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Travelling through Austria had never been massively high on my bucket list. But when I scored Beyoncé tickets in Warsaw, a quick European city break quickly became a 2 week trip, travelling through Poland and Austria by train in summer. And boy did it open my eyes to this absolutely stunning country.
Austria is one of those places that quietly gives more than you’d imagine. Snow-capped mountains, classically European cities, crystal-clear lakes and scenic train journeys all sit within a country that’s surprisingly easy to travel around — and far more varied than many people expect.
Moving between cities, alpine towns and lakeside villages, my experience in Austria quickly became one of my favourite European trips. Whether you’re planning a relaxed 2-week itinerary or simply looking for the best places to travel in Austria to stitch together your own route, this guide covers where to go, how long to spend in each place, and how to make it all work logistically.
Table of Contents
When is the best time to travel to Austria?
The best time to travel to Austria really depends on what kind of trip you’re planning. The country transforms dramatically with the seasons, and each has its own appeal.
Winter (December–March) is ideal if you’re visiting for skiing, snowboarding or festive Christmas markets. Alpine towns come alive with winter sports, and cities like Vienna and Salzburg feel especially atmospheric in December. That said, winter travel is often more expensive, particularly in ski regions, and transport can be slower during heavy snowfall.
Summer (June–September) is my personal favourite time to visit Austria. Days are warm but not overwhelming, mornings and evenings are cooler, and the landscape is at its most dramatic. This is the perfect season for hiking, swimming in alpine lakes, scenic train journeys and city sightseeing without the crowds you’d find elsewhere in Europe. Visiting places like Zell am See, Innsbruck and Bad Hofgastein in summer gave me access to mountains, lakes and outdoor spas all in one trip.
Spring and autumn (April–May and October) are shoulder seasons that can offer lower prices and fewer crowds, though some mountain cable cars and seasonal activities may be limited. Autumn is particularly beautiful in wine regions like the Wachau Valley, with vineyards turning golden.
If you’re unsure, summer offers the most flexibility — especially if you want to combine cities, countryside and outdoor experiences in one Austria itinerary.
How long do you need in Austria?
Austria might look small on the map, but it rewards slow travel. Distances are short, yet the variety of landscapes and regions means it’s easy to underestimate how much there is to see.
For a highlights trip, 7–10 days is a realistic minimum. This allows you to visit one or two cities (such as Vienna and Salzburg) alongside an alpine region like Innsbruck or Zell am See.
However, if you want to experience Austria properly — travelling at a relaxed pace, spending time in the mountains, and enjoying scenic train routes — 2 weeks is ideal. With 14 days, you can combine:
- cultural cities
- lakes and spa towns
- alpine villages
- scenic rail journeys
My own route across Austria took just under two weeks and never felt rushed. Adding extra nights in places like Zell am See or Innsbruck made the trip feel far more immersive, rather than a checklist of stops.
If you have more time, Austria also pairs beautifully with neighbouring countries such as Germany, Italy or Switzerland.
How to travel around Austria
Austria is one of the easiest countries in Europe to navigate, and travelling around is genuinely part of the experience.
The train network is excellent — reliable, punctual and incredibly scenic. Many routes pass through mountain valleys, forests and lakes, making the journey just as memorable as the destination, especially if you can book on to the Panoramic Train that takes you from Graz to Zurich.
A few practical tips:
- Book tickets in advance for the best prices, especially for longer journeys
- Choose daytime routes where possible to enjoy the scenery
- Reserve seats on longer journeys for comfort
For most travellers, trains are far more convenient than renting a car. Cities and towns are well connected, stations are central, and you avoid mountain driving altogether.
From the UK, you can:
- Fly directly to Vienna or Salzburg
- Travel by train using the Eurostar and onward connections, a slower but incredibly rewarding experience
Once in Austria, hopping between destinations like Vienna, Graz, Innsbruck and Salzburg is straightforward, stress-free and surprisingly affordable.
Vienna
Vienna is a must-visit on any Austrian itinerary. I’ve visited twice now, once on a dedicated city break and once briefly between train journeys, and it’s a one of those places you can keep returning to, be it to waltz around a grand palaces or plan an entire afternoon around coffee and cake.
Beyond the obvious sights, Vienna really shines when you lean into its food culture. Café hopping is practically an art form here, and between the classic coffee houses and modern bakeries, it’s easy to satisfy your sweet tooth. Add in museums, markets, evening concerts and leafy neighbourhood walks, and you’ll want more time than you think.
Make your stay in Vienna at least 2-3 nights — more if you love food, culture and museums.
Top things to do in Vienna
- Visit Schönbrunn or Belvedere Palace
- Wander the Ringstrasse and historic centre
- Spend time at Naschmarkt
- Explore traditional Viennese cafés
- Try classic desserts like sachertorte, apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn
- City walking tour
Want to see the best of Vienna? We booked on to a Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and it turned out to be the perfect way to get around the city whilst seeing all the best sights along the way!
My favourite part: Without question — the sweet treats. Vienna is my favourite city in Austria for desserts!
Where to stay in Vienna
- Hotel Motto (mid-range, design hotel): Stylish, central and great value for a city break
- Hotel Das Tyrol (luxury boutique): Elegant, intimate and perfect if you want something special
- numa Apartments (mid-range/apartment): Ideal for longer stays or if you like space
Wachau Valley
The Wachau Valley is one of the most scenic regions in Austria, and surprisingly easy to visit thanks to it’s proximity to Vienna. There’s Austrian vineyards, an ancient monastry and castle ruins to explore.
You can explore by river cruise, bike or train, hopping between villages like Dürnstein and Melk. Even if you only have one free day, it’s absolutely worth leaving the city for.
You could stay overnight but equally a day trip from Vienna is enough.
Things to do in Wachau Valley
- Danube river cruise
- Visit Melk Abbey
- Walk through Dürnstein
- Stop at local wine taverns
My favourite part: Sipping Austrian wine in the sunshine whilst on a relaxed river cruise to the Melk Abbey.
Semmering
Semmering is all about the journey. This small mountain town is best known for the Semmering Railway, a UNESCO-listed train route that winds through alpine scenery, tunnels and viaducts. There isn’t a huge sightseeing checklist here — but that’s not a con.
It’s the kind of place where you arrive, sit on a balcony with a drink, and watch the clouds roll over the mountains.
You only really need one night here but if it’s hiking and slow living you’re after, longer is better.
Things to do in Semmering
- Ride the Semmering Railway
- Skiing and snowboarding
- Ride the 3km toboggan
- Hike the 20 Schilling Blick
- Short alpine walks
- Mountain biking
- Dinner at a local restaurant
My favourite part: Relaxing on our balcony with a cold beer from the owner, looking out over the mountains.
Where to stay in Semmering
Steirer Apartment Semmering (budget–mid-range, apartment): Very local feel, lovely owners and fantastic views — we stayed here and loved how personal it felt.
Graz
Graz is a large city, but the best bits are compact making it an easy and enjoyable stop off. One night is enough to get a feel for it, but it’s a beautiful place to visit in Southern Austria. The Old Town is full of cobbled streets, shops and cafés, whilst the city is lively and packed with bars.
Things to do in Graz
- Walk up (or ride) to Schlossberg & the Clock Tower
- Schlossbergbahn funicular and beer garden
- Glockenspiel in the Old Town
- Shopping and cafés along Herrengasse
- Rooftop drinks at Kastner & Öhler
My favourite part: The views from the Clock Tower over the town.
Where to stay in Graz
- Hotel Mariahilf (budget–mid-range, classic hotel): Where I stayed — excellent value and a great central location
- Motel One Graz (mid-range, modern): Reliable, stylish and right in the centre
Innsbruck
Innsbruck might be my favourite city in Austria. The pastel-coloured streets, dramatic Alpine backdrop and easy access to nature makes it the perfect balance between cultured and outdoorsy. You can spend the morning sightseeing, the afternoon in the mountains and the evening in a beer garden.
It’s also one of the best places in Austria for taking it easy — sitting in cafés, mooching around and enjoying the atmosphere.
I spent 2 nights here but you could spend longer if you want to hike and explore the region.
Things to do in Innsbruck
- Ride the Nordkette cable cars
- Explore the Old Town and Golden Roof
- Visit St James’ Cathedral
- Go on a city walking tour
- Visit the Imperial Palace
- Go to Swarovski Crystal Worlds
- Ride the Funicular to the Alpine Zoo
My favourite part: Reading my book in a local café on the colourful streets, followed by a tankard of beer in a beer garden.
Don’t miss my guide to the best things to do in Innsbruck for more!
Where to stay in Innsbruck
- The PENZ Hotel (luxury, design): Sleek, central and ideal for a stylish stay
- Hotel Mondschein (mid-range, classic): Riverside location with traditional charm
- NALA Individuellhotel (mid-range, design): Creative, colourful and very Innsbruck
Zell am See
Zell am See is pure alpine magic. Mountains, lake, cable cars and swimming spots all in one place — it’s ideal if you want to slow down and spend time outdoors. I stayed for three nights but would happily return for a full week.
Things to do in Zell am See
- Swim in Lake Zell
- Ride mountain gondolas
- Lakeside walks
- Alpine hikes
- Spa day at Spa Water World
- Tandem paragliding flight over the lake
My favourite part: The gondola views and swimming in the lake — I’m not normally one for wild swimming but it was surprisingly warm.
Discover more ways to enjoy Zell am See in summer.
Where to stay in Zell am See
- Superior Hotel Tirolerhof (mid-range spa hotel): Where I stayed — gorgeous spa, piano bar and excellent facilities
- Hotel Berner (mid-range, alpine): Family-run and cosy with ski-to-door access in winter
- Romantikhotel Zell am See (budget) Chalet vibes with a pool
Bad Hofgastein
Bad Hofgastein is quiet and more remote, but incredibly scenic. It’s perfect for wellness and nature inspired trips or stop offs, especially if hiking and spas are your thing.
I stayed here for one night, the perfect respite between travelling around Austria.
Things to do in Bad Hofgastein
- Stubnerkogel Suspension Bridge
- Glocknerblick observation deck
- Flying Waters zipline
- Walk to the town waterfall
My favourite part: A toss-up between ziplining over a waterfall and swimming in the pool surrounded by mountains.
Where to stay in Bad Hofgastein
- Sendlhofer’s (mid-range luxury spa hotel): Absolutely loved it here! Outstanding spa facilities and a real highlight of the stay
- Das Goldberg (luxury, design spa): Mountain views and total relaxation
Salzburg
Salzburg really is a fairytale city — it’s musical, beautiful and packed with charm. Everything is walkable, which makes it easy to explore without rushing. Between concerts, viewpoints and classic Austrian food, it’s a wonderful way to end an Austria itinerary.
You could spend weeks here exploring everything there is to do but 3-4 nights is ideal. If you can arrive in the morning and leave in the evening, 2 nights will give you a glimmer of what Salzburg has to offer.
Things to do in Salzburg
- Sound of Music tour – a must!
- Mirabell Palace & Gardens
- Old Town walks
- Fortress concert & dinner
- Apple strudel cooking class
- Views from M32 Restaurant
- A day trip to Hallstatt
My favourite part: A live Mozart concert overlooking the city from the Fortress — it was truly magical.
Where to stay in Salzburg
- Cocoon Salzburg (budget–mid-range, design): Where I stayed — great value and stylish
- IMLAUER Hotel Pitter (mid-range): Classic and well-located with great views
- Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron (luxury): Historic palace moments from Old Town
Suggested 2-week Austria travel itinerary
This is roughly the route I followed, all by train:
- Vienna (3–4 nights)
- Semmering (1 night)
- Graz (1 night)
- Innsbruck (2–3 nights)
- Zell am See (3–5 nights)
- Bad Hofgastein (1 night)
- Salzburg (2–3 nights)
You can easily shorten or extend this depending on pace.
If you’re building an Austria itinerary for the first time, this route gives you a brilliant foundation. And if you’re already planning a return, there’s always another valley, lake or mountain railway waiting!
Get more inspiration with my most popular city break guides and destination guides in Europe.
