Austria is known to be a little paradise on the earth. It is a country for culture, hiking, music, skiing, landscape, eating and much more, therefore an incredible country to explore, I have listed my top picks. Have a look at our suggested Austria Itinerary for the First Time Visitors!
Itinerary
On the basis of the total number of days, mode of transport and geographical proximity, the following is our recommended “Austria Itinerary”:
3 days: Vienna (include- Wachau Valley Cruise)
5 Days: Vienna + Salzburg
7 Days: Vienna + Salzburg + (Take a day trip [excursion] to Bratislava or another place) + Hallstatt
10 Days: Vienna + Salzburg + Hallstatt + Innsbruck and Bavarian Alps (Day trip).
Driving Route
10 Days In Austria
Day 1– Fly into Vienna (Starting point)
Day 2 & 3– Explore Vienna
Day 4 – Visit Hallstatt + Explore Salzkammergut Region. Read “Hallstatt- Top things to do and see”
Day 5 to 7 – Explore Salzburg + Day trip to Bratislava. Read “Must Visit Places in Salzburg”
Day 8 & 9 – Explore Innsbruck & Visit to Bavarian Alps
Day 10 – Transfer to Vienna.
Mode of Transport in Austria
By Car
→ Pick up your Car at the time of leaving Vienna. You do not need the car for your sightseeings within Vienna. For sightseeings, use Hop-on Hop-off Buses.
→ Leave from Vienna, stop at Melk Abbey (Danube Valley), drive to Hallstatt.
→ Depart from Hallstatt and drive to Salzburg. Along the way, stop at Bad Ischi, de-tour Mondsee lake Or Drive through Berchtesgaden route.
→ From Salzburg drive to Innsbruck. You can drive via Zell am see.
→ Lastly drive from Innsbruck to Vienna and drop off your car.
By Train
→ The main operator of train services in Austria is OBB, a state owned company. Few private lines are not owned by OBB (mainly for the corridor between Vienna and Salzburg), and that is operated by Westbahn.
→ The train from Vienna takes about 4 Hours. There are 2 possible routes from 2 different train stations. You can take Austrian OBB Train. Nonetheless, you will still have to take ferry across the lake from Hallstatt station. Read more on Train information.
→ Train from Hallstatt to Salzburg takes about 3 Hours. Read more about this.
→ Trip by train from Salzburg to Innsbruck takes about 3 to 4 Hours. Read more about it on OBB train info.
→ The train from Innsbruck to Vienna takes about 7 to 8 Hours. Read more about it.
Best Time To Go
For Warm Weather
April to October. These months have longer days and high tourist season.
For Winter & Fall
November To March/April.
This is a shoulder season therefore comparatively less expensive, the weather can be little wet, snowy, and very cold. For instance, few accommodations and sights are closed. Nevertheless during winters, snow turns Austrian towns and landscapes into a magical fairy tale. December offers the chance to witness beautiful Christmas markets.
Travel Tips
→ Currency – Euro.
→ Language – German.
→ No mandatory vaccination required.
→ There are lot of restaurants in Vienna and Salzburg that accepts only Cash and no card. Remember to carry enough Cash (Euros) when you go out for your meals.
→ Tap water is drinkable. Water is chargeable in all restaurants and cafes.
→ Tipping (about 5% to 10%) is more or less compulsory in Austria.
→ Visit atleast 1 Viennese Café to enjoy local food and culture. Try Viennese Apfelstrudle (Apple Strudel) with tea or coffee and Sachertorte (chocolate cake). The most typical street food that is sold is called “wurstels” (Viennese Sausages). Also Read “Top 10 Restaurants in Vienna” .
Do you have more time to spare?
Depending upon your time and interest, you can add more days in Vienna (for museums, palaces, cafes, vineyards, day trips), Salzburg (sound of music, palaces, day trips to Bavarian Alps, Berchtesgaden town).
I would recommend you to extend your journey beyond 1 destination. Try combining your Austria journey with Italy or Budapest or Prague or Germany.
Looking for a personalised itinerary? Let us connect and allow us to make an Itinerary for you. 🙂
