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Planning the perfect trip to Austria requires thorough preparation and knowledge of the most interesting places. That’s why we have tips for a well-thought-out 10-day Austria tour itinerary, combining Vienna’s impressive architecture with the majestic peaks of the Alps. In the following lines, you’ll find everything you need to plan a journey that makes the most of this beautiful country full of yodeling and stunning natural panoramas.
Austria represents a fascinating blend of tradition and modern lifestyle, where historical landmarks intertwine with breathtaking natural scenery. The following itinerary offers a well-balanced overview of the best this country offers—from magnificent architecture and mountain peaks to crystal-clear lakes.
Before You Go—Practical Information for Traveling in Austria
Traveling through Austria requires some preparation, especially if you’re planning a road trip by car from one of the surrounding European countries. A motorway vignette is mandatory—a 10-day pass costs €9.90, and a two-month pass is €29.90. When driving through mountain passes and tunnels, you should also account for additional toll fees, which are typically around €12 per passage. In winter months, winter tires or snow chains are mandatory.
Day One: Vienna—City of Emperors and Modern Art
The first stop on your trip to Austria begins in Vienna. The city center offers a remarkable mix of UNESCO World Heritage sites and modern architecture. We recommend starting at the Hofburg Palace, the former imperial residence sprawling over 240,000 square meters (2,583,000 square feet). Spend your afternoon exploring Schönbrunn Palace with its majestic gardens. In the evening, enjoy an authentic Viennese coffee in one of the city’s traditional cafés or visit the world-renowned Vienna State Opera.
Dedicate your second day in Vienna to modern art at the MuseumsQuartier and a stroll along the Ringstrasse.
Days 3–5: From Hallstatt to Salzburg
For lovers of stunning scenery, the next part of your trip to Austria is a true highlight. Hallstatt, with its picturesque location between mountains and a lake, is one of the most photogenic places in Europe. It offers so much to see that we’ve dedicated an entire chapter to it in our detailed guide to a two-week journey through Austria. You can check out our highly detailed itinerary to help you plan each day down to the last detail.
During a three-day stay in this area, don’t miss exploring the salt mines and taking a cable car up to the 5 Fingers Aussichtsplattform. Then, continue to Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace, where the historic center will surprise you with its architectural diversity.
Days 6–8: Innsbruck and the Tyrolean Alps
The western part of Austria offers plenty of opportunities for high-altitude hiking as well as cultural exploration. In Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol, start at the famous Golden Roof and then take the cable car up to the top of Nordkette. The area around the city offers perfect conditions for a winter ski trip to Austria or mountain hiking in the summer. More experienced hikers will appreciate a trip to the Stubai Glacier, while families with children will find the ideal activities in the Zillertal Valley.
Days 9–10: Return via the Hohe Tauern National Park
Spend the final days driving along the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, which is one of the highlights of any trip to Austria, especially if you’re traveling by car. This scenic route offers unforgettable views of the country’s highest peak and the surrounding three-thousand-meter mountains. On the way back, make sure to stop at the Krimml Waterfalls, which are among the highest in Europe.
[alt: Infographic with a diagram of the recommended itinerary for a trip to Austria]
Austria offers a diverse mosaic of experiences that go beyond the traditional ideas of this Alpine country (such as the yodeling and folk costumes we mentioned earlier). Each place tells its own unique story—from the noble Vienna to the picturesque Hallstatt, all the way to the majestic peaks of the Alps. Austria will surprise you with its diversity, whether you head there in summer for mountain hiking or in winter for world-class skiing.