Best time to visit
June – September, December – March
Location
Austria
Photograph by Anas Morsali, taken during his own trip
Austria, nestled in the heart of Central Europe, is a land where imperial history and Alpine splendour combine to create one of the continent's most refined and rewarding destinations. From the baroque grandeur of Vienna to the fairy-tale villages of the Salzkammergut, from world-class ski resorts to some of Europe's most spectacular mountain roads, Austria offers cultural depth, natural beauty, and a tradition of hospitality refined over centuries of welcoming travellers to its coffehouses, concert halls, and mountain huts.
A fairy-tale lakeside village nestled between towering Alps and a mirror-still lake, one of the most photographed places in the world.
Austria's imperial capital, a UNESCO city of baroque palaces, world-class museums, coffeehouse culture, and classical music heritage.
Austria's most spectacular mountain road, winding through the High Tauern to views of the country's highest peak and longest glacier.
Mozart's birthplace, a baroque jewel of churches, squares, and the mighty Hohensalzburg Fortress set against an Alpine backdrop.
Austria splits naturally into two trips: the imperial cities of Vienna and Salzburg, and the alpine west of Tyrol and Salzburgerland. Both are easy by train, and the Grossglockner High Alpine Road — Austria's most spectacular drive — is the main reason to add a car for a few days.
Vienna is the main international gateway, with Salzburg and Innsbruck useful for the Alps. Railjet trains connect Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck on a two-hourly clock-face timetable, and international services run from Munich, Zurich, Prague and Budapest. Nightjet sleepers reach Vienna from Brussels, Paris and Hamburg.
Trains cover the country well and reach Hallstatt (via a small ferry from the station across the lake, which is a lovely arrival). A car is needed for the Grossglockner road, which is open roughly May to early November, charges around €40 per car, and closes at night. Motorways require a vignette, sold as a digital 10-day pass.
Vienna's 1st to 7th districts for the city, Salzburg's Altstadt or the Neustadt across the river, Hallstatt or nearby Obertraun for the lake, and Zell am See or Heiligenblut as bases for the Grossglockner. Hallstatt itself has very few beds and is overwhelmed by day trippers between 10:00 and 16:00 — staying the night is the way to see it empty.
Plan €110–200 per night for a city double, €14–24 for a main course, €4.50 for a 24-hour Vienna transport ticket, €16 for Schönbrunn's Grand Tour and €40 for the Grossglockner toll. The Vienna City Card and the Salzburg Card both include transport and museum entry.
Day 1–2
Schönbrunn in the morning, the Hofburg and Kunsthistorisches Museum, a coffee house afternoon, and standing-room tickets at the State Opera for a few euros.
Day 3
A day trip by train or boat along the Danube between Melk Abbey and Krems, through terraced vineyards.
Day 4–5
Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mirabell Gardens, Mozart's birthplace, and the Hellbrunn trick fountains in summer.
Day 6
The Skywalk viewpoint, the world's oldest salt mine and a boat on the lake; arrive the evening before for the classic quiet morning view.
Day 7
Drive the high alpine road to the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe for the glacier view, starting early for the best light and marmot sightings.
Yes, about 2h30 by train and bus each way, but you will arrive in the busiest window. An overnight stay is far better.
Not for Vienna, Salzburg, the Wachau or Hallstatt. It is needed for the Grossglockner and remote alpine valleys.
Written and researched by travellerseasy. Guides combine first-hand material where available with checks against official transport, park and tourism sources. Prices and timetables change — read our editorial standards to see how these guides are researched, and tell us if something is out of date.
We use cookies for analytics and advertising, including Google AdSense and Google Analytics. You can accept or decline personalised advertising and measurement cookies. Essential cookies needed to display the site are always active. Read our privacy policy.
