Europe · country guide
Austria travel guide
3 cities, suggested multi-city routes, transport tips — plus a full planner for every destination.
Photo by Hasmik Ghazaryan Olson on Unsplash
Austria offers a journey through imperial history and alpine beauty. Its charming villages and grand cities are nestled within breathtaking mountain landscapes, making it a prime destination for culture enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.
Each city below links to a full planner: a day-by-day itinerary you can tailor to your dates and pace, a realistic budget breakdown, a packing list, day-trip ideas, a local food guide, and the best months to visit. If you're combining several Austria cities into one trip, the suggested routes group them by region and travel time so you spend less of the trip in transit — and each destination page carries its own accessibility, transport, and neighbourhood detail rather than recycled boilerplate.
Cities in Austria
3 destinations covered. Tap any to get a full itinerary, packing list, budget, and more.
Key regions
Salzkammergut (Lake District)
This picturesque region is renowned for its pristine lakes, charming villages, and dramatic mountain scenery. It's an ideal base for exploring natural beauty and traditional Austrian life.
Alpine Austria
Home to the majestic Alps, this region offers stunning vistas, world-class skiing in winter, and incredible hiking opportunities in summer. It's the heart of Austria's outdoor adventure scene.
Vienna & Eastern Austria
The imperial capital, Vienna, anchors this region with its rich cultural heritage, palaces, and vibrant arts scene. Surrounding areas offer vineyards and historical towns.
Suggested Austria routes
Imperial Capitals & Alpine Charm
10 days
Vienna → Salzburg → Hallstatt
Begin in the grand imperial capital of Vienna, soaking in its palaces and musical heritage. Then, travel west to Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and a city of Baroque splendor. Conclude with a serene escape to the fairytale village of Hallstatt in the Salzkammergut.
Salzburg, Lakes & Mountains
7 days
Salzburg → Hallstatt
Focus on the beauty of Western Austria, starting in the historic city of Salzburg. Dedicate ample time to exploring the stunning Salzkammergut lake district, with Hallstatt as a central point for day trips and relaxation.
Getting around
Austria boasts an excellent and efficient rail network, primarily operated by ÖBB, connecting major cities and many smaller towns. Renting a car offers flexibility for exploring remote alpine villages but can be cumbersome in cities due to parking and traffic. Domestic flights are minimal due to the efficient train system, and for Schengen Area residents, border crossings are seamless.
Insider tips
- •Book train tickets in advance, especially for longer journeys or specific seat reservations, to secure the best prices with ÖBB.
- •While credit cards are widely accepted in cities, carry some cash (Euros) for smaller villages, markets, and some mountain huts.
- •Consider purchasing an ÖBB 'SparSchiene' ticket for significant savings on long-distance travel if booked well in advance.
- •Many smaller guesthouses and rural inns may have limited English-speaking staff; learning a few basic German phrases can be very helpful.
- •Tipping is customary but not mandatory; rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for good service in restaurants is standard.
- •The 'Wiener Linien' public transport system in Vienna is excellent; consider a multi-day pass for easy access to attractions.