Austria Travel Guide
Austria can be explored comfortably in ten days by train, combining Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck, with additional time needed for lakes, wine regions or mountain villages.
Austria is compact enough for a multi-city trip, yet its geography changes considerably from east to west. Vienna lies close to Slovakia and Hungary, surrounded by vineyards and the Danube. Salzburg sits between lakes and mountains. Farther west, Tyrol and Vorarlberg are defined by Alpine valleys, ski areas and high passes.
The railway line between Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck creates one of Europe’s most straightforward city itineraries. A car becomes useful when the trip moves into the Salzkammergut, rural Styria, Carinthian lakes or smaller Alpine communities.
Austria has nine federal states, each with its own landscape and food traditions. Viennese coffeehouses belong to a different culture from Tyrolean mountain huts, while the wine regions of Burgenland and Lower Austria have little in common with the high valleys of the west.
This page explains how those regions fit together, how to plan a first itinerary, when driving adds value and what to eat beyond the dishes most closely associated with Vienna.
Regions
Austria consists of nine federal states: Vienna, Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Burgenland, Styria, Carinthia, Salzburg, Tyrol and Vorarlberg.
| Federal state | Main destinations | Best for | Suggested time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vienna | Vienna | Museums, imperial history, coffeehouses and wine | 4 days |
| Lower Austria | Wachau, Melk, Krems, Baden | Danube, abbeys, vineyards and cycling | 2 to 4 days |
| Burgenland | Lake Neusiedl, Eisenstadt, Rust | Wine, cycling, birdlife and open landscapes | 2 to 4 days |
| Upper Austria | Linz, Hallstatt, Bad Ischl | Lakes, industrial culture and Salzkammergut | 3 to 5 days |
| Salzburg | Salzburg, Zell am See, Salzburg lakes | Baroque architecture, music, beer and mountains | 3 to 6 days |
| Styria | Graz, South Styrian wine country | Food, wine, forests and thermal spas | 3 to 5 days |
| Carinthia | Klagenfurt, Wörthersee, Villach | Lakes, swimming and southern Alpine landscapes | 4 to 7 days |
| Tyrol | Innsbruck, Ötztal, Kitzbühel | Hiking, skiing and mountain villages | 4 to 7 days |
| Vorarlberg | Bregenz, Lech, Bregenzerwald | Architecture, mountain cheese and quieter Alps | 3 to 6 days |
Vienna
Vienna needs three full days and deserves four if museums, imperial history or food are central to the trip.
The historic centre contains St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg and several major museums. Schönbrunn Palace lies outside the centre and requires half a day once travel, the palace and gardens are included.
Vienna’s scale becomes clearer when you move beyond the Ringstrasse. The city has residential neighbourhoods, markets, modern architecture, vineyards and long stretches of the Danube that rarely fit into a hurried weekend.
Coffeehouses should be treated as part of the city’s social history rather than a sequence of cake stops. A traditional coffeehouse is somewhere to read, talk and remain at the table. Service follows that slower rhythm.
Our detailed Vienna travel guide covers the main sights, public transport, coffeehouses, traditional restaurants and the question of where to try Sachertorte.
Lower Austria
Lower Austria surrounds Vienna and extends along the Danube. It is the most convenient region to add to a capital-city stay.
The Wachau Valley between Melk and Krems is known for vineyards, apricots, river landscapes and small historic towns. Trains and boats make some routes possible without a car, while cycling works well for travellers who want to move slowly between villages.
Melk Abbey is one of the region’s principal landmarks. Krems can function as a base for the eastern part of the valley, especially if wine is an important part of the trip.
The Vienna Woods and wine towns around the capital provide easier excursions. Baden is accessible by public transport, while more rural vineyards require additional planning.
Burgenland
Burgenland runs along Austria’s eastern border with Hungary. Its landscape is flatter, drier and more open than the Alpine west.
Lake Neusiedl is central to the region. The lake, reed beds and surrounding villages are used for cycling, sailing, birdwatching and wine travel. Rust is one of the best-known wine towns, while Eisenstadt is associated with the Esterházy family and Joseph Haydn.
Burgenland works best in spring, summer and early autumn. Many activities are tied to the lake, vineyards and outdoor season.
The region is important for red wine and sweet wine, with Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt and wines affected by noble rot among the names visitors will encounter.
Upper Austria and the Salzkammergut
Upper Austria includes Linz and part of the Salzkammergut lake district. The Salzkammergut also extends into Salzburg and Styria, so regional borders matter less than transport when planning this area.
Linz has an industrial identity, contemporary arts institutions and a Danube setting. It provides a useful stop between Vienna and Salzburg for travellers interested in modern Austria.
Hallstatt is the region’s most visited village. Its lakeside position is genuinely striking, but the small centre receives intense day-trip traffic. Staying overnight or visiting early gives you a calmer experience.
Bad Ischl has imperial history and works as a base for several lakes and towns. Public transport connects the main destinations, although a car gives you more control over timing.
Avoid attempting several lakes and villages in one day. Mountain roads, parking and short boat journeys consume more time than expected.
Salzburg
Salzburg is compact enough to explore on foot, yet three days are justified once the fortress, museums, food, beer culture and surrounding landscape are included.
The historic centre lies on both sides of the Salzach River. Mozart’s birthplace, Mirabell Gardens, Hohensalzburg Fortress and the lanes around Getreidegasse make up the principal first-day route.
The city’s relationship with music extends beyond Mozart and The Sound of Music. Concerts, religious music and festivals form part of Salzburg’s cultural calendar, with prices and accommodation demand rising during major events.
Beer is equally important. Salzburg has longstanding breweries, beer halls and a culture that connects brewing with regional food.
Our three-day Salzburg itinerary combines the historic centre with breweries, nature and the dishes associated with the city.
Styria
Styria is often called Austria’s green heart, though its food and wine provide a more useful reason to build a trip around the region.
Graz has a preserved historic centre, contemporary architecture, farmers’ markets and one of the country’s strongest regional food cultures. Two full days allow enough time for the old town, Schlossberg and the city’s markets.
South of Graz, the Styrian wine roads cross vineyard hills close to the Slovenian border. A car or driver is useful because wineries, guesthouses and restaurants are dispersed.
Pumpkin seed oil is central to Styrian cooking. It appears on salads, soups, cheese, eggs and desserts, and should be treated as a regional ingredient rather than a souvenir alone.
Northern Styria moves into mountains, forests and spa areas. Combining northern and southern Styria requires more time than the map suggests.
Carinthia
Carinthia lies in southern Austria, close to Slovenia and Italy. It is known for warm lakes, mountain scenery and a slightly more southern rhythm than the better-known ski regions.
Wörthersee is the largest tourism centre, with Klagenfurt and several lakeside towns providing accommodation. Other lakes, including Millstätter See and Weissensee, can feel quieter.
Summer is the main season for swimming, cycling and hiking. Winter shifts attention towards smaller ski areas and mountain stays.
Carinthia is best approached as a regional holiday rather than a short stop between Salzburg and Italy. Four to seven days allow time for one or two lakes and nearby mountains.
Tyrol
Tyrol contains some of Austria’s most recognisable Alpine landscapes. Innsbruck is the main gateway and can be reached directly by train from Salzburg, Vienna, Munich and northern Italy.
Innsbruck combines a compact historic centre with immediate mountain access. Two days cover the city and one nearby mountain area. Longer stays allow excursions into the surrounding valleys.
The Nordkette cable car rises directly from the city, making Innsbruck one of the easiest places to combine urban sightseeing with high-altitude views. Weather can change quickly, so keep the mountain day flexible.
Beyond Innsbruck, Tyrol is organised through valleys. Ötztal, Zillertal, Stubaital and the Kitzbühel Alps each have their own transport, accommodation and lift networks. Choose one valley rather than moving between several every day.
Vorarlberg
Vorarlberg is Austria’s westernmost state, bordering Germany, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. It is culturally and linguistically distinct from eastern Austria.
Bregenz sits on Lake Constance and is known for its summer festival, including performances on the floating stage. The Bregenzerwald is associated with timber architecture, farming and mountain cheese.
The Arlberg area includes some of Austria’s best-known ski destinations, including Lech and Zürs. Winter prices reflect that reputation.
Vorarlberg can be combined with eastern Switzerland, Liechtenstein or southern Germany more naturally than with Vienna. Reaching it from the capital takes most of a day even by train.
Planning your trip
Use trains for Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Graz and Linz, then add a rental car only for rural wine areas, lakes and mountain valleys.
Austria’s public transport makes a car-free itinerary realistic. The national railway, ÖBB, connects the main cities and many regional destinations, while buses complete journeys into valleys and villages.
Entry requirements
Austria is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area. Entry requirements depend on nationality, passport and the country through which you enter Schengen.
Travellers from other Schengen countries usually cross without routine border checks, though temporary controls remain possible. Visitors from outside the area should check current passport and visa requirements through official Austrian or European sources.
Travelling by train
The main east-to-west railway corridor connects Vienna, Linz, Salzburg and Innsbruck. Continuing west reaches the Arlberg and Vorarlberg.
Vienna to Salzburg takes around two and a half hours on a direct fast train. Salzburg to Innsbruck takes around two hours, depending on the service.
ÖBB sells standard and discounted Sparschiene tickets. Sparschiene fares are tied to a specific train and have limited flexibility, so they work best when the itinerary is fixed. They can be released months in advance through the official ÖBB website.
A seat reservation may be separate from the train ticket. Reserve one during busy summer weekends, Christmas-market season and major events.
Regional transport cards sometimes include local buses, trains or cable cars. Check what your accommodation provides before buying separate passes.
Choosing bases
Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck form the clearest first itinerary. Each provides a very different experience and can be connected without a car.
For the Salzkammergut, choose one base such as Bad Ischl rather than changing hotels between lakes. In Tyrol, select one valley according to the hikes, ski area or transport you need.
Rural accommodation may be described by the nearest famous town even when it is many kilometres away. Check the precise location and evening transport before booking.
Mountain planning
Cable cars, mountain huts and scenic roads operate seasonally. Summer hiking infrastructure does not automatically open as soon as snow disappears in the valleys.
Some lifts close for maintenance between the ski and summer seasons. Others stop operating for several weeks during autumn. Check each mountain’s current calendar rather than relying on general regional dates.
Weather changes quickly at altitude. Keep one flexible day for major mountain activities and carry appropriate layers even during summer.
Practical details
Austria uses the euro and Type F electrical plugs.
Cards are widely accepted in cities and hotels, but cash remains useful in smaller restaurants, traditional inns, mountain huts and rural businesses.
German is the official language. English is commonly spoken in tourism, though menus and local transport information may use German terms.
Tap water is safe to drink throughout Austria and is particularly good in many Alpine areas. Restaurants may charge for bottled water unless tap water is requested specifically.
Shops generally close on Sundays, with limited exceptions at airports, major railway stations and tourist areas. Plan supermarket purchases before travelling into rural regions.
Best itinerary
The strongest ten-day first itinerary connects Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck by train, using each city as a base for its surrounding region.
| Days | Base | Plan |
|---|---|---|
| 1–4 | Vienna | Imperial history, museums, neighbourhoods, coffeehouses and a wine or Danube excursion |
| 5–7 | Salzburg | Historic centre, fortress, breweries and one day in the surrounding landscape |
| 8–10 | Innsbruck | Old town, Nordkette and one Tyrolean valley or mountain excursion |
Days 1 to 4: Vienna
Dedicate the first two days to the historic centre, Hofburg area and principal museums. Use another day for Schönbrunn Palace and the western districts.
The fourth day can be spent in the Vienna Woods, a wine village or the Wachau Valley. Choose one excursion according to the season rather than trying to combine several.
Days 5 to 7: Salzburg
Take a morning train from Vienna and spend the afternoon walking through Salzburg’s historic centre.
Use the second day for the fortress, museums and breweries. Keep the third for a lake, mountain walk or countryside excursion.
Salzburg’s surrounding landscape is an essential part of the stay, so three nights provide a better balance than a rapid one-day visit between Vienna and Innsbruck.
Days 8 to 10: Innsbruck
Continue west by train to Innsbruck. Spend the first afternoon in the old town, then use a clear-weather day for the Nordkette.
The remaining day can be used for a nearby valley, another mountain area or more time within Innsbruck.
Fly home from Innsbruck or continue to Munich if flight connections are better. Returning to Vienna takes several hours and should be included as a dedicated travel stage.
A seven-day Austria itinerary
With one week, divide the trip between Vienna and Salzburg. Spend four nights in Vienna and three in Salzburg.
Adding Innsbruck creates too much movement unless mountain time is more important than Vienna. In that case, spend three nights in Vienna, two in Salzburg and two in Innsbruck.
A two-week Austria itinerary
With fourteen days, add Graz and the Styrian wine country or spend several nights in the Salzkammergut.
A slower Alpine alternative combines Salzburg, the lakes and Tyrol, leaving Vienna for another trip.
Driving in Austria
Driving is useful in wine regions, lake districts and Alpine valleys, while trains remain easier for the main cities.
Austria drives on the right. Roads are generally well maintained, but mountain routes require care because of steep gradients, tunnels, weather and cyclists.
Cars using Austrian motorways and expressways require a vignette. Rental vehicles collected in Austria should normally have one, but confirm this before entering the motorway.
Vehicles entering from another country need the appropriate vignette. One-day, ten-day and longer options can be purchased through the official ASFINAG system.
Certain tunnels and mountain motorway sections charge an additional toll beyond the vignette. Check the planned route before departure.
Winter equipment rules apply during cold-weather conditions. Rental cars should be appropriately equipped, though you remain responsible for verifying the vehicle.
Avoid driving in central Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck. Public transport is efficient, while parking restrictions and hotel parking charges create unnecessary expense.
Mountain passes can close because of snow, maintenance or weather. Navigation apps may propose unsuitable minor roads when a pass is unavailable, so verify winter and high-altitude routes through official traffic information.
When to visit
May to June and September are the most flexible periods for combining Austrian cities, lakes and lower-altitude walking.
| Period | Best for | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| March to April | City breaks and late skiing | Unstable weather and seasonal closures |
| May to June | Cities, lakes, cycling and lower trails | Some high routes and huts may remain closed |
| July to August | Hiking, swimming, festivals and mountains | High prices and busy lake or Alpine resorts |
| September to October | Food, wine, cities and autumn walking | Mountain lifts begin reducing services |
| November to December | Christmas markets and early winter trips | Short days and limited rural activities |
| January to February | Skiing, snow and city museums | Peak ski prices and winter driving conditions |
Vienna, Salzburg and Graz can be visited throughout the year. The best period depends on whether museums, outdoor dining, Christmas markets or festivals are the priority.
Summer is the principal hiking and lake season. Carinthian lakes, the Salzkammergut and famous mountain areas become busy during school holidays.
September is particularly good for wine regions, food and lower-elevation hiking. Days are shorter than in June in June, but temperatures are often comfortable.
December brings Christmas markets to cities and towns across Austria. Vienna and Salzburg become crowded, and accommodation should be booked well in advance.
January to March is the main ski period. Snow conditions differ by altitude and can vary significantly from year to year.
How many days
Ten days is enough for Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck; two weeks allows time for a rural or Alpine region between the cities.
| Trip length | What works |
|---|---|
| 3–4 days | Vienna or Salzburg city break |
| 7 days | Vienna and Salzburg |
| 10 days | Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck |
| 14 days | Three cities plus lakes, wine country or an Alpine valley |
| 21 days | Several federal states at a slower pace |
Vienna needs three or four full days. Salzburg deserves three days when the surrounding landscape is included. Innsbruck needs two or three days.
The Salzkammergut, Carinthia and Tyrol can each fill a week. Travellers focused on hiking or skiing should spend more nights in fewer locations.
Budget
A mid-range Austria trip generally costs €180 to €300 per person per day when two people share accommodation.
| Travel style | Approximate daily budget per person | What it generally covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | €110–€160 | Hostel or basic shared room, supermarket food, public transport and selected attractions |
| Mid-range | €180–€300 | Shared hotel, train travel, restaurants and admission tickets |
| Comfortable | €350+ | Central accommodation, flexible transport and higher-end dining |
Vienna, Salzburg and major ski resorts are usually the most expensive destinations. Prices increase during Christmas markets, festivals and peak ski weeks.
Booking long-distance trains early can reduce transport costs. City transport passes are valuable only when the included journeys match your itinerary.
Cable cars can be a major expense during an Alpine trip. Regional guest cards may include or discount lifts, buses and attractions.
Mountain huts range from simple self-service stops to full restaurants. Prices reflect the difficulty of transporting ingredients and supplies to altitude.
Restaurant bills generally include tax. Tipping around 5 to 10 percent is common when service is good, usually by stating the total amount you want to pay rather than leaving money silently on the table.
Food
Austrian food changes considerably between Vienna, the eastern wine regions, Styria and the Alpine west.
The national dishes known abroad provide only the starting point. Austria’s cooking reflects the former Habsburg lands, Alpine farming, the Danube, neighbouring Italy and Hungary, and ingredients specific to each federal state.
| Region | Foods and traditions |
|---|---|
| Vienna | Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz, goulash, sausages, Sachertorte and coffeehouses |
| Lower Austria | Wachau apricots, dumplings, wine, game and river fish |
| Burgenland | Goose, freshwater fish, paprika dishes and red or sweet wines |
| Upper Austria | Knödel, Linzer Torte, cider and roast pork |
| Salzburg | Salzburger Nockerl, beer, Bosna sausages and Mozartkugel |
| Styria | Pumpkin seed oil, Backhendl, apples, horseradish and wine |
| Carinthia | Kärntner Kasnudeln, lake fish and Reindling |
| Tyrol | Tiroler Gröstl, Speckknödel, Schlutzkrapfen and mountain cheese |
| Vorarlberg | Käsknöpfle, Bergkäse and dairy-based Alpine cooking |
Eating in Vienna
Wiener Schnitzel is traditionally made from veal, breaded and fried until crisp. Versions made from pork should be identified differently on the menu.
Tafelspitz is boiled beef served with broth, vegetables, horseradish and sauces. It is a better example of Vienna’s imperial cooking than relying entirely on schnitzel.
Vienna also has a distinctive sausage-stand culture. Würstelstände serve several sausages with mustard, bread, pickles or grated horseradish.
Traditional wine taverns, known as Heurigen, are found in the vineyard districts around the edge of Vienna. They serve young local wine with cold dishes and simple hot food.
Coffeehouses and cakes
Viennese coffee has its own vocabulary. A Melange is similar to a cappuccino, while an Einspänner is served with whipped cream. Ordering simply “a coffee” may lead to a question about the preparation you want.
Sachertorte is closely associated with Vienna, but opinions about the best version are personal. Compare the famous hotel cafés with independent pastry shops rather than treating one address as the only valid experience.
Apfelstrudel, Topfenstrudel, Esterházy torte and seasonal fruit cakes also belong in the coffeehouse tradition.
Eating in Salzburg
Salzburg’s food reflects its position between Bavaria and the Austrian Alps. Beer, sausages, dumplings and substantial meat dishes are common.
Salzburger Nockerl is a warm soufflé-like dessert formed into peaks. It is normally prepared for more than one person and should be ordered with enough time for the kitchen to make it.
Mozartkugel combine marzipan, pistachio and nougat inside a chocolate coating. Handmade and mass-produced versions differ considerably.
Eating in the regions
Styria is one of Austria’s most interesting food regions. Pumpkin seed oil, apples, horseradish, wine and fried chicken appear across both simple inns and ambitious restaurants.
Carinthian Kasnudeln are filled pasta parcels commonly made with potato, curd cheese and herbs. Tyrol has dumplings, cured pork, cheese and dishes designed for mountain work and cold weather.
In rural areas, look for a Gasthaus or Wirtshaus serving regional food. Lunch menus can provide better value than dinner, while mountain huts may stop serving hot dishes earlier than expected.
Austria’s food makes the most sense when the meal follows the region: wine and apricots along the Danube, beer and Nockerl in Salzburg, pumpkin seed oil in Styria, lake fish in Carinthia and cheese-based dishes in the western Alps.
