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• 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. *

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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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Find mountain majesty on Austria's best road trips

Oct 18, 2021 • 8 min read

Road trips in Austria provide ample opportunities for lake and mountain hikes © mRGB / Shutterstock

Road-tripping around Austria is all about the freedom of the open road and landscapes that will leave you breathless. The view through the windshield will be of alpine peaks, wind-buffed meadows, silent lakes and historic mountain towns - definitely worth getting into the car for!

A bonus in Austria is the easy proximity of nature. Across the country, you can park up and take to the mountains – on foot, by bike, or on skis – or plunge into Austria's gorgeous lakes. Numerous town and city stops along the way will keep passengers entertained and kids can enjoy everything from theme parks to adventurous activities like tree canopy walks and tobogganing.

There's more good news: Austria is one of the easiest places in the world to drive. Roads are always in excellent condition, petrol stations and charge points are easy to find, and facilities such as rest stops, roadside restaurants and toilets are everywhere. If you’re feeling flush, why not rent a sporty Porsche for your journey? There's a reason Porsche has its design studio close to the winding mountain roads at Zell Am See .

Whether you drive a sports car, a camper van or a Tesla, here are the seven best road trips in Austria.

Gerlos Pass

Best for bird's eye views.

Königsleiten to Wald im Pinzgau – 18km (11 miles)

One of Austria’s most scenic high mountain roads, the Gerlos Pass climbs through epic alpine valley scenery on the Salzburg and Tyrol border. At the high point of the route, there’s a spectacular switchback bend where the road travels under itself in a tunnel and emerges right on top of the mountain, to be greeted by views of vast landscapes and birds of prey circling in azure skies

Drivers need to buy a €10 (US$11.50) ticket to drive the road, starting from either Königsleiten or Wald im Pinzgau , but the views from the top across the Zillertal valley are a just reward. There’s another lookout over the Krimmler Wasserfälle , one of Austria's most dramatic cascades. Note that the road is only open when there’s no snow and is unusable by trucks – even campervans may struggle.

Goldeck Panoramic Road

Best for alpine meadow scenery.

Schwaig to Goldeck – 14km (9 miles)

This winding mountain road is called panoramic for a reason; climbing to a lofty height of 1895m (6217ft), it cuts between some unforgettable alpine peaks. Hairpin turns reveal meadows of wildflowers, cutesy old-fashioned farmhouses, mountain springs gushing with crystal-clear water and huge hardwood trees clinging to sheer mountain slopes.

Plan to drive the Goldeck Panorama Road on a spring or summer morning, so you have the whole day to make stops for photos along the route. One must-snap photo is the view down to Lake Millstatt; its shimmery surface entices many to go down for a dip but swimmers beware – the water temperature never rises much above 15ºC (59°F) and it gets even cooler in winter.

A quick spin around Vienna

Best for city sophistication.

Karlsplatz to Liesing – 16km (10 miles)

For downtown drivers, a road trip through the Austrian capital will reveal the imperial splendor of Vienna , with time for stops at some of the city's architectural highlights. Start at the Secession Gallery , just off Karlsplatz, an art nouveau humdinger in bright white, topped by a golden globe. Pass by the Albertina art museum, the former royal palaces and the Spanish Riding School before cruising past MuseumsQuartier , Vienna's famous ensemble of art, design and history museums.

Head southwest across the famous Ringstrasse – traversed by Vienna’s famed red trams – and continue through the suburbs and out towards the edge of the city, where you can find many vineyards edging into the city limits. On the mountainside at Liesing you can detour to the weird and wonderful brutalist chapel created by sculptor Fritz Wotruba from striking brushed concrete, looking like a load of Jenga bricks against the forested edge of Vienna.

Villach Alpine Road

Best for lunch with a view.

Villach-Möltschach to Rosstratte – 16.5km (10 miles)

With 10% gradients at some points and plenty of hairpin bends snaking up the mountainsides, this is a classic road route across the roof of Europe. Cut through the mountains in 1965, this ambitious stretch of tarmac rewards drivers with expansive views towards the Julian Alps and Slovenia as you climb to a height of 1200m (4000ft).

The restaurant at the summit – the Rostratte – is an exercise in making alpine dreams a reality. The pine interiors exude the scent of resin and sap and filling local dishes such as cheese noodles will set you up nicely for a long walk or skiing session. Non-drivers can sip big glasses of beer and kids can burn off energy in gardens with views all the way down into the valleys.

From the capital to the classical

Best for high-speed vistas.

Vienna to Salzburg – 300km (190 miles)

You'll get to tear along some of Austria's most famous high-speed autobahns on this trip, which runs from the heart of Vienna to the soul of Salzburg. Begin on the banks of the Danube at the Gänsehäufel Lido , one of the largest outdoor swimming complexes in Austria, set on an island along the old course of the river, now an oxbow lake with very clean water.

From here, you can get straight onto the A22 autobahn, then the B227 and B221 to the A1 which will whisk you past amazing scenery and through dramatic tunnels, whizzing over rivers all the way into downtown Salzburg . En route, you'll pass trucks loaded with timber from the country’s managed forests, picturesque churches, castles and tiny villages, and country farms filled with lowing alpine cows.

On arrival in Vienna, sample some of the city's famous deserts in a downtown cafe or head to a beer garden, then spend your afternoon exploring the ramparts of Festung Hohensalzburg , a 900-year-old clifftop castle, and wandering the streets where Mozart once walked, studied and composed.

Nockalm Road

Best for motorcyclists.

Innerkrems to Ebene Reichenau – 34km (21 miles)

With wide vistas and steep climbs, this splendidly scenic mountain road ticks all the boxes for a great road trip on two wheels. Motorcyclists are big fans of this route as it demands much of the rider and is a real thrill to ride, winding in and out of partly forested valleys that are the postcard image of Austria.

The route passes the Nockberge Biosphere Reserve , famed for its wild spike lavender; nature lovers often stop off here for hikes that start right from roadside car parks. Don’t miss the Karlbad Spa, with its rustic hot springs bathhouse and mineral-rich waters – a great place to stop to recharge after the ride. Another recommended stop is the Tangernerhütte dairy hut, serving tasty local cheeses and strong schnapps.

Grossglockner Road

Best for mountain vistas.

Bruck to Heiligenblut – 48km (30 miles)

Chances are if you go road-tripping in Austria, you’ll be asked if you’ve driven the legendary Grossglockner Road , one of the most legendary high pass trips in the Alps. With a bumper 36 turns and numerous steep inclines, this is a drive that will test your skills and the handling abilities of your car – make sure you have a good one, and plenty of tread on your tires.

You’ll want to stop along the way to marvel at the views, especially the ones towards the Grossglockner, Austria’s highest mountain at 3798m (12,461ft). This snow-capped beast looks majestic at any time of year, as do the verdant valleys which sit below it. Many of the stopping points along the route make great stops for picnics with elemental views of mountains, forests and sky.

Hacked through the mountains in 1935, the road winds its way from Heilingenblut in Carinthia to Bruck near Salzburg. The cost for vehicles is €36.50 (US$42) for cars and €26.50 (US$30.50) for motorcycles. Start out early in the day to beat the rush – it can get pretty crowded up here in summer. Check the snow reports as fresh falls can often close the road to traffic.

Family fun at Fieberbrunn

Best for families.

Salzburg to Fieberbrunn – 75km (47 miles)

One of the best Austrian road trips with kids on tow is the drive from Salzburg up to the low-key winter skiing and summer hiking resort of Fieberbrunn, where kids (and big kids) can blow their tops at Timok’s Wild World . This summer-only theme park sprawls up a mountainside and features a lake with a watery assault course, petting encounters with reindeer and other forest animals, a rope climbing adventure course and a hilltop inflatable which will make the kids squeal as they bounce above the landscape.

The coup de grace is the alpine coaster course – like a track-mounted luge – which zips back down to the valley floor at giddying speed. To make a family adventure of it, spend a night in the Fieberbrunn ski area before heading back to Salzburg. At 76km (47 miles) each way, the journey is short enough to avoid too many arguments in the back seat!

Tips for driving in Austria

• Many Austrian autobahn rest stops have picturesque picnic areas with seating and toilets. Stop off here, rather than eating in overpriced highway restaurants. Mountain rest stops on high-altitude routes are also great stops for picnics.
• Pick up picnic goodies for your road trip at branches of Billa Corso , an excellent upmarket spinoff of one of the country’s leading supermarket chains, famed for its fresh food and deli provisions.
• Respect road conditions – winding mountain roads can be dangerous after rain and are often closed by snow (or only passable with snow tires) in winter. When winter driving, carry food, water and blankets in the car for emergencies.

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Austria Road Trip: The Best Itinerary, Map & Tips

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An Austrian Road Trip from Vienna

Embarking on a scenic Austria road trip is the ultimate way to discover Europe’s most picturesque cities and towns. As you travel through Austria, you will encounter the majestic Austrian Alps, culturally rich cities, unforgettable outdoor experiences, and breathtaking lake and mountain views. 

This Austria itinerary takes you through some of Europe’s most stunning natural scenery, charming historic towns, and bustling modern cities. You’ll also find plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities within alpine mountain ranges and national parks, cultural experiences at UNESCO World Heritage sites, and culinary delights.

In this Austria road trip planner, we share travel tips, the best route between towns and cities, things to do and see along the way, and hotel recommendations to help you plan your perfect road trip through Austria.

Where is Austria?

Austria is a small landlocked mountainous country located in east central Europe, most famous for gemutlichkeit which describes the Austrian’s characteristic way of enjoying life, its castles and palaces, and the Grossglockner peak, Austria’s highest mountain at 3,798 meters above sea level.

The Republic of Austria is a federation of nine states, one of which is the capital Vienna, the most populous city and state. Austria is bordered by  Germany  to the northwest, the Czech Republic to the north, Slovakia to the northeast, Hungary to the east, Slovenia and  Italy  to the south, and  Switzerland  and Liechtenstein to the west, all of which lend a cosmopolitan culture and outlook to the country.

Is this your first time visiting Austria? Get all the information you need in our Austria Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there, and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

Getting to Austria

Whether you’re taking a road trip to Austria in a car, motorcycle, or campervan, self-driving is absolutely the best way to explore this spectacular European country.

You can stop whenever you want, try new activities, visit places you see along the route, and have the freedom to change plans at the last minute.

Fly into Vienna International Airport to start your roadtrip in Austria. With direct flights from America, Europe, and the UK, we recommend booking through Skyscanner for live deals and the best prices.

Are you planning to rent a car in Austria? As one of the largest car hire aggregator companies in the world, we recommend Rentalcars.com because they have massive purchasing power which enables them to secure the best car rental prices, which benefits you when you’re planning a roadtrip in Austria.

For a real adventure, hire a motorhome or campervan in Austria. We recommend Motorhome Republic , an aggregate booking site who pull together all the best deals from a number of rental agencies, to offer you a wide choice of options alongside an excellent English speaking expert motorhome Concierge Team.

Best Time for an Austrian Road Trip

March to may.

Spring is a fantastic time to visit Austria, with temperatures warming up across the country. Blooming wildflowers, vibrant greenery in the mountains, and cows heading out to pasture mean spring is a fantastic time to experience Austria by car. You’ll find the roads and cities less crowded, and most attractions will be open.

June to August

In summer, Austria enjoys beautiful weather and the prospect of outdoor adventures and extreme activities. This is when locals and visitors alike head to the mountains and lakes, meaning heavier crowds and more traffic.

September to November

Autumn is a fantastic time for an Austria trip . The grapes and crops are being harvested, food festivals celebrate the bounty of the land, and you might enjoy an Indian summer, with the fall colors of the vines aflame.

December to February

The winter months in Austria can be very cold, but most people come to Austria during the months of December to March for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. It’s not the best time for a road trip, as the spectacular mountain passes will be closed and roads can be challenging to drive.

RELATED POST: Driving in the Alps: Top Tips & Best Routes

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting Austria. We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices, and excellent service.

Austria Road Trip Map & Route

We recommend starting your two week Austrian road trip in Vienna and concluding the itinerary in Innsbruck. Our two week Austria road trip itinerary travels from the east to the west of Austria and is roughly 615km from start to finish.

As you leave Vienna, beautiful and quaint Austrian towns and villages will greet you as you travel south toward the foodie city of Graz, the next major stop on your Austrian itinerary. From here, its north to Hallstatt, a small, alpine village situated on the western shores of Hallstätter See, also known as Hallstatt Lake, that offers iconic views and outdoor experiences. 

Next up is Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We recommend leaving enough time in your itinerary to explore the Baroque architecture of the city and visit the Salzburg Fortress for stunning panoramic views. From Salzburg, head to Zell am See, a charming mountain town surrounded by the unforgettable mountain peaks of the Alps. 

Your journey will continue on to Mayrhofen, a popular skiing destination known for its vibrant nightlife, unrivaled winter sports, and stunning alpine scenery. 

Finally, finish your Austria road trip in Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrol region. The city is surrounded by breathtaking mountains and is home to several impressive landmarks. Innsbruck is the perfect place to end your road trip and reflect on the stunning beauty of Austria.

• Get the Travel Guides
• Lonely Planet Austria
• Fodor’s Vienna and the Best of Austria
• DK Eyewitness Austria

Austria Road Trip Itinerary

Vienna – Graz – Hallstatt – Salzburg – Zell am See – Mayrhofen – Innsbruck

• Distance 615km
• Duration 10-14 days
• Drive Time 9 hours

How to use this map – Use your fingers (or computer mouse) to zoom in and out. Click or touch the icons to get more info about a place, and click the arrow in the box top left to open the index. To add to your own Google Maps account, click the star next to the title of the map.

Vienna 

Allow at least 3 days in Vienna ( Wien in German, the official language of Austria) to discover the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. If you’re hiring a car, you should arrange to pick it up after you’ve explored Vienna – you definitely don’t need a vehicle in this city!

There are countless things to see and do in romantic Vienna, from visiting the Schönbrunn Palace, a formal imperial residence and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a Gothic cathedral that represents one of Vienna’s most recognizable landmarks. You must take the 343 steps to the top of the cathedral for breathtaking (literally!) views over Vienna from the south tower.

Other tourist attractions include the Hofburg Palace, Belvedere Palace , home to Klimt’s Kiss , the fabulous Naschmarkt food market , and the Vienna State Opera, one of the world’s most famous opera houses offering daily performances of classical operas and ballets. The Vienna hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour is a great way to see key attractions in the city.

Travel Tip: Vienna is famous for its coffee culture. Traditional coffeehouses are recognized for their interior and atmosphere. Coffees and pastries are served on small, marble-topped tables with Thonet chairs tucked into alcoves. Try the historic Café Central and we promise an authentic experience of Vienna’s coffee culture.

RELATED POST: Best Cities in Austria for an Amazing Visit!

• Where to Stay in Vienna

Upmarket: Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Jaz in the City Vienna – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: H+ Hotel Wien – Booking.com | Agoda

Wachau Valley Side Trip

Roughly an hour northwest of Vienna is the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to rolling hills of grapes vines and apricot trees. A day tour from Vienna to the Wachau Valley is the ideal way to experience this world-renowned area.

If you don’t want to drive, this highly rated Wachau day trip from Vienna takes you on a bus and boat tour of the Wachau and Danube valleys, to the Benedictine Abbey of Melk and the old city of Krems in the heart of the Wachau wine-growing region. Your guide will share Austria’s imperial history as you cruise the famous Blue Danube on its route past picturesque villages and steep vineyards.

The drive from Vienna to Graz mostly takes the E59, S6, and S35 highways, and will take a couple of hours. It’s worth taking the slight detour to Semmering, famous for the UNESCO Semmering Railway, and Bruck an der Mur, one of the oldest cities in Austria.

Graz doesn’t make it onto a lot of Austrian road trip itineraries because its understated charm and lack of bright lights reputation mean people don’t make the effort to drive south.

But we love Graz for its fantastic foodie scene, strong architecture (no surprise that Graz is a UNESCO City of Design), and off-the-beaten-path vibe.

In Austria’s heartland of Styria, known as the “belly of Austria”, Graz’s food offer is legendary – think fried chicken, smoky bacon jam called verhackert , cold cuts, locally made beer and wine, and of course, chocolate.

Alongside the cuisine, this Habsburg city delivers palaces and castles, a UNESCO old town, and colorful squares like Hauptplatz in abundance. Don’t miss Schlossberg and its medieval clock tower called Uhrturm, and the man-made island of Murinsel in the Mur river, constructed to mark Graz being the European Capital of Culture in 2003.

• Where to Stay in Graz

Upmarket: Kai 36 – Hotel zwischen Fels und Fluss – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Aiola Living Graz – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Zur Steirerstub’n – Booking.com | Agoda

South Styrian Wine Road Side Trip

The South Styrian Wine Road is a round trip route that runs for 44km between Ehrenhausen, a 45 minute drive from Graz via Leutschach. The route follows mile after mile of vineyards, picturesque villages, wine taverns called buschenschank , and family-owned hotels and inns, and is well worth a few days of your time if you’re a wine lover.

South Styria is predominantly a white-wine-growing region, with the dry Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Blanc being the most famous Styrian wines. Visiting a winery, and tasting their wines in situ as you learn about how they’re made is a fantastic experience, and not to be missed in this beautiful part of Austria.

Looking for the best SIM card deals in Europe for your trip? Check out our guide to the best data SIMs in Europe and get the best deal for your trip to Austria.

Hallstatt 

The drive from Graz to Hallstatt will be the longest stint of your Austria road trip! At 176 kilometers, with a drive time of around two and a half hours, this part of your road trip passes through the picturesque landscape of Styria and the foothills of the Alps.

Hallstatt, a small picturesque town located in the Salzkammergut region of Austria, is a popular tourist destination for its natural beauty, which allowed it to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

We loved the Hallstatt World Heritage Skywalk, which reaches 1,148 feet and extends over the edge of a mountain, providing unforgettable views of the Hallstätter See. The Salzbergbahn funicular will carry you from the valley station of Salzwelten Hallstatt to the Skywalk.

If you’re up for an adventure, we think one of the best ways of experiencing the Skywalk is at sunrise when the light is perfect and there are way fewer people around! We highly recommend a dawn hike up Salzberg mountain to enjoy the incredible views from the Skywalk, with a pro photographer by your side.

Hallstatt is also known for its production of salt which dates back to prehistoric times. The Hallstatt Salt Mine is the world’s oldest salt mine and has been in operation since 4000 BC, and a guided tour through the underground tunnels to learn about the history of salt mining in the region is a must.

No trip to Hallstatt is complete without a stroll along the waterfront, to take in the stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Enjoy fresh fish from the lake itself at restaurants like Schirmbar Hallstatt situated along the water.

Travel Tip: From Hallstatt, we suggest taking a day trip to the Dachstein Ice Cave . You can take a cable car to the giant ice cave to enjoy a guided tour. Remember to wear warm clothing as the caves rarely reach above 4 degrees!

• Where to Stay in Hallstatt

Upmarket: Seehotel Grüner Baum – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Fenix Hall Boutique Hotel Hallstatt – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Pension Leprich Bad Goisern – Booking.com | Agoda

Don’t forget your road trip essentials! Our free road trip checklists help you remember everything, including road trip snacks , podcasts , and road trip songs for the journey!

Salzburg  

The next stop on your Austria itinerary is Salzburg. Driving from Hallstatt to Salzburg will take just over an hour as you cover 75 kilometers of the beautiful Austrian countryside.

This section of your drive will take you through the Salzkammergut region of Austria, which is dotted with lakes and mountains. Along the way, there are several towns and villages worth stopping at, including St. Wolfgang im Salzkammergut, a picturesque town located on the shores of Wolfgangsee. As well as swimming in the lake, you can enjoy the historic St. Wolfgang Church and the famous Romantik Hotel Im Weissen Rössl am Wolfgangsee – in English, the White Horse Inn!

Salzburg, a city that borders Germany, is the birthplace of Mozart and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This city is well-known for its Baroque architecture, music culture, and stunning landscapes. 

While in Salzburg, we highly recommend taking the funicular up to the historic Hohensalzburg Fortress to enjoy panoramic views over the city. Additionally, experiencing a Mozart concert at Mirabell Palace is a must, even if you don’t consider yourself a classical music fan.

Salzburg Cathedral, featuring a magnificent organ, Mozart’s Birthplace, and Getreidegasse are also popular tourist spots. 

During your stay in Salzburg, why not enjoy a food tour to enjoy traditional Austrian dishes like schnitzel and strudel as you explore the old town with a licensed Salzburg guide to show you the way?

Travel Tip:   Want to practice your do-ray-me-fa-so-la-ti-do lyrics? One of the best things to do in Salzburg is the original Sound of Music tour . You get to visit the filming locations of the classic musical while learning about the history and culture of Salzburg. Book well in advance though, this one sells out quickly!

• Where to Stay in Salzburg

Upmarket: Hotel Sacher Salzburg – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Altstadthotel Wolf-Dietrich – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Urban Stay Salzburg City – Booking.com | Agoda

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Zell am see .

The drive from Salzburg to Zell am See is a scenic 80 kilometers, passing through the Salzach Valley and the foothills of the Alps. Along the way, there are several towns and villages worth stopping at, including the incredible Hohenwerfen, a medieval fortress located in the Salzach Valley, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains, and the picturesque village of Werfenweng.

Werfenweng is a charming alpine village known for its stunning natural beauty. If you stop here make sure to enjoy the local cultural attractions like the historic St. Sebastian Church.

Zell am See is a picturesque town located in the Austrian Alps making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. With numerous ski resorts in the area, it is the perfect place to try your hand at skiing or snowboarding, if you road trip Austria in winter.

Following a trip down the slopes, we recommend warming up by trying local cuisine like goulash and dumplings. If a summer visit is more your thing, you can still experience the stunning alpine landscape by hiking or biking along one of the many trails located in this region. 

A stroll through the old town, to experience the historic architecture of Zell am See, is a must. End a relaxing day with a boat ride on Lake Zell where you can enjoy views of the surrounding mountains.  

The Kitzsteinhorn Glacier (where you can still ski in summer) and Schmittenhöhe Mountain are both accessible by cable car from Zell am See. Taking a trip up to this glacier or mountain peak will allow you to enjoy the breathtaking views of the alpine peaks that Austria is famous for.

• Where to Stay in Zell am See

Upmarket: Grand Hotel Zell am See – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Romantikhotel Zell am See – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Gästehaus Karl Haffner – Booking.com | Agoda

Grossglockner High Alpine Road Side Trip

During the months of May to early October, the Grossgockner pass will be open. As one of the best driving roads in Europe , we highly recommend you take a short detour south to drive this legendary road.

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is actually route 107 which connects Bruck with Heiligenblut via the Fuscher Törl at 2,428m and the Hochtor Pass at 2,504m. The high road is 47.8km long and has 36 turns which snake between glorious alpine pastures, rocky terrain, and wildflower meadows.

Allow a couple of hours to drive this spectacular road, and then pick up the 108 north at Lienz to return to your original route. This fabulous alpine trip will add two to three hours to your day’s driving, but we promise it’s worth it!

Travel Tip: The road is not open 24/7 even in summer. From early May to May 31st, the road opens between 6am to 8pm daily. From 1st June to 31st August, its open from 5.30am to 9pm, and from 1st September its 6am to 7.30pm. There is also a toll charge of €40 per car.

Want to plan your own road tri p? Get our step-by-step road trip planning guide to help you organize the perfect trip, or check out our Europe road trip ideas .

Mayrhofen 

The drive from Zell am See to Mayrhofen takes you through the Austrian Alps from the Salzburg region into Austria’s historic Tyrol region. You’ll pass through several picturesque towns and villages, including Kitzbühel and Wörgl. Along the way, there are also several opportunities to stop and take in the views, including at the Gerlos Pass in the Hohe Tauern National Park.

The Hohe Tauern National Park is the largest mountain range in the Austrian Alps, offering stunning natural beauty and a range of outdoor activities. With towering peaks, glaciers, and picturesque valleys, the Hohe Tauern is a must-visit destination on your Austria itinerary.  

Mayrhofen is a beautiful alpine village located in the Zillertal Valley of Austria. Here, you can ski on the Hintertux Glacier, visit the Zillertal Alps Nature Park, or take a scenic cable car ride up to the Ahorn Plateau. The Ahornbahn cable car , which takes you to the top of Ahorn Mountain, reveals unparalleled views of the Zillertal Alps. 

Additionally, the nearby Penkenbahn cable car , which takes you to the top of Penken Mountain, offers beautiful views of the surrounding area. In the winter, Penken mountain is the perfect spot for skiing and snowboarding while, in the summer, tourists can enjoy hiking and biking.

If cable cars aren’t your thing, the Zillertal steam train is another way to enjoy scenic views of the Zillertal Valley. Taking one and a half hours, the 119-year-old Zillertalbahn railway is an unmissable experience through the river Ziller valley.

Travel Tip: 12km north of Mayrhofen is Zillertal, a small town that comes alive in the fall every year when the September Almabtrieb  ( cattle drive) takes place. Almabtrieb is the homecoming of the cows, festooned with flowers and head-dress, from the high pastures where the herds have spent the summer.

It is a much-loved tradition and an important part of the Alpine farming calendar, and well worth planning a visit around.

• Where to Stay in Mayrhofen

Upmarket: DasPosthotel Zell am Zimmer – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Der Siegeler B&B – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: das Cityhouse – Booking.com | Agoda

The drive time from Mayrhofen to Innsbruck is approximately one hour and covers 70 kilometers. We recommend visiting both Fügen and Jenbach along this driving route. Both of these charming towns are known for their stunning mountain scenery and historic architecture. 

Innsbruck is the capital city of the Tyrol region in western Austria and is known for its alpine scenery, rich history, and culture. A stroll through Innsbruck’s historic old town to admire the architecture and enjoy the cafes is the perfect way to start your time in the city. 

While visiting Innsbruck, you will be able to visit a range of historic landmarks. These include the Golden Roof, a balcony with a roof covered in over 2,500 gilded copper tiles; Hofburg, a historic palace complex that once housed the Habsburgs; the iconic Bergisel ski jump, and the Imperial Palace, built in the 15th century. 

From Innsbruck in summer , you can take the Nordkette cable car up to the top of the Nordkette mountain range and enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the city and the surrounding alpine landscape. At the summit, you can enjoy an unforgettable dining experience at the Seegrube restaurant . 

Finish off your Austrian road trip by delving into Austrian culture. The Tyrolean Folk Art Museum is an educational experience exploring the history and culture of the Tyrol region and its traditional art and crafts.

Tyrol also has a unique cuisine and experiencing dishes like Tiroler gröstl , a delicious bacon, onion, potato, and egg fry-up, and kaiserschmarrn , a sweet pancake served with apple sauce, is something you should definitely do in Innsbruck.

Travel Tip: From Innsbruck, continue your trip further west to Hoch-Imst and enjoy a unique experience aboard the Alpine Coaster , a summer toboggan run that travels 3,535m along the steepest tracks in the Alps!

To return to Vienna from Innsbruck will add six hours of driving time to your itinerary if you take the ‘quick’ rote back on the E45 and E60 autobahns. Alternatively, fly out of Innsbruck Airport to London Gatwick, Frankfurt Airport, or Amsterdam Airport Schipol, for an easy connection to pretty much anywhere in the world.

• Where to Stay in Innsbruck

Upmarket: Altstadthotel Weißes Kreuz – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Hotel Grauer Bär – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Meininger Hotel Innsbruck Zentrum – Booking.com | Agoda

Austria Road Trip Resources

Here are the websites and services we personally use and recommend for traveling in Austria.

• Search for affordable flights to Austria with Skyscanner
• Search for availability and book hotels and accommodation in Austria with Booking.com
• Find and book the best campsites in Austria with Eurocampings
• Book the cheapest and most reliable car rentals in Austria with Rentalcars.com
• Find and hire your perfect motorhome or campervan with Motorhome Republic
• Get highly rated, reliable, and trustworthy travel insurance with True Traveller
• Check if you need a visa and arrange your documents with Visagov

Tips for Driving in Austria

The roads in Austria are well maintained and the drivers are courteous and measured. However, the Austrian roads are some of the narrowest in Europe and navigating this winding drive may be challenging for nervous drivers.

Whether you’re traveling in your own vehicle or flying in and renting a car, you need to follow these rules when you drive and travel in Austria;

• You must have at least three months remaining on your passport (issued in the past ten years) at your intended date of departure from Austria.
• You may need a visa to enter Austria, you can find out more on the Federal Ministry Republic of Austria European and International Affairs website .
• You must have at least 3rd party insurance for your vehicle when you road trip in Austria.
• Citizens of non-EU third countries may require an IDP, you can check here .
• Motorists are also required by law to carry the following items when driving in Austria: reflective jackets for driver and passengers; a warning triangle and a first aid box.
• All vehicles must pay a toll called a mautvignette to use the autobahns in Austria. Vehicles are required to display a toll sticker in the windscreen, which is available from border points and fuel stations, or you can buy a digital vignette online here . Rental cars will have the vignette already included and on display in the vehicle.
• If you’re planning a winter road trip to Austria between November 15 and March 15, carrying snow chains in your vehicle is mandatory. Check with your car rental company if these are provided.
• In Austria, motorists drive on the right and overtake on the left. As a general rule, priority must be given to vehicles coming from the right unless indicated
• Radar detectors that interfere with police equipment are prohibited in Austria, although sat nav systems that indicate where fixed speed cameras are located are permitted.
• Dashboard cameras are prohibited in Austria.
• You may only use a mobile phone whilst driving with a hands-free device.

RELATED POST: Driving in Europe – Everything You Need to Know

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Road Trip through Austria: The Best Travel Itinerary for 2-4 Weeks

Majestic mountains and picturesque valleys, kaiserschmarrn and germknödel, imperial flair and quaint mountain villages – all that and much more awaits you on a road trip through Austria. 

Spoiler: No other country in the world is as beautiful as Austria! We are possibly a little bias (we were born in Austria and grew up there), but one thing is for sure: You will have countless wow-moments on a road trip through Austria. 

In our travel blog we show you the perfect travel itinerary through Austria. It will take you to the greatest highlights of the country in two weeks but has many route options so that you could also easily extend it to four weeks. 

We also provide some useful planning tips in this blog article, such as maps with the most important places along our travel route, so that you can perfectly prepare yourself for your trip around Austria. 

1. Austria Travel Itinerary: Each of the Stops on our Road Trip 

2. map: overview of the travel route, 3. further travel tips for your austria road trip .

Something to note: Our route starts in Vienna but it is a round trip so you can start at any point you wish. So, if you enter from Germany, for example, then you could easily start in Salzburg or Tyrol. 

Our Austrian road trip starts in the heart of the country, in our home city, Vienna. Perhaps we are a bit partial because we have lived here for over 30 years but in our eyes, Vienna is simply the most beautiful city in the world. 

We love Vienna’s baroque, classical flair. The small, picturesque alleyways and the imposing constructions in the inner city look like a film backdrop. We recommend you plan to stay at 

Detailed blog article:  Travel Tips for Vienna Recommended length of stay:  2-4 nights Our hotel tip:  25hours Hotel

Optional: Wachau

Our road trip starts from Vienna towards the west. The first stop is the beautiful Wachau – a picturesque river valley on the Donau between Melk and Krems. We love Wachau but marked this as ‘optional’. (There are just so many highlights in Austria!)

What can you expect from Wachau? One of the most scenic river valleys, sun-drenched vinyards, picturesque wine growing villages and impressive castles or castle ruins. You can take a wine tour, for example, or simply enjoy a bit of Austria’s wine culture. 

Getting from Vienna to Wachau:  This is a fairly short stage of the road trip. You drive about an hour out of Vienna before reaching Wachau. 

Detailed blog article:  Sights of Wachau   (coming soon) Recommended length of stay:  1-2 nights Our hotel tip:   Steigenberger Hotel & Spa

Salzkammergut (Traunsee)

One of our favourite regions in Austria is not to be left off our travel route: The Salzkammergut. The combination of picturesque mountain lakes and rugged peaks is unparalleled. 

Traunsee (Lake Traun) is a great starting point to explore the Salzkammergut. The Gosau Lakes and Lake Altaussee are also undoubtedly worth a visit. And last but not least, you can also find one of the most well-known mountain villages of Austria here in the Salzkammergut: Hallstatt. 

Getting from Wachau to Salzkammergut: You can expect a two hours drive for this part of the roadtrip. Would you like to make a stopover on the route? Then we can recommend the small town of Enns – quite an insider tip.

Detailed blog article: The best things to do in Salzkammergut (coming soon) Recommended length of stay:  2-3 nights Our hotel recommendation: Seehotel Das Traunsee

Salzburg (City)

It wouldn’t be an Austria road trip without a visit to Salzburg! In our opinion, you shouldn’t leave Austria without having paid a visit to the city of Mozart. Yes, Salzburg is very touristy. However, the small city is also just so pretty and cute that we are simply amazed again and again. 

Paying a visit to the majestic Hohensalzburg Fortress is on the must-do list, and of course wandering through the picturesque old town. And please be sure to try an original Salzburger mozartkugel (mozart chocolate). These are only available in Salzburg – just delicious. 

Getting from Salzkammergut to Salzburg:  You can expect just a small drive for this part of the road trip. From Traunsee you will be on the road for just an hour before reaching Salzburg. (Warning: Parking in Salzburg can be a bit of a trouble. It’s best to contact your hotel in advance about a parking space.) 

Detailed blog article:  Salzburg tips   Recommended length of stay:  1-2 nights Our hotel recommendation:  Arthotel Blaue Gans

Bad Gastein

Our travel route takes us out of the city now and in the direction of the mountains. There are countless great destinations in the Austrian mountains, but we dare to say that none are as hip and unique as Bad Gastein. 

Belle-Époque buildings, morbid charm & rugged peaks – either you love Bad Gastein or you will never warm up to it. One thing is for sure: There are countless spectacular hikes around Bad Gastein waiting just for you. The nature is really breathtakingly beautiful. 

Getting from Salzburg to Bad Gastein:  You should allow about 1.5 hours for this stage of the road trip. 

Detailed blog article:  Holiday in Bad Gastein (coming soon)   Recommended length of stay:  2-3 nights Our hotel tip:   Design Hotel Miramonte

Optional: Innsbruck & Bregenzerwald

Now you have two options for the onward journey of this road trip. Either you drive directly south to East Tyrol (then skip to the next chapter). Or you include the west tip of Austria – more precisely the North Tyrol and Voralberg regions. 

The bonus: This is one of the most spectacular scenic areas of Austria. The mountain landscape is unbelievably majestic and impressive. One disadvantage: The region is located a bit off the main route, so you need to allow enough time for it. 

As well as a stop-off in Innsbruck (the capital city of the Tyrol region) we very highly recommend the Bregenzerwald (Bregenz Forest) in Voralberg. The combination of picturesque mountain villages, lovely hills and rugged peaks is wonderfully beautiful. 

Detailed blog article:   Holiday in Bregenzerwald Recommended length of stay:  3-4 nights (better 5-6 nights with a stop off in Innsbruck) Our hotel tip:  Hotel Hirschen  

We’ll say it in short: We love East Tyrol! The rugged peaks and crystal-clear mountain lakes are breathtakingly beautiful. Therefore, we can only warmly recommend including East Tyrol in your travel route. 

If you love (high-)alpine hiking, this is the right place for you. There are countless peaks just waiting to be conquered. We would highly recommend East Tyrol to anyone who is looking for impressive mountains, picturesque valleys and rustic huts. 

Getting from Bad Gastein to East Tyrol:  Here you can expect to experience what might be the most spectacularly scenic stage of the road trip. Be sure to take the route over the Großglockner high alpine road. (Note: only passable in summer and subject to a toll.) The road is already a highlight in itself, so it’s almost worth spending one night along this stretch. The complete travel time is around 2 hours. 

If you decide to take our optional route to Voralberg, then the stretch will take significantly longer. In this case you should allow around 4 to 5 hours driving time. 

Detailed blog article:  Holiday in East Tyrol   (coming soon) Recommended length of stay:  3-4 nights Our hotel recommendation:   Hotel Waldruhe  

Lakes of Carinthia: Lake Faak and Lake Weissensee

What would an Austrian road trip be without a visit to the lakes in the Carinthia region? Unfortunately, Austria is not located close to the sea but when the weather is good the lakes in the south of the country exude equally as much holiday flair. Therefore, the next stop on our route through Austria is perfect for anyone looking to cool down and refresh. 

We personally have two favourite lakes: One of these is the picturesque Lake Faak – a peaceful little spot for a wonderful beach holiday. And the other is the idyllic Lake Weissensee, which is unbelievably beautiful with its turquoise colour. 

Getting from East Tyrol to the lakes of Carinthia:  This stage is one of the shortest. Plan for around one to two hours driving time – depending on which place you leave from in East Tyrol and which lake you are drawn to. 

Detailed blog article:  The Most Beautiful Lakes in Carinthia (coming soon) Recommended length of stay:  3 nights (gladly more, if you visit both lakes) Our hotel tips:  Kleines Hotel Kärnten (Lake Faak) or Seehotel Enzian (Lake Weissensee)

South Styria

If you like wine, you cannot leave out South Styria. The region in the south-east of the country doesn’t have the nickname the Tuscany of Austria for nothing. 

A wonderful, soft rolling landscape, magical trip destinations, rustic taverns and great hotels await you in South Styria. In short: An enjoyable break and the best way to get to know Austria’s wine culture. 

Getting from the Carinthia lakes to South Styria:  You can comfortably drive this stretch of the travel route in around two hours. 

Detailed blog article:  South Styria Tips (coming soon) Recommended length of stay:  2-3 nights Our hotel tip:  Loisium Südsteiermark

Optional: Graz

The last stop on our travel journey is Graz, Austria’s second biggest city. This pleasant university city is an unexciting but very worthwhile destination on a road trip through Austria. 

The city’s landmark is the Graz clock tower on the Schlossberg. A walk (or alternatively a drive) up to it is definitely one for the must-do list. As well as that, the inner city of Graz is really pretty. And last but not least, Graz offers a large range of art and culture. 

Getting from South Styria to Graz: This stage of the road trip is one of the shortest. It will take you less than an hour to reach Graz.  

Detailed blog article:   Graz Tips Recommended length of stay:  1-2 nights Our hotel recommendation:  Grand Hotel Wiesler

We have marked the individual stops of our road trip on this map so that you can get a better overview of the roadtrip journey. The travel times of each stage are very manageable. You will usually be on the road for one or two hours. 

The best time for a road trip through Austria 

Our travel route is primarily designed for a road trip in warm temperatures (i.e. spring / summer / early autumn). We would like to take you through the pros and cons of each month. 

High season: summer months of July and August 

The most popular time to travel is clearly the summer months of July and August, and there are two reasons why: Weather and school holidays. 

• July and August are ideal for a beach holiday. It is warmest in Austria at this time and the lakes also have the most enjoyable temperatures. (The disadvantage: Many hotels at the lake are booked out or the prices skyrocket – more about that soon.)
• Summer is also great for hikes in the mountains. Many huts in the high alpine area open at the beginning or middle of June. Important to know: Thunderstorms occur in the summertime in the mountains. So, definitely keep an eye on the forecasts!
• Staying in the city and going sightseeing can be really tiresome in the summer temperatures. We are mainly thinking about Vienna where it can get uncomfortably hot in summer. However, therefore they have some really great outdoor events such as the film festival at the Rathausplatz (town hall square) in Vienna. 

July and August are the busiest months due to the summer holidays. The Austrian school holidays last nine weeks. (Some regions begin a week later, so it’s actually ten weeks). And then let’s not forget the German holidays. In short: There are many families with children underway in Austria during mid-summer. 

Some regions (especially Austria’s lakes ) are booked to the brim in July and August and almost overcrowded. However, we don’t find it all that necessary to avoid the summer months. Or in other words: If you want to go on your road trip through Austria during the summer, go for it! 

Our tip: late spring / early autumn

If you would like to avoid the summer holidays, then we recommend spring for you. Personally, we find June to be a fantastic time of year for a road trip through Austria. It is usually less busy, and the weather can be quite stable. 

Good to know: Some huts in the high alpine region open at the beginning or middle of June (due to snow). Some roads, such as the Großglockner high alpine road, are also only open from around the beginning of May. 

The autumn season is equally as great. When the leaves are in colour, the atmosphere of some places is really like something out of a picture book. Of course, you also need to be prepared for changes in weather or unstable weather conditions (rain, cold). The weather is usually still quite pleasant in September. 

Booking a rental car

We ourselves always book our rentals through Sunny Cars . Sunny Cars is a platform that compares the offers from various rental car companies. You book through Sunny Cars and then pick up your car at the local company (e.g. Hertz). 

The big benefit of Sunny Cars (apart from the cheap price): You always have fully comprehensive insurance. More precisely, in the event of damage, Sunny Cars will reimburse the deductible. That way, according to experience, you can travel a lot more relaxed. 

You can book your rental car through Sunny Cars from many different locations in Austria – including Vienna and Salzburg. If you start your road trip in Germany, then of course you can also book the car from Munich, for example. (Note: Sometimes a small fee for border crossings may be added.) 

You can search for cheap rental cars here:  Sunny Cars  

Vignette & tolls in Austria 

All highways and expressways in Austria are subject to tolls. Therefore, you can’t get around purchasing a vignette for your road trip through Austria. 

You can get a vignette for 10 days, 2 months or 1 year. The price for 2 months is just under 30 euros. You can quite easily purchase the vignette right before the border crossing at a service station or store. 

Even better: You can purchase it in advance in digital form (‘digital vignette’). It’s important to know that you need to purchase a digital vignette at least 18 days before you start your road trip. (The Consumer Protection Act applies here, which is why the digital vignette is only valid after this period.)

You can purchase the digital vignette here:  ASFINAG (official webshop)

Important to know: Some roads/tunnels in Austria have additional tolls. This includes the Großglockner high alpine road and the Arlberg expressway (Arlberg tunnel). The drive over the Großglockner high alpine road is especially expensive, costing just under 40 euros. 

Book accommodation in advance or spontaneously?

If you really want to stay in your dream-accommodation, then we recommend booking your hotels in advance. That especially applies to certain regions during the main season. Popular hotels (such as those directly on the lake or many that have regular guests) are often booked out weeks in advance. Then it could easily be that your desired hotel is already booked out. 

However, we have also had the experience of still being able to spontaneously get a room somewhere even during the high season. Often you need to settle for your second (or third) choice, but you will always find a place to stay. 

We recommend you do a combination of both booking in advance and spontaneously. (We like to do this on road trips and find it to be the best way to still have some flexibility.) It’s best to book the hotels that particularly appeal to you some weeks (months) in advance. Then you can book the rest of your accommodation while on the road. 

Disclaimer: Affiliate Links

This blog article contains our personal recommendations in the form of affiliate links. If you book or buy something through the links, we receive a small commission. This does not change the price for you at all. A million thanks from the both of us!

Have you already been on a roadtrip through Austria? What did your travel route look like? Are there other stops that you would add to the route? We look forward to hearing about your experiences in the comments. 

You might also be interested in this

Hallstatt Travel Guide: The Most Beautiful Sights & Photo Spots

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Bregenz in Austria: The Best Things to Do and See

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How to Plan the Perfect Road Trip in Austria

Are you planning to go on a road trip to Austria and still looking for some great itineraries? Then I got you covered!

Austria, is the land of the mountains and land of the lakes. I could not think of a more perfect country for a road trip than Austria.

The country is relatively small, so you can reach any place in no time. The streets are in great condition and driving in Austria is easy. If you are planning on taking a road trip through Austria and don’t have an idea yet on what to see – I got you covered.

I have lived the first 27 years of my live in Austria – and I know the country like my backyard.

I have created the perfect Austria road trip itinerary for 10 days, a week as well as just four days that will take you on the most scenic routes!

Keep on reading to find your perfect itinerary for Austria.

Table of Contents

Driving in austria – things you need to know, how to get around austria, day 1: vienna, day 2: vienna – hallstatt – salzburg, day 3: salzburg, day 4: graz, styria, day 1: overnight stay in vienna, day 2: drive towards salzburg and stay overnight, day 3: salzburg – zell am see, day 4: zell am see – hallstatt – schladming, day 5: schladming – wörthersee, day 6: heading to graz for another night, day 7: return to vienna, day 3: spend the night in zell am see, day 4: innsbruck.

• Day 5: Innsbruck – Hallstatt – Schladming

Day 6: Klagenfurt am Wörthersee

Day 7: south styrian wine route, day 8: graz, overnight stay, day 9: graz – vienna overnight stay, where to stay in austria on road trips, how much time do i need for a road trip in austria, what is the best time for an austrian road trip, how much does a trip to austria cost, more road trip itineraries, conclusion: road trip in austria, faq: road trip in austria, about the author.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Read my  disclaimer  for further information.

🚗 Austria has a toll system on the highways. It is important to check if you are headed towards a road with a toll. Make sure to buy a pass at a gas station beforehand! Most rental cars however do have one anyway. You can also pay the toll online .

🚗 Driving in Austria is relatively easy. However, in winter the roads can be difficult.

🚗 Make sure to have snow chains in your car if you are planning on driving in the mountains.

🚗 During winter months, you are obliged to put winter tires on your car. If you have year-round tires, like we do, you are legally fine, but driving gets difficult.

🚗 Our max speed limit on the highway is 130 km/h. If there is no sign, then this is your limit (unlike in Germany, where you have no limit).

🚗 In most places in Austria you can easily park your car. In the bigger cities, such as Vienna, there is underground parking, but it will cost you.

If you don’t have your own car, I suggest picking up a rental car at the Airport or the train station. Getting around Austria by train is not ideal, rural areas are not well connected.

We always book our rental car with the platform Discover Cars. They have reliable and cheap cars – or luxury vehicles.

You can find a great car for your taste and budget on that website. It is the best Austrian car rental search engine you can find.

Make sure to pick a car appropriate to the seasons – you need to be careful, especially in winter.

Do I need Travel Insurance for Austria? Yes, Travel Insurance is always recommended. While Austria per se is not unsafe, it is necessary to have Travel Insurance in case of sickness or accidents. EKTA offers worldwide coverage at amazing prices – without any hidden fees or clauses.

1. Four Days in Austria – Road Trip Itinerary

Four days is not a lot of time for a country like Austria, but I still feel like you can see plenty on a four-day road trip in Austria.

The most important places to see in four days are Vienna, Hallstatt , Salzburg, and parts of Styria .

Where to Stay

Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof Vienna

• 5 ***** Hotel
• Amazing Location
• Charming Rooms
• Sauna & Fitness

Vienna is definitely the most important place to see during your road trip in Austria.

Spending a night in Vienna is enough time to see the most important sights, such as Schönbrunn Castle, the Hofburg , and the Belvedere .

Especially in Summer, Vienna is extremely beautiful and there are many amazing things to do! You can stroll along the Danube River, taste exotic dishes at the Naschmarkt, and enjoy an open-air concert.

In Winter, Vienna is also quite special. Christmas markets and sparkly lights everywhere make it totally worth a visit.

Make sure to spend at least one night in Vienna, as there is much to see.

Start your drive towards Hallstatt . The drive takes about 3 hours and will lead you through a fabulous landscape of rolling hills, impressive mountains, and stunning lakes.

At the end of your drive, you will reach the stunning city of Hallstatt. Going to Hallstatt from Vienna by car is the best option. You can find parking in the small town, just a couple of steps from the main square.

Hallstatt is a famous 16th-century town located right on the beautiful lake. You will roughly need three hours to tour the town and check out the Skywalk and the World Heritage Museum as well as the market square .

If you visit in winter, you can see the beautiful Christmas market in Hallstatt . The landscape in winter is especially beautiful, it is my favorite time to visit.

After Hallstatt, I suggest heading towards Salzburg, where you will spend the night. It is about an hour’s drive to Salzburg.

Boutiquehote l Amadeus

• 4 **** Hotel
• Uniquely Furnished Rooms
• Parking Nearby

The beautiful city of Salzburg is definitely worth a visit and has a lot to offer.

Check out the Mozart house in the Getreidegasse and the castle Hohensalzburg .

You can even take the Sound of Music Tour, especially if you’re a movie buff. Otherwise, you’ll love a tour through the Old Town; it’s like a fairy-tale.

Mirabell Castle and Gardens in Salzburg are some of my favorite spots to see.

Make sure to buy some original Mozart-Kugeln when in Salzburg. They are a local delicacy.

In the evening you should be headed towards Graz. I have marked a route with a scenic drive through Austria below, that takes you right through the impressive Dachstein glacier area.

Palaishotel Erzherzog Johann

• Stunning Location
• On-Site Parking
• Great Breakfast

Graz is a very picturesque city and the capital of the country Styria.

Graz is famous for its medieval town square as well as a clock tower on a small hill. Make sure to hike up there for an amazing view.

If you love shopping and rooftop terraces, head over to Kastner & Öhler. They have a great restaurant on the roof and some amazing shopping downstairs.

For people that have enough of Austrian cities, I suggest visiting the countryside in South Styria instead. You’ll find thermal spas and vineyards in this area.

Race fans will probably want to drive by Spielberg, to see the famous Formula 1 Race-Track.

In the evening of the next day, you will be headed back towards Vienna, where your 4-day Austria road trip ends.

2. A Week in Austria – Road Trip Itinerary

Spending a week on a road trip in Austria is a great amount of time. You can add some amazing stops for the perfect Austrian road trip.

The extra days allow us to add some more stops to the 4 days in Austria itinerary, such as Zell am See and Klagenfurt am Wörthersee. Both are super picturesque places that are totally worth a visit.

Please refer to the 4-days in Austria Road Trip Itinerary for information on Salzburg, Graz, and Vienna.

Elements Resorts Zell am See

• Free Parking
• Outdoor Pool

On the third day you will be heading towards the beautiful city on a lake, Zell am See . There you will also spend the night.

Zell am See is a famous Austrian town located right on a lake and nestled in between an impressive mountain range.

In summer this is a beautiful place to swim and hike , whereas in winter you have access to some of the finest skiing slopes in Austria.

Take the gondola up to Schmittenhöhe for panoramic views.

This is a great place to stay in a fabulous mountain spa hotel and do some relaxation before your next stop.

Falkensteiner Hotel Schladming

• Impressive Location
• Mountain View
• Indoor & Outdoor Pool

Take the scenic route via Hallstatt to Schladming. Spend the day in Hallstatt before heading over to Schladming.

Stay overnight in Schladming. Make sure to add the Dachstein Glacier . It is one of the most impressive mountains in Austria. I prefer visiting the Dachstein over the Hohe Tauern National Park because it is more accessible.

You can visit an Ice Sculpture Museum, a Sky Walk as well as the Stairway into Nothing .

Schladming itself is a super cute town. You can have coffee in the town square and enjoy the beautiful view.

Werzers Hotel Pörtschach

• Seaside Location
• Amazing Restaurant

Your drive will lead to Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, where you will spend another night.

The Wörthersee is a beautiful lake located in the south of Austria and is a famous tourist attraction. The water is clear blue, and there are many impressive castles located around the lake.

You can either explore Klagenfurt itself, which is a beautiful city, or spend the day at the lake. There are a couple of cute towns around the lake that are worth visiting.

Check out Velden, Maria Loretto and Pörtschach. If you love hiking, make sure to walk up the Pyramidenkogel for a stunning view.

3. 10 Days in Austria – Road Trip Itinerary

10 days is an amazing time to spend in Austria for a road trip. In 10 days you can see most of the country, so I definitely suggest staying this long.

In addition to all the amazing stops you can see on the 4-day road trip in Austria and the one-week road trip itineraries, there are many more gems to be discovered. Please refer to the stops above for hotel suggestions and tour ideas.

Seeing the capital city of Tyrol, Innsbruck as well as the famous wine region of South Styria are on the agenda!

Hotel Innsbruck

• Great Location
• Fabulous Spa
• Nearby Parking

On the fourth day, head towards Innsbruck, the capital city of Tyrol.

Innsbruck is famous for its impressive architectural highlights as well as the proximity to the Nordkette Mountain range. Innsbruck is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You must stop by the Golden Roof as well as the Ambras Castle in Innsbruck. The Old Town and the Hofkirche are also super popular.

Stay overnight. On the next day, start driving toward Schladming.

You will pass by the famous town of Kitzbühel on your way back, where the legendary Ski race “ Hahnenkammrennen ” is being held.

The perfect road trip through Austria itinerary definitely has to include Innsbruck!

Day 5 : Innsbruck – Hallstatt – Schladming

Vitalhotel der Parktherme

• Comfy Rooms
• Free Spa Entry

Check out the South Styrian Wine Street. This is a great place to visit in Austria in the fall.

This area of South Styria is famous for its beautiful thermal spas and many vineyards. My favorite thermal spa is Parktherme Bad Radkersburg. Relax there for a day, and enjoy the regional delicacies.

Make sure to visit the Herzerlstrasse as well as a typical Buschenschank. Stay overnight.

You can find great accommodation anywhere in Austria online. Either refer to my suggestions above or find great deals via Booking.com

Make sure to check if they have on-site parking ( Parkplätze ) available. In bigger cities, you might find that most hotels collaborate with the parking garages nearby. The rates will be reduced for hotel guests.

Booking.com is my preferred website for booking hotels in Austria.

The duration of a road trip in Austria can vary depending on your interests and the places you want to visit. Refer to my Austria self-drive itineraries above to get a rough idea of what you want to see.

The ideal amount of time to spend on an Austrian road trip is around 7 to 10 days. This gives you enough time to explore some of the must-see spots.

If you are short on time, you can see a few things in abou t 4-5 days in Austria . I think a 3-day road trip in Austria is not ideal, but you can see the basics: Vienna, Salzburg, and Hallstatt.

The longer you stay, the more time you will have for smaller villages and hikes or winter sports. 2 weeks or more is a great amount of time to spend in Austria.

The best time for a road trip in Austria is typically during the spring, summer, and early autumn months. The weather is pleasant, and most tourist attractions are open.

There is no such time as a bad time to visit Austria by car. But driving in Austria in winter does have its challenges. Only opt for an Austrian winter road trip if you are up for it.

Spring (April to June): This is a beautiful time to visit as the weather starts getting warmer, and the landscapes are lush with blooming flowers. You can enjoy outdoor activities and explore the cities without extreme heat or cold. On an Austrian spring road trip you will see many flowers for sure.

Summer (June to August): Summer is the high tourist season in Austria. The weather is warm, and it’s a great time for outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, and swimming in the lakes . However, be prepared for larger crowds at popular tourist spots. An Austrian summer road trip definitely has its charms.

Early Autumn (September to October): This is a fantastic time for a road trip if you prefer milder weather and fewer tourists. The fall foliage in the Austrian Alps is stunning, making it an ideal time for scenic drives and hiking. Plus, you can enjoy wine festivals in the wine regions (Especially in South Styria).

The cost of a trip to Austria depends on your travel style, duration of stay, choice of accommodations, dining preferences, and activities.

Here is a rough estimate of daily expenses for a mid-range traveler:

• Accommodation: Expect to spend around EUR 80 to EUR 150 per night for a mid-range hotel or guesthouse. Luxury hotels are around EUR 350 per night
• Food: Dining in Austria can range from affordable to upscale. On average, plan to spend around EUR 25 to EUR 40 per person for meals at restaurants. More expensive restaurants charge about EUR 80 per person.
• Transportation: If you’re road-tripping, consider fuel costs, tolls, and parking fees. Gasoline is about EUR 1,50 per liter. Parking is usually included in the hotels. It is free in the countryside and about EUR 50 per day in cities like Vienna. Austrian Toll (Streckenmaut) is about EUR 30 including tunnel passes.
• Sightseeing: Entrance fees to museums and attractions can vary, but the budget is around EUR 10 to EUR 20 per visit. Many cities offer sightseeing cards that provide discounts on multiple attractions.
• Activities: The cost of activities like hiking, skiing, or guided tours will vary. Skiing is the most expensive activity in Austria. It costs you about EUR 80,00 per day (including passes and meals).

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There are many possible ideas for your perfect road trip in Austria. Seeing Austria by car is amazing – and in my opinion, the best way to explore the country.

Whether you are looking for the best scenic drives in Austria or a great winter road trip itinerary, this blog post got you covered.

Some classics, like Vienna, Hallstatt, and Salzburg need to be on every Austria itinerary. They are beautiful in winter and in summer and are some of the best places to visit in Austria.

Whether you are going to Austria for four days, seven days, or even ten days – you will have a great time exploring in the car. I hope you enjoyed my Austria Travel Itineraries as much as I did – or maybe just checked in here for some Austrian vacation ideas.

Austria is a country with nice streets and even nicer destinations – perfect for a road trip. If you have not gotten enough of driving yet, why not do a Northern Italy Road Trip next?

No, 2 days is not enough for Austria. In two days you can cover the capital city of Vienna or perhaps the iconic village of Hallstatt. If you want to see more of the country, I suggest staying at least for a week in Austria.

The most famous road in Austria is the Grossglockner High Alpine Road.

Yes, you can drive in Austria without a vignette. However, as soon as you enter a motorway or an expressway, you need to buy a vignette. If you stay on smaller roads, you do not need the vignette.

The best way to explore Austria is by car. Many of the greatest spots in Austria are not reachable by public transport, so you definitely need a car. The car infrastructure in Austria is great, and you can find affordable parking everywhere.

The distance from Vienna to Salzburg is approximately 295 kilometers (183 miles) when traveling by road. Keep in mind that this distance can vary slightly depending on your specific starting and ending points within each city and the route you take. The road trip between Vienna and Salzburg typically takes around 3.5 to 4.5 hours by car.

Tyrol, which is a region in Austria, is approximately 400 kilometers (about 248 miles) west of Vienna when traveling by road. The specific distance can vary slightly depending on your starting point in Vienna and your destination within Tyrol. Driving from Vienna to Tyrol typically takes around 4.5 to 5.5 hours.

Driving across Austria, from its eastern border with Hungary or Slovakia to its western border with Germany or Switzerland, can take approximately 4 to 6 hours. I recommend taking your time and stopping in between Vienna, Salzburg, and Hallstatt.

You can either pay for it online in the Asfinag Mautshop (carefully, needs to be done 14 days in advance) or at any gas station. If you have a business, you can immediately validate it online. Austrian tunnel tolls can also be bought online or directly at the stops after the tunnel.

To put an Austrian Vignette on the car, you have to take the adhesive part and press it against the windshield. It needs to sit in the top part of the windshield, below any tinted areas. You may not have more than 3 vignettes there. You can also buy the digital vignette instead.

Yes, driving in Austria is quite easy. Roads are in great condition and parking spaces are freely available. Driving in Austria in winter can be a bit challenging, due to snow and ice. Be sure to have appropriate tires in that case.

To drive in Austria you need a valid driver’s license, vehicle papers, and registration, vignette (toll stickers), Reflective Vest, and Warning Triangle. First-Aid Kit, Winter Equipment, and Identification. Travel insurance is also a great idea.

Sabrina is a passionate travel blogger and content creator, based in the Netherlands. She spends most parts of the year abroad at various destinations with her husband.

She provides slow-paced itineraries that focus on quality over quantity. Sabrina wants to help her readers to get more out of their travel experiences – while doing less. Read more.

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• The Best Road Trips In...

The Best Road Trips in Austria

Exploring Austria by car is packed with adventure. From high alpine scenery in the west to the flat landscapes in the east, these Austria itineraries introduce you to various road trip options.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips .

Vienna to Innsbruck via Berchtesgaden

This four- or five-day trip allows you to see three of the best cities in Austria, whilst also passing through some incredible rural landscapes along the way. After you’ve seen what the capital has to offer ( see our guide for inspiration ), you can take the route through Berchtesgaden towards Salzburg. Although this drive is fairly lengthy (around three hours), it allows you to experience the beautiful Lake Königsee on the border with Germany, as well as stunning mountainous trails. Then, head to Salzburg, which can easily be explored in a day or two. Next, it’s on to Innsbruck via the Autobahn A-12, passing through the Ziller Valley on the way.

As with the first route, this road trip gives you the chance to take the glorious Grossglockner High Alpine Roa, as well as plenty of opportunities to ramble in the Hohe Tauern National Park. The A2 Autobahn will take you straight to the humble city of Graz . Allow time to stop off at Hochosterwitz Castle, one of Austria’s most famous medieval fortresses.

Innsbruck to Vienna via Hallstatt

Although ambitious, this route reveals aspects of the country both urban and rural. Beginning in the charming city of Innsbruck and ending in the capital, Vienna, you will take in glittering lakes and cosy coffee houses. After you’ve seen the sights of Innsbruck, take the two-hour trip to Zell am See , a popular rural destination where you can enjoy a range of outdoor activities in summer. The next day, hit the road again for two hours to the village of Hallstatt – a place so pretty that it was recreated by the Chinese – and from here head to Salzburg. The last leg of the trip takes you from Salzburg to the wine valleys of Melk and, finally, to the capital, Vienna, where you can celebrate your arrival with one of the city’s famous cakes.

Bregenz to Innsbruck

The town of Bregenz, on the shores of the beautiful Lake Constance , is an idyllic place to begin this relaxed tour. In order to get to Innsbruck, you must pass through the B200, a winding road that offers panoramic alpine views. Those who want a pit stop could do so in Lech am Arlberg, a charming resort town that is popular with skiers and hikers.

Grossglockner High Alpine Road

This winding route is known as the High Alpine Road, which takes you from Salzburg to Carinthia, passing through gorgeous scenery of the Hohe Tauern National Park , with views of almost 40 mountains. The highest point of the road is a staggering 2,504m (8,200ft), and the views are, well, you can imagine how good they are. You can also enjoy the thrills and spills of the hair-raising twists and turns. The landscape is varied during the one-hour trip, with miles of gorgeous hills, cliffs, meadows, lakes and, of course, the Alps.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Places to Stay

The best family-friendly hotels to book in austria.

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Epic Austria Road Trip: 7, 10, 14 Days In Austria [2024]

• Post author: Nicoletta
• Reading time: 87 mins read
• Post last modified: January 26, 2024
• Post comments: 18 Comments

Austria is a hidden gem of Central Europe. Most travelers head to Switzerland or the Dolomites, but Austria also deserves more attention.

I spent 3 years living and traveling around Austria while studying at the University in Salzburg. So, I’ve created this road trip for you from a local’s perspective to explore this beautiful country’s hidden gems. It has  adventure , interesting  history and culture ,  picturesque towns , and  stunning nature .

So, take this Austria road trip itinerary and have the best experience in Austria.

✈ Travel Resources For Your Trip ✈

Here are some of my favorite travel resources I use for my travel adventures.

Overview Of The Austria Road Trip For 10 Days

Here is an overview of what you can expect from this Austria itinerary each day:

Austria Road Trip Map

Here is a map of this Austrian road trip itinerary. Follow it so you don’t miss any highlights.

How To Get To Austria: Where To Start This 10-Day Austrian Road Trip

Our road trip through Austria starts in the capital city of Vienna.

It has great international connections, and the best way to reach the city is to fly to Vienna International Airport (Schwechat).

Vienna often has the best flight connections, and I always fly there, even when I go to visit my family in Slovakia .

➡ Check out great flight deals via Skyscanner here.

How To Get To Vienna City Center From The Airport

You can get to the city center from Vienna Airport via high-speed train Cat , regular train S-Bahn , or a taxi/private shuttle .

The Cat high-speed train will only take you to the center in 15 minutes. It’s slightly more expensive (22 EUR) than the regular train but much faster and more convenient.

There are also regular S-trains connecting the airport to the city center of Vienna, which takes about 40 minutes and costs between 4 EUR to 8 EUR.

Or you can book this private shuttle from the airport directly to the hotel for the most convenient journey.

A taxi ride from the airport to Vienna center costs approximately 40 EUR and takes about 20 minutes, depending on the traffic.

Getting To Vienna Austria By Train

If you’re arriving in Vienna from a nearby European destination such as Prague, Berlin, or Budapest, you can also take a train.

The national Austrian railway is called OBB , and it has great connections to neighbouring countries. My favorite train is Railjet . So, if you’re booking a train to Vienna, look for this one.

➡ Book your train ticket to Vienna via Trainline for the best deals.

Getting To Vienna Austria By Bus

Alternatively, you can take a bus if you’re on a budget . The main bus connections to Vienna are with Flixbus . If you’re arriving from the Czech Republic , you can also book a Regiojet bus (or train).

➡ Check out the best bus connections to Vienna by clicking here.

How To Get Around Austria & Make This Itinerary

The best way to explore Austria is by car . That’s why this itinerary is designed as a road trip .

Austria has many hidden gems that are hardly reachable by trains or buses. While it’s doable, taking public transportation often takes more time and doesn’t give you as much flexibility.

That’s why I recommend renting a car and making this Austrian road trip. You’ll need to rent it for 8 days , starting on day 3 to complete the entire itinerary.

You can rent a car and get the best deals by clicking on the box below:

RENT A CAR FOR YOUR ITINERARY

Rent A Car Via Discover Cars – best prices and big selection of car rentals. PRO TIP: Check ratings of the company you choose before booking ( ratings can be off ). Go on Google, see ratings of the car rental company, then book on Discover Cars.

0. DAY: ARRIVE IN VIENNA

At the beginning of our Austria itinerary, we’ll explore its capital, Vienna. This is a city full of history. It was the main residence of the Habsburg dynasty, a royal place with charm and elegance.

We’ll explore  Princess Sisi’s apartments  and beautiful gardens of  Schonbrunn Palace , taste traditional  Austrian desserts , and immerse ourselves in classical music.

Vienna was also named the  most liveable city  on the planet in 2022. It has a unique charm, so let’s go and experience it.

Where To Stay In Vienna: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

PRIVATE CENTRAL VIENNA Self Check-In – budget-friendly hotel STEIGENBERGER HOTEL HERRENHOF – mid-range hotel HOTEL IMPERIAL LUXURY COLLECTION – luxury hotel

Travel Itinerary Planning Services

1. day: vienna.

Good morning to Vienna. Today, you’ll have a full day in the city to explore its highlights.

Let’s start with an amazing museum, then see the  Sisi’s apartments  and the Habsburg Dynasty’s residences.

After, we’ll enjoy the Austrian atmosphere in a local market with fresh and delicious specialties in the evening.

Sightseeing In Vienna

🔅 Hofburg Palace 🔅 Vienna Natural History Museum 🔅 Esperanto Museum 🔅 St. Stephen’s Cathedral 🔅 Naschmarkt 🔅 Evening Performance At Opera House

🔅 Hofburg Palace

Hofburg Palace is where the  Habsburg dynasty  spent most of its wintertime for over 600 years. The complex dates back to the  13th century  and, until 1918, was a  residence to many Emperors , who continuously extended it.

Nowadays, its premises serve as  offices for the Austrian federal president . You’ll see the  Sisi Museum  and learn about her inspiring life. It displays over  300 personal items  of Empress Elisabeth and the dresses she used to wear.

You’ll also visit the  Imperial Apartments  and learn more about  her life and marriage  with Emperor Franz Joseph.

➡ Get skip-the-line tickets to Hofburg Palace & Sisi Museum here.

🔅 Vienna Natural History Museum

I’m not a big  museum fan , but occasionally, I visit one. It must be that I genuinely feel it’ll be a good experience, or somebody tells me to visit it.

The  Natural History Museum in Vienna  was one of the surprising ones. I highly recommend you to see it. It has various  natural elements  inside, from fauna to flora, minerals, rocks, and stones to natural wonders.

Don’t forget to check out the  digital planetarium . It’s really unique. You can book tickets on the spot (admission is free for those who are less than 19 years old).

🔅 Esperanto Museum

Learn about Esperanto in the center of Vienna. We, travel and language enthusiasts, seek opportunities to learn languages or something about them while we are traveling.

Esperanto is an  artificial language ; here, you can experience more about it and  how it was created . And the  admission is free .

🔅 St. Stephen’s Cathedral

The  symbol of Vienna , St. Stephen’s Cathedral, has much to tell about the history. In fact, it  survived World War II .

Let yourself take some time to admire its  unique, dazzling roof . It has over  230,000 glazed tiles  formed into various patterns.

One of the most important is the symbol of a  double-headed eagle , the  symbol of the Austrian Empire  when Habsburgs ruled it.

🔅 Naschmarkt

Experience  authentic local life  on the Naschmarkt, get some nice food, and make new Austrian friends.

It’s a 1.5 km street market , where you’ll find anything from fresh fruits and vegetables to seafood and meat, and even some tiny restaurants. Take a seat and  enjoy delicious food  with a glass of local wine.

➡ Book a food tour through Naschmarkt with a local here.

🔅 Evening Performance At Opera House

If you like performances, check some in the Opera House. Dress up nicely and enjoy the evening watching a spectacle or listening to opera in Vienna’s Opera House.

You can find available performances and tickets on the official site of the  Vienna Opera House .

Other popular spots to enjoy a  concert  in Vienna are  Musikverein or Karlskirche  (Karl’s Church). So you can also check out these concerts and book one if you like.

👉 READ ALSO: Christmas In Austria: Full Guide With Traditions & Best Places

2. DAY: VIENNA & SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE

Spare your second day exploring one of the most beautiful palaces in Europe , or join a guided tour to learn more about the city.

You’ll have another full day to explore Vienna . So, get the most out of it.

🔅 Schönbrunn Palace 🔅 Cafe Residenz: traditional Apple Strudel preparation 🔅 Prater Amusement Park 🔅 Vienna Guided Tour

🔅 Schönbrunn Palace

This  1441-room Baroque Palace  is one of the most significant buildings in Austria. Built in the 1700s by  Empress Maria Theresa , it’s where many Austrian emperors were born.

It also used to be  the Habsburgs’ main summer residence . Check out the  Mirror Rooms , where  Mozart gave his first concert  when he was only six.

After, spend some time in its  splendid gardens  and feel the royal atmosphere. See the  Great Parterre  at the end of the gardens and take your time to walk further up to the  Gloriette  on the hill, where you’ll get  amazing views  of the Schönbrunn Palace.

💡 NOTE: There are always huge and long lines waiting for the tickets, so I highly recommend getting a skip-the-line ticket not to waste your time.

➡ Get skip-the-line tickets for your Schönbrunn + gardens visit here .

🔅 Café Residenz: Traditional Apple Strudel Preparation

Watch how Habsburgs prepared the  authentic Apple Strudel  and eat it as they did it with your afternoon tea.

Visit the Café Residenz, where it has been baked for centuries now. This is where you’ll  get the best traditional Apple Strudel , an Austrian dessert dish. You can also take this  traditional recipe  with you.

💡 PRO TIP: Get it written in German and practice your German language skills following my method. Take the recipe and try to bake the Apple Strudle at home, following it in the German language.

➡ If you want to learn how to prepare Apple Strudel , join this cooking class , where you’ll make Austrian Schnitzel and Apple Strudel with a local.

🔅 Prater Amusement Park

It used to be a hunting ground once, which evolved into a huge amusement park with many roller coasters, stands, a lot of fun, and adventure in the middle of the Austrian capital.

Enjoy a nice afternoon, seeing Vienna from the top of a roller coaster. You can buy tickets on the spot .

🔅 Vienna Guided Tour

If you like guided walking tour and want to learn more about the history and culture of Austrian capital, I recommend one of the following tours :

3. DAY: WINE TASTING IN WACHAU REGION

Today, we’ll make a  day trip from Vienna  to taste local wine and delicacies in the nearby Wachau region. I suggest these two options: 

• Wachau Valley Day Tour With Wine Tasting
• Grape Grazing With A Biking Tour

With both, you’ll experience one of the most beautiful  Austrian regions , its  history  and  culture , visit the  best family-owned wineries , and  taste local products .

One is a  biking tou r, and the other offers a  cruise on the River Danube .

With both of them,  you’ll get a guide  and be a part of a small group of amazing people.

Below, I’m giving you a short description of both guided tours so you can decide which one suits you better.

1. TOUR: Wachau Valley With Wine Tasting + Cruise On The River Danube

On the Wachau Wine Tasting Tour , enjoy the diversity of the Lower Austria region with its beautiful  Danube valley , UNESCO heritage sites, and the  best wine yards of Austria . Visit  3 different areas  and learn about the  history  of the Wachau valley.

Explore the town of  Dürnstein , which belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage, and enjoy the  cruise from Spitz to Melk on the Danube River .

In between, we’ll stop in  local wineries  to taste local wine with delicious regional specialties.

2. TOUR: Grape Grazing – Wachau Valley Winery Biking Tour

You can also take the  biking tour through Wachau , biking in the region and visiting the top wineries on the way.

You’ll  visit small family-owned wineries , learn about the history and culture of this region, explore  Dürnstein  (the UNESCO World Heritage Site), jump into the  River Danube , and refresh yourself a bit.

Enjoy your day in the Wachau region and immerse yourself in the Austrian culture. I’m sure you’ll love it.

Afterward, get some good sleep because tomorrow, we’ll drive towards even more beautiful Austrian regions.

💡 NOTE: From now on, you’ll have to rent a car for the Austrian road trip. So rent a car in Vienna for 8 days , and start driving on day 3 of this itinerary. You can do so today in the evening, or tomorrow morning.

4. DAY: VIENNA ⇒ GMUNDEN & TRAUN LAKE ⇒ ST. WOLFGANG

Today, we’ll continue our tour of Austria, driving from the capital city of Vienna to the spectacular  Salzkammergut region , full of  crystal-clear lakes  and beautiful mountains.

It’ll take us 3 hours 30 minutes to reach our destination.

Distance Vienna ⇒ Gmunden: 2 hours and 40 minutes by car (236 km/146 miles)

Stop in Gmunden on the way, visiting Austria’s deepest lake – Traun Lake , 191 m/626 feet deep.

Gmunden & Gisela Steamboat

Gmunden has a charming town center with small cafes, so enjoy some of them. After, hop on the  Gisela boat  and enjoy the amazing drive on Lake Traun. Gisela is  one of the oldest paddle steamboats in the world , constructed in 1871.

Then hop on the car again and drive slightly further.

On the way further, stop the car near  Toscana Park  and check out the  Seeschloss Ort , a small chateau built on the lake, accessible by a wooden bridge.

It’s stunning with its beautiful scenery.

After, hop on the car again and drive to our destination today.

First, you’ll drive along Traun Lake, then through  Bad Ischl , and eventually reach another famous Lake and the main town,  St. Wolfgang Im Salzkammergut .

Distance Gmunden ⇒ St. Wolfgang Im Salzkammergut : 50 minutes by car (50 km/31 miles)

Once you arrive, stroll through the town, have a delicious Austrian dinner, and rest well. Tomorrow, we have another exciting day ahead of us.

Where To Stay In St. Wolfgang Im Salzkammergut: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

WOLF & SCHAF APARTMENTS – budget-friendly apartments HOTEL PETER – mid-range hotel LAKE VIEW APARTMENT – luxury apartment at the lakeside

5. DAY: ST. WOLFGANG ⇒ SALZBURG

Good morning to the stunning  Salzkammergut region  of Austria. Today, we are going to visit the most beautiful town in Austria – Salzburg.

Schafberg Mountain & St. Wolfgang Lake

But before, take your time to explore the  St. Wolfgang Lake  &  Schafberg mountain .

First thing in the morning, I recommend taking a funicular train to the Schafberg mountain (it leaves from the city center of St. Wolfgang town). The mountain offers breathtaking views of the entire region.

👉 READ ALSO: 11 Amazing Day Trips From Salzurg (incl. description of the Schafberg Mountain)

After, you can also cruise on Lake St. Wolfgang . Check the cruise timetable before and plan it accordingly. You can pay for the boat trip on the spot at the pier.

Drive To Salzburg

Later, you can continue to Salzburg. Check-in to your accommodation and start exploring.

Distance St. Wolfgang Lake ⇒ Salzburg: 51 minutes by car (48 km/30 miles)

Enjoy your evening and first impressions of Salzburg. Have dinner, and after, go on a short walk alongside the Salzach River – it’s super romantic.

Where To Stay In Salzburg: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

JUFA HOTEL SALZBURG CITY – budget-friendly accommodation BOUTIQUE HOTEL AM DOME – mid-range hotel in the Old Town HOTEL SACHER – luxury hotel at the Salzach River

👉 READ ALSO: Where To Stay In Salzburg: Best Areas & Hotels For Each Traveler

6. DAY: SALZBURG

Good morning to Salzburg, the most beautiful Austrian city. I’m not even biased (I hope); I lived in Salzburg for 3 years during my University studies, and it’s truly a gem of Austria. I’m sure you’ll love it.

I have prepared a little  Salzburg itinerary  for you in a separate post, so check it out and follow it. It’s spread into 2 days, but you can easily see everything in Salzburg within a day .

Don’t forget to try all the delicacies and soak up the atmosphere of this unique Austrian city.

7. DAY: SALZBURG ⇒ HALLEIN SALT MINES ⇒ HALLSTATT

As I mentioned to you in my article about Salzburg’s walking tour , there are many options for day trips from Salzburg. These day trips are super unique, with beautiful nature, picturesque towns, and salt mines. For our itinerary, I’ve chosen the top day trips from Salzburg.

Let’s explore these places today.

Distance Salzburg ⇒ Bad Dürrnberg (Salt Mines Hallein): 20 minutes by car (20 km/12 miles)

Salt Mines Hallein

In the morning, we’re going back to the Celtic times, visiting the Celtic village with  salt mines in Dürrnberg , near  Hallein , Salzburg region.

Drive up to Dürrnberg  and enjoy the remote atmosphere of this small place.

The German word  ‘Salz’  means  salt . Salt used to be very important for the entire Salzburg region. The  River Salzach  was the  main trade route between Salzburg and Venice , Italy. That’s why the city has the word salt in it.

One of the locations where the  salt is produced  in this region is the mountain  Dürnberg.  You can’t miss visiting them on this itinerary. Let’s learn the  history of salt mining in the Salzburg region  and how important it was to this place.

Walk through the  64 km-long tunnels  inside the mines. Explore the history of salt mining and the importance it brought to the entire Salzburg region. You’ll also have a lot of  fun sledding inside the salt mines .

You can buy tickets on the spot.

After the tour of the salt mines, let’s drive further to the picturesque village, which is very famous in Austria.

It’s a pretty touristy spot, but how would that be visiting Austria and not including Hallstatt town in our itinerary?

Distance Bad Dürrnberg ⇒ Hallstatt: 1 hour & 15 minutes by car (66 km/41 miles)

This little Celtic village became a UNESCO WORLD Heritage Site in 1997. Hallstatt is more than 7000 years old and is one of the  highlights  of Austria’s famous Salzkammergut region.

Many say it’s  one of Europe’s oldest still inhabited places . It’s also home to the  oldest salt mine  in the world.

Park your car and let the small walking tour of Hallstatt begin.

Take your time to stroll through its tiny streets without using Google Maps .

Just walk anywhere your legs take you; don’t fear getting lost. It’s so much fun, and you’ll explore many interesting things in this charming village.

Don’t miss the best  INSTAGRAM SPOT  from  Gosaumühlstrasse , which is only 5 minutes from the town center.

You might also see the  swans on the Lake Hallstatt . These swans weren’t always here. In fact, the  Austrian Empress Sisi imported them  here when she was on her vacation in Hallstatt.

💡 Sisi loved swans , and as she couldn’t imagine the stunning views of the Lake and mountains around without them, she decided to bring them here.

Hallstatt Skywalk

After, go to the Hallstatt Skywalk. It is a nice  1-hour hike  from the town center. Enjoy the spectacular scenery of Lake Hallstatt, surrounded by beautiful mountains and Austria’s entire  Dachstein region .

Alternatively, you can take a  panorama funicular , which will take you up to  10 minutes .

I want to point out that Hallstatt is very touristy , and I by myself often avoid these places as they lose their charm.

It’s worth seeing, but if you want to skip it and visit anything else on this day, check out my article about the 11 amazing day trips from Salzburg . Visit the Hallein Salt Mines in the morning and explore something else.

Come to Hallstatt in the evening when all the tourists are gone.

Where To Stay In Hallstatt: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

PENSION CAFE ZUM MUHLBACH – budget-friendly accommodations POLREICH B&B – mid-range accommodation at the lake BOUTIQUE HOTEL STRAND HALLSTATT – luxury hotel at the lake

8. DAY: WERFEN & GIANT ICE CAVES ⇒ ZELL AM SEE

Another natural beauty awaits us today on our Austrian road trip.

Let’s get on a real adventure today, visiting the  world’s largest ice cave complex , which is accessible for tours. The place is officially called  Eisriesenwelt Werfen .

In the morning,  drive to Werfen  to experience the incredible ice caves. Don’t forget to  bring extra layers of clothes  for this excursion. We are going to be walking through the ice.

Distance Hallstatt ⇒ Eisriesenwelt Werfen Parking: 1 hour & 6 minutes by car (60 km/37 miles)

Giant Ice Caves

Enjoy the 70-minute exploration of  Giant Ice Caves near Werfen (Eisriesenwelt Werfen) . Take a cable car near Dr. Oedl-Haus and let yourself be blown away by the ice cave world up in the mountains.

This is the  largest ice cave complex in the world , so don’t miss out on it. Especially on a sunny day, you’ll get amazing views of the entire Salzach valley.

👉 You have to book entrance tickets to the Ice Caves beforehand.

Be aware that the Giant Ice Caves are closed in winter , from late October until May. So plan your visit in the summertime.

Werfen Castle

After, head to explore the stunning Werfen Castle.

Prince Archibishop started building this castle to protect his holdings from King Henry IV of Germany. It sits  above the River Salzach , an important trade route in the past.

Werfen castle is also famous for being  featured in many movies  and TV shows, such as Clint Eastwood’s Where Eagles Dare to the Call of Duty and the famous Sound of Music.

You can buy entrance tickets to the castle on the spot.

💡 NOTE: It was the meadow near Werfen castle , where Von Trap’s children with Maria ran down singing the song Do-Re-Mi .

Zell am See

After your excursions, I recommend you drive further to the beautiful Zell am See region , where you can stay overnight.

Zell am See is a charming Austrian town famous for its hiking trails , skiing slopes , and great vacation spots.

Distance Werfen ⇒ Zell am See: 55 minutes by car (57 km/35 miles)

Paragliding In Zell Am See

Zell Am See is a picturesque town with stunning views of the Alps. I recommend soaking up the atmosphere and walking around the lake. Take some time to relax.

If you need some more adventure, it’s also one of the best spots for paragliding in Austria. So book this paragliding experience and enjoy the breathtaking views of the area:

Where To Stay In Zell Am See: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

CHALET DER BICHLHOF – budget-friendly apartments ALPIN DAS SPORTHOTEL – mid-range hotel SENSES VIOLETT SUITES – luxury apartments

9. DAY: GROSSGLOCKNER HIGH ALPINE ROAD ⇒ CRYSTAL WORLDS ⇒  INNSBRUCK ⇒ AQUA DOME (LÄNGENFELD)

Today, we continue our itinerary, driving to the magical atmosphere of Tyrol in Austria .

It might seem like we have a lot scheduled , but it’s manageable. You can skip the Crystal Worlds Swarovski or some activities in Innsbruck to make it all.

But what you can’t miss is driving through Austria’s most scenic road – the Grossglockner High Alpine Road.

It’s a bit of a detour from Zell Am See, but it doesn’t matter because it’s worth it .

Grossglockner High Alpine Road

So in the morning, drive from Zell Am See via the Grossglockner High Alpine Road to Crystal Worlds Swarovski or directly to Innsbruck.

Grossglockner is the highest mountain in Austria (3798 m/12460 feet). It was inaccessible to get closer to a road until they built the beautiful 48-km long road in 1935, now famous as the Grossglockner High Alpine Road .

You’ll be driving through the Hohe Tauern National Park, which undoubtedly has some of the most breathtaking scenery in Austria. So take your time and enjoy.

You can drive it starting in Zell Am See direction Lienz . Then, change to the road leading to Mittersill and continue driving towards Innsbruck.

👉 NOTE: The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is closed in the winter . Check the road status on the official website before driving.

Distance Zell am See ⇒ Grossglockner High Alpine Road ⇒ Swarovski Crystal Words: approx. 3.5 hours by car (150 km/93 miles)

Swarowski Kristallwelten – Wattens

Before visiting Innsbruck, you can stop at the famous  Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Watten . Learn something about crystals and then continue to the picturesque city of Innsbruck.

Visit the museum and art gallery of Swarovski Crystal Worlds, one of the most famous companies founded by Daniel Swarovski in 1895.

See the  17 chambers showcasing beautiful crystal art .

Get a skip-the-line ticket to the Swarovski Crystal Worlds by clicking on the image below:

After the excursion of Swarovski Crystal Worlds, continue to Innsbruck.

Distance Swarowski Kristallwelten ⇒ Innsbruck: 20 minutes by car (19 km/12 miles)

Welcome to Innsbruck, the  Capital of the Alps . The city is located at the  foot of the Tyrolean Alps  on the River Inn.

Inn is the name of the river it sits on, and the location perfectly reflects its name- and  ‘Brücke’  in German means a  bridge .

So this city is a beautiful  bridge on the River Inn . Let’s explore its hidden gems.

Sightseeing In Innsbruck

Pick a few sights you want to explore in Innsbruck from this list. I’ve described them all below, but you don’t have to visit everything .

You can also just walk around the city, see the Golden Roof , enjoy the river, and then head to Aqua Dome as soon as possible to enjoy its thermal springs.

🔅 Golden Roof 🔅 Stadturm – City Tower 🔅 Walk Alongside River Inn 🔅 Top of Innsbruck (Nordkette) 🔅 Hungenburg Funicular 🔅 Bergisel Ski Jump 🔅 Alpen Zoo

🔅 Golden Roof

The Golden Roof is a symbol of festivities that were celebrated on the square below the roof. It was built in 1496 to commemorate the  marriage of Emperor Maximilian I.  to Bianca Maria Sforza.

🔅 Stadtturm – City Tower

Climb the  148 stairs  until you reach the top of City Tower and get beautiful city views.

➡ Get tickets to the City Tower here.

🔅 Walk Alongside River Inn

Take a walk alongside the crystal-clear River Inn and enjoy the atmosphere of Tirol.

🔅 Top Of Innsbruck (Nordkette)

If you want to explore the ultimate views of the Alps around Innsbruck, make an excursion to the Top of Innsbruck.

Take a cable car up and walk around for a while. Have lunch, and come back to Innsbruck. It’s incredible.

➡ Get tickets to the Top of Innsbruck here.

🔅 Hungenburg Funicular

Hop on the Huhenburg funicular, which will take you to the  Alpine Garden . You’ll drive through a tunnel, on the bridge over the River Inn, and get other great city views.

➡ Get tickets for the Hugenburg funicular train here.

🔅 Bergisel Ski Jump

Innsbruck is also famous for its ski jump, which brought  the Olympic Games  to the city in 1964 and 1976. Walk around the area and get to see the ski jump in real.

You’ll get other stunning views of the city and the mountains around.

🔅 Alpen Zoo

If you want, you can also visit Europe’s highest-altitude Zoo in Innsbruck.

Overall, I think 3 to 4 hours is enough to explore the city. Just walk through the city center and enjoy its atmosphere. Have some meal before driving to your hotel.

➡ Get tickets to the Alpen Zoo (incl. Hungenburg Funicular train) here.

Drive To Aqua Dome In Längenfeld

I don’t recommend you stay overnight in Innsbruck. We are in Austria, and we should  enjoy its nature  and beauty.

Therefore, I suggest you drive south today and stay in one of  Austria’s famous wellness resorts  in the heart of Ötztal Alps, Aqua Dome .

The resort also has the only thermal springs in Western Austria, and it’s fabulous.

Distance Innsbruck ⇒ Längenfeld (Aqua Dome): 1 hour by car (75 km/46 miles)

Where To Stay Near Innsbruck: My TOP TIP For Accommodation

AQUA DOME – LÄNGENFELD – including entrance to the thermal springs

10. DAY: AQUA DOME ⇒ WHITEWATER RAFTING ⇒ BREGENZ

Good morning to the beautiful Austrian Alps . Today, you can also stay the entire day in Aqua Dome, enjoy the spa facilities, go hiking or walking in the area, and stay one more night.

If you don’t want to spend an extra night, feel free to continue our itinerary :). 

Whitewater Rafting

Tyrol is specifically known for its great  whitewater rafting spots . And I’ve found a great one to experience it. This rafting adventure is 14-km long, starts in Imst and ends in Roppen .

Rafting is so much fun, and I highly recommend you do it. If you’re staying an additional day in Aqua Dome, do it that day.

If not, just  do it in the morning  once you check out from Aqua Dome before heading to Bregenz. Or skip rafting and head to Bregenz after checking out from Aqua Dome.

Rafting is an unforgettable experience . You don’t have to be afraid; it’s easy and fun.

➡ Book rafting via this website and get further instructions for starting point, etc.

This marks the last day of our road trip. We’ll end our journey on the border with Germany and Switzerland so that you can continue exploring other amazing countries.

But first, drive to Europe’s  third largest freshwater lake , Constance Lake and Bregenz.

Distance Längenfeld (Aqua Dome) ⇒ Bregenz: 2 hours by car (164 km/101 miles)

Bregenz & Constance Lake

Welcome to Bregenz , a small city next to the borders of Germany and Switzerland . It’s a perfect place to finish your itinerary and continue your journey to the bordering countries.

Bregenz has that vacation feeling, thanks to Lake Constance. It’s the third-largest freshwater Lake in Europe. You can  go kayaking  on it, ride a boat, and walk alongside the lake on the promenade. You can also take bikes and  bike on the promenade  around it.

It’s a nice place to chill and reflect on your Austrian trip and everything you’ve seen.

Visit Pfänder

Besides enjoying Lake Constance and doing many activities there, you can also go to Pfänder. 

Take a cable car  up to the mountains and enjoy the stunning view of Lake Constance and the Alps rising behind it. There are many  hiking trails  you can enjoy and also a restaurant. 

You can buy tickets for the Pfänder cable car on the spot.

Where To Stay In Bregenz: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

JUFA HOTEL BREGENZ – budget-friendly accommodation ZENTRALES APARTMENT PFÄNDERBLICK – mid-range apartments SEEBLICK BREGENZ – luxury apartments

7-Day Road Trip In Austria

If you only have a week to explore Austria on a road trip, here is what I recommend.

Take my basic 10-day Austrian itinerary and shorten it based on your interests and preferences. I recommend you do the following.

Start in Vienna , but spend only 1 day in the city. On the second day, enjoy wine tasting in the Wachau Valley .

Continue the itinerary by visiting Gmunden and St. Wolfgang Im Salzkammergut. Then, visit Salzburg for 1 day and continue to the Salt Mines in Hallein . After, drive via the Grossglockner High Alpine Road directly to Innsbruck. Visit Innsbruck and sleep the last night in Aqua Dome .

Here is an overview of a 7-day Austrian road trip :

14-Day Road Trip In Austria

If you have 2 weeks, that’s perfect. You can extend the basic itinerary I provided and stay a few more nights in some locations . Here is what I suggest to do.

Follow the itinerary as written until you reach Salzburg . Then I recommend staying 3 nights in Salzburg and making various day trips within the region.

After Salzburg, drive via the Grossglocker High Alpine Road to Zell Am See within a day to enjoy it fully and make several stops.

After Zell Am See, follow the itinerary and stay one night in Innsbruck . I recommend staying 2 nights in Aqua Dome and enjoying the thermal springs with its surroundings. You can go hiking or rafting in the area.

Then, make it to Bregenz on the last day of the itinerary as suggested.

Practical Tips For Road Tripping Austria

I’ve got more tips for you to help you plan your road trip through Austria. See when the best time to visit is, how many days to stay, get driving tips, and budget your trip in this section.

Passport & Visa To Austria

Check the  expiration date of your passport . Most airlines don’t even take you on board if your passport expires in 6 months . Avoid issues with boarding and on the road. Ensure your passport won’t expire in the next 8 months.

Check if you need a Visa to Austria. iVisa will give you detailed information on whether you need a Visa and other necessary documents you might need to travel to Austria.

➡ Click here to see what kind of travel documents you need for Austria . iVisa will help you with Visa.

How Many Days Do You Need In Austria?

I recommend spending between 7 days up to 14 days in Austria.

7 days is the minimum time you should spend in the country. You’ll have the right time to explore what it offers, but you might be in a rush.

10 days is the perfect time to explore Austria. You’ll see all the highlights and still have time to soak it all up and relax in between.

If you want to stay more nights in some locations, spend 2 weeks in Austria . If you have that much, I recommend spending two more nights in Salzburg to explore more of the region and make some day trips.

Spend one more night in Zell Am See to enjoy the Grossglockner High Alpine Road and one more night in Aqua Dome .

Best Time To Visit Austria & Make This Road Trip

The best time to visit Austria is late May, June, September, and October . These months are the least crowded, the weather is usually beautiful, and everything is open (including the Grossglockner High Alpine Road).

I don’t recommend making a road trip through Austria in winter because the scenery is more beautiful in late spring, summer, or autumn.

Winter is great for visiting Austrian Christmas markets , which is beautiful. You can also experience traditions like Krampus. But it’s time to make a road trip.

Tips For Driving In Austria

Below are a couple of tips for road-tripping in Austria and the driving situation.

🚔 Maximum speed limit on highways in Austria is 130 km per hour .

🚔 You cand rive maximum 50 km per hour in the cities and towns in Austria.

🚔 Austria has a compulsory toll everyone must pay when driving on the highways. The best thing is to purchase a vignette . It’s available for 10 days, 2 months, or 1 year. So purchase one for 10 days online or in a petrol station once you’re in Vienna.

🚔 In winter, you must have winter tires , and if you drive to the mountain towns, always have snow chains in your car.

🚔 Roads in Austria are quite narrow , especially in the mountains and the mountain towns. So be careful and drive slowly .

Is It Easy For Americans To Drive In Austria?

Yes , it’s easy for Americans to drive in Austria. You guys don’t have to be worried. The main difference might be that the roads are smaller and narrower than in the US. But you’ll be fine.

When driving through the alpine roads, go slow and take it easy . They might seem scary at first if you’re not used to them. But it’s worth driving through to experience the scenery.

Cost Of A Road Trip In Austria

The budget for a 10-day road trip to Austria per person ( mid-range traveler ) is $1695 . This is a very realistic budget for mid-range travelers who want to stay in nice hotels, rent a car and travel conveniently, enjoy the mountains, and each location’s activities.

Here is a breakdown of this Austrian itinerary budget for each travel category:

So the total budget for a 10-day trip to Austria , without restricting yourself too much and enjoying everything the country offers, is $1695 per person .

Budget Breakdown For Different Traveler Styles

Here is a quick overview of the budget for every type of traveler:

➡ 10-day itinerary budget for backpackers and travelers on the budget: $650 ➡ 10-day itinerary budget for mid-range travelers : $1695 ➡ 10-day itinerary budget for luxury travelers : up to $3000

NOTE: This is an approximate budget based on my calculations and spending during my 10-day trip to Austria. The budget will vary based on every traveler’s preferences .

FAQs: Road Tripping Austria

I’ve also answered some of the most common questions about Austria. Check my answers below:

What Is The Most Scenic Drive In Austria?

Grossglockner High Alpine Road is the most scenic drive in Austria. It stretches between Zell am See and Lienz and takes about 1 hour to complete. It’s 48 km long and offers breathtaking scenery of Austria’s highest mountain and beautiful Hohe Tauern National Park.

What Is The Most Scenic Place In Austria?

The most scenic place in Austria is the Salzkammergut region . It offers endless activities for every traveler, and the views of the lakes and the mountains are breathtaking. Don’t miss it when visiting Austria.

Is Austria A Cheap Country To Visit?

If you compare it with other Alpine countries like France, Switzerland, and Italy, Austria is a  relatively cheap country  to visit. You’ll need approx.  $160 per day (including all costs) as a mid-range traveler in Austria and  $65 as a budget traveler .

If you’re looking for the cheapest alpine country, visit Slovenia as it’s equally beautiful and cheaper than Austria.

Is 4 Days Enough In Austria?

No , 4 days aren’t enough in Austria. You need at least 7 days to explore a few Austrian beauties. The best number of days to spend in Austria is 10 to 14.

WRAP-UP: Austria Itinerary

This is your ultimate 10-day road trip itinerary for Austria. It’ll show you all the highlights this stunning country offers. I know some people might confuse Austria with Switzerland. They’re similar, yet each of them offers different beauties.

If you can’t decide which to visit, check out my article about Switzerland vs. Austria .

If you like this itinerary and want a customized travel itinerary based on your preferences, contact me at info(at)voicesoftravel.com . I’ll gladly help you plan.

Happy Travels!

More Tips For Austria Travel

Looking to visit more places in Austria? Check out my related articles:

Best Of Salzburg Itinerary: 3 Days In Salzburg

11 Amazing Day Trips From Salzburg

Where To Stay In Salzburg: Best Areas & Hotels

Switzerland Vs. Austria: Which Is Better To Visit?

Christmas In Austria: Full Guide With Traditions & Best Places

Magical European Christmas Markets In Europe By Train: Full Itinerary

About the author: Nicoletta  is a travel enthusiast and passionate language learner. While traveling, she loves to connect with locals using her language skills to learn about new cultures. Look for her skiing, hiking in the mountains, or exploring new destinations as she designs travel itineraries for her clients.

AUSTRIA : Interested in more articles for Austria? Check out my Austria Travel Page :

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This post has 18 comments.

What a fabulous itinerary to explore Austria. My favorite parts would definitely be Hallstatt and its Skywalk to see such beautiful scenery, followed by the Alps around Innsbruck and Constance Lake. Austria just has so many wonderful natural gems to see and experience.

I am glad it inspired you, Nicole. Austria is a beautiful country worth a visit even every year.

Amazing Road Trip itinerary . I highly recommend it.Thank you for the post

Thank you, Planet Hopper Girl. I am happy you enjoyed it. 🙂

We were in Austria for about 10 days too and struggled with where we would stop. We are sorry to have missed the Wachau wine region for sure. And the giant caves in Werfen and white water rafting will definitely go on the list for our next trip.

Hi Linda, thanks for commenting. I am sorry to hear that you missed some of these spots. But I am excited to hear from you again once you come back to Austria. Glad that this itinerary inspired you.

Wow this is such a detailed guide to Austria, I love it! I only did Vienna and a small mountain town where I worked years ago when I was there. I need to see more of it!

Happy to hear you like this itinerary, Nina. Let me know once you’re back in Austria and what your favourite places were.

Austria offers so many fantastic places to see. We explored Lake Constance when we stayed in Germany. I agree with you. It’s a wonderful place to vacation.

Awesome, Lorry. I am happy you got to enjoy Lake Constance. It’s a beautiful place.

Thank you for a comprehensive road trip itinerary for Austria! Your images are simply amazing. I particularly like the image of Hallstatt. I have visited Austria some 20 years ago and covered most of the places but I would love to do another trip visiting places I missed such as Innsbruck and the lakes. I am bookmarking your blog post. 🙂

Hi Jan, I am happy that my itinerary inspired you for your next visit to Austria. Let me know once you’re there and which places you decided to visit.

Ten days in Austria seem like a good amount of time since the country isn’t that big. However, I know only Vienna really well and from there I did some day trips. Hence, I got to know the Wachau in Summer and it was like vacationing in a picture postcard – so beautiful and idyllic!

You’re right, Renata. Austria isn’t a big country… still, it offers so many stunning places, so sometimes it’s hard to put them all together into 1 itinerary. But I’ve included the top places and highlights of Austria. Happy to hear that you visited Wachau in the summer. That’s amazing.

We did a train tour of Austria but stayed only a day each in Vienna and Salzburg and spent much of the week in Inmsbruck. We missed the Eaychau Region and the Giant Ice Caves!

Great Carol. Hope you can come back to Austria one day and keep exploring more places. It is an amazing country.

What a great post I definitely need to head back to austria a few more times and a road trip sound like the best way to see this stunning country. I’ve only managed rail trip to Innsbruck and general transfers to a ski resort in Tyrol. It’s such a charming part of europe to visit.

You’re totally right, Nicole. Austria is one of the most beautiful places in Europe. I am glad this itinerary encouraged and inspired you to come back. Your skiing experience in Tyrol must have been amazing.

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Austria self-drive tour | 3 week itinerary

For a relatively small country, Austria certainly delivers big time.  Glorious scenery, delicious food, stunning architecture, history and art are just some of the delights on offer. And to me, the best way to discover Austria is by car. 

This 3 week self-drive tour itinerary of Austria visits the country’s major cities, gorgeous lakes and the Danube, making for the perfect Austrian holiday.

Of course you could see a fair portion of Austria in less than three weeks but to my mind, in order to really get the most out of a holiday, you need to spend a few nights wherever you visit. I usually plan my itineraries to include a minimum stay of three nights at each destination which gives me at least two full days to explore.

What's in this Article

My perfect 3 week self-drive tour itinerary of Austria

Bregenz – innsbruck – zell am see – graz – vienna – wachau valley – st. wolfgang – salzburg, day 1 – bregenz.

Start your self-drive tour of Austria in Bregenz. It’s located on the edge of Lake Constance (called Bodensee in German) and is easily accessible from the international airports at Zurich^ (1 hour 25 minutes) and Munich^ (2 hours). where you can collect your hire car. (*I always recommend collecting your hire car from the airport.  This article explains why .)  

After arriving in Bregenz, enjoy a stroll along the lakeside promenade and wander the Old Town or take a leisurely cruise on the lake, perhaps to the ‘flower island’ of Mainau..  For great views over Lake Constance and Bregenz, take the cable car to the top of the Pfander (the local mountain) where you can see over 200 peaks!

Around Lake Constance are numerous other places worth visiting – Lindau and Meersburg (Germany), Stein am Rhein (Switzerland) and Vaduz (Liechtenstein) to name just a few.  

GET A FREE FOR PEUGEOT LEASING BY CLICKING THE BANNER BELOW

^A compulsory highway toll applies to all vehicles travelling on Austrian highways.  This toll, known as a Vignette, is displayed in the form of a windscreen sticker and can be purchased from service stations in both Austria and its neighbouring countries. 

I highly recommend you purchase the Vignette before arriving in Austria or immediately after you enter the country (or at the first service station thereafter) as hefty fines apply for not displaying a Vignette. (We were fined €120 for not displaying an Austrian vignette on our 2015 holiday – ouch!)

Day 3 – Bregenz to Innsbruck

During your two hour drive today you’ll pass through the beautiful alpine regions of Voralberg and Tirol. Once in Innsbruck, prepare to be charmed! The pretty Altstadt (Old Town) is fairly compact but there’s no shortage of things to see and do in Innsbruck.

Be sure to include the Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof), Domkirche zu St. Jakob (St. Jacob’s Cathedral), Imperial Palace and Church and a walk along the main shopping street, Maria-Theresien-Strasse in your sightseeing.

Other suggested activities include a visit to the Bergisel Ski Jump, the Alpen Zoo (Alpine Zoo) and Ambras Palace.

Read more about Innsbruck >>

Day 6 – Innsbruck to Zell am See

A comfortable two and a half hour drive will have you in Zell am See in time for lunch. This lakeside town (the name means Zell on the lake) is the centre of the popular year-round sport region, Zell am See – Kaprun. 

I fortuitously booked an apartment at Zell am See over fifteen years ago and have returned again and again to this lovely lakeside town.

My favourite things to do in Zell am See include walking along the lakeside promenade, cycling around the lake, enjoying coffee and cake in the Alstadt and enjoying the views from the Schmittenhohe which you can reach by cable car.

A bit further afield, you can visit ice caves at Werfen, the Gross Glockner High Alpine Road and the Pasterze Glacier,  and Salzburg is only an hour’s drive away.

Find out more about Zell am See >>

Day 10 – Zell am See to Graz

Today’s driving time is around four hours so break your journey in Klagenfurt for a look around the well-preserved Altstadt. Be sure to see the 16th century Dragon Fountain in Neuer Platz.

You’re also just a few kilometres from Worther See so a lakeside picnic lunch might be in order.

In Graz itself, the highlights include the many baroque and Renaissance buildings, the Schlossberg, from where you’ll enjoy great views over the city, and the many churches, museums and galleries.

Day 12 – Graz to Vienna

It’s just a two hour drive today to Austria’s gorgeous capital, Vienna.  You could spend at least a week here and not run out of things to do but in your few short days the sights I suggest you visit Belvedere Palace, Charles’s Church, St. Stephan’s Cathedral and the Hofburg (Imperial Palace). 

Schonbrunn Palace, which is located away from the city centre, is well worth a visit, too.

For a taste of Austria’s famous cuisine and culture, take in a Mozart concert at the Musikverein and try Wiener Schnitzel followed by the famous Sacher Torte (or my favourite, Apfel Strudel), at a local restaurant.

Get more tips for visiting Vienna >>

TIP: If you have extra time to spare, it is easy to do a day trip from Vienna to Bratislava, Budapest or Prague.  Find out more here .

Day 15 – Vienna to Krems (Wachau Valley)

Less than an hour from Vienna is the picturesque Wachau Valley, home to Austria’s ancient terraced vineyards. Make your base Krems, which is perched on the banks of the majestic Danube River, and spend your days relaxing with views you’ll never forget.

Well worth a visit is Melk Abbey , 40 minutes further along the Danube.

Day 18 – Krems to St. Wolfgang

After leaving the Danube near Linz, you’ll pass lovely Lake Traun (Traunsee) en route to St. Wolfgang on the lake of the same name.  With numerous lakes and mountains in the near vicinity, St. Wolfgang is a great base for exploring the region. 

I visited the Salzburger lakes by bike a couple of years back but a car is a much faster way to get around!

St. Gilgen, Mondsee, Hallstatt and the less-touristy, Altausee, were all favourites of mine. A visit to the nearby spa town of Bad Ischl, with its Kaiservilla, the summer residence of Emperor Franz-Josef, is worth a visit, too. 

Make sure you try the delicious cakes and pastries at Zauner’s pastry shop and cafe which is on the river’s edge at Bad Ischl (the Emperor was apparently a regular customer in his day!).

Day 21 – St. Wolfgang to Salzburg

Salzburg  is the perfect place to end your self-drive tour of Austria (and it’s less than an hour from St. Wolfgang).  Return your hire car and then set off on foot to explore the city that is famous for Mozart and The Sound of Music. 

If you’re feeling energetic, walk to the Hohensalzburg, the imposing fortress which overlooks the city – and if not, take the funicular to the top. 

There are an endless number of sights in the city, but be sure to Peterskirche, Residenz, Mozart’s birth house (Geburtshaus) and family apartment (Wohnhaus), and Mirabell Palace and Gardens, to name a few.

Useful info for your self-drive holiday of Austria

    •    Driving times mentioned above are via the most direct route without stops.     •    Vignette rates for cars as at January 1, 2020 are: 10 days – €9.40, 2 months €27.40, 12 months €91.10.     •    To find accommodation in Austria, read where I’ve stayed and loved or compare hotel rates online .

Carolyn's love affair with Europe started on her first visit over 30 years ago and it continues, just as strong, today. She visits Europe annually and enjoys writing about her discoveries and sharing her tips with fellow travellers.

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Exploring Austria by Car: A 5 Day Itinerary

Today I am hosting the lovely Ellie from A Beautiful Elsewhere who recently returned from Austria and is sharing with you her itinerary.

Ahhhh, Austria. The land of beautiful music, breathtaking scenery, and jaw-dropping architecture. There is something so enchanting about this country. After just coming home from my second visit, I feel like I need to tell everyone I know that they NEED to make their next vacation to Austria. We traveled by car, not only for convenience and flexibility, but I feel you can get to see more of what this country has to offer than if traveling by train. For this trip, we started off in Vienna!

Day 1 & 2 in Vienna

Vienna is such an amazing city and was much bigger than I was expecting. With its elegant gardens and rich history, you will for sure need two days to see everything (or if you have more time you could see Vienna in 3 days ). I would suggest breaking the city up in half when planning. We split our exploring days by the northern and southern parts of the city. This makes it more manageable, as it is a very large city.

Where to Stay

We booked our stay just outside of the city center in the neighborhood of Josefstadt. This kept costs down and it was still walking distance to everything we needed. Be sure that you book a hotel with its own parking because city parking can get expensive.

Vienna Day 1

This is the day we chose to explore the southern part of the city.

Things to See & Do

• Morning Visit To Schöbrunn Palace: Start the day out with this attraction as it is one of the city’s most popular sites and can get overcrowded as the day goes on. You can take the U4 subway line and it will stop right outside the palace. You can purchase your tickets before hand or purchase tickets at the kiosk once you arrive. There are a few different options for tours so choose which one you are most interested in. We took the shorter tour with an audio guide and I thought it was very thorough (We even walked through the room where Mozart gave his first concert). Be sure to explore the grounds of the palace and walk up to the Gloriette to enjoy the view. It is well worth the hike!
• Lunch at Nachstmarkt: After visiting the Schönbrunn Palace jump back on the U4 subway line and exit at the “Kettenbruckeng” This will be right in the heart of the famous Nachstmarkt. Here you will find numerous vendors selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and bread. If it’s a nice day, buy a few things and have a picnic! If the weather isn’t working with you that is no problem. There are tons of great restaurants right there as well. Stop and have a bite!
• Afternoon of Museums or Shopping: Jump back on the U4 line and head towards the city center for your afternoon activities. This is where you can decide what most interests you. Kevin and I decided to do a bit of shopping. There are a few brands I just adore, and I can’t get them as easily at home. I know not everyone likes to shop while traveling, and if that’s you, pick a Museum to visit in Vienna’s Museum quarter. If you don’t make it into a museum, a stroll through the grounds is exquisite as well.
• Evening Classical Music Concert: Austria is well known for its classical music. Being that Mozart is from Austria, they pay a big tribute to that by having what seems like an opera house on every corner! The most famous of them being The State Opera House. There are multiple musical events going on everyday so it’s easy to get into one and have it be fairly affordable. Go ahead and book a concert. It doesn’t even have to be Mozart, there are several contemporary composers that will be playing from time to time as well. We booked our tickets with The Vienna Mozart Symphony at the Golden Hall. It was touristy, which was expected, but it was a reasonable price for two hours of fabulous live classical music. Concerts usually start around 8pm

Vienna Day 2

This is the day to explore the Northern part of the city.

• Morning Bike Ride: They have made it easy to rent a bike in Vienna. A company called Citybike has bike “stations” placed all over the city and you can rent them just by stepping up to the automated kiosk and entering your information. Note that you can only rent one bike per credit card. The best part is that the first hour is free!! I would recommend biking around the famous “Ring Street” which is the street that circles all the way around the old city center.
• Catch A Birds-Eye View of Vienna: At the very northern part of the city is the iconic Reisenrad. This giant ferris wheel has been around for more than 100 years and is an icon of the city. I will admit it was rather touristy, however the view was spectacular and in my opinion it was worth the 9 Euros to ride.
• Stop for Cake: Jump back on the U1 Subway back to center of the city. Take a break and recharge with some cake and coffee at the famous Central Café.
• Afternoon Visit to St. Stephens Cathedral: This is an absolutely stunning church in the center of Vienna. I would suggest taking a tour of the church. There are private guided tours and also audio guides available. Also, if you are interested, there are tours of the catacombs under the church!
• Evening Drinks at Dochboden: This is a lovely rooftop bar located just outside of the center of the city. It is a little hard to find as it is on top of the 25 Hours Hotel, but follow the signs and they will lead you to the elevator that takes you up. The view is spectacular and the drinks are amazing! Stop by and watch the sun go down while sipping a fabulous cocktail. The city is absolutely beautiful at night!
• Pack and Rest Up: It’s a beautiful city and you may feel like you never want to leave, however in the morning begins the trek to Berchtesgaden.

Extra Tip: Vienna sells a city pass that you can purchase online that gets you unlimited city commuting (bus, tram, subway ext.) it also gets your entrance to many of the attractions in the city. Take a look at everything you want to see, it could save you a few bucks! We all love saving buck.

Day 3 Berchtesgaden Area

Morning drive from vienna to berchtesgaden.

Today you will drive from Vienna to the Berchtesgaden area. This drive should take around 3 hours. Yes, I know this is actually in Germany, but it’s such a beautiful and important area that it would be a crime to miss it. Since the drive is a bit long and there is much to see I would suggest getting and early start. When arriving to the area there are two major sites that you can choose to explore. Pick the one that interests you.

• Lake Königsee: If the weather is good, I would suggest you visit the lake. Boats come and go about every 20 minutes and it is pretty inexpensive to ride. There are two different routes that you can take, one is just a bit longer. At either destination you can take a hike and explore the beautiful scenery. Keep in mind that the shortest hike is about a three hour hike roundtrip. If you are not feeling like a long hike there are restaurants to sit and eat while enjoying the Mountainous backdrop. Absolutely beautiful!
• The Eagle’s Nest: For the history buff, I would spend the day visiting Hitler’s Eagles Nest. As it stands today, it acts as a restaurant. However, if you do visit, you should book a tour because there is so much information that you don’t get if you just visit on your own. We took a short 30 minute tour that was only $5 and I thought it was a great deal. This tour cannot be booked ahead of time and you just pay when you get to the site. Otherwise, there are several other tours that you can book online ahead of time.

Extra Tip: After your tour, I would strongly recommend going to see the old WW2 bunkers under Hotel zum Turken (wear closed toes shoes as it is cold and VERY wet).

Drive up to Salzburg

After your day in Berchtesgaden make your way to Salzburg. The drive should only be about 30 minutes. Again make sure you book a hotel that has parking because it is quite difficult to find parking and city parking structures can be very expensive. Stay the night in Salzburg and enjoy dinner at one of their many fabulous restaurants.

Day 4 Salzburg

• Visit the Salt Mines: There are several tours that will leave from Salzburg. You can choose to book a tour or you can catch a bus on your own. You will most likely pay a bit extra for the convenience of transportation to and from, however it might be worth it because sometimes parking can be difficult. If you arrive early this won’t be as much of an issue. The first tours start at 9am in the summer months.
• Explore the city of Salzburg: After returning from the salt mines head to The Salzburg city center. Salzburg is actually much smaller than I expected and can be explored very easily by foot. The downtown area is strictly a pedestrian area so you will either need to park your car at your hotel or along the street. You can purchase street parking vouchers for three hours at a time. Spend the rest of the afternoon strolling around the cobblestone streets of Salzburg. Here are a few attractions that are notable:
• The Salzburg Fortress: This is probably the most famous attraction in Salzburg and rightfully so! It is a beautiful white washed building up on a hill looking over the city. You cannot drive up to the fortress and it is a bit of a walk so bring your comfy walking shoes!
• Mozart’s Birth House: This is another popular attraction in Salzburg. Kevin and I did not actually go in as we felt it was a bit touristy but it was fun to walk up and take a picture in front of the building.
• Dinner in Salzburg: This city is buzzing with fabulous restaurants and cafes. Pick one that looks good to you!! Rest up for your travels to Innsbruck.

Extra Tip: for more on Salzburg visit The Trusted Travellers guide to Salzburg .

Day 5 Innsbruck

Drive to innsbruck.

This drive should take you about 2-3 hours. This city is most well-known for skiing and winter attractions. However, there is plenty to do in the city itself if you are visiting in the summer or if you are like me and don’t ski! The city is rather small and can be done by foot in a day.

• Take In The View: One of my favorite sites in this city is the cable car ride up the Nordkette. The ride is a bit expensive, but to me, the views at the top make it well worth it. There is a ski lodge up at the top of the mountain and you can sit and have a beer and a bite while taking in the views.
• Saint Jacob Cathedral: This little gem was one of my favorite churches in Austria. I think I loved it most because of its element of surprise. From the outside, it looks rather plain, but step inside and prepare to be blown away! It’s a must see!
• Stroll around Old Town: Innsbruck has an absolutely charming city center. With its specialty shops and old medieval gothic arches it’s guaranteed to impress. As you explore be sure to stop for cake and coffee at Café Krö

This concludes your 5 day tour around Austria! This country remains one of my favorite in Europe. There is so much beauty and charm that every time I come I am even more blown away.

This itinerary obviously does not cover EVERYTHING that there is to see however it is a list of the sites that I feel are the most important and beautiful.

About the Author

Ellie is originally from the Southwestern part of the United States. She and her husband Kevin have always loved exploring new places and trying new foods. Over a year ago, the young couple packed up everything and moved to Germany. They have been enjoying life over the big pond ever since. She writes about life in Germany and shares her travel stories on her blog, A Beautiful Elsewhere .

Connect with Ellie on  Facebook ,   Twitter , Instagram and Pinterest .

Over to you!

What is your favorite city in Austria? We would love to hear your travel stories!

Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post.

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32 thoughts on “Exploring Austria by Car: A 5 Day Itinerary”

I love Austria and I’m so happy to see a big juicy article about it! I’ve spent some time in Vienna and around the wine region (outside of Vienna) but still haven’t made it to Salzburg. After a couple big roadtrips this summer, however, I am FULLY on board with driving itineraries. It is so fun to have the control and also to get to places that are more difficult or complicated!

Road trips are my absolutely favourite way to travel. You have the ultimate amount of freedom to go where ever you like when you like. Ellie has really hit the nail on the head with this itinerary. Glad you enjoyed it Julie.

Thanks Julie! Traveling by car is always my go to. Especially now, living in Europe it has been so nice to be flexible with our adventures. I would love to go back and explore the wine country! That was the one thing we just couldn’t fit in.

Hi, I am planning a similar trip with my family starting from Munich, Innsburk, Salzburg, Vienna , Budapest & then Prague.

Can you guide me with the proposed plan considering i have never been to eastern europe?

Hi Adil, Thanks for your message. The order that you mention sounds perfect. How long are you going for? Cheers Jen

Including Berchtesgaden made so much sense, even though I was taken aback at first (yeah, Germany!). This is a great itinerary for first-time visitors to Austria, and I liked that it wasn’t overly Vienna-centric.

Thanks Betsy! I just couldn’t stay out of my beautiful Germany! It would be sad to come all that way and not see the area. LOVED Vienna, but there is so much else that the country has to offer that I decided to just hit the highlights… So much to see, so little time!

Berchtesgaden (Germany) is one of my favorite places! In fact, I’m going back to visit for the third time next weekend! Austria is so gorgeous, you really can’t escape it’s beauty! Thanks for sharing this suggested itinerary. My preference would be to get out of the larger cities and visit more of the small towns by the alpine lakes, though.

There is no other place quite like Berchtesgaden is there?! It is so beautiful! I too, typically prefer quaint small towns over large cities. You get a more authentic feel of the area. However, as a first timer, I felt like hitting the highlights was better for me in this particular adventure. Happy Exploring! Envious of your return trip. Enjoy!

Thanks for providing all the great information as I would be a first-time visitor. Seeing the area as part of a road trip sounds perfect! I could do the whole trip just as described.

Awesome Jennifer! Traveling by car is always so great because of all the scenery you would otherwise. The views are breathtaking to be sure!

Being a road tripper myself, respect is all i have for you. But man, where is the car and the roads. Please share more landscape pics. Lovely place.

Thanks for the input fellow road tripper! I always have several other pictures posted on my personal blog. There I share the story of our trip, where as this piece is more informational. You can visit the site by clicking the link below: http://www.abeautifulelsewhere.com/adventures/2015/8/11/austria-a-road-trip-to-remember

My husband and I have travelled many times around Europe, but never reached Austria. Such a shame! After reading this post I sure we are missing a stunning part of the continent. Travel by car is an amazing experience, gives you so much freedom and you can really experience the country you are visiting. Thanks for sharing this! Nat

Traveling by car has become my favorite method of travel. Especially in Europe, where you have the flexibility to make your our itinerary and not be confined to railway lines or bus stops. I hope you make it to beautiful Austria someday. Happy Exploring!

Awesome post with an info-packed itinerary! We haven’t visited Austria yet, but will definitely use this itinerary when we eventually do! The pictures really sell it!

Glad to hear it! Happy Exploring!!

Definitely going this route in 2017! Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck! Thanks for the tips. And we will have 5 days, too!

It sounds like a perfect fit. I am excited for you! Please ask if you have any travel questions. Happy Travels!

Me, hubby and kid are planning for Austria trip and finalised Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck as out stopovers. As you have mentioned travelling by car is better, could you please advise did you rent the car.. if yes from Where ? Or it was your own car. We will be travelling from London and was thinking of renting a car is easy and bit cheaper , we will also do that .

Hi Rain, Renting a car would be the best way to go. Which ever airport you fly into, you will find lots of car rental companies there to choose from. Budget and Europcar are my favourites if you want to book in advance. Have a great trip! Cheers Jen

Austria is also one of my favorite countries and Vienna is really stunning with all those historic Unesco sites!

Vienna has made it to my top 5 list for sure. I was blown away by its beauty!

Perfect timing for my Vienna and Salzburg travels in 2 weeks time, great tips here

I am so excited for you and your upcoming adventure. I am so glad the itinerary is of help to you! Happy Travels!

Wow. This is so comprehensive. Sounds amazing. I’ve never been to Austria.

Thanks Tara! Austria is amazing, it is really hard to fit everything in!

Thanks for sharing your great itinerary. Looks like it was a great trip!

Thanks Sanjana! It was a fabulous trip indeed!

Thank you for your blog! We are going to Europe for 2 weeks in Sept. Starting in Budapest and then getting the train direct to Salzburg (skipping Vienna as we will get enough city in Budapest & I’ve already been). We will hire a car in Salzburg and then make our way to Munich for Oktoberfest (not sure if we will take car to Munich or get train?). May you kindly suggest a 5 day driving route from Salzburg, possibly including – Berchtesgaden, St. Gilgen, Salzkammergut, Hallstatt, Badgastein, Zell am See, & Innsbruck? These towns seem the best quaint, picturesque towns based on all the things I’ve read. Just wondering the best way to go and best places to stay overnight?

You will love Budapest! It is so rich with history and the architecture is so different than that of Austria so that will be good to see a variety of things. I am so excited for you to expirence Oktoberfest as well. We have attended twice now and both times were great! Be sure to bring your Drindl! Taking the train to Munich might be best as parking in the city can be difficult due to the amount of visitors.

As far as suggesting the best places to stay. This will be a bit difficult as I have only personally been to Innsbruck and Berchtesgaden myself. I usually don’t like to reccomend anything that I haven’t actually done. However, I would love to help you find the best travel route possible!

Can you tell me what you are most interested in seeing on this trip? Hiking, sight seeing, or perhaps just exploring quaint towns? If I knew what you are wanting most to see I might be able to better suggest the perfect route for you!

Looking forward to planning with you!

I also enjoyed myself while I was visiting this kind of places.

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

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

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

When To Plan Austria Itinerary Road Trip?

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

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

Driving in Austria

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

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

Tips for Driving in Austria

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

Austria Road Trip Itinerary

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

Day 1-3: Start  from Vienna

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

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

Day 1: The Classics of Vienna

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

Tour of the Hofburg palace

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

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

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

Climb to the top of St. Stephen’s Cathedral

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

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

Take a ride on Weiner Riesenrad

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

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

Enjoy the Vienna State Opera

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

Day 2: Vienna’s Must-See Places

Stroll the pathways of schönbrunn palace.

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

Schonbrunn Palace front Facade at Sunset

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

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

Enjoy the local colors at Naschmarkt

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

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

Give the horses a visit at Spanish Riding School

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

Relaxing scenery at Schönbrunn Garden

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

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

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

Day 3: Vienna’s Hidden Gems

Tour of the rathaus.

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

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

Hike through Wachau Valley

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

Enjoy the Sunset at Danube Tower

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

Wade away in the City River Cruise

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

Vienna Hotel Recommendations

Steigenberger hotel herrenhof: mid-range.

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

Comfy apartments at Siebertgasse: Budget

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

Day 4-6: Hello Salzburg!

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

Day 4: Café Bazar & Architectural Attractions

Austro-hungarian breakfast at cafe bazar.

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

Take a walk through Mirabell Palace and Gardens

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

Magnificent sightseeing at Residenzplatz

Then, head on to Residenzplatz for some beautiful sights. 

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

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

Go up the Hohen Salzburg fortress

Then, go on to visit the HohenSalzburg fortress.  

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

Pay a visit to the Salzburg Cathedral

It’s time to move on to Salzburg Cathedral . 

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

Day 5: Traditional Markets & Nature

Wander around schrannemarkt.

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

Visit the famous Salzburg Museum

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

Walp up Kapuzinerberg

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

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

Enjoy a Cold Drink at Die Weisse

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

Day 6: A Taste of the Alps & Nature

Relaxing walk by mondsee & wolfgangsee.

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

Explore the Werfen Ice Caves & Hohenwerfen Castle

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

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

Hike through the Gollinger Waterfall

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

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

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

Salzburg Hotel Recommendations

Hotel wolf: mid-range.

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

Hotel Flair: Budget

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

Day 7-8: Time for the Amazing Hallstatt

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

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

Day 7: The Ice Cave & Heilbronn Cross Loop

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

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

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

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

Day 8: Hallstatt Hidden Gems

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

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

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

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

Hallstatt Hotel Recommendations

Fenix hall boutique hotel: mid range.

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

Salzhaus: Budget

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

Day 9-10: Mayrhofen 

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

Day 9: Krimml Waterfalls

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

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

Day 10: Zillertal Valley

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

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

Mayrhofen  Hotel Recommendations

Hotel berghof mayrhofen: mid-range.

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

Gasthof Zillertal: Budget

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

Day 11-13: The Inevitable Innsbruck

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

Day 11: Panorama Day

Check out the beautiful golden roof.

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

Take a ride of the Nordkette cable cars

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

Let your eyes sparkle at Swarovski Crystal Worlds

Next, take a toll in the Swarovski Crystal Worlds . 

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

Day 12: Ambras Castles and Alpenzoo

Visit the famous ambras castle.

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

Read Also: 19 Incredible Castles in Austria You Should Visit

Say Hi to the animals at Alpenzoo

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

Enjoy the Bergisel Ski Jump

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

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

Day 13: Discover Bad Ischl

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

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

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

Innsbruck Hotel Recommendations

Eurothermenresort: mid-range.

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

Sonnhof: Budget

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

Bonus 1 (Extra Stops) Bavarian Alps

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

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

Day 14: Back to Vienna

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

Bonus 2: Day Trip from Vienna to Bratislava

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

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

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

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

Final Thoughts about Austria Itinerary

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

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

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• By Ceasar Cotting 26 November 2022 - 4 min read
• Tags: car hire , driving , travel guide
• Destination: Austria

Common Questions

Driving in austria - a guide for visitors.

• By Ceasar Cotting
• 26 November 2022 - 4 min read

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We visited Austria in the summer of 2021. Hiring a car was a practical choice because it gave us the freedom to move around. For example, we visited Salzburg and also a few places in Germany. In addition, we drove on Großlockner High Alpine Road. In this article, we share information about driving in Austria based on our experiences.

Covered in the Article

Road network, alcohol limit, driving license, speed limits, speed and dashboard cameras, driving culture, driving in salzburg, mountain driving tips, where to hire a car in austria, bottom line.

Austria is a beautiful mountainous country located in the heart of Europe. The country is moderately small so driving a car is a practical way to explore its beautiful natural sights and cosy villages. Austria is known for its well-working train network but exploring the country by car gives more freedom. You can set your schedules or even cross borders to neighbouring countries. In this article, we share practical information about driving in Austria based on our road trip in 2021.

Austria has an extensive and well-maintained road network.

Motorways in Austria are called Autobahn (Bundesstraßen A) or Schnellstraßen (Bundesstraßen S). In addition to the motorways, there are federal highways called Bundesstraßen B.

Autobahns are considered the best roads in Austria. There are 18 of them stretching almost 1,800 km. The autobahns are in excellent condition and the maximum speed limit is 130 km/h. Autobahn road numbers are marked with the letter A .

Schnellstraßen are very similar to autobahns. However, on these roads, the speed limit is lower usually 100 km/h, and the roads are more cheaply built compared to Autobahns. Schnellstraßen road numbers are marked with the letter S. In practice, these roads are also motorways and there are 500 km of them in Austria.

Regular federal highways (Bundestrassen B) are simpler and narrower roads. They have usually only one lane towards each direction. The default speed limit is 100 km/h.

Autobahns are the best roads in Austria.

Traffic Rules in Austria

In Austria, you drive on the right side of the road and pass from the left. The priority rules are the usual: You need to give way for vehicles coming from the right.

Do not drink while driving. You will get fined if you have more than 0.5 per mil alcohol in your blood. Professional drivers have a lower limit, 0.1 per mil.

When driving in Austria, you must have a valid driving license issued in the EU or EEA countries or you're a holder of an international driving license. A passport or an ID must be carried together with the license.

Speed limits are marked with clear signs. The default speed limit in urban areas is 50 km/h. Outside towns, you can drive up to 100 km/h. On autobahns, the limit is 130 km/h.

Speed limit may vary also depending on the weather conditions. In poor weather conditions like when it's raining or snowing, a lower limit may be set by a traffic sign. It is important to learn to recognize the extra information which is marked below the speed limit signs.

How to Hire a Car Abroad

There is a road toll system in Austria on all motorways and expressways. The toll can be paid in the form of a vignette, lorry toll or route toll. This money is utilized to maintain the roads in good condition.

Cars up to 3,500 kg must display a toll sticker or have a digital version purchased. The rule applies when driving on motorways and expressways. The sticker and its digital version are called vignette . Heavier cars have a different toll system.

Six motorways require you to buy a separate toll ticket to cover their even more expensive construction and maintenance costs. Official information is available on ASFINAG website .

When hiring a car in Austria, make sure it has a vignette.

The police are supervising traffic manually and automatically with speed cameras. That is why it is important to follow the traffic rules, especially the speed limits. Dashboard cameras are forbidden because of strict privacy laws in the EU and especially in Austria.

Refuelling in Austria is as simple as in other European countries. There are so many petrol stations almost that one is always near you. Only if you are heading to the Alps, it is wise to reserve some extra fuel because a car consumes more and the nearest petrol station may be quite a long distance from your location. In many petrol stations, you refuel the car yourself and then pay the cashier. Some stations are fully automated. Almost all payment cards are widely accepted in petrol stations.

The fuel in Austria is moderately priced compared to other countries in Europe.

Parking in the countryside is simple. You will easily find free parking places and no special parking skills are required. In the cities, parking is more complicated.

In big cities, it is sometimes challenging to find a free parking spot and parking costs. Usually, you need to pay parking fees on weekdays while parking during weekends is free. The rates are moderately low. We advise learning the parking rules and signs before driving in Austria as the fines are expensive.

Our Driving Experiences in Austria

After making flight comparisons at Skyscanner , we found the most suitable flight schedule and best rate for our flight. We flew from Helsinki to Vienna and we planned to explore the western parts of Austria near Salzburg . In addition, we crossed a border with Germany a few times during our trip.

We decided to book a flight to Vienna because the driving time from Vienna to Salzburg was only 3 hours. Even though this extra driving cost, the overall price became cheaper.

We compared hire car prices on Discover Cars . We selected an inexpensive car hire company near Vienna Airport. A company representative was waiting for us after the landing and took us with a van to their office nearby.

At the office, we accomplished the car hire papers and also paid a border-crossing fee. We were unsure whether to visit Germany during our trip but because the border is so close to Salzburg, we didn't want to take the risk of accidentally crossing the border. That would have caused an expensive penalty fee. Since Germany and Austria both are Schengen countries, there is no border inspection between them.

In just 30 minutes after arrival at the airport, we were ready to start driving our car hire which was a hybrid Suzuki Swift. Our first driving route was from Vienna to Salzburg. The driving took unexpectedly more than 3 hours because there were heavy thunderstorms on the way and we could not keep the full speed all the time.

Quite soon, we noticed that drivers in Austria are friendly but driving speeds are high. Many drivers also tend to keep very short safe distances from other cars. Especially on autobahns, passing cars returned to our lane too soon after overtaking and we had to brake now and then to keep enough distance. Otherwise, driving on autobahns was smooth.

Speed limits are high. Even on dark federal highways, the speed limit was often 100 km/h even though there were many curves and no street lights at all. We recommend driving a little slower if you aren't familiar with the road.

According to our experience, drivers in Austria obey the traffic rules well.

We stayed in Best Western Plus Amedia Art Salzburg . The hotel was a perfect choice in the city centre but we also had to drive on the busiest streets every day. Driving was not more challenging than in other big cities because there were many traffic lights, clear traffic signs and roads had many lanes. Naturally, it still took a little time to get used to the local habits. Finding a free parking place in the evening was the annoying part.

Near Salzburg Old Town, you need to be careful. The Old Town area is closed to cars during the daytime. If you enter the area early in the morning, you are not allowed to exit anymore before the evening without special permission. We experienced that ourselves.

On a sunny morning, we drove to Old Town to explore some sights. Later when we tried to exit Old Town, the roads were closed. There was no way to drive out. We had to ask for assistance from a policeman who advised us to go to the police station. That visit led to a fine because we should not have driven our car to Old Town at all. The only way to exit the area was to pay a fine at the police station and wait for a report to be created. That was our most expensive Old Town visit.

A friendly policeman told us that the traffic signs are unclear and the same mistake happens to many visitors.

Großlockner High Alpine Road

If you are visiting western parts of Austria, we recommend you try Großlockner High Alpine Road as we did. It is the highest surfaced road in Austria connecting Bruck an der Großglocknerstraße, Austria and Heiligenblut am Großglockner . There is no need to have a destination because driving on Alpine Road itself is a rewarding experience as the views along the way are stunningly beautiful.

It took about 90 minutes to reach Bruck village from Salzburg. We enjoyed lunch there and explored this idyllic Austrian town. After a good meal, it was time to head to Alpine Road.

We had to pay a toll to access the road. A day ticket is almost 50 euros for a personal car but it gives value for the money. The road is in very good condition. Since the road was leading to the mountains, it had countless curves. The views are amazing and there are many places to stop by to enjoy the spectacular scenery and take photos. Along the way, you can also stop to buy souvenirs or just have a cup of coffee.

We drove to Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe at 2,369 metres. It is almost the highest point on the road. Unfortunately, the centre was already closed when we arrived but the destination was not the most important thing for us but the journey itself.

Do not forget to reserve at least a day in the Alps.

Because Großlockner High Alpine Road is in good condition and it is not too busy, driving on it is moderately easy. There are steep down and uphills so it is important to keep the speed low. Engine braking is important so as not to overheat the brakes. For example, we got a brake overheating warning a few times even though we used much engine braking with our hybrid car. That is why we also stopped not and then let the car cool down.

We advise reserving enough time for the trip. Time goes faster than you can imagine when driving in the beautiful Alps. You will surely want to have many breaks as the views are breathtaking.

Hiring a car in Austria is simple. Compare prices and select a car that you prefer. We recommend comparing prices on Discover Cars and booking a car well in advance to get a cheaper rate.

Hire cars in Austria are in good condition. The risk of getting them accidentally scratched is low but we still recommend buying full insurance to reduce the risk. That is a way to avoid unpleasant surprises if someone else damages your car.

Make sure the car has a vignette and necessary insurance. Pay a cross-border fee in advance if you have even a small intention to cross a border of another country. Otherwise, the insurance is invalid and you may also get a high penalty.

We recommend hiring a car already at the airport. Car hire companies inside a terminal are more expensive than companies whose offices are located nearby. To save some money, we recommend using 30 minutes more time and using a more distant company.

Austria is a great summer destination. When the weather is warm and there is much daylight, driving around the country makes the experience perfect. Austria is one of the best places to have a road trip in Europe since the roads are in good condition and the country offers a lot of picturesque landscapes.

Exploring Austria by car gives you more independence. It is important to hire a car from a reliable company. Understanding the basic traffic rules and differences between the road types makes driving smoother. As a careful driver, you will survive well in Austria's traffic.

Have you driven in Austria? Share your best tip below!

Tags: car hire , driving , travel guide Destination: Austria

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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"

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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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Soaring Peaks. Classical Cities

Listen for the music of the great classical composers. Seek out grand capitals and wide boulevards. Austria travel takes you to fairytale landscapes and glorious castles. You are in Austria, a country that brings together a distinct culture with a diverse landscape.

Destination Must-See's

Europe’s mighty mountain range. Many of the Austrian people’s favorite activities have developed because of these mountains that cross the country including skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and hiking. The plentiful lakes, glaciers and rare flowers that lie on and around the mountains make for amazing vistas and one reason why tourism flourishes.

Lying in the midst of two mountain chains, the view from the city is impeccable. This lively and colorful city has a little something for everyone, from historic art and architecture to high-end and boutique shopping opportunities. Innsbruck has been host of the Olympic winter games twice, in 1964 and 1976, making it a major winter sports center with plenty of year round outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.

Austria’s great capital is famous for its regal history and rich culture. The city is alive with activity, and there is so much to do! There is always an opera or classical music concert to attend, an art exhibition to browse, and another street to wander. No matter what you prefer, you’ll have to find the time to join the locals at one of its amazing coffee shops to sip their acclaimed coffee and sample the delightful local wines.

Medieval Castles:

The landscape is dotted with castles perched in the hills, allowing them to be seen from miles away. These white or light-colored stone castles look like something out of a fairytale. You are sure to be awed by these majestic structures with speared towers and tall-notched walls built in forests on top of the highest hills. As you travel through Austria, you find an abundance of castles to admire.

Destination Must-Do's

Apple strudel is a popular pastry in Austria. This sweet, layered pastry filled with apple goodness is sure to delight your taste buds. However, strudel can be more than a sweet treat, it can also be savory. It originated as an easy yet satisfying meal made by the poor. The oldest known strudel recipe was written in 1696 and was a milk-cream strudel. The Viennese have taken strudel and made it famous.

Melk Abbey:

Just outside of Vienna, on the banks of the Danube River, lies a yellow-hued architectural beauty that has been a religious and political center in the region since Roman times. The building has an impressive two-story library with a colorful frescoed ceiling and boasts many amazing views of the river. Even today, the abbey is a center of learning and culture and is still one of the most incredible sights along the Danube.

Habsburg Monarchy:

The Habsburg Empire began with Count Rudolf of Habsburg who moved the family’s rule from their ancestral Switzerland to what is now Austria in 1282. The Habsburg kings and queens made Austria the center of a multi-nation empire that spread through central Europe. They ruled Austria for centuries, all the way up to 1918. Their immense power and wealth earned them the title of one of Europe’s greatest royal families.

Classical Music Greats:

Austria is a country where classical music lovers flock from all over the world. They come to attend its music festivals and walk in the footsteps of the world’s greatest composers including Haydn, Mozart, Schubert, Liszt, J. Strauss, Mahler, and Bruckner. You can hear their masterpieces resonating in the music halls daily and visit the places they worked and lived all throughout this amazing country.

Expert Advice

If you are venturing out on your own, I suggest public transportation. Trains in Austria are timely and quite reliable, as is the bus system.

Our local guides love their countries. Be sure to take advantage of your time with them and ask a lot of questions about local life.

I love Vienna. This is a city of classical music and grand palaces. Enjoy the cafés and parks. Savor the chance to slow down a bit and relax at a café or stoll through one of its famous parks like the Stadtpark.

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Austria by Road

Austria has a well-developed road network which lets you reach your destination with ease. Find all pertinent information about rules of the road and answers to frequently asked questions.

Useful Links

• “Vignette” toll sticker
• Current traffic information
• Austrian driving rules in detail
• Electric filling stations in Austria

Getting to Austria by Car

Since there are fast and well-maintained motorways throughout Central Europe, getting to Austria by car is simple.

An excellent motorway, highway, and federal road network connects Austria with its neighbouring countries. All main border check points are open day and night. In general, Austrian traffic regulations and traffic signals are similar to those enforced in other European countries.

It is approximately 1,035 km (647 mi) from the UK to the Austrian border, and the drive takes between 10 and 11 hours.

Please be aware that you need a “vignette” toll sticker to drive on Austria’s motorways and expressways. It is available at the border, at petrol stations, or online. Learn more about the toll sticker here .

• Speed Limits
• Driving Licence
• Drink Driving
• Visibility vests
• Petrol stations
• Mobile phone usage
• Winter requirements
• "Rettungsgasse" - emergency corridor

FAQs About Driving in Austria

1) what are the speed limits on austrian roads.

Under optimal traffic conditions and if not otherwise indicated, the following maximum speed limits apply in Austria for cars and motorbikes:

• Within town limits: 50 km/h (approx. 31 mph)
• On the open road: 100 km/h (approx. 62 mph)
• On expressways: 100 km/h (approx. 62 mph)
• On motorways: 130 km/h (approx. 80 mph)

Find more information on speed limits here .

International Drivers License ÖAMTC media_content.tooltip.skipped

2) Is my driving licence valid in Austria?

Only persons over 18 years (17 years under certain conditions) of age in possession of a valid driving licence are allowed to drive in Austria. When driving in Austria, you should always carry  a full valid licence, car ownership documents, and insurance details.

Driving licences from EU and EEA countries are generally valid for an unlimited time in Austria.

If your licence has been issued by a non-EU or non-EEA state, it’s generally valid for twelve months following the entry date. You should always carry an international driving licence (available at the post office or AAA) in addition to your licence.

3) Do I have to turn on my headlights?

Driving with your lights on is optional during daylight hours and compulsory at night. You will be stopped by the police and possibly fined if you do not comply with this.

4) What are the rules on drinking & driving?

The legal blood alcohol concentration (drinking & driving) limit in Austria is 0.5 milligrams of alcohol per millilitre of blood – stricter than the UK und US where the limit is 0.8. Penalties for driving under the influence are severe any may include the loss of you driving licence. Also keep in mind if you planning to cross into neighboring countries their rules and regulations might be different.

5) Do I have to wear my seatbelt?

In Austria, wearing seatbelts is compulsory for all passengers. The driver is responsible for passengers under the age of 14.

If you are traveling with children under the age of 14 years we suggest to either bring or rent a child seat.

6) What do I have to consider when driving my motorbike in Austria?

When driving two-wheeled vehicles, it is compulsory to wear a helmet. While driving, the dimmed headlight must be turned on even during the day. Toll stickers are compulsory.

7) What do I need to have with me when driving in Austria?

High visibility warning vests are required for all drivers. They need to be stored within reach of the driver and must be worn day or night when exiting the vehicle on the hard shoulder or in the event of a breakdown. You must also have a first-aid kit and a warning triangle in your car in case you break down. 

8) What type of petrol is available in Austria?

In Austria, unleaded regular-grade 91 octane petrol as well as Euro-Super (unleaded 95-octane) petrol are available at all petrol stations. The sale of leaded petrol is forbidden in Austria; for cars without a catalytic converter an additive is available at gas stations.

9) Can I use my mobile phone whilst driving?

Whilst driving, you are  not allowed to talk on a mobile phone unless you’re using a hands-free car kit. You can use your phone as a navigational system (provided the mobile phone is fastened in the car).

10) What do I have to consider when driving in winter?

Between 1 November and 15 April, drivers of private cars and goods vehicles up to 3.5t must be suitably equipped for winter conditions. This means that drivers using the roads in wintry conditions during this period must have winter tyres fitted .

Find more information here . 

11) What should I do in case of a breakdown or accident?

Traffic accidents involving injuries must immediately be reported to the police; accidents involving material damage must only be reported when mutual identity has not been established.

There are two major breakdown assistance services in Austria (similar to the AA in the UK or the AAA in the US): ÖAMTC and ARBÖ. Both operate a 24-hour emergency breakdown service, which may be utilized by anyone. Non-members must pay a fee.

12) What is the “Rettungsgasse” / emergency corridor?

Whilst driving on Austria’s roads, you might notice signs proscribing the so-called Rettungsgasse (emergency corridor). This is a clear lane for emergency vehicles that has to be formed right away in case of traffic jams.

On carriageways with two lanes, a lane for emergency vehicles must be cleared between the two existing lanes; on carriageways with more than two lanes it must be cleared between the far-left lane and the lane next to it. This means that all drivers of vehicles in the far-left lane are required to steer their vehicle as far to the left as possible. All other drivers must drive as far to the right as is necessary for clearing a lane for emergency vehicles. 

Find more information here .

Emergency Numbers

Doctor-on-call 141

Mountain rescue 140

ÖAMTC emergency breakdown service 120

ARBÖ emergency breakdown service 123

European emergency number 112

Fire brigade 122

Ambulance 144

The Vignette - Austria's Motorway Toll Sticker

All Austrian motorways (“Autobahn”) and expressways (“S” roads) are subject to toll. Find out where to get and how to display your vignette toll sticker here.

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Let us give you a warm welcome to Vienna with a 3-, 7- or 8-hour private car tour of its top tourist attractions and hidden gems of history, culture and architecture. Our Local Guides are master storytellers and experts in many subjects, so we can organize an amazing experience tailored to your needs and interests. Fall in love with Vienna, the City of Dreams, in 1 day!

Book a 3-hour car tour to see the most important sights of Vienna’s historic center, exploring the city in a private car with an Accredited Local Guide. The tour will start with pickup from your accommodation and you will enjoy the comfort of private transfers for the entire tour, so it will be easy to see a lot without getting tired from walking. Highlights of the Old Town include the great city hall Rathaus, Vienna University, and important sacred monuments such as the Column of the Pest, the gorgeous 18th century St Peter’s Catholic Church, St Stephen’s Cathedral, which is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world.

With private transfers, you will easily explore Vienna and see the amazing Hofburg Palace where Sisi lived, Albertina Palace and the world famous State Opera, where great composers such as Mozart, Beethoven and Chopin performed. You will also pass through the fabulous Palais Schwarzenberg and wander around the Baroque-style garden of the 18th century Belvedere. Sightseeing in Vienna has never been easier, as we will drop you off at your accommodation after the tour.

Book the 7-hour car tour to learn more about the House of Austria, Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife Elisabeth (Sisi) with a visit to St. Peter’s Church and Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna’s top-rated attraction. As official partners of Schonbrunn Palace, we can take you on an exclusive Highlights Tour of 24 rooms of the imperial family, more than you can see without a Licensed Guide. We also provide timed tickets that will allow you to skip the ticket line. You will also visit St. Peter’s Catholic Church (Peterskirche) to admire its Baroque murals, paintings and domed roof with lots of gilding, and drive through MuseumsQuartier to see Vienna’s museums and Karlskirche.

Book an 8-hour car tour to spend a day exploring Vienna’s Old Town and its top-rated attractions with private transfers for the day. This option includes timed tickets to Upper Belvedere, a stunning palace which houses an impressive art collection and royal treasures. It will be a great addition to your guided tour of the Old Town, Schonbrunn Palace and St. Peter’s Church.

• Private Full-Day Car Tour of Vienna Old Town Highlights with Palaces of Schonbrunn and Belvedere (number of attractions depend on the selected option)
• 5-Star Licensed Guide who is fluent in selected language
• Free admission to St Peter’s Church (7 and 8-hour tours only)
• Skip-the-line tickets to Schonbrunn Palace – Highlights Tour of 24 Rooms (7 and 8-hour tours only)
• Skip-the-line tickets to Belvedere Palace (in 8-hour option)
• Private transport in air-conditioned car with pickup and drop-off service to your accommodation in Vienna
• Entrance fee to Karlskirche (4-7 EUR – optional)
• Entrance fee to the towers and catacombs of St Stephen’s Cathedral (6,5 EUR – optional)

Important information

What you should know.

• Please check your email the day before the tour to receive important information.
• We will arrange private transfers in a standard car (sedan) for groups of 1-4 people, and in a larger van or minibus for groups of 5 people and more. If you’re traveling in a smaller group but want to travel in a more spacious car, we recommend booking a 5-people tour to take advantage of a larger vehicle.
• Church tours during mass and special events (such as scheduled concerts) are limited, therefore the guide may provide all information outside.
• Skip-the-line tickets to the Schonbrunn Palace grant you immediate entry at your booked time, without waiting in line at the ticket office. The Highlights Tour includes extra rooms that are only available to affiliated tour operators like Rosotravel.
• Skip-the-line tickets to Upper Belvedere are reserved for a specific time slot. You will skip the ticket line.

Why choose Rosotravel.com

Customer reviews

• Customer Service: 4.72 4.72 / 5
• Organization: 4.72 4.72 / 5
• Value for money: 4.72 4.72 / 5
• Guide: 4.72 4.72 / 5

It's like 3 tours in one! First Old Town, then Belvedere and Schonbrunn, but with transfers included. For me the best way to meet Vienna, if you don't stay for few days.

All good. We drove safely between sights, so we didn't care about what to see next or how to get there. For me it was really comfortable

Transfers were ok, guide was super polite and in general well-organized during whole tour. I give 5.

The schedule is full!! But I liked it, just in one day I met whole Vienna. Thanks again ;)

Good organization ;)

Alles gut, Unser Führer war sehr nett und gab uns viele Informationen. Besonders gut gefallen haben mir seine Geschichten über die Familie Habsburg.

Good tour, I recommend to all

In general it is worth it. I enjoyed walking around Old Town with an entry to St. Stephen's Cathedral (I was there once in the past, but now I got new perspective of this place thanks to the guide), then we drove also to Schonbrunn. This is excellent place!

No hidden costs and tickets included, I like when it's done like this. I especially enjoyed the Schonbrunn Palace, inside and outside. Thanks Mark for showing around

We got perfect guide luckily! He shined with his knowledge about Vienna

The tour was good and well-organized

Tickets are given, so there is no need to worry about additional costs. Belvedere is amazing, but quite far from Old Town, so I'm glad that we could have a lift there ;)

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Austria and Italy Tours & Trips

Enjoy an  Austria and Italy  tour package and find the perfect adventure that caters to your needs. Stroll through Vienna's beautiful streets then make a quick stop for a slice of Sacher torte or admire the Baroque architecture in Salzburg or head for quick skiing session in Tyrol. On the other side of the border, Italy awaits. Climb up the Duomo in Milan or visit the Colosseum in Rome and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

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Awesome tour, awesome people, had a blast! Booked very last minute and still received great service !!

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Classical Italy and Eastern Capitals

Overall, this was a good trip. To the positives: the tour guides and the local guides were good, the stops (destination cities and in-between stops) were excellent (we enjoyed these stops as much as our final destinations), and the option of where to start and finish the tour is a brilliant business model. The busses we rode in were also nice. The hotels were good, not great. Negatives: the New Year was a huge disappointment. We were in Florence. I understand the city is expensive and hotels must have been busy, but that night we stayed in the worst hotel of the whole tour--and the furthest from downtown. As a result, we stayed in the hotel, had an expensive but mediocre dinner, and heard the fireworks from a distance from our small, unappealing, and ill furnished hotel room.

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What an excellent adventure! Our leader, Andy, was just top notch! So, knowledgeable and accessible. I highly recommend this trip!! Jan

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Overall it was a good experience with Eurobike. I was very happy with their choices of hotels, very good locations and the service was great. The navigation app is not user friendly, as it logs you out repeatedly and multiple other glitches that makes it hard to navigate with. Also, in the documents sent to me, there should have been a GPS and a navigation app, but no GOS device was given to any of the bikers and one had to rely on the app with all its glitches. In addition it consumes a lot of battery. The bike has one pannier on the back and one bar bag on the handle. This made the bike a bit heavier, but of course lots of space to carry extra stuff if needed. There was no water bottle holder on the bike, and although I asked for one, this was declined and I was asked to use the pannier or the bar bag for my water. I tried the bar bag but then all the water from my water bottle leaked into the bag and I was left with no water on the road. I would highly suggest that Eurobike mount water bottle holders on the bikes at it is cheap yet very convenient and necessary.

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Carin León Announces International Tour: ‘From Hermosillo to Paris’

By Tomás Mier

Carin León will follow his history-making appearances at both Coachella and Stagecoach with a massive tour across the United States with stops in Europe later this year. On Thursday, the música Mexicana star announced the dates for his 2024 Boca Chueca Tour.

“Embarking on this tour is an exhilarating opportunity to share my new music with fans throughout North America and Europe alike,” he said in a press release. “Taking my songs and the vibrant essence of Música Mexicana to a global stage is truly an honor.”

After a performance at the Mid-State Fair in July, he’ll kick off his arena and amphitheater tour on Aug. 29 in Colorado, before making stops in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto, New York, and Nashville. He’ll also head overseas for shows in London, Madrid, and Paris.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by ᴄᴀʀɪɴ ʟᴇóɴ (@carinleonoficial)

It’s been an ultra-successful year for the musician, who’s successfully released crossover bilingual tracks in country and R&B over the last several months. Earlier this year, he worked with Keith Urban and Rosario on “Si Me Llevas Contigo,” worked with Kane Brown on “The One (Pero No Como Yo),” and dueted with Leon Bridges on “It Was Always You.”

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Boca Chueca Tour 2024

July 22 – Paso Robles, CA @ Mid-State Fair Aug. 29 – Greenwood Village, CO @ Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre Aug. 31 – San Diego, CA @ Pechanga Arena San Diego Sept. 1 – Greater Palm Springs, CA @ Acrisure Arena Sept. 5 – Sacramento, CA @ Golden 1 Center Sept. 6 – San Francisco, CA @ Chase Center Sept. 8 – Seattle, WA @ Climate Pledge Arena Sept. 12 – Phoenix, AZ @ Footprint Center Sept. 13 – Los Angeles, CA @ BMO Stadium Sept. 14 – Las Vegas, NV @ Michelob ULTRA Arena Sept. 19 – Chicago, IL @ United Center Sept. 20 – Chicago, IL @ United Center Sept. 22 – Toronto, ON @ Coca-Cola Coliseum Sept. 26 – Washington, DC @ Capital One Arena Sept. 27 – Reading, PA @ Santander Arena Sept. 28 – Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena Oct. 2 – New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden Oct. 6 – Houston, TX @ Toyota Center Oct. 10 – Ft. Worth, TX @ Dickies Arena Oct. 13 – Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena Oct. 17 – Charlotte, NC @ Spectrum Center Oct. 19 – Tampa, FL @ Amalie Arena Oct. 20 – Sunrise, FL @ Amerant Bank Arena Oct. 31 – Madrid, ESP @ Wizink Center* Nov. 3 – London, UK @ Electric Brixton Nov. 4 – Amsterdam, NL @ Paradiso Nov. 5 – Paris, FR @ Alhambra

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Carin León Unveils International Tour Dates Ahead of Stagecoach Debut

Carin León will head out on his 'Boca Chueca' tour starting July 22.

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Música Mexicana artist Carin León has announced his international “Boca Chueca Tour,” slated for this fall. León will kickoff the trek later this year after making debut appearances at both Coachella and Stagecoach .

The “Boca Chueca Tour” will hit major cities across North America and Europe, including a night at Madison Square Garden in New York City, two nights at the United Center in Chicago, Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto, and BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.

Following the North American leg, León will venture into Europe with confirmed dates in Madrid, London, Amsterdam and Paris.

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“Embarking on this tour is an exhilarating opportunity to share my new music with fans throughout North America and Europe alike. Taking my songs and the vibrant essence of Música Mexicana to a global stage is truly an honor,” said León.

Ticket pre-sales begin April 30 at 10 a.m. local time and a limited number of VIP packages will also be available starting April 30. Tickets go on sale to the general public on May 3.

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The new momentum cito e+ dares you to leave the car at home [video].

All the cool suburbanites are already taking their kids to school, loading up at the farmers’ market, and making deliveries on clever and capable cargo e-bikes, but the new Momentum Cito E+ from Giant raises the cargo bike bar even higher — and makes leaving the car at home easier than ever.

Momentum is a new brand of “lifestyle” e-bikes from Giant Group designed to deliver premium features to customers while still hitting that $3,000-4,000 market “sweet spot.” Their latest bike, the all-new for 2024 Cito E+ utility bike, does just that, coming to market with a premium battery, Bluetooth technology, a suite of high-end safety features, and a $3,200 starting price .

Premium battery

Getting the most out of your e-bike often means getting the most out of your battery — and Momentum absolutely gets that. The Cito E+ ships with a 780 Watt-hour Panasonic battery pack with 22700 cells that have been optimized for e-bike use.

Compared to other ebike batteries with similar power ratings, the Momentum’s Panasonic battery promises to be lighter and more durable, with superior IPX7 weather protection, thermal regulation, and other safety features built-in (in fact, Panasonic was the first e-bike supplier to score a UL safety rating for its batteries ).

The battery is easily removable for charging at home or in an office, but it can be charged while it’s in the bike, too. Either way, charging won’t take long — from 0 to 80% of charge (approx. 60 miles) of range is available in 3.5 hours, while a full (75 mile) charge takes less than 5 hours.

Connected cargo bike

As our test rider highlights in the video (above), the Momentum Cito E+ uses a proprietary battery management system, or BMS, to monitor the battery pack for maximum efficiency and reliability down to the individual cell level.

The BMS uses Bluetooth connectivity to transfer battery health data, state of charge, and other important information straight to the RideControl app, which enables the bike’s owner to get an in-depth look at the overall state of their e-bike and provides valuable diagnostic data to both the technicians tasked with servicing the bike and Giant themselves, to help develop even better e-bikes in the future.

That connection to Giant Group is a huge potential benefit to Momentum Cito E+ buyers, by the way, as it gives them access to support from more than 1,200 brick and mortar Giant dealers across the US alone (above).

That’s a serious advantage that online-only bike brands simply can’t match.

Safety first … and maybe second, too

Momentum’s commitment to safety doesn’t stop at the battery. The Cito E+ features confidence-inspiring 4 piston hydraulic disc brakes and a heavy duty suspension for predictable handling even under heavy loads — important if you have to suddenly haul the bike down from its electronically assisted 28 mph top speed with precious kids and cargo on the back.

LED head and taillights with a lever-activated taillight ensure Cito E+ riders will be seen, too, helping you stay safer after hours.

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Momentum’s Cito E+ offers a comprehensive selection of accessories to help optimize it for each rider’s unique use case — whether that’s hauling up to 132 lbs. of cargo on the rear rack and 33 lbs. on the optional front basket (shown, above), or adding 2 Thule Yepp Maxi seats and getting the little ones to school five times a week.

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Carin León debutó en el Stagecoach e invitó a Ana Bárbara; ahora se prepara para su ‘Boca Chueca Tour’

El cantante de regional mexicano fue el primer artista latino que logra participar en un acto en español completo en este festival de música country, mientras que su compañera se convierte en la primera mujer latina que lo hace como invitada

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Han sido unos días de grandes emociones para Carin León tras haberse presentado en Coachella Fest y al haber ganado este jueves en Las Vegas el galardón a Mejor Artista-Regional Mexicano en los Latin America Music Awards , donde además estrenó su nuevo éxito “Cuando La Vida Sea Trago” por primera vez en televisión. “Larga vida a nuestro regional mexicano”, dijo León al recibir su merecido premio.

No contento con eso, el de Hermosillo, Sonora, ahora se prepara para pararse este lunes frente a los medios de Los Ángeles donde estará anunciando su nueva gira musical “Boca Chueca Tour 2024” que recorrerá las más importantes plazas de los Estados Unidos, incluido el estadio BMO de esta ciudad, escenario donde anteriormente se ha presentado con éxitos artistas de la talla de Marco Antonio Solís, Fuerza Regida y RBD.

Pero antes del evento de anuncio, Carin ha hecho historia al convertirse en el primer cantante que logra participar con un acto en español en el Stagecoach. Mikael Wood, de Los Angeles Times, calificó en su artículo a León como el cantante del “sombrero de cowboy más elegante”. “El arraigado pero pulido cantante y compositor mexicano fue el primer acto en español en tocar un set completo en Stagecoach, una señal tanto de su popularidad como de la música regional mexicana que también lo llevó a él (y al mexicano Peso Pluma) a Coachella este mes”, describió Wood en su reseña a “Lo mejor, lo peor y lo más raro de Stagecoach”.

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Feid y Karol G se convierten en los máximos ganadores de los Latin AMAs 2024

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En este debut en el escenario de Stagecoach, Carin León no fue el único representante latino en el festival. El cantante de regional tuvo un gesto significativo que resalta el compromiso con la inclusión y la diversidad en la industria musical al invitar a su colega Ana Bárbara, quien recientemente anunció su esperada gira “Reina Grupera Tour 2024” con el que celebra sus tres décadas de carrera musical.

La de San Luis Potosí, hizo una participación especial en el escenario para cantar junto a Carin León la aclamada canción “Lo Busqué”, un himno que fue compuesto por la misma Ana Bárbara que resuena profundamente en los corazones de los aficionados al género y que representa la riqueza cultural de la música mexicana.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ana Bárbara (@anabarbaramusic)

Esta no fue la primera vez que la pareja se reunió para cantar este tema. Ellos ya lo habían hecho en el escenario de Premio Lo Nuestro hace unas semanas y ahora decidieron reencontrarse en este festival donde la interpretación se convirtió uno de los momentos más destacados del Stagecoach porque puso en manifiesto el talento y la diversidad cultural y la importancia de derribar fronteras y unir a las personas a través del poder transformador de la música sin importar el idioma.

La presencia de Ana Bárbara en este evento emblemático no solo logró reforzar su posición como una figura importante en la escena musical latina, sino que también destacó su compromiso al representar a todas las mujeres en la promoción de la inclusión del regional mexicano en la industria musical a nivel global.

El Stagecoach es un festival de música country que se realiza cada año en Indio, CA y en esta edición del fin de semana ha contado con la participación de figuras como Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, Morgan Wallen, Post Malone, Jelly Roll, Lana Del Rey, Elle King, Hailey Whitters, entre otros. El Stagecoach Fest continúa este domingo con más presentaciones.

Christian Chávez, Kali Uchis, Banda MS, Eslabón Armado y Carin León tras recibir el Latin AMAs 2024

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Nació en Lima, Perú, y creció en Venezuela, Tommy Calle realizó sus estudios de Comunicación Social en la Universidad Central de Venezuela. Actualmente es Editor de entretenimiento de LA Times en español. Antes fue editor de espectáculos de Hoy Los Ángeles, editor del semanario El Especialito de Nueva York y en sus inicios fue redactor y productor en las estaciones Venevision y Venezolana de Televisión.

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