Austria Road Trip: Vienna, Hallstatt, Salzburg + Map 🚗
If Austria’s been on your travel list, you’re in for something special. This country feels like a greatest hits album of everything Europe does well. You’ve got grand imperial cities, lakes so clear they reflect the mountains like glass, and winding alpine roads that will have you pulling over every few minutes just to take it all in. This 10-day Austria road trip will take you from the elegance of Vienna to the storybook charm of Hallstatt, the music-filled streets of Salzburg, and the alpine energy of Innsbruck. Along the way, you can wander through wine country, swim in crystal-clear lakes, and even nip across the border to stand on Germany’s highest peak. Bring your camera, a big appetite for schnitzel, and a playlist you love, because Austria is about to sweep you off your feet. I love this place! 🇦🇹
Austria Road Trip 🇦🇹
🚗 Quick Trip Facts
📍 Total Distance: ~650 miles / 1,050 km
⏰ Recommended Time: 8–10 days
🏁 Start/End Point: Vienna / Innsbruck (or loop back to Vienna)
⛅️ Best Time to Go: Late May–early October for sunny lakes, open alpine roads, and mild weather.
🗺️ The Day-by-Day Itinerary
📍 Day 1–2: Vienna (2 nights)
Drive time to next stop: ~1 hr 15 mins
Austria’s capital is all elegance and old-world charm, sprinkled with buzzing coffee houses and baroque showstoppers. Two days here gives you time to soak up its palaces, museums, and music scene.
Things to do:
- Wander through Schönbrunn Palace and gardens — it’s basically Austria’s Versailles.
- Sip coffee and demolish a slice of Sachertorte at a historic café like Café Central.
📍 Day 3: Wachau Valley (1 night)
Drive time from Vienna: ~1 hr 15 mins
This dreamy stretch along the Danube is wine country meets medieval magic. Rolling vineyards, castle ruins, and pastel riverside towns make it a perfect slow day before heading into the mountains.
Things to do:
- Explore Dürnstein, a picture-perfect village with castle ruins and stunning views.
- Take a leisurely Danube river cruise or sample local Grüner Veltliner wine.
📍 Day 4–5: Hallstatt (2 nights)
Drive time from Wachau: ~3 hrs
The ultimate Alpine postcard. Hallstatt clings to the lakeside with dramatic peaks behind it — the kind of place you’ll pinch yourself to believe is real. Staying overnight lets you enjoy it without the day-trip crowds.
Things to do:
- Stroll the cobbled streets and soak in those UNESCO World Heritage vibes.
- Take the funicular up to the Skywalk for jaw-dropping views over the lake.
📍 Day 6: Wolfgangsee (Optional Stop) (1 night)
Drive time from Hallstatt: ~1 hr
A sparkling lake ringed by mountains, perfect for swimming, paddling, or just lazing on the shore. If you’re more pressed for time, you can skip this and go straight to Salzburg.
Things to do:
- Take the Schafberg Railway up for panoramic lake and mountain views.
- Rent a boat or SUP and explore the lake’s crystal waters.
📍 Day 7–8: Salzburg (2 nights)
Drive time from Wolfgangsee: ~45 mins
Mozart’s birthplace and the backdrop to The Sound of Music, Salzburg is all about ornate baroque streets, fortress views, and a lively old town.
Things to do:
- Visit Hohensalzburg Fortress for history and panoramic city views.
- Stroll through Mirabell Gardens and hum a little “Do-Re-Mi” if you must.
📍 Day 9: Innsbruck (1 night)
Drive time from Salzburg: ~2 hrs 15 mins
Tucked into the Alps, Innsbruck is a mix of medieval charm and ski-town vibes. The colourful old town and mountain backdrop are unreal.
Things to do:
- Take the Nordkette Cable Car from city centre to mountain peak in under 30 mins.
- Wander the old town and check out the Golden Roof.
📍 Day 10: Zugspitze (Optional Day Trip)
Drive time from Innsbruck: ~1 hr to cable car station
Germany’s highest mountain sits right on the border — and yes, you can nip over for the day. On a clear day, you’ll see into four countries from the top.
Things to do:
- Ride the Zugspitze Cable Car for insane 360° views.
- Explore the glacier plateau — even in summer, there’s snow!
🚗 Total Distance: ~650 miles / 1,050 km
🕰️ Recommended Time: 10 days (or 8 if you skip optional stops).
📸 Perfect For: City lovers, mountain wanderers, lake swimmers, culture buffs, and anyone who wants Austria’s greatest hits without rushing.
Access to the map
No sign up required and totally FREE. Literally just using Google Maps to plot your route! Saves you messing! We don't gatekeep here! Enjoy.
Map will be located under "YOU" and then under "MAPS".
ℹ️ Add the map to your Google Maps app.
After opening Google maps, click YOU and then scroll down to MAPS. It should be located there. Any issues, just get it touch, it’s no problem!
📍 Destination Highlights & Quick Tips
Vienna
Austria’s grand capital is the kind of place where imperial palaces rub shoulders with quirky coffee houses, and classical music floats through the streets. You can spend hours just wandering, whether you’re gawping at ornate architecture, browsing art galleries, or stopping for yet another coffee-and-cake break (no judgement here). Vienna has that rare mix of elegance and laid-back charm, you’ll feel just as comfortable in a palace as you will in a cosy café.
🗺️ Things To Do:
- Tour Schönbrunn Palace and its huge gardens.
- Visit the Belvedere Museum for art and history.
- Stroll along the Ringstrasse for stunning architecture.
- Relax in a traditional coffee house like Café Central.
💡 My Top Tip: If you’re a museum fan, grab the Vienna Pass — it covers loads of attractions and will save you money if you’re cramming in the sights.
Vienna Google Maps Legends
Get lifetime access to our endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. You simply open the Google Map on your device and all our pins are at the touch of your fingertips.
Hallstatt
If there’s a place that looks like it was designed for a puzzle box cover, Hallstatt is it. With pastel houses reflected in a glassy lake, dramatic mountains in the background, and tiny cobbled lanes, it’s absurdly photogenic. It can get crowded during the day, but that’s why staying overnight is such a treat, evenings and early mornings are pure magic here.
🗺️ Things To Do:
- Ride the funicular up to the Skywalk for panoramic views.
- Visit the Salt Mine for history and underground adventures.
- Wander the lakeside paths for postcard-perfect views.
- Explore the charming market square and little shops.
💡 My Top Tip: Visit the viewing platform early in the morning for the soft light and minimal crowds — it’s easily one of the best spots for photos.
Recommended Tours and Tickets From Get Your Guide
Salzburg
This city is like a living soundtrack, part baroque beauty, part musical heritage. The old town is packed with elegant squares, ornate churches, and cosy beer gardens, all under the watchful eye of the fortress above. Salzburg also has a playful side thanks to its Sound of Music fame, so don’t be surprised if you catch yourself skipping through Mirabell Gardens humming “Do-Re-Mi.”
🗺️ Things To Do:
- Take the funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress for epic views.
- Visit Mozart’s Birthplace and soak up some music history.
- Stroll Getreidegasse for charming shops and cafés.
- Wander Mirabell Gardens for Sound of Music nostalgia.
💡 My Top Tip: If you love music, time your visit with one of the city’s classical concerts — they’re often held in historic venues and feel incredibly atmospheric.
Innsbruck
Innsbruck is where the Alps meet city life, quite literally. The colourful old town is framed by snow-capped peaks, and you can go from sipping coffee in the main square to standing on a mountain top in under half an hour. Whether you’re here for hiking, skiing, or just soaking up the alpine atmosphere, Innsbruck delivers year-round charm.
🗺️ Things To Do:
- Ride the Nordkette Cable Car straight from the city to the mountains.
- Wander the medieval old town and see the Golden Roof.
- Visit Ambras Castle for art and history.
- Enjoy coffee with a mountain view at one of the riverside cafés.
💡 My Top Tip: Take the cable car up in late afternoon — you’ll catch golden hour over the Alps, and it’s pure magic.
🗺️ Recommended Read: Innsbruck: A City Break Guide to the Heart of the Alps
Access to the map
No sign up required and totally FREE. Literally just using Google Maps to plot your route! Saves you messing! We don't gatekeep here! Enjoy.
🛑 Pit Stops & Side Detours
- Melk Abbey – Baroque beauty overlooking the Danube.
- Gosausee – A serene lake with Dachstein glacier views.
- St. Gilgen – Lakeside charm near Wolfgangsee.
- Krimml Waterfalls – Austria’s highest falls, worth the detour.
- Seefeld in Tirol – A postcard-perfect alpine village near Innsbruck.
🍽️ Local Eats Worth Chasing
- Wiener Schnitzel – Crispy perfection, best with potato salad.
- Sachertorte 🍫 – Dense, chocolatey, and unapologetically rich.
- Käsespätzle 🧀 – Austria’s answer to mac ‘n’ cheese.
- Apfelstrudel 🍏 – Warm, flaky, and begging for vanilla sauce.
- Brettljause – Alpine-style meat and cheese board.
🎒 Road Trip Essentials Checklist
✅ International driving permit (if required).
🔋 Phone charger & European adapter.
📲 Offline maps & translation app.
🥤 Plenty of water & a stash of Manner wafers.
🧥 Layers — mountain weather flips fast.
👟 Comfy walking shoes for cobblestones & trails.
🛂 Entry Requirements
EU/EEA travellers: No visa needed, just bring your passport or national ID.
UK, US, Canadian, Australian travellers: Visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Passport must be valid for at least 3 months after departure.
Driving: Carry your driving licence (plus an International Driving Permit if your licence is not in German or English).
You’ll need a motorway vignette (toll sticker) — buy it at petrol stations or online before you hit the road.
🎶 Playlist & Podcast Picks
🎵 Falco (Rock Me Amadeus), Parov Stelar, Vienna Philharmonic recordings.
🎙️ The History of Austria, Travel Diaries, Duolingo German Podcast.
💡 Save everything offline — some alpine valleys are a total signal black hole.
What to know How to Plan or Save for a Trip? Here are our best:
FAQs
Is it easy to drive in Austria as a visitor?
Yes! Roads are well-maintained, signage is clear, and drivers are generally polite. Just remember you’ll need a vignette(toll sticker) for motorways, which you can buy at petrol stations.
Do I need to speak German for this road trip?
Not at all — most Austrians in tourist areas speak excellent English. Learning a few phrases like danke (thank you) and bitte (please) will earn you smiles, though.
How do I access the free Google Maps route for the trip?
The free map is available via Google Maps with no signup required. After clicking the “View Map” link, go to “Your Places” > “Maps” in the Google Maps app to find the route. Save it for offline use, especially in areas with spotty signal.
What’s the best time of year for this Austria road trip?
Late May to early October is ideal for warm weather, open mountain passes, and lakes at their best. Winter is magical too, but you’ll need snow tyres and be prepared for some roads to close.
How expensive is travelling around Austria?
It’s not the cheapest European country, but you can keep costs reasonable by mixing hotels with guesthouses, eating at local Gasthäuser, and taking advantage of free hikes and scenic spots.
Travel Planning Resources
Ready to book your next trip? These trusted resources have been personally vetted to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Book Your Flights: Kick off your travel planning by finding the best flight deals on Trip.com. Our years of experience with them confirm they offer the most competitive prices.
Book Your Hotel: For the best hotel rates, use Booking.com . For the best and safest hostels, HostelWorld.com is your go-to resource. Best for overall Hotel ratings and bargains, use TripAdvisor.com!
Find Apartment Rentals: For affordable apartment rentals, check out VRBO. They consistently offer the best prices.
Car Rentals: For affordable car rentals, check out RentalCars.com. They offer the best cars, mostly brand new.
Travel Insurance: Never travel without insurance. Here are our top recommendations:
- EKTA for Travel Insurance for all areas!
- Use AirHelp for compensation claims against flight delays etc.
Book Your Activities: Discover walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more on Get Your Guide. They have a vast selection of activities to enhance your trip. There is also Tiqets.com for instant mobile tickets.
Book The Best Trains: Use Trainline to find the most affordable trains or Rail Europe for rail passes!
Travel E-SIMS: Airalo Worldwide! Use your mobile phone anywhere!
Need More Help Planning Your Trip? Visit our Resources Page to see all the companies we trust and use for our travels.
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Nick Harvey
Hi, I am Nick! Thank you for reading! The Travel Tinker is a resource designed to help you navigate the beauty of travel! Tinkering your plans as you browse!
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