Austria Itinerary 7 days: Cities, castles & landscapes
The beautiful east Alpine country of Austria is one of the prettiest in Central Europe. Use our Austria itinerary 7 days to plan your trip in an easy way and make the most of your visit.
Austria Itinerary 7 days: Cities, castles & landscapes
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7 days in Austria itinerary: A snapshot
- Day 1: Arrive in Vienna. Stay in Vienna for 3 days
- Day 2: Explore Vienna
- Day 3: Wachau + Lower Danube Valley
- Day 4: Travel to Salzburg. Stay in Salzburg for 3-4 days
- Day 5: Explore Salzburg City
- Day 6: Salzburg to Hallstatt
- Day 7: Salzburg to Innsbruck
Other Europe Austria Itinerary ideas:
2 weeks Austria itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive in Vienna. Stay in Vienna for 3 days
- Day 2: Explore Vienna
- Day 3: Wachau + Lower Danube Valley
- Day 4: Travel to Graz. Spend 2 days
- Day 5: Explore Graz and nearby areas
- Day 6: Travel to Salzburg. Stay in Salzburg for 3-4 days
- Day 7: Explore Salzburg.
- Day 8: Salzburg to Hallstatt
- Day 9: Spend a day exploring the Salzkammergut region
- Day 10: Salzburg to Innsbruck. Stay in Innsbruck for 3 days
- Day 11 – 12: Explore Innsbruck
- Day 13: Day trip to Achensee, known as the ‘fjords of the Alps’
- Day 14: Travel back to Vienna or Salzburg with a stop at the medieval town of Kufstein
Germany, Austria itinerary 7 days
- Day 1: Arrive in Vienna. Stay in Vienna for 3 days
- Day 2: Explore Vienna
- Day 3: Wachau + Lower Danube Valley
- Day 4: Travel to Salzburg. Stay in Salzburg for 2 days
- Day 5: Explore Salzburg.
- Day 6: Salzburg to Munich (2 hr train ride). Stay in Munich for 2 days
- Day 7: Munich Germany
Switzerland Austria itinerary 7 days
- Day 1: Arrive in Vienna. Stay in Vienna for 3 days
- Day 2: Explore Vienna
- Day 3: Wachau + Lower Danube Valley
- Day 4: Travel to Zurich from Vienna (train ride is 7+ hours)
- Day 5: Explore Zurich. Stay in Zurich for 3-4 days
- Day 6: Zurich to Bern day trip
- Day 7: Zurich to Lucerne day trip
Austria Itinerary 5 days
- Day 1: Arrive in Vienna. Stay in Vienna for 3 days
- Day 2: Explore Vienna
- Day 3: Wachau + Lower Danube Valley
- Day 4: Travel to Salzburg. Stay in Salzburg for 3-4 days
- Day 5: Explore Salzburg.
Planning a trip to Austria in 7 days: Arrival and other travel tips
Austria Quick Facts:
- Capital city: Vienna
- Currency: Euro
- Tourist Visa: Schengen
- Language: German, but English is spoken
Located in Central Europe, and bordering the Czech Republic (north), Slovakia (NE), Hungary (east), Slovenia and Italy (south), Switzerland and Liechtenstein (west), and Germany (NW), Austria is a landlocked country.
Its official language is German and has a lot of Bavarian influences. Austria is a European Union member and uses Euro as their currency.
Getting to Austria
Vienna is the capital city of Austria, and this is the perfect destination to kickstart your 7 day itinerary. Vienna is served by the Vienna International Airport, located about 18 km (11.18 miles) away from the city centre.
Buses are an affordable way to get to the centre from Vienna Airport. Airport lines run 24 hours a day to Schwedenplatz bus station, which is located right at the heart of the downtown area of Vienna, and it takes about 22 minutes.
You can also opt for a taxi or Uber. Hiring a Vienna airport taxi will cost about 36€ and it will only take 20 minutes to reach the downtown area of Vienna.
Vienna City Card for 1 to 3 days is worth it if you are not renting a car. This savings card allows you to use public transportation for free in Vienna and gives you discounted tickets to over 210 attractions.
You can use this post for one week in Austria road trip as well. Car rentals are available from the airport. We arrived in Austria by road from Prague. You can easily enter Salzburg Austria from Munich Germany – it is only 2 hours away.
This 7 day Austria itinerary starts in Vienna (with 3 night stay) and then proceeds to Salzburg (with another 3 – 4 night stay), you can do the itinerary in reverse too if arriving from Munich.
READ: Most beautiful places in Austria for your bucket list
Day 1 of Austria Itinerary 7 days: Arrive in Vienna and explore the city center highlights
Kickstart your Austria itinerary by arriving in Vienna. After you check in to the hotel, rest for a bit, and then head to the city centre to explore.
Where to stay in Vienna? Boutique Hotel am Stephansplatz
We recommend staying in the downtown area in Vienna so that you can easily walk to sightseeing spots and also have quick access to public transportation for day trips, and venture to the outer city.
Boutique Hotel am Stephansplatz is a 4 star boutique hotel in the heart of the city. All old town attractions are within walking distance from here. Book your stay here
Another option is to stay at the Singerstrasse21/25. This is a fuss-free hotel, located in the central district of Vienna and offers views of St Stephen’s Cathedral. Book your stay here
Outside of the inner city, you can stay at the Trend Austria Hotel. From here you can access the old town via the Rathaus Underground Station (public transportation). Book your stay here
After checking in and a quick rest, visit the Hofburg Imperial Palace.
The Hofburg Palace is located in the old town of Vienna or the inner city (inner Stadt – 1st district in Vienna) and it was the imperial seat of the Hapsburg Dynasty in Austria.
The palace is steeped in luxury and royalty. There is a lot of history that has happened in this palace and has served as the prime residence for Empress Maria Theresa, Emperor Franz II, and, for a while, even the German Emperor.
The complex is spread over 59 acres and comprises 18 groups of buildings, close to 20 courtyards, and around 2600 rooms. There are guided tours available to tour the palace complex.
Along with the Hofburg Palace building, there is the Imperial Chapel (Burgkapelle), the Natural History Museum (Naturhistorisches Museum), the Austrian National Library, and the Spanish Riding School at the complex.
There is also a museum named Sisi Museum at the palace as well and it’s worth a visit. Sisi or Elisabeth was the Empress of Austria. She has gone down in history as an empress of eternal youthfulness and beauty.
Right outside the palace is a huge public square, called Heldenplatz.
After sightseeing at the Hofburg, head to St Stephen’s Cathedral. The cathedral is one of Vienna’s most iconic landmarks.
Dating back over 300 years, the cathedral is decorated with Baroque altarpieces in the name of St. Stephen, the first martyr of Christendom.
Do visit the cathedral and admire the stained glass windows inside, and then climb to the towers to get a glimpse of the city centre in the evening.
Finish the day with dinner and drinks (maybe a little shopping) at the Graben Vienna. Graben is an upscale and trendy shopping street, and you will find cafes and restaurants for a meal.
Day 2 of Austria Itinerary 7 days: Explore Vienna’s iconic palaces
Austria is known for its castles, palaces, and buildings – all showcasing their rich architecture. In Vienna alone, you will explore 3 (Hofburg Palace on day one and the other two on day two).
Many of Austria’s castles and palaces were created during the Habsburg reign.
Begin your sightseeing itinerary with a visit to the Schonbrunn Palace, which is one of the most popular tourist spots in Vienna. This is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Schönbrunn Palace was built in the early 18th century and it reflects the changing styles and interests of the Hapsburg dynasty. The palace is massive with over 1440 rooms!
You can book a guided tour of the Schonbrunn Palace complex. This tour takes you to the palace and allows you free time in the gardens.
After the Schönbrunn Palace, head to the Belvedere Palace.
Belvedere Palace is another historical complex in Vienna. It comprises two Baroque palaces – the Orangery and the Palace Stables, which is set on an expansive Baroque park on the south-eastern edge of its centre. The palaces date back to the 18th century. Get a tour of the Belvedere Palace
Note: If you only wish to pick one palace, we recommend the Schonbrunn Palace. And in the afternoon you can join a food tour. This tour is for 3 hours, and starts at 2:30 pm. Once you pick the date, you will see options for timing and the meeting point.
For the evening, you can either check out the Vienna State Opera House or Wiener Staatsoper and enjoy a concert with dinner. You can book a concert with dinner at the Vienna Opera House.
Not into concerts? Head to the Prater amusement park aka Wiener Riesenrad, or Riesenrad, and ride the historic ferris wheel and soak in city views in the evening! You can book tickets for the giant ferris wheel here
READ: Detailed one day in Vienna and 2 days in Vienna itinerary
Day 3 of Austria Itinerary 7 days: Day trip to Wachau + Lower Danube Valley from Vienna
On day 3 of the Austria itinerary, head to the lower Danube Valley on a day trip. Wachau Valley is known for its vineyards, ancient ruins, Benedictine Abbey, and the mesmerizing Danube River.
Travel time is 1.50 hours by road or train. You can also book a full day tour with round transportation. Here is a day tour to the Wachau Valley from Vienna
The Wachau Valley is the Danube Valley. Geographically it is located between the cities of Melk and Krems in Lower Austria. A sightseeing cruise is a nice way to check out the attractions from the comfort of a ferry on the Danube.
This valley is filled with hills, and river valley views and is sprinkled with vineyards and castles.
In Wachau, visit the Melk Abbey and the ancient ruins in Melk and Dürnstein, including the Aggstein Castle located on a hill.
Melk Abbey is a Benedictine abbey located in Melk. The setting of the abbey on a hill overlooking the Danube River makes it one of the most picturesque places in Austria.
The abbey is painted/decorated in bright yellow color. It contains the tomb of Saint Coloman of Stockerau and many members of the royal family.
The city of Dürnstein is located in the Wachau Valley. This is where you will find the ruins of Dürnstein Castle. This castle was built in the 12th century, and was later demolished in the 17th century by the Swedes under General Torstenson.
Finish the day trip, with a visit to a vineyard and go wine tasting. Learn more about the wine tours here
Day 4 of the Austria Itinerary: Travel to Salzburg, and check in to your hotel. Explore the old town
From Vienna, make your way to Salzburg. Salzburg is known for its hilltop fortress, ‘Sound of Music’ locations, epic views of the eastern Alps, and of course the remnants of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
The train takes about 2.50 hours to reach Salzburg from Vienna. The train station is located very close to the old town, so once you arrive check into your hotel, and then get ready to explore. If you are driving, it will take about 3 to 4 hours.
We recommend staying in Salzburg for the remainder of the trip to Austria.
Where to stay in Salzburg?
Star Inn Hotel Premium Salzburg Gablerbräu, by Quality, is a good value accommodation located close to the Altstadt. Check out pictures here
Radisson Blu Hotel Altstadt, Salzburg is another great option. It is a 5 star property housed in a building dating to the 14th century. Check prices here
On day one of the Salzburg itinerary, check off a few quick and easy attractions in the old town.
Salzburg was the birthplace of Mozart. And at the city centre you can check out Mozart Square dedicated to the composer. In and around the square, you will find souvenir stores, the Salzburg information center, and other shops.
From the square, head to the Mozart house (House no 9), located a few blocks away. The house was the residence of Mozart and his immediate family, and it has his personal items, history, and information about his life – on display for visitors to see.
Depending on your arrival time in Salzburg, we recommend going on a sightseeing cruise on the Salzach River. The river Salzach flows through the city, and you can comfortably check out the attractions of Salzburg from boat/ferry.
Here is a sightseeing cruise that combines a visit to Hellbrunn Palace. This entire tour is 2.50 hours and is a great way to explore the palace and experience the river cruise in one go, and make the most of your trip. You can check out the tour here.
Hellbrunn Palace is a Baroque villa, dating back to the early 17th century. It was built by Markus Sittikus von Hohenems, who was the Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg.
In the evening, enjoy a nice stroll at the Getreidegasse. Getreidegasse, literally means, ‘grain alley’. This is a busy shopping street in the Altstadt or the old town of Salzburg.
The entire lane is filled with cute shops, chocolatiers, and cafes and is beautifully decorated with Christmas symbols. Imagine this lane at Christmas time – it looks beautiful and decorations and festive cheer in the air.
It has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.
READ: How to spend 2 days in Salzburg itinerary
Day 5 of 7 days in Austria Itinerary: Explore more of Salzburg
The landscape and the vibes in Salzburg are of a small village, which is kind of nice – there are fortresses, tons of greenery, hills, and of course the river flowing through the old town.
Much of the old town is walkable, so do wear comfortable walking shoes.
In the old town, visit the beautiful Mirabell Gardens. These gardens along with the palace grounds are a part of the Historic Centre of the City of Salzburg UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Many of the scenes of the movie ‘Sound of Music’ were shot at the Mirabell Gardens, they are a part of the Mirabell Palace complex.
At the Salzburg old town, you must also check out the Salzburg Cathedral, and other historical sites. We recommend this 2 hour walking tour of Old Town with access to Mirabell Gardens.
After the old town tour, hop on a bus ride to check out the Sound of Music movie locations. If you didn’t know, many of the cinematic scenes were shot in Salzburg, and you can experience the same magic live, by touring the movie locations.
From epic locations to capturing the best Instagrammable shots, you will love this tour. Here is the recommended 4 hour Original Sound of Music Tour.
This tour commences at the old town and includes a round trip transportation. So after the tour you will be back at the Altstadt. Stop for lunch and thereafter head to the Hohensalzburg Fortress.
Hohensalzburg Fortress is the iconic landmark of Salzburg. It was built by an archbishop to protect the city from enemies in the 11th century.
The fortress is located atop the Festungsberg. You can either hike or take a funicular to reach the top.
Fortress Hohensalzburg is the largest medieval castle in Europe. The complex is home to museums, chapels, and amazing city views from the top.
There is a nice restaurant at the fortress grounds. It is a nice place to enjoy a cup of coffee and sachertorte, whilst taking in the views of the (eastern) Alps.
Day 6 of one week in Austria Itinerary: Travel from Salzburg to Hallstatt Austria on a day trip
Hallstatt is one of the oldest and most beautiful settlements in Europe. This Alpine village is located on Lake Hallstatt’s western shore in Austria’s mountainous Salzkammergut region.
Hallstatt is a UNESCO heritage site and an important Austrian tourist attraction so planning your trip in advance is key. Peak seasons are super crowded here.
Hallstatt makes for an easy day trip from Salzburg. If you are road tripping in Austria, you can surely drive to Halsttat by car, but parking is a pain. So we recommend using public transportation (bus and train take 2 to 2.50 hours each one way) or opt for a day tour.
Most day tours to Hallstatt are for 4 to 6 hours and are half day tours. Tours will give you 2.5 hours to take in the sights. Check out this recommended day tour
The route will take you through a number of charming villages, as you listen to an introduction to Hallstatt and the Salzkammergut. If you wish to do the Hallstatt Skywalk, the guide will collect the money for the ticket on the bus.
On arrival in Hallstatt, you might begin your visit with a mountain train ride up to the entrance of the world’s oldest salt mines (though the tour does not visit the mine itself), where you can admire the views down onto Hallstatt.
In Hallstatt, you must spend time exploring the old town, and take in the amazing views of the lake, pretty Alpine gingerbread-like houses, and mountains!
You can walk to the viewpoints (the most popular one being Aussichtspunkt Hallstatt aka Classic Village Viewpoint) and photograph this beautiful village.
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the lake and thereafter visit one of the oldest salt mines. This salt mine can be only explored via a guided tour, and it takes about 70 minutes. (Tickets booked on their website. This is different from the 5 hour tour).
Located near the salt mine is the World Heritage SkyWalk. The observation platform sits 350 metres over the colorful houses of Hallstatt offering panoramic views of the entire Dachstein Salzkammergut region.
If you have additional time, visit the Bone House behind the Catholic church. The Hallstatt Ossuary (Charnel House/Bone House) is home to over 2100 skulls placed inside a small cave.
Other activities in Hallstatt include boating on the lake, and exploring Dachstein Krippenstein. You can hike there or hop on a funicular ride to get to the top to soak in views of the Alps.
Day 7 of 7 days in Austria Itinerary: Travel from Salzburg to Innsbruck
On your final day of 7 days in Austria itinerary, head to Innsbruck. Because you only have one day, this will be a short day trip on this visit.
The quickest way to reach Innsbruck from Salzburg is by train. Trains cost about 28€ – 45€ and it is an hour and 50 minute train ride, connecting Salzburg Hbf and arriving at Innsbruck Hbf.
There is a private tour of Innsbruck and Swarovski Crystal Palace – you can view it here
Innsbruck is the capital city of Austria’s western state of Tyrol. The city is tucked away in the Alps and is well known as a ski resort and Alpine town.
Other than winter activities, Innsbruck is also known for its Imperial and modern architecture, and its a cute old town.
The Old Town (Altstadt) is a must visit on your day trip. Explore the pretty lanes (Moat), and live the city’s history of 800 years. This is a photographer’s dream with narrow house fronts, colorful doorways, and windows, and the prettiest medieval houses.
You can add a quick walking tour of the old town, and check out the Baroque Helblinghaus, known for its stucco façade.
Also located nearby are the 16th-century Golden Eagle (Goldener Adler), and the 57-meter-high Stadtturm (watchtower). This watchtower was built in the 14th century along with the adjoining Old Rathaus and it offers epic views of the Old Town.
The Nordkette funicular ride is another option to soak in views. This funicular or cable car takes tourists skiing in winter and hiking or mountaineering in warmer months, to the mountains (at 2,300 metres high).
Innsbruck is famous for hosting two Winter Olympic Games (1964, and 1976). Bergisel Ski Jump is home to a 26,000 capacity stadium used in the Olympics, and even today (located in Bergisel).
Other Innsbruck landmarks worth exploring are the famous Golden Roof, the Imperial Palace, and the local Folklore Museum.
If you book this day tour, it takes you to the famous Swarovski Crystal World first, and then to the Inn Valley. Swarovski Crystal Worlds Innsbruck Store is a magical place with art and ancient history.
Alternate option: Grossglockner High Alpine Road Trip Austria
If you love scenic road trips, swap your 7 day itinerary for a drive on the Grossglockner High Alpine road. It connects Bruck in the state of Salzburg with Heiligenblut in Carinthia via Fuscher Törl and Hochtor Pass at 2,504 metres, making it one of the most gorgeous routes in the world.
It will take you 4 hours to complete the trip, but we recommend stops to photograph and rest along the way.
Austria Travel Guide: Sightseeing Map for 7 to 14 days in Austria Itinerary
Additional Austria Travel Tips & Trip Planning
Here are some useful tips to help plan your trip to Austria (or Europe if this is your first ever visit to the continent),
- Travel Documents: Austria is located in Europe, and is a member of the European Union. Visitors with a US or Canadian passport can travel visa-free for up to 90 days. Non-visa-exempt passport holders have to apply for a Schengen Visa prior to visiting Austria.
- Travel Insurance: Don’t forget to insure your trip against medical emergencies, cancellations, and delays. Check out free insurance quotes here from SafetyWing
- Budget for Austria: Austria is not insanely expensive like Iceland or Switzerland, but accommodation can get pretty pricier depending on the month of visit, and where you are staying. We like staying at the centre, so we allot $165+ USD for a night (on a twin-share basis). For food, there are fast food restaurants and many chain cafes where you can try out Austrian baked goods. You can easily manage your food budget with food fast, groceries, and a fancy meal (1-2 times).
When is the best time to visit Austria:
The best time to go to Austria is during the off seasons like spring and autumn. Late spring is a great time to visit, without huge crowds. Plus if you plan your trip around Easter you can also enjoy festive cheer and church choirs.
April and May are the best months to visit in the spring. In the fall months, September to October is perfect to enjoy outdoor activities, with fewer crowds.
December is another good time to visit Vienna and Salzburg for Christmas markets. Note that peak tourist season is from June to August.
What to eat in Austria:
Austria is known for its strudels, coffee, and schnitzels to name a few. Many of the traditional Austrian food and dishes are influenced by Swiss or German cuisine. Here are some of the dishes to try in Austria
- Viennese Apfelstrudel: This is a must-try Austrian National Food – apple strudel
- Viennese Sachertorte: This is a soft and delicious chocolate cake, or torte that originated in Austrian origin
- Wiener Schnitzel: Fried meat
- Vienna Sausage
- Potato Gulasch: Thick and filling stew/soup
- Knödel: Dumplings of potato, bread, or flour
- Tiroler Gröstl: Tradition Inspired.
- Käsespätzle: Käsespätzle is of German origin, and is a baked dish of cheese and caramelized onion (like super comfort food)
What to wear in Austria:
We have included our packing list for Austria below
- Tops: Long sleeve shirts, blouses & tops (for her). Wear plain shirts/tops without huge logos, or loud colors.
- Bottoms: Jeans (in dark colors), linen pants leggings
- Dress: Flowy dresses. Nice sweater Dress for dinners out in the winter
- Scarf: Carry a stylish scarf with you
- Comfortable walking shoes or winter boots (winter)
- Winter Parka, wool coat (winter)
- Lightweight waterproof jacket (particularly in spring and fall)
- Sunglasses & sunscreen
- Universal Adaptor: A universal adaptor is a must. Europe uses a plug with two round pins (type C), unlike the flat ones in North America. You can buy yours here
- Camera: Don’t forget your camera. Here are our camera gear – Sony Mirrorless Camera and Sony AR7iii
- SD Card: Carry extra storage cards to back up all the photos you will be capturing in Europe
- Passport: Check the validity of the passport (not expired). Apply for a Schengen visa if it applies to you.
- Currency and Credit Cards
- Travel Insurance: Get travel insurance quotes for your trip here
- 45 L backpack: We always use a carry-on (a 45 L backpack) for 1-2 weeks in Europe. Our favorite is Pacsafe Venturesafe backpack
At a minimum, 5 days are enough to explore the main cities – 2 days in Vienna, a day trip, and 2 days in Salzburg. With 7 days in Austria, you can explore more of the country and visit destinations like Hallstatt and Innsbruck.
The best time to go to Austria is during the off seasons like spring and autumn. Late spring is a great time to visit, without huge crowds. Plus if you plan your trip around Easter you can also enjoy festive cheer and church choirs.
April and May are the best months to visit in the spring. In the fall months, September to October is perfect to enjoy outdoor activities, with fewer crowds.
December is another good time to visit Vienna and Salzburg for Christmas markets. Note that peak tourist season is from June to August.
Austria is not insanely expensive like Iceland or Switzerland, but accommodation can get pretty pricier depending on the month of visit, and where you are staying. We like staying at the centre, and so we allot $165+ USD for a night (on a twin share basis).
For food, there are fast food restaurants and many chain cafes where you can try out Austrian baked goods. You can easily manage your food budget with food fast, groceries, and a fancy meal (1-2 times).
Trains are the best and the most efficient mode of transportation in and around Austria. There are country-level train networks operated by the Austrian Federal Railways (Österreichische Bundesbahnen, or OBB).
Trains also help you to connect to Germany, the Czech Republic, and Bratislava. If you are road tripping, know that roads in Austria are in great condition with proper signage, and driving should not be an issue.
You will be driving on the right side of the road in Austria. Just be mindful of travel duration as some routes take longer compared to trains.
Read more Austria travel guides:
Pin: One Week Austria Itinerary | Things to do and see in Austria in 7 days
