guerre mondiali.

Il piccolo borgo, distante appena mezz’ora da Salisburgo, richiederà pochissimo tempo per essere visitato: in un’ora si gira tutto il centro e si entra nella storica chiesa collegiata dei santi Pietro e Giovanni Battista. Qui l’itinerario dettagliato della visita a Berchtesgaden .

Dopo la tappa tedesca tiriamo dritti fino a Innsbruck, dove pernotteremo, e che dista circa due ore in automobile.

Innsbruck e Ritorno – Giorno 8 ^

L’ultima destinazione dei nostri 8 giorni in Austria è Innsbruck, probabilmente la meta austriaca più conosciuta dagli italiani insieme a Vienna. La fortuna non è dalla nostra e ci svegliamo con la pioggia, portandocela dietro tutto il giorno, fino a quando non rientreremo in Italia attraverso il passo del Brennero.

Innsbruck, la capitale del Tirolo austriaco , non è solo mercatini di Natale, ma la città ha molto di più da offrire nonostante il suo centro storico sia meno curato rispetto a tutte le altre città che abbiamo visitato in Austria. Tutto il centro storico si sviluppa al di là del fiume Inn , che dà il nome alla città. Anche ad Innsbruck c’è una grande abbondanza di chiese, che possono essere visitate al di fuori degli orari di celebrazione delle funzioni e che sono particolarmente diverse le une dalle altre.

Uno dei palazzo più visitati è il palazzo imperiale, l’Hofburg, attualmente utilizzato come area espositiva. La meta più famosa della città è però il Goldenes Dachl , ovvero il tettuccio d’oro dal quale, di tanto in tanto, va in scena qualche concerto tradizionale.

Ecco l’itinerario completo di cosa vedere a Innsbruck in un giorno .

Dopo l’intera giornata a Innsbruck, termina il nostro tour dell’Austria . Un paese ricco di storia ed estremamente curato , probabilmente anche per via del dovere civico instillato nei cittadini. La natura qui è rigogliosa e oltre i laghi e le Alpi, mi colpisce il verde che circonda le città e le strade . 8 giorni in Austria sono ottimi per avere un’idea di tutte le migliori destinazioni, ma un paio di giorni in più sarebbero ottimi per vedere con più calma alcuni musei. In particolare, avrei scelto di allungare di un giorno la permanenza a Vienna e di un altro giorno quella a Salisburgo.

Mappa dell’itinerario del viaggio in Austria ^

Dove dormire durante il tour dell’Austria ^

Questo tour dell’Austria è un percorso piuttosto itinerante . Dovrai essere pronto a cambiare spesso d’hotel per essere più veloce negli spostamenti. Durante l’intero viaggio di 8 giorni abbiamo cambiato sei hotel. Ecco a seguire dove abbiamo pernotatto:

• Il primo giorno ci siamo fermati a Graz . Quì abbiamo soggiornato in questo hotel , comodo per la sua posizione e dalle stanze spaziose . Se vuoi vedere gli altri hotel disponibili in città clicca qui ;
• La seconda notte l’abbiamo passata a Bratislava . Abbiamo scelto questa sistemazione , decisamente economica e recentemente ristrutturata. Comodo anche il servizio di parcheggio, disponibile previa prenotazione. Altre sistemazioni a Bratislava puoi trovarle qui ;
• La terza e quarta notte siamo tornati in Austria e siamo arrivati a Vienna , nella capitale. La scelta è ricaduta su questo hotel non troppo distante dal castello di Schönbrunn e dai mezzi per raggiungere velocemente il cuore del centro cittadino. Le camere non sono troppo spaziose, ma belle e moderne . Vienna ha tantissime altre sistemazioni tra cui scegliere, eccone una bella lista ;
• Il quinto giorno siamo ripartiti e abbiamo passato la notte tra laghi e colline in questa struttura a Bad Goisern . L’aspetto è datato, ma le camere sono molto spaziose. Il prezzo è buono, quindi tutto sommato è stata una buona scelta. Volendo sceglierne tra altre nei dintorni puoi dare un’occhiata qui ;
• La sera del sesto giorno siamo arrivati nella bellissima Salisburgo . Qui i prezzi degli hotel si alzano rispetto ai paesi nei dintorni. Abbiamo trovato questo bellissimo hotel con parcheggio e stanze molto moderne a un prezzo ragionevole. Ecco altre possibili sistemazioni sempre a Salisburgo ;
• La sera del settimo giorno siamo invece arrivati a Innsbruck e il giorno successivo l’abbiamo dedicato alla visita della città. Per l’ultima notte abbiamo scelto questo hotel abbastanza vicino al centro ma un po’ datato. Qui trovi tante alternativa in città .

Leggi anche

3 giorni in val d’orcia – cosa vedere, 2 giorni in val d’orcia – itinerario di cosa vedere, tre giorni nella svizzera francese – cosa vedere, yvoire – cosa vedere in un giorno.

Arzo Travels

Solo Female Travel – Switzerland, Europe and Beyond

An Epic 5-Day Austria Itinerary

5 DAYS IN AUSTRIA ITINERARY

Table of Contents

Are you planning a  perfect 5-day Austria itinerary and wondering about the best things to do , how to get around, or where to stay? Then this post is for you – here I share my tips for how to spend 5 days in Austria.

Though it may be small in size, Austria is packed with breathtaking scenery, charming towns, and romantic cities. Many travelers consider it the most romantic country in Europe, and it’s not hard to see why.

While we all wish we could explore every corner of this magnificent country, sometimes time (and our schedules) can be a limiting factor. That’s why I’ve put together some of my favorite places and travel tips to help make the most of your trip, no matter how long you’re able to stay.

Check out my thoughtfully curated itinerary that covers many of the best places and attractions in Austria in 5 days.

DISCLAIMER: THIS POST MIGHT CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. THIS MEANS I MIGHT EARN A SMALL COMMISSION WHEN YOU BUY A PRODUCT/SERVICE (AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU). MORE ABOUT IT  HERE .

READY TO FIND OUT WHAT TO DO IN 5 DAYS IN AUSTRIA – ITINERARY

BEST TRAVEL TIPS FOR YOUR 5-DAY AUSTRIA ITINERARY

Let´s start with some travel tips. I will try to keep it short and sweet.

Best Way to Get Around

You’ve got a ton of transportation options to explore Austria, whether you fancy buses, trains, cars, or guided tours. Just be sure to set aside enough time to travel between your must-see spots- especially if you decide to hit the open road.

I couldn’t resist stopping repeatedly to marvel at the jaw-dropping vistas and snap some envy-worthy photos. 

BY CAR 

• Whether you rent a car or get there on your own, you will need a toll sticker (of course, you can also avoid toll highways).
• The cheapest is the toll sticker for 10 days, which costs around $10 (9,90€).
• BUT some private roads cost  extra.  I paid around $11 twice more for two private roads (which seriously annoyed me because that is what the toll sticker should be for in my opinion).  
• You can find out about the private roads and avoid them, but if you are spontaneous, then this sucks.
• These roads, side streets, and highways are generally very good in Austria. They are modern, and it is fun driving in Austria (watch out for the speed cams though).
• Gas is quite cheap (some of the cheapest in Europe), so when you are in Bavaria, Italy , or Switzerland before/after, try to refuel in Austria.
• While I drive in my own car/van in Austria, I do use DiscoverCars if I need to rent a car in other destinations (like Albania ), because they find the best deal for me. Click here to check out rental prices in Austria.

➡️ GET YOUR RENTAL CAR FOR YOUR AUSTRIA ITINERARY HERE

BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION 

• Austria´s public transportation is quite good. When I researched, I found it to be a bit expensive, though – at least train rides from one place to another.
• However, public transportation in city centers, like Salzburg or Vienna, is very cheap. So, even when you are getting around by car, I suggest leaving your car in the (hotel) parking lot and then getting bus tickets.

What is the Best Time to Visit Austria?

I personally enjoy off-season traveling but have visited some of Austria during its peak seasons, too.  

• If you are a winter sports lover, then winter is the best time (or love Christmas Markets, which are big in Austria and especially in Vienna ).
• Austria in the summer months can be busy – like really busy. I would avoid the summer months if possible (especially July and August).
• I suggest visiting somewhere between April and the beginning of June, September, or early October.
• In Central Europe, we can never be sure about the weather. But I guess, in general, the weather is mild and sunny in spring and fall. Prices for accommodations also drop at that time (unfortunately, Austria can be really pricey), and the crowds are mostly gone.

Is Austria Expensive?

Austria is quite an expensive travel destination. Though it is a little more affordable than Switzerland or Scandinavian countries, it is – overall speaking – more costly than countries in Southern or Eastern Europe.

Accommodation and transport will probably be the main costs. Still, you can save money by staying outside the city center or traveling during the shoulder season (this Austria itinerary is great for any time of the year).

Dining out constantly might also eat into your budget, so if you need to watch your expenses closely, book accommodations with kitchen access so you can prepare a few meals yourself. There are some affordable supermarkets where you can get your groceries.

Cutting back on your meat consumption and alcohol will also help you with your budget.

You will get free, delicious water from the mountains in many places throughout the country. My tip is to bring a good refillable water bottle so you do not spend any money on the water.

Also, city cards might help you save money. You can buy them in some cities and have access to activities without any extra costs. Depending on the number of activities you plan to do, I suggest calculating if they will work for you.

Is Austria Safe?

In general, Austria is a very safe country . Of course, life in the city tends to bring more crime with it.

• I recommend keeping your wallet and purse very close to you in cities like Vienna because pickpocketing is common.
• And avoid side streets in the dark – especially as a solo female traveler, you should always be more cautious.
• If you road trip Austria, do not leave valuables in the car on display.

Of course, using common sense is important to any traveler, even in Austria. But there are no extra precautions I take when I am in Austria. Just be cautious.

HOW TO SPEND 5 DAYS IN AUSTRIA

Okay, after the basic travel tips, it is time to talk about the best places to visit in 5 days for your Austria travel itinerary.

VIENNA – 2 DAYS

Vienna is one of my favorite cities in Europe . So pretty, so compact, and so romantic.  It is a great place to start your Austria trip or to end it – whatever you decide, DON´T skip visiting Vienna.

Vienna is a must-see destination for anyone looking to delve into the heart of Austrian culture. From its world-renowned museums, historic buildings, and monuments to its celebrated cafes and vibrant nightlife, there’s no shortage of things to do in Vienna.

Whether you’re looking for a place to relax and recharge or prefer the hustle and bustle of city life, Vienna is a delight.

If you’re looking for some architectural eye candy, Vienna is the place for you. As someone who doesn’t know much about architecture, even I was blown away by the stunning buildings scattered throughout the city. Whether you’re flying solo or with your squad, Vienna has plenty to offer.

You should spend two full days here , to really understand how gorgeous it is and see the main sights.

THINGS TO DO IN VIENNA IN 2 DAYS

• Visit the Stephansdom Cathedral: Picture a Gothic masterpiece so tall it could high-five the clouds. Welcome to the Stephansdom Cathedral, a place that’s been throwing shade on Vienna since the Middle Ages. Just remember to behave – it’s a hallowed place, not a Halloween party.
• Head to the Austrian Parliament: Here’s where Austria’s bigwigs make their big decisions. Imagine if Hogwarts was for politicians instead of wizards – that’s the Austrian Parliament. Just don’t ask for a magic show; they mainly do speeches and bills here!
• Stroll the Museum District: Imagine if culture had a buffet, and you’ve got the Museum District. Stuff your brain with modern art, ancient artifacts, and every historical tidbit in between. It’s like time travel, only without the jet lag.
• Have fun at the Viennese Prater: Rollercoasters, giant wheels, and carnival games – oh my! The Viennese Prater is like Disneyland’s quirky Austrian cousin. You’ll have so much fun, that you’ll forget the German word for ‘vertigo.’
• Marvel at Schönbrunn Palace: Now, this is what MTV Cribs looks like for 18th-century emperors. Schönbrunn Palace is part-Royal palace, part-giant garden, and 100% Instagram gold.
• Enjoy the Hundertwasser Village: Straight lines? Not in the Hundertwasser Village! It’s as if Dr. Seuss and Picasso teamed up to design a village. Your camera won’t know where to focus, and neither will your eyes.
• Visit The Hofburg: Home to Austrian emperors for over six centuries, The Hofburg makes Downton Abbey look like a starter home. Just don’t get lost in its 2600 rooms – that’s more than most people have socks!
• Learn about history at Schloss Belvedere: Two words – art and gardens. Schloss Belvedere is like a historical beauty pageant, strutting its Baroque architecture and Klimt’s artworks. Just don’t try to crown it – the palace is prickly about its roof.

Unfortunately, Vienna is quite expensive, but I think it is worth it! To read a more detailed Vienna guide, click here .

WHERE TO STAY IN VIENNA

HOTEL SACHER : Find luxury at its best at Hotel Sacher near Hofburg. The hotel is rated the best in the city, and its central location is perfect if you want to limit driving around or using public transportation.

➡️ Find out more about the rates for staying in this hotel here.

MERCURE VIENNA FIRST : One good medium-priced accommodation to stay in Vienna is Mercure Vienna First. It was the place I stayed at when I visited Vienna the last time.

➡️ Find out more about that particular hotel by clicking here.

I also have a more detailed guide on the best accommodations in Vienna which you can check out.

BEST TOURS / ACTIVITIES TO BOOK IN VIENNA

➡️ Vienna Classical Concert at St. Peter’s Church

➡️  Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off – optional Guided Walking Tour, River Cruise & Night Tour

➡️  Skip the Line: Schonbrunn Palace & Gardens Guided Tour in Vienna

➡️  Vienna PASS: 1, 2, 3, or 6 Days of Sightseeing

SALZBURG – 2 DAYS

• It takes about  3-4 hours by car to get to the next beautiful city, Salzburg, and about 2-3 hours by train.

Salzburg is one of the prettiest cities (or THE prettiest city?!) in Austria – and home to several really stunning castles and fortresses. I am not ashamed to admit it, but I have a little crush on this city, so it does not surprise I recommend spending some of your 5 days in Austria here.

Salzburg is an absolute must. Birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, this fairytale-like city oozes historical charm and will transport you back in time. The sound of music fills the air as you explore its cobblestone streets, ancient fortresses, and Baroque-style palaces.

Accommodations are quite expensive, but with your Salzburg Card, you can at least save some money on activities.

THINGS TO DO IN SALZBURG

• Stroll the old town: The Old Town of Salzburg is like your great-grandma’s attic – crammed with antiquities, bursting with stories, and likely to make you say, “They don’t make ’em like this anymore.” It’s like stepping into a charmingly cobbled time capsule!
• Visit Hohensalzburg Fortress: Hohensalzburg Fortress has been standing guard over Salzburg since 1077, and boy, does it have some stories to tell! And, with the views it has, it might as well be showing off. Just remember, it’s a fortress, not a theme park!
• See the St. Erhard Kirche: St. Erhard Kirche is the kind of place where hushed whispers and stained glass meet. With its modest charm and silent spirituality, it’s a great spot to explore or just enjoy a game of “spot the saint”!
• Admire the Mirabell Palace and Garden: Imagine a place where beauty and harmony are law, and you’ve got Mirabell Palace and Garden. It’s like a rom-com set, with blooms, fountains, and a castle! You half-expect Hugh Grant to pop out from behind a tree!
• Visit the Cemetery at St. Peters Abbey: Pay a visit to the final resting place of some of Salzburg’s most distinguished inhabitants at St. Peter’s Abbey Cemetery. It’s like a ‘who’s who’ of the afterlife. And, as they say, it’s dead quiet!
• Enjoy the Views from Kapuzinerberg: Kapuzinerberg is basically Salzburg’s own rooftop bar, minus the cocktails. The hill offers views for days! It’s a great spot to ponder life’s mysteries, like why we drive on parkways but park on driveways.
• Visit Schloss Hellbrunn: Schloss Hellbrunn is a palace that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s a bit like if Willy Wonka had been an archbishop – with trick fountains, whimsical gardens, and a penchant for fun. Just remember, it’s all in good jest!

These are a few of my favorite activities in Salzburg. I also have a more detailed post on Salzburg where I have more info on prices, duration, and attractions.

WHERE TO STAY IN SALZBURG

HOTEL RADISSON BLU : If you want to stay in the old town – and prefer a luxury hotel – then the Radisson Blu most likely is the perfect choice for you.

➡️  Check out rates for the hotel here .

STAR INN PREMIUM SALZBURG : If you are looking for a good but more affordable hotel in the city center, then the Star Inn Premium Salzburg would be a good pick.

IBIS BUDGET AIRPORT SALZBURG: I normally opt for hotels in the city center – however, since I was driving my own car, I decided to stay outside the main city center. So, I ended up at Ibis Salzburg Airport . There was enough free parking, and I had to walk for about 7 minutes to the bus stop, which was perfect for me. 

➡️  Check out the prices for the hotel here.

Depending on your arrival time, I suggest staying one or two nights before heading to the next pretty place in Austria. If you are in a rush, you surely can visit the main attractions in one day – but it would be less enjoyable.

BEST TOURS/ACTIVITIES IN SALZBURG

➡️  Salzburg: Hohensalzburg Fortress Admission Ticket

➡️  Original Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg

➡️  Mozart Concert at Mirabell Palace 

HALLSTATT – 1 DAY

• From Salzburg, you can get to Hallstatt quite easily. By car it takes about 1,5 hours, by public transportation it takes about 2,5 hours.

Ah, Hallstatt. This picturesque village is one of the most beautiful places in Austria. Nestled between glistening lakes and snow-capped mountains, it’s no wonder why this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a popular destination for travelers from around the world.

Make sure to visit the iconic 16th-century church that overlooks the lake or stroll along the waterfront promenade. 

No matter how long your trip is, I guarantee that Austria will leave you feeling captivated and enchanted.

Hallstatt is particularly popular with Chinese tourists, who come for a day (or even just a few hours). Hallstatt is extremely small, so you could “finish” it in two hours. But I suggest planning a full day so that you can include a few more activities.

THINGS TO DO IN HALLSTATT

• Stroll the Lake Promenade: This isn’t just a walk, it’s a parade of natural beauty. With the lake on one side and charming houses on the other, the Lake Promenade has more eye candy than a Hollywood red carpet event!
• Roam the Streets and Visit the Market Square: Imagine a place where quaint houses compete for your attention with tiny shops selling the cutest souvenirs. That’s Market Square for you. 
• Hike and See Hallstatt from Above at Skywalk: The Skywalk in Hallstatt isn’t just a hiking trail, it’s a stairway to heaven! Be warned, the views from up here are known to cause jaw-dropping and spontaneous outbursts of ‘Wow!’
• Learn About the History at Salzwelten Hallstatt: Step into Salzwelten Hallstatt and travel back to a time when salt was the hottest commodity around, not Bitcoin! Here, history isn’t just told, it’s relived.
• Pay a visit to the Cemetery and Catholic Church: In Hallstatt, even the cemetery is postcard-pretty. But don’t worry, despite the old bones, it’s very much alive with history and stories. 
• Walk the Upper Stairs: This isn’t just a flight of stairs, it’s a journey into Hallstatt’s lofty heights. Yes, your legs will protest, but your eyes will thank you. Just remember, what goes up, must come down. Watch your step!

Find my more detailed post on Hallstatt here.

Austria´s nature is stunning, but if you are only in Austria for 5 days, I will focus on these places (you’ll find the best scenery in Switzerland ).

WHERE TO STAY IN HALLSTATT

Unfortunately, there are not many hotels in Hallstatt, and hotels can be booked quickly. 

Heritage Hotel Hallstatt is a well-reviewed hotel just in the heart of Hallstatt. All rooms and suites at Heritage Hotel offer views of the town and Lake Hallstatt. All rooms are individually furnished and have cable TV, a minibar, and tea and coffee-making facilities. This 4-star property looks like a perfect choice for your overnight stay in Hallstatt. Check out rates and availabilities here.

If you prefer an apartment, with a fully equipped kitchen, Historic Lakeview Apartment has a terrace, city views, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries. Find rates and availabilities here.

CONCLUSION: BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN AUSTRIA IN 5 DAYS – ITINERARY

Personally, I think it is tough to give exact times because we all travel differently, and everyone has different focuses when traveling.  However, this 5-day Austria itinerary is how I would spend my time in this country.

It is such a beautiful country and surely deserves more time. Still, realistically we all have only a limited time to spend in a country (especially in an expensive country like Austria), so I hope you enjoy your trip. If you have a few more days in the country, you can see more of this beautiful country.

PIN ME FOR LATER – 5-DAY AUSTRIA ITINERARY

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How to Spend 7 Days in Austria One Week Austria Itinerary

Last Updated on February 20, 2024 by gregor

If you’re planning a trip to Austria, you might be wondering how to make the most of your time there. Luckily, we’ve put together a one-week Austria itinerary that will help you make the most of your time in this beautiful country in the heart of Europe.

Austria is a country that has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to explore its stunning scenery, experience its rich culture, or simply relax in its cosmopolitan cities, you’ll be able to find it all here. So, without further ado, here’s our one-week Austria itinerary

Plan your Trip to Austria?

• 🏨 Find the perfect accommodation on  Booking.com
• 🎡 Book the Best Guided Tour on  GetYourGuide
• 😍 Get more emotions from your trip with  Tripadvisor
• 🚘 Rent a car on  Rentalcars
• ✈️ Buy the cheapest flight tickets with  WayAway
• 🚂 🚌 ✈️ Best prices for Train, Buses, Cars, Ferries, and flights Omio

7 Day Austria Itinerary

Day 1: arrive in vienna.

Start your day in the city by checking into your hotel and getting settled. Then, head out to explore the city town center. Begin with a walk around the historic center, taking in sights like the Vienna State Opera House, and the Hofburg .

Next, stop for a traditional Austrian lunch at a Viennese café . In the afternoon, you can take a bus and visit some of Vienna’s world-famous museums , such as the Belvedere Palace or the Albertina Museum .

Vienna is famous for Classical Music Concerts. Read more and book your Classical Concert Tickets in Vienna here: 👉 13 BEST CLASSICAL CONCERTS IN VIENNA 2023

Day 2: Take a day trip to Salzburg

On day 2 of your Austria itinerary, consider taking a day trip to the city of Salzburg, Austria . This charming city is only a short drive from Vienna city and is full of things to see and do. Start your day by exploring the historic old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to visit famous landmarks like the Hohensalzburg Fortress and the Mirabell Palace. After lunch, take a stroll through the Salzburg Museum or visit one of the many art galleries in the city or countryside. End your day with a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. (Fun fact: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in Salzburg). Please see also Ultimate Salzburg Travel Guide with Sound of Music Location Tips

25 BEST THINGS TO DO IN SALZBURG AUSTRIA

Classical music Concerts and Festivals in Salzburg Austria are a must-see for any music enthusiast. Salzburg boasts some of the Best Classical music Concerts and Festivals

More Info and Book your Classical Concert Ticket in Salzburg here

BEST CLASSICAL MUSIC CONCERTS AND FESTIVALS IN SALZBURG

Day 3: Day Trip to Hallstatt

If you have time, you can also consider a short trip to the charming lakeside town of Hallstatt . Be sure to spend your day exploring the old town, visit the Hallstatt Bone House, and take a cable car ride up to the Salzwelten salt mines.

As night falls, enjoy a leisurely dinner at a restaurant with views of the city. Then, take a stroll through the atmospheric streets of the old city that are within walking distance from your hotel before turning in for the night. Please read also The Top Things to Do and See in Hallstatt, Complete Hallstatt Travel Guide

Day 4: Explore Innsbruck , Tyrol

Day 4 in Innsbruck starts with a visit to the Goldenes Dachl , a gilded roof on top of a Renaissance-era building. Then, stroll through the old town to see the historic sights, such as the Helblinghaus, and the Maria-Theresien-Strasse. For lunch, stop at one of the many cafes or restaurants in Innsbruck. In the afternoon, visit the Ambras Castle, a former imperial residence with a museum inside. Finally, end the day with a cable car ride up to Nordkette mountain for panoramic views of Innsbruck and the surrounding area.

Read more: 👉 16 BEST THINGS TO DO IN INNSBRUCK, AUSTRIA – TOP INNSBRUCK ATTRACTIONS

Day 5: Explore Bregenz, Vorarlberg

On the fifth day of your Austria itinerary, you will explore the town of Bregenz , the capital of Vorarlberg. This charming town is situated on the shores of Lake Constance and is known for its beautiful scenery and lively atmosphere. There are plenty of things to see and do in Bregenz, so you will definitely not be bored. Some of the highlights include the Bregenz Festival, which is a world-renowned music and arts festival, and the Bregenz Christmas Market, which is one of the most festive and popular markets in all of Austria.

Day 6: G rossglockner high alpine road

On the sixth day of your Austria itinerary, you will take a drive on the Grossglockner high alpine road . This road is one of the most scenics in Austria and will take you past the country’s highest mountain, the Grossglockner. The drive will take you through Hohe Tauern National Park , and you will have the opportunity to stop at several lookout points along the way.

Day 7: Zillertal Alps

The Zillertal Alps is a mountain range located in the western part of Austria. It is one of the largest mountain ranges in the country and is a popular destination for both tourists and locals. There are many activities to do in the Zillertal Alps, such as hiking, climbing, skiing, and snowboarding. There are also many different restaurants and cafes located in the mountain range.

Planning a trip to Austria & looking for information?

Planning a trip to Austria? Then you have come to the right place. Touring Austria can be daunting, but with the right information, it can be a breeze. Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning your trip:

When to go: The best time to visit Austria is during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. The weather is milder and the crowds are thinner.

What to pack: Be sure to pack comfortable shoes and layers, as the weather can change throughout the day.

What to see: Vienna is a must-see when visiting Austria. Be sure to check out the Hofburg Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the Schönbrunn Palace.

What to eat: Austria is known for its delicious pastries, so be sure to indulge in some Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel while you’re there. VIENNA FOOD GUIDE – TRADITIONAL VIENNESE FOOD YOU MUST EAT IN VIENNA, AUSTRIA

A Must-Do is a Food Tour in Vienna

Read more here: 👉 15 BEST FOOD TOURS IN VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Best Travel Tips for Your Austria Itinerary

Are you planning a trip to Austria? If so, congratulations! Austria is a beautiful country with plenty to see and do. Here are a few tips to help you plan the perfect Austria itinerary:

1. Don’t try to see everything. Austria is a large country and it would be impossible to see everything in one trip. Instead, focus on one or two regions that interest you the most.

2. Do your research. Before you start planning your trip, take some time to research Austria and figure out what you want to see and do. This will help you narrow down your list of must-see attractions.

3. Plan your transportation in advance. Austria has an excellent public transportation system, but it can be confusing to figure out if you’re not familiar with it. Plan your transportation before you arrive so you know how to get around.

4. Pack for all seasons. Austria has a continental climate, which means that the weather can vary significantly from one region to another. Pack for all seasons so you’re prepared for whatever the weather may bring.

WHAT TO WEAR WHEN VISITING VIENNA, AUSTRIA

5. Be prepared for crowds. Austria is a popular tourist destination, meaning some attractions can get quite crowded. If you’re not a fan of crowds, try to visit during the off-season or avoid the busiest times of the day.

6. Learn some German. Although English is widely spoken in Austria, learning some basic German will make your trip more enjoyable. It will also come in handy if you find yourself in a less touristy area.

7. Don’t forget your camera. Austria is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe. Make sure you bring your camera so you can capture all the amazing views.

8. Budget for souvenirs. Austria has plenty of souvenirs to choose from, so make sure you budget for them in advance. You’ll find everything from traditional Austrian handicrafts to delicious chocolates and sweets.

WHAT TO BUY IN VIENNA: BEST 15 SOUVENIRS FROM VIENNA

9. Enjoy the food. Austrian cuisine is delicious, so make sure you take advantage of it. Indulge in some of the country’s famous dishes, such as Wiener schnitzel and Apfelstrudel.

10. Have fun! Austria is a beautiful country with plenty to see and do. Relax and enjoy your trip.

Top Tip: Vienna Pass. Read more: 👉 VIENNA PASS REVIEW 2023 – IS THE VIENNA PASS WORTH IT? – AN INSIDERS REVIEW

What to See in Vienna ?

There’s so much to see in Vienna that it can be difficult to know where to start. But whether you’re interested in history, art, music, or just want to enjoy the city’s unique atmosphere, these are the must-dos when visiting Vienna.

1. Tour the Ringstrasse

The Ringstrasse is Vienna’s grand boulevard, built in the 1860s to replace the city’s medieval walls. It’s lined with impressive buildings, monuments, and parks, and is the best way to get an overview of the city. Start at the Hofburg Palace and make your way around the 3.2-kilometer (2-mile) loop.

2. Visit Schönbrunn Palace

This former imperial summer Schönbrunn Palace residence is one of Vienna’s most popular attractions. Take a guided tour of the opulent staterooms, stroll through the gardens, and visit the world’s oldest zoo, located on the palace grounds.

3. See the Lipizzaner Stallions

The Spanish Riding School is world-famous for its Lipizzaner stallions, and a performance by these beautiful horses is a must-see when in Vienna. The school offers several different types of shows, so you can choose the one that best suits your interests. SPANISH RIDING SCHOOL IN VIENNA – SIGHTSEEING INFO AND TIPS

4. View the art at the Belvedere

The Belvedere is a former palace that now houses two museums: the Upper Belvedere, with its extensive art collection, and the Lower Belvedere, with its baroque gardens. Make sure to see the Klimt paintings on display at the Upper Belvedere – they’re some of the most famous works by the artist. VIENNA BELVEDERE PALACES AND BELVEDERE MUSEUMS, ULTIMATE VISITOR GUIDE

5. Listen to a concert at the Vienna State Opera

Opera is an important part of Vienna’s culture, and attending a performance at the magnificent Vienna State Opera House is an experience you won’t forget. Even if you’re not an opera fan, the building itself is worth a visit.

13 BEST CLASSICAL CONCERTS IN VIENNA

6. Take a ride on the Ferris wheel

For stunning views of Vienna, hop on the Riesenrad, the city’s giant Ferris wheel. It’s located in the Prater, a large public park that’s also home to a number of other attractions, including an amusement park and a museum.

7. See the Habsburgs’ crown jewels (Schatzkammer)

The Imperial Treasury, located in the Hofburg Palace, houses the Habsburgs’ impressive collection of crown jewels. The collection includes the Imperial Crown of Austria, as well as the crowns of several other Austrian emperors. IMPERIAL TREASURY VIENNA, SIGHTSEEING INFO AND TIPS (KAISERLICHE SCHATZKAMMER WIEN)

8. Walk through the Wienerwald

The Wienerwald , or Vienna Woods, is a large forest that surrounds the city. It’s a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some fresh air. There are numerous hiking and biking trails to explore, and you’ll find several restaurants and cafes dotted around the forest.

9. Shop at the Naschmarkt

This famous Vienna Naschmarkt is the best place in the city to find fresh produce, as well as international foods and spices. It’s also a great place to grab a bite to eat, as there are numerous stalls and cafes offering a variety of cuisines.

10. Learn about Vienna’s history at the Hofburg Palace

The Hofburg Palace is the former imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty and is now home to several museums. If you’re interested in learning about Vienna’s imperial past, this is the place to go. You can also take a guided tour of the palace grounds.

• THE HOFBURG IMPERIAL PALACE COMPLEX IN VIENNA, AUSTRIA
• THE EMPRESS SISI MUSEUM IN THE HOFBURG IN VIENNA

Renting a Car in Vienna

Renting a car in Vienna is a great way to see the city and its surrounding areas. There are many different companies that offer rental cars, and the prices vary depending on the type of car you rent and the length of time you need it. Most rental companies will require that you have a valid driver’s license and a credit card.

Plan your Trip to Vienna?

More Things to Do in Vienna

The city’s museums are some of the best in the world, and there are plenty of them to choose from. The Kunsthistorisches Museum is a must-see for art lovers, while the Natural History Museum is perfect for those interested in science. If you’re looking for something a bit more quirky, the Vienna ZOO is one of the oldest and most famous in Europe, and the Vienna Museum of Military History is a must-see for history buffs.

Read more: 👉 All About Visiting Museums in Vienna

The Best Way to Tour Austria

Transportation.

Austria’s efficient public transport makes it easy to navigate cities. For a flexible itinerary, consider renting a car to explore the countryside and reach off-the-beaten-path destinations.

If you’re looking to do some shopping, Vienna has plenty to offer, from high-end designer stores to quaint local shops. The Vienna Christmas markets are also not to be missed – they’re some of the best in the world!

Read more: 👉 BEST VIENNA CHRISTMAS MARKETS GUIDE + MAP (UPDATE 2022)

And of course, no visit to Vienna would be complete without trying some of the Viennese Food like the famous pastries. The Sachertorte is a must, but don’t forget to also try the Apfelstrudel and the Kaiserschmarrn.

Most Beautiful Place in Austria

Explore the enchanting village of Hallstatt, nestled between the Dachstein Alps and Lake Hallstatt. The charming houses, pristine lake, and surrounding mountains create a fairytale ambiance. Early morning or late afternoon visits to Hallstatt provide a serene atmosphere, away from the crowds. The reflections on the lake are especially captivating.

Salzburg Trip in Vienna, Austria

Day trip to salzburg.

Consider a day trip from Vienna to Salzburg for a taste of Mozart’s city. High-speed trains make it convenient, allowing you to explore key attractions in a day.

While in Salzburg, savor a slice of the famous Mozartkugel, a chocolate praline named after the iconic composer. It’s a delicious and cultural treat.

Crafting an Austria travel itinerary involves weaving through historical wonders, natural beauty, and cultural delights. Personal insights enhance the journey, creating memories beyond the typical tourist experience.

Best Way to Travel from Vienna to Salzburg

Efficient train connections.

The best way to travel from Vienna to Salzburg is by train. Austria’s well-developed and efficient train system provides a comfortable and scenic journey between these two iconic cities.

High-Speed Rail Options

Consider taking a high-speed train, such as the Railjet, which connects Vienna and Salzburg in approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. These trains offer a smooth and quick ride, allowing you to relax and enjoy the picturesque Austrian landscapes along the way.

Train Stations and Departures

Trains depart from Vienna’s main train station, Wien Hauptbahnhof, and arrive at Salzburg Hauptbahnhof. Both stations are well-equipped and centrally located, providing convenient access to the city centers.

After spending a week in Austria, you will have experienced some of the best the country offers. From the picturesque city of Vienna to the stunning mountain scenery of the Alps, Austria is a country that has something for everyone. If you are looking for a week-long trip that is full of adventure, culture, and relaxation, then a trip to Austria is a perfect choice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

When planning a trip to Vienna, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is where to stay. Vienna is a large city with many different neighborhood districts, each with its own unique atmosphere. The first step in choosing the best neighborhood for your stay is to decide what kind of experience you’re looking for. Are you interested in historical sights, museums, and classical music? If so, you’ll want to stay in the Innere Stadt , the city’s historic center. This is also the most popular tourist area, so it’s a great place to people-watch and soak up the Viennese atmosphere.  If you’re looking for a more modern vibe, with plenty of shopping and nightlife, then you’ll want to stay in the Josefstadt neighborhood. No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find the perfect neighborhood for your stay in Vienna.

There are a few ways to get around Vienna: On foot: Vienna is a very walkable city and is easy to navigate. There are plenty of sidewalks and crosswalks, and the streets are well-marked. By public transportation: Vienna has an excellent public transportation system, with buses, trams, and trains all run by the Vienna Transport Authority (Wiener Linien). Tickets can be purchased at any of the many ticket machines located around the city, and day passes are also available. By taxi: Taxis are readily available in Vienna and can be hailed on the street or ordered by phone. Prices are reasonable, and most taxis accept credit cards. By bicycle: Vienna is a great city for cycling, with plenty of dedicated bike lanes and paths. You can rent a bike from one of the many bike-sharing stations around the city, or bring your own.

Most people suggest staying in Vienna for at least 3-4 days to get a good feel for the city. However, if you are short on time, 2 days is also enough to see the main sights.

In Vienna, be sure to stroll through the Ringstrasse, visit the grand Schönbrunn Palace, and get a taste of the city’s famous coffee culture. In Salzburg, you can’t miss a visit to the Hohensalzburg Fortress and a tour of the old town. In Innsbruck, you’ll want to see the Golden Roof and the Imperial Palace and don’t forget to go for a ride on the Nordkettenbahnen cable cars for some incredible views. 16 BEST THINGS TO DO IN INNSBRUCK, AUSTRIA – TOP INNSBRUCK ATTRACTIONS and of course, no trip to Austria would be complete without a stop in the picturesque town of Hallstatt to see the Hallstatt Lake and the Dachstein Mountains.

Yes, hiking can be strenuous in Vienna depending on the terrain and the person’s level of fitness.

All of these things have something to do with Austria. The waltz is a popular dance that originated in Austria, the Habsburgs were a powerful Austrian family, the Sound of Music is set in Austria , Mozart was an Austrian composer, and the Alps are a mountain range in Austria. Schnitzel and dumplings are both popular Austrian foods.

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Best Photography Tips for awesome autumn photos

3 days in prague: the perfect itinerary for first-timers.

Una settimana in Austria: il miglior itinerario di 6, 7 o 8 giorni

Una settimana in austria: cosa fare e vedere in 6, 7 o 8 giorni.

Hai deciso di fare un tour dell’Austria durante le tue prossime vacanze?

Sei nel posto giusto: abbiamo preparato per te un itinerario di una settimana per visitare alcune delle città più belle dell’Austria !

Scopri Vienna, Salisburgo, Hallstatt e Graz e visita alcuni luoghi di interesse imperdibili come l’ Abbazia di Melk o i laghi del Salzkammergut .

Segui tutti i nostri itinerari per visitare l’Austria in 6, 7 o 8 giorni. Troverai anche la nostra selezione dei migliori alloggi per ogni città, oltre ai nostri consigli e suggerimenti per rendere il tuo soggiorno il più semplice possibile.

Alloggi a Vienna

Alloggio a salisburgo, alloggiare ad hallstatt, alloggi a obertraun, alloggio a graz, tappa 5: ritorno a vienna (1 giorno), altre attività per 1 settimana in austria, tappa 1 : vienna (3 giorni).

Il modo più semplice per iniziare il tuo viaggio di una settimana in Austria è atterrare a Vienna . La capitale dell’Austria è la città più collegata del Paese.

A seconda dell’orario di arrivo, ti consiglio di andare direttamente in hotel per depositare i bagagli e riposare un po’. Puoi anche fare una passeggiata nei dintorni per immergerti nell’atmosfera austriaca.

Il giorno dopo, per la tua prima giornata di visite turistiche, ti consiglio di iniziare con la principale attrazione turistica di Vienna, il Castello di Schönbrunn .

Questo magnifico edificio barocco è patrimonio dell’umanità dell’UNESCO . Durante la tua visita, potrai esplorare le stanze di Stato e gli appartamenti imperiali di questo edificio, che un tempo era la residenza estiva degli Asburgo .

Il Castello di Schönbrunn è famoso anche per il suo immenso e bellissimo parco, un luogo molto piacevole dove passeggiare.

Se ti interessa, puoi anche visitare il conservatorio, lo zoo (biglietti in vendita qui!) o il Museo delle Carrozze Imperiali di Vienna , tutti situati all’interno o nelle vicinanze del castello. Tutte queste attività devono essere pagate in aggiunta al biglietto d’ingresso al castello.

Esiste anche un tour guidato del Castello di Schönbrunn che include l’accesso agli interni e ai giardini: clicca sul pulsante qui sotto per prenotare :

La visita al Castello di Schonbrunn è inclusa se acquisti il Vienna Pass , che dà accesso prioritario a una serie di monumenti e ti permette di utilizzare gli autobus turistici a più fermate .

È semplicemente il miglior pass per visitare Vienna durante la tua settimana in Austria!

Acquista il tuo Vienna Pass direttamente con il pulsante qui sotto:

Alla fine della mattinata, recati al Naschmarkt, il mercato permanente di Vienna . È il luogo ideale per gustare un delizioso pranzo a base di prodotti freschi e locali.

Poi prosegui verso Karksplatz per visitare la Chiesa di San Carlo Borromeo. Ti consiglio di entrare anche all’interno per vivere un’esperienza ecclesiale piuttosto insolita!

Puoi prendere un ascensore panoramico per ammirare da vicino gli affreschi del soffitto. Personalmente, non avevo mai visto nulla di simile in una chiesa ed è davvero sorprendente.

Per il resto del pomeriggio, passeggia tranquillamente nel centro storico di Vienna per scoprire le principali attrazioni turistiche , come il Teatro dell’Opera e il Rathaus , il municipio di Vienna.

E per concludere la giornata in bellezza, visita la Cattedrale di Santo Stefano o Stephansdom . Sali i 343 gradini della torre per godere di un’eccezionale vista panoramica su tutta la città . Preferibilmente al tramonto!

Per essere sicuro di non fare troppa coda e non perdere l’occasione, ti consiglio vivamente di acquistare il biglietto in anticipo qui :

Il secondo giorno a Vienna , vai alla Scuola di Equitazione di Vienna . E ora stai pensando: “equitazione”, ma di cosa sta parlando, non è molto austriaco! Non preoccuparti, non dovrai salire su un cavallo, dovrai solo guardare e ammirare.

Ogni mattina, questa istituzione di fama mondiale nell’arte del dressage a cavallo apre le porte agli spettatori per farli assistere alla sessione di allenamento .

Oltre allo spettacolo, vale la pena visitare anche la sede, l’arena imperiale invernale !

Per assistere alla sessione di allenamento, se hai il Vienna Pass è incluso, altrimenti devi prenotare i tuoi posti in anticipo utilizzando il seguente pulsante:

Per il resto della mattinata, ti consiglio di visitare il Palazzo di Hofburg . Come il Castello di Schönbrunn , il palazzo era la residenza della famiglia imperiale austriaca , ma solo durante i mesi invernali.

Durante la visita potrai vedere le camere da letto e lo studio dell’imperatore.

C’è anche una parte del palazzo imperiale che ospita il museo dell’imperatrice Sissi e un’impressionante collezione di argenteria. Tutto è incluso nel biglietto d’ingresso , che puoi acquistare direttamente qui:

Il Vienna Pass ti dà accesso anche al palazzo.

Poi, per il programma pomeridiano , fai un tour della più grande biblioteca barocca d’Europa, la Biblioteca Nazionale Austriaca . La sala delle cerimonie, con i suoi 200.000 volumi antichi, è splendida.

L’ingresso è gratuito con il Vienna pass.

Poi visita il museo Albertina Modern . Qui potrai ammirare un’importante collezione di opere di Monet e Picasso , oltre a 20 sale di rappresentanza, tutte recentemente restaurate.

L’ingresso è incluso nel Vienna Pass, altrimenti i biglietti possono essere acquistati direttamente in anticipo utilizzando il pulsante sottostante :

Se non hai voglia di passare il pomeriggio al chiuso, puoi anche sostituire una delle due visite precedenti con una breve crociera sul Danubio .

La più classica è quella di un’ora , che puoi prenotare cliccando sul pulsante qui sotto:

Infine, per concludere la giornata, ti consiglio di visitare il Prater, il grande parco pubblico di Vienna . Non esitare a fare un giro sulla ruota panoramica, uno dei simboli della città e il modo migliore per ammirare il tramonto su tutta Vienna .

Puoi acquistare i biglietti qui.

Se non sei appassionato di giostre o hai paura dell’altezza, ti consiglio un’opzione più soft ma altrettanto classica: andare all’opera o a un concerto di musica classica .

Diversi luoghi come la Staatsoper (Teatro dell’Opera di Vienna ), il Musikverein , la Volksoper e l’ Orangerie del Castello di Schönbrunn offrono questo tipo di spettacolo a prezzi diversi:

• Le quattro stagioni di Vivaldi al Musikverein
• Un concerto di 30 musicisti dell’Orchestra Mozart nella Sala d’Oro del Musikverein
• Biglietto per un concerto al Castello di Schonbrunn
• Un concerto di musica classica nella magnifica chiesa barocca di San Pietro a Vienna
• Un concerto di musica classica di un quartetto d’archi nella Chiesa di Sant’Anna
• Un’esecuzione delle Quattro Stagioni di Vivaldi nella chiesa di Saint-Charles-Borromée
• Un concerto di Mozart e Strauss al Kursalon di Vienna con musicisti, cantanti e ballerini
• Un concerto della Vienna Residence Orchestra, una delle migliori orchestre da camera del mondo, nel Palazzo Auersperg.

Una delle esperienze indimenticabili che potrai vivere durante la tua settimana di soggiorno in Austria .

Per un elenco completo delle cose da fare e vedere a Vienna, leggi il nostro articolo qui: Visitare Vienna.

Per visitare Vienna in 2 giorni, ti consiglio di acquistare il Vienna Pass.

L’accesso a tutti i principali monumenti e musei di Vienna è incluso , così come i viaggi illimitati in autobus Hop-On Hop-Off .

• Wombat’s CITY Hostels Vienna – Naschmarkt: ostello della gioventù situato vicino al Naschmarkt. Posti letto in dormitori a partire da 25€. Punti di forza: posizione ideale per raggiungere le principali attrazioni turistiche a piedi, pulizia, camere spaziose.
• Leonardo Hotel Vienna: a 100 metri da una via dello shopping con ristoranti e boutique e a 5 minuti di metropolitana dal centro storico. Camere doppie confortevoli e spaziose a partire da 80€, colazione a 13€. Punti di forza: buona colazione, vicinanza alla metropolitana, pulizia.
• Motel One Wien-Staatsoper: situato nel cuore del centro storico, a pochi passi da tutte le attrazioni e dai principali musei. Camere doppie calde e moderne a partire da 130€ a notte, colazione a 11€. I punti a favore: ottima posizione, biancheria da letto eccellente, colazione molto buona, decorazione delle camere. È il nostro hotel preferito a Vienna per il rapporto qualità-prezzo!
• Hilton Vienna Danube Waterfront: situato sulle rive del Danubio, non lontano dal Prater e a 5 minuti di metropolitana dal centro storico. Spaziose camere doppie con area salotto e vista sul fiume a partire da 150€, colazione a 26€. I punti a favore: la piscina all’aperto, il personale molto cordiale, la posizione, la tranquillità.
• Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof: situato vicino al Palazzo Hofburg, questo hotel 5* offre camere calde e moderne a partire da 230€, colazione 32€. I punti di forza: la Spa, la pace e la tranquillità, la cordialità del personale e la posizione perfetta. Il nostro consiglio per un soggiorno di lusso a Vienna!
• Grand Hotel Wien : hotel 5* situato a 3 minuti a piedi dall’Opera di Vienna. Camere spaziose e confortevoli con arredi in stile classico, a partire da 300€ a notte, colazione inclusa. I punti di forza: la Spa, l’eccellente ristorante 1* della Guida Michelin, l’atmosfera e la tranquillità dell’hotel.
• Hotel Sacher Wien: è il leggendario hotel di Vienna, situato proprio di fronte al Teatro dell’Opera. Ti accoglie in camere superbe e lussuose con riscaldamento a pavimento, bagni in marmo e un perfetto mix di modernità e mobili d’epoca. A partire da €430. I punti a favore: i piccoli accorgimenti, il personale attento e la posizione centrale. Il nostro consiglio per un soggiorno di lusso a Vienna!

A seguire c’è una piccola selezione di appartamenti che non saprei distinguere, in quanto sono abbastanza simili sia in termini di caratteristiche che di budget. I prezzi variano da 110 a 140 € a notte, pulizia inclusa. Sono tutti moderni, completamente attrezzati e molto ben posizionati.

• Appartamento Mariahilfer a Vienna 70m² per soli 110€ a notte.
• Appartamenti Spittelberg Gardegasse a partire da 120€ a notte.
• Appartamenti HeyMi in centro città: diversi appartamenti, uno più bello dell’altro, a partire da 130€ a notte. Ci piace molto il loro rapporto qualità-prezzo!
• HeyMi Appartamenti Opernring: la stessa catena di cui sopra, ma in un quartiere diverso.

tappa 2: Salisburgo (2 giorni)

Per la seconda tappa di questo itinerario di 6, 7 o 8 giorni in Austria , ti porterò a Salisburgo .

Per farlo, dovrai noleggiare un’auto : è il modo più veloce per spostarsi durante questo viaggio di una settimana in Austria . Inoltre, potrai fare delle soste lungo il percorso per visitare luoghi che non avresti visto se avessi preso il treno, ad esempio.

Consiglio Rentalcars  per 3 motivi:

• Tutte le compagnie di noleggio sono elencate, quindi puoi confrontare facilmente i prezzi.
• L ‘assicurazione completa è molto più economica di quella offerta dalle società di noleggio. Inoltre, i rimborsi sono super efficienti! So di cosa parlo, avendola utilizzata alcune volte durante le mie vacanze in Sicilia .
• La cancellazione è spesso gratuita.

Se conosci le date del tuo viaggio in Austria, ti consiglio di prenotare subito la tua auto per ottenere il miglior prezzo possibile! Per confrontare i prezzi e prenotare la tua auto, clicca sul pulsante qui sotto:

Una volta ritirata la tua auto a noleggio (è meglio noleggiarla in aeroporto, perché è più facile per il viaggio di ritorno), parti in direzione di Salisburgo. Il viaggio tra Vienna e Salisburgo dura circa 3 ore e 15 minuti .

Durante il tragitto, ti consiglio di fare 3 soste per visitare alcuni dei siti e dei paesaggi naturali più belli dell’ Austria :

1) A 1h20 da Vienna , passerai davanti alla famosa Abbazia di Melk .

Affacciata sul Danubio sul suo sperone roccioso, non potrai perderla. Ti consiglio di dedicare un po’ di tempo alla visita, anche perché non vorrai perderti la sua immensa biblioteca , famosa in tutto il mondo. Il luogo è semplicemente superbo.

All’esterno potrai godere di una vista sul Danubio e sull’area circostante.

2) Prima di arrivare a Salisburgo , a circa 1h15 da Melk , attraverserai anche la regione lacustre del Salzkammergut , rinomata per i suoi magnifici laghi alpini. Sicuramente uno dei paesaggi più belli dell’Austria.

Fermati prima al lago Attersee , il più grande dell’Austria. Poi prosegui verso il lago Mondsee, un lago ben curato e ideale per gli sport acquatici.

Puoi facilmente trascorrere un pomeriggio in questa zona e goderti un picnic e un’escursione nei dintorni .

Arriverai a Salisburgo alla fine della giornata .

Il giorno seguente , per il resto della tua vacanza di 1 settimana in Austria , la giornata sarà interamente dedicata alla visita di Salisburgo .

Inizia la mattinata salendo alla fortezza di Hohensalzburg, il simbolo della città. Utilizzata per proteggere il principato e gli arcivescovi dagli attacchi, è uno dei castelli meglio conservati di tutta Europa .

Puoi acquistare il tuo biglietto per la fortezza in anticipo cliccando qui! In alternativa, l’ingresso è incluso nella Salzburg Card di cui ho parlato nei miei Consigli di viaggio.

Per raggiungere la fortezza, puoi optare per l ‘opzione sportiva di scalare la collina a piedi o per quella più tranquilla di prendere la funicolare da Festungsgasse. Quest’ultima opzione ti offre anche un’ ottima vista durante la salita .

All’interno della fortezza, puoi visitare:

• La Sala d’Oro e la Camera d’Oro, entrambe caratterizzate da splendide sculture in legno
• I sotterranei e la camera delle torture per la versione sinistra
• Il Festungmuseum , un museo dedicato alla vita dei principi arcivescovi
• Il Rainermuseum e la sua collezione di armi austriache

Una volta lasciata la fortezza, scendi dalla collina passando per l’ Abbazia di Nonnberg, a dieci minuti di cammino. Il sito è famoso in tutto il mondo per essere stato il modello del popolarissimo film “Tutti insieme appassionatamente “. È qui che l’eroina Maria era una novizia prima di sposare il barone!

I fan del film sapranno cosa intendo! Ogni giorno vengono organizzate visite guidate della città per ripercorrere le tracce della location del film. Per i fan, ho inserito il link qui.

Dopo questa parentesi cinefila, torna nel centro storico di Salisburgo per visitare il DomQuartier , una delle attrazioni culturali più popolari della città.

Un biglietto per il Dom (acquistalo qui!) ti dà accesso a una serie di siti storici , tra cui la Chiesa di San Pietro , la residenza dei principi-arcivescovi e la cattedrale . Un modo eccellente per combinare la visita della città con la conoscenza della sua storia.

Dopo una meritata pausa pranzo dopo una mattinata intensa, ti consiglio di visitare il numero 9 della Getreidegasse. Qui troverai la casa natale di Mozart, oggi adibita a museo. Se sei interessato, puoi ovviamente visitarlo (è incluso nella Salzburg card).

All’uscita, fai una passeggiata lungo la Getreidegasse per ammirare le case tradizionali e le insegne dei negozi in ferro battuto , una caratteristica unica della strada.

È anche il luogo ideale per fare shopping o bere qualcosa.

Termina la tua giornata a Salisburgo con una visita al Castello di Mirabell e una passeggiata nei suoi sontuosi giardini . Puoi raggiungerlo percorrendo la Getreidegasse.

I giardini offrono una magnifica vista sulla città e sulla cattedrale . Ci sono numerose fontane da ammirare, oltre a un roseto , un aranceto e un giardino degli gnomi composto da gnomi da giardino in marmo bianco – piuttosto insolito, non credi?

E se anche dopo tutto questo, vuoi vedere ancora di più di Salisburgo , dai un’occhiata al nostro articolo: Top 17 luoghi da non perdere a Salisburgo.

Per visitare Salisburgo in un giorno, acquista la Salzburg Card qui:

Tutti i luoghi che ho menzionato in questo itinerario sono inclusi . Questo ti farà risparmiare un sacco di soldi.

• Stadtalm Naturfreundehaus: Ostello della gioventù situato vicino al Museo d’Arte Moderna di Salisburgo. Posti letto in dormitori a partire da 25€, colazione inclusa. Non è molto facile da raggiungere, poiché si trova in cima a una collina, e le camere sono un po’ piccole, ma la vista, in compenso, è straordinaria. Questo è il miglior prezzo per un ostello della gioventù a Salisburgo. Gli altri partono da 50€, un prezzo un po’ alto per un letto singolo in un dormitorio.
• Motel One Salzburg-Süd: Hotel situato a 4 km dal centro di Salisburgo. C’è una fermata dell’autobus proprio di fronte, quindi puoi raggiungere il centro in soli 10 minuti (e ricorda che con la Salzburg Card è gratis). Camere doppie spaziose e moderne a partire da 100€ a notte, colazione 9,5€. Punti di forza: posizione tranquilla, biancheria da letto confortevole, colazione eccellente. Il nostro preferito per il rapporto qualità-prezzo.
• H+ Hotel Salzburg: Situato a 15 minuti a piedi dal Castello di Mirabell. Camere doppie moderne e confortevoli a partire da €120 a notte, colazione €17. Punti di forza: sala colazione con vista sulle montagne, letti comodi, negozi e ristoranti nelle vicinanze.
• Hotel Sacher Salzburg: Hotel a 5 stelle situato nel cuore del centro storico di Salisburgo e proprio sul fiume. Camere doppie confortevoli e spaziose, tutte arredate individualmente, a partire da 400€ a notte, colazione 35€. Punti di forza: posizione centrale per visitare tutto a piedi, personale molto cordiale, ottima biancheria da letto, colazione eccellente e abbondante, vista sulla fortezza. Questo è il nostro consiglio per un soggiorno di lusso a Salisburgo.

tappa 3 : Hallstatt (1 giorno)

Per la terza tappa del tuo soggiorno di una settimana in Austria, rimettiti in viaggio verso Hallstatt, a circa 1h20 di distanza in auto .

Hallstatt è un piccolo villaggio, considerato uno dei più belli d’Europa e Patrimonio dell’Umanità dell’UNESCO : un vero e proprio scenario da cartolina!

L’aspetto negativo è che è molto frequentato dai turisti e dovrai condividere la piazza con molte persone, tra cui molti turisti cinesi, che l’hanno trovato così affascinante da averne creato una replica nel sud della Cina.

Inizia a passeggiare per il villaggio , avventurandoti nelle stradine e salendo le varie scale.

Puoi anche visitare la chiesa cattolica , il cui cimitero offre una bella vista sul lago sottostante .

Puoi anche visitare un luogo piuttosto sorprendente: l’ossario. Contiene centinaia di teschi decorati di persone morte ad Hallstatt.

Le persone vengono sepolte normalmente e poi, dopo circa dieci anni, il teschio viene rimosso per essere esposto. Questa tradizione viene ancora portata avanti ad Hallstatt.

Una volta visitato il villaggio, ti consiglio di visitare l’ Hallstatt Skywalk. Puoi andarci a piedi (è una bella salita ma non troppo difficile) o prendere la funicolare . Una volta arrivato in cima, la vista su Hallstatt e sull’area circostante è mozzafiato!

Per il pomeriggio , ti suggerisco due programmi in base ai tuoi gusti:

1. Per la versione più tranquilla

Visita la miniera di sale più antica del mondo , situata vicino allo Skywalk.

Entra nelle miniere e scopri una delle principali attività turistiche di Hallstatt. Dopo la visita, torna ad Hallstatt e goditi una passeggiata lungo il lago o una breve crociera .

2. Per una versione un po’ più sportiva

Dopo aver scalato lo Skywalk, torna ad Hallstatt e prendi l’auto per raggiungere Obertaun , a pochi chilometri di distanza.

Il villaggio è il punto di partenza per visitare le grotte di ghiaccio del massiccio del Dachstein. Per arrivarci dovrai prendere una funivia .

Ci sono due grotte: la grotta di ghiaccio gigante e la grotta dei mammut.

Puoi scegliere di visitarne solo una o entrambe. Dedica circa un’ora a ciascuna di esse.

Poi prendi la funivia e sali al secondo livello per raggiungere “Le 5 dita”, una piattaforma panoramica aggrappata a una scogliera alta 400 metri! Inutile dire che la vista sul massiccio e sul sottostante lago Hallstattersee è semplicemente incredibile .

Per saperne di più, consulta il nostro articolo: Top 6 delle cose da fare e vedere ad Hallstatt.

Per visitare Hallstatt e scoprire la sua storia, ti consiglio di prenotare una visita guidata di 2 ore . La cosa migliore è che la guida è anche un fotografo e ti scatterà foto davanti ai luoghi più belli.

Il prezzo include una decina di foto .

Prenota la tua visita guidata di Hallstatt con un fotografo utilizzando il pulsante qui sotto:

Poiché Hallstatt è un villaggio molto piccolo e, per di più, ultra-turistico, puoi immaginare che non ci siano molti alloggi e che i prezzi siano piuttosto alti. Ti consiglio quindi di prenotare subito il tuo alloggio ad Hallstatt!

• Heritage Hotel Hallstatt: Hotel situato nel centro storico di Hallstatt. Camere doppie luminose e moderne a partire da 190€ a notte, colazione a 17€. I punti a favore: la posizione proprio di fronte all’imbarcadero (comodo se hai delle valigie), la tranquillità e le dimensioni delle camere.
• Fenix Hall: Camera doppia che combina arredamento rustico e moderno a partire da 200€ a notte, colazione inclusa. I punti a favore: la comodità del posto, l’accoglienza cordiale e i buoni consigli del proprietario, la posizione. È il nostro preferito per il rapporto qualità-prezzo!
• Appartamenti Wallner: Appartamenti grandi e moderni, molto puliti e completamente attrezzati! Uno di questi ha anche una splendida vista sul lago. A partire da 210€ a notte. Punti di forza: posizione, parcheggio privato gratuito (molto pratico ad Hallstatt!), disponibilità del proprietario.
• Seehotel Grüner Baum: Hotel situato nel centro storico pedonale di Hallstatt. Camere doppie calde, confortevoli e spaziose a partire da 300€ a notte, colazione inclusa. I punti di forza: la posizione, le camere con vista sul lago, la terrazza sul lago, il magnifico ambiente, l’eccellente colazione, la qualità dell’accoglienza. Semplicemente, questo è il miglior hotel per un soggiorno di lusso ad Hallstatt.

Se non hai molti soldi da spendere per una notte in hotel o se tutti gli hotel di Hallstatt sono già prenotati, ti consiglio di soggiornare a Obertraun, un grazioso villaggio sul lago a soli 10 minuti di auto da Hallstatt.

La cosa più comoda è che puoi anche prendere la navetta fluviale da Obertraun ad Hallstatt. È veloce, economico e ti permette di fare un giro in barca sul lago!

• Haus Marie: Suite e appartamenti con vista sul massiccio del Dachstein a partire da 90€ a notte. Punti di forza: la vista, il parcheggio privato gratuito, l’ampio giardino con barbecue e area picnic, gli alloggi spaziosi e i padroni di casa gentili.
• W & S Executive Apartments – Obertraun: Situato a 2 km dal lago, a Obertraun. Tutti gli appartamenti sono dotati di area salotto, angolo cottura e balcone privato. Sono molto ben attrezzati, con lavatrice e lavastoviglie. Sono molto moderni ed eleganti. A partire da 95€ a notte + 25€ di spese di pulizia a soggiorno. Mi piace molto il rapporto qualità-prezzo . Lo consiglio vivamente come luogo di soggiorno a Obertraun e come modo semplice per visitare Hallstatt!
• Seeblick Krippenstein: Hotel che offre camere doppie recentemente rinnovate, moderne e confortevoli a partire da 100€ a notte, colazione inclusa. Punti di forza: vista sulle montagne, posizione vicina alla funivia per le grotte di ghiaccio, buona colazione, proprietari molto cordiali.
• Dormio Resort Obertraun : Chalet moderni e completamente attrezzati a partire da 130€ a notte (prezzo per 4 persone!). Ogni chalet ha il proprio balcone e la propria terrazza. Il Dormio dispone anche di un centro benessere con piscina coperta, sauna e bagno turco e di un ampio giardino con area giochi per bambini. È il luogo ideale per una vacanza in famiglia in Austria.

tappa 4: Graz (1 giorno)

Dopo aver scoperto Vienna, Salisburgo e Hallstatt, ci dirigiamo a Graz per la penultima tappa di questo tour in auto dell’Austria di una settimana .

Il viaggio tra Hallstatt e Graz dura circa 2 ore e 20 minuti . Ti consiglio quindi di partire abbastanza presto la mattina per poter godere di una buona giornata a Graz.

Quando arrivi a Graz, inizia la tua visita salendo sullo Schlossberg, la collina che domina la città. ci sono tre opzioni per arrivarci: a piedi, in ascensore o con la funicolare .

Da lassù avrai una bella vista panoramica di tutta la città e potrai vedere i due simboli della città: la Torre dell’Orologio e il Campanile .

Poi continua la tua mattinata con una passeggiata nel centro storico di Graz .

Inizia dalla Hauptplatz , la piazza principale e più vivace di Graz, poi passeggia lungo la Herrengasse .

Lungo la principale via dello shopping troverai numerose boutique e caffè, oltre a splendidi edifici storici come la Gemaltes Haus e il Landhaus .

Qui devi visitare il museo imperdibile di Graz: il Landeszeughaus .

Vanta la più grande collezione di armi e armature del mondo , con 32.000 oggetti su 4 piani! Se hai mai visitato l’Armeria Reale di Torino , in Italia , o il Palazzo dei Grandi Maestri a La Valletta , a Malta , avrai un’idea abbastanza precisa di cosa si tratta!

Questa è sicuramente la visita che ti consiglio a Graz.

All’uscita dal Landeszeughaus, fai una sosta alla Cattedrale di San Giles e al Mausoleo dell’Imperatore Ferdinando II , due luoghi i cui interni meritano una visita.

Dopo questa mattinata di visite a Graz, ricca di scoperte, e una buona pausa pranzo per recuperare le forze, ti consiglio di attraversare il Mur (il fiume di Graz) per raggiungere l’altra sponda.

Per farlo, passa davanti alla Murinsel , una sorta di conchiglia gigante che collega le due sponde. Quest’opera artistica è stata realizzata nel 2003, quando Graz è stata eletta Capitale Europea della Cultura. Oggi è una delle principali attrazioni di Graz.

Arriverai accanto al monumento architettonico più insolito e futuristico di Graz, il Kunsthaus , il museo di arte contemporanea.

Anch’esso creato nel 2003, il suo design non è universalmente apprezzato, con il suo colore blu e i tentacoli sul tetto , ma è assolutamente da vedere. Se sei interessato a questo tipo di arte, non esitare a visitarlo .

Non posso dirti cosa potrai vedere perché le mostre sono temporanee e durano da 1 a 3 mesi. Quindi sarà una sorpresa!

Infine, per completare la tua visita a Graz in un giorno, recati al Castello di Eggenberg . Per raggiungerlo, prendi la linea 1 del tram , poiché non si trova nel centro della città.

Il castello è stato costruito secondo una logica ben precisa, legata al tempo e alle stagioni: 365 finestre per tutti i giorni dell’anno, 4 torri per le 4 stagioni e così via. All’interno puoi visitare la famosa Sala dei Pianeti o la Galleria Vecchia.

Ci sono anche due musei: il Museo Archeologico e il Gabinetto delle Monete.

Ti consiglio anche di aggiungere una passeggiata nell’immenso parco del castello (oltre alla visita all’interno, per circa 2€).

Puoi trovare tutti i nostri consigli per visitare Graz nel nostro articolo: Top 8 cose da vedere a Graz.

Come tutte le città austriache, anche Graz non fa eccezione alla regola e gli alloggi sono piuttosto costosi. Per questo non lo sottolineeremo mai abbastanza: prenota il prima possibile per evitare che gli alloggi migliori siano già stati presi d’assalto!

• Hotel Daniel Graz: Situato a 10 minuti a piedi dal centro storico. Camere doppie moderne e piacevoli a partire da €77 a notte, colazione €25. I punti a favore: la posizione, la buona colazione e la cordialità del personale.
• Hotel Mercure Graz City: Situato a 400 metri dalla torre dell’orologio. Camere doppie spaziose e confortevoli a partire da €100 a notte, colazione €18. I pregi: il comfort delle camere, la posizione, la qualità della colazione.
• Hotel Weitzer Graz: Situato nel cuore del centro storico. Camere doppie spaziose e ben attrezzate a partire da 120€ a notte, colazione 25€. Punti di forza: vicinanza a tutti i luoghi di interesse, colazione abbondante, servizio impeccabile.
• Augarten Art Hotel: Situato a 1 km dal centro storico. Fermata del tram vicina al centro. Camera doppia elegante e di design a partire da €180, colazione €15. I punti di forza: l’arredamento dell’hotel con molte opere d’arte, il comfort delle camere, la piscina, la cordialità e la disponibilità del personale. Il nostro preferito, ideale per un soggiorno di lusso a Graz.

Eccoci arrivati all’ultima tappa di questo soggiorno di 6-7-8 giorni in Austria, purtroppo non la parte più interessante perché prevede il ritorno a Vienna . Da Graz, il viaggio dura 2 ore.

A seconda dell’orario del tuo volo di ritorno, puoi andare direttamente all’aeroporto o dare un’ultima occhiata a Vienna .

C’è ancora molto da vedere, tra cui il MuseumsQuartier e la Cripta dei Cappuccini . Puoi anche fare un po’ di shopping nelle vie Kartnen e Graben , se ti manca qualche souvenir.

Non esitare a leggere il mio articolo con tutte le cose da fare a Vienna (clicca qui) per saperne di più!

Itinerario di 7 giorni in Austria

Se hai a disposizione solo 7 giorni per visitare l’Austria, puoi omettere la tappa 3 da Hallstatt o la tappa 4 da Graz a tuo piacimento.

Se vuoi aggiungere altre attività al tuo viaggio di una settimana in Austria , ne ho selezionate alcune molto belle per te.

Non esitare a cliccare sui link per accedere ai dettagli e prenotare:

1) A Salisburgo e dintorni:

• Un’esperienza di parapendio di 15 o 30 minuti per una vista a volo d’uccello del paesaggio austriaco
• Un volo in parapendio dal monte Gaisberg ad un’altitudine di 1287 metri
• Un’esperienza di parapendio dal Monte Bischling ad un’altitudine di 1834 metri
• Un’esperienza di parapendio termico con virate e acrobazie (anche sul Monte Bischling)
• Canyoning – Livello principiante
• Canyoning – Livello intermedio
• Canyoning – Livello avanzato / E per i professionisti, consiglio anche il canyoning nelle Gole di Fischbach, prenota qui!
• Un’escursione in rafting lungo il fiume Salzach – livello principiante / Per coloro che l’hanno già fatto, la versione più sportiva può essere prenotata qui!
• Supsquatch sul fiume Salzach, una sorta di pagaia gigante su cui viaggiano diverse persone.
• Una discesa in zip-line lunga 1600 metri e a 143 metri da terra! Con una velocità massima di 130 km/h , è una delle più veloci d’Europa!

E per un’attività eccezionale, puoi anche prenotare un tour privato in elicottero sopra Salisburgo. Le informazioni sono disponibili qui!

Se vuoi un elenco completo di tutte le attività sportive disponibili in Austria , puoi consultare questo sito cliccando qui!

Non esitare a darci le tue opinioni e i tuoi suggerimenti sul nostro itinerario di una settimana in Austria!

State per visitare l’Austria? Questi articoli possono aiutarvi!

Esplora tutti i miei articoli sull’Austria : Tutti gli articoli che possono aiutarvi durante il vostro viaggio in Austria si trovano qui.

• le 20 migliori cose da fare in Austria : tutti i migliori luoghi da visitare e le attività da fare
• Itinerario: Una settimana in Austria – L’itinerario perfetto per il tuo viaggio di 7-8 giorni in Austria
• Graz: I 10 migliori luoghi da visitare
• Hallstatt: le 6 cose migliori da fare durante il tuo soggiorno
• Innsbruck: Le 15 cose migliori da fare e vedere
• Linz: TOP 12 luoghi da visitare e attrazioni imperdibili
• Salisburgo: Le 17 cose migliori da fare
• Vienna: TOP 25 attrazioni turistiche

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Creatore del blog Voyage Tips, amante dei viaggi e della fotografia.

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