• Menu
  • Menu

The Perfect 5-Day Itinerary for Exploring Austria

If you’re planning a trip to Austria, I’ve got a solid five-day itinerary for you. This will take you through the highlights while allowing for a relaxed pace. Austria is known for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and historical significance. You’ll get a perfect mix of outdoor experiences, classic architecture, and plenty of delicious food. This plan strikes that balance between city-hopping and spending enough time to soak everything in.

Day 1: Arrival in Vienna

Explore the Historic City Center

Start your journey in Vienna, Austria’s capital. It’s full of imperial history and unbeatable charm. Spend your first day getting familiar with the city center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, right in the middle of the city. It’s free to walk around inside, but if you want, you can climb the South Tower for an incredible view. Not in the mood for that? A simple stroll through Stephansplatz will let you take in the atmosphere.

Take a Walk Through the MuseumsQuartier

For a mix of art and culture, go to the MuseumsQuartier. Several world-class museums are all located here. The Leopold Museum is home to works by Egon Schiele while the Museum of Modern Art (MUMOK) is perfect for fans of contemporary art. Don’t feel rushed. Choose one or two that catch your eye, then relax at one of the stylish cafes nearby.

End the Day at an Austrian Coffeehouse

In Vienna, coffeehouses are a way of life. Before you call it a night, stop by Cafe Central or Cafe Sacher to experience the legendary Austrian coffee culture. Try Apfelstrudel (apple strudel) with whipped cream, or a slice of Sachertorte, a rich chocolate cake. These places have been hubs of conversation and relaxation for centuries.

Day 2: Discover Vienna’s Palaces

Visit Schönbrunn Palace

Start early by going to Schönbrunn Palace. It’s the former summer residence of the Habsburg rulers and is absolutely huge. You can tour the royal apartments, take a walk inside the palace gardens, and even climb to Gloriette for another awesome view of the city.

If you’re traveling during warmer months, definitely check out the nearby Schönbrunn Zoo, the oldest zoo in the world.

Tour the Hofburg Palace

When you’re done at Schönbrunn, head to Hofburg Palace. This was the official Imperial residence and now houses multiple museums and government offices. Make sure to visit the Imperial Apartments and the Sisi Museum, which gives you a closer look at Empress Elisabeth’s life.

Catch a Performance at Vienna State Opera

If you’re a fan of classical music, don’t miss a chance to watch a performance at the Vienna State Opera. You can find tickets for a bargain if you check for standing-room offers. Even if you’re not big on opera, the building itself is impressive with its grand architecture.

Day 3: Head to Salzburg

Hop on a train and make your way to Salzburg, home of Mozart and the famous setting for “The Sound of Music.” The train ride will take around 2.5 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy Austria’s rolling hills and landscapes.

Explore Salzburg’s Old Town

Once you arrive, start exploring the Old Town (Altstadt). The entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage site with narrow cobblestone streets and baroque architecture. Walk around, maybe grab a pretzel or coffee, and soak in the history.

Be sure to check out Mozart’s birthplace, now a museum. Even if you’re not a classical music buff, the museum gives a fascinating look into his life and work.

Visit Hohensalzburg Fortress

Atop a hill, overlooking Salzburg, is the Hohensalzburg Fortress. You can either hike up or take the funicular to reach it, but you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the city and the Alps. There’s a lot to see inside, including the state rooms and a military museum.

Take a Stroll in Mirabell Gardens

In the afternoon, head to Mirabell Gardens. These beautifully landscaped gardens were featured in “The Sound of Music” and are just a wonderful place to relax for a bit. You’ll find lots of photo ops here, whether or not you’re a fan of the movie.

Discover the Best Europe Tours at Tours4Fun!

Day 4: Day Trip to Hallstatt

Journey to Hallstatt

No trip to Austria is complete without seeing Hallstatt. From Salzburg, you can take a 2-hour train or bus ride to this scenic village. It’s one of the most picturesque places in Austria, set between a lake and mountains.

Take in the Views of Lake Hallstatt

Once you’re there, start by walking around the village itself. The main highlight is the view of the lake surrounded by the Dachstein Alps. It’s postcard-perfect.

Optional: Hallstatt Salt Mine Tour

If you’re up for it, take a tour of the Hallstatt Salt Mine, one of the oldest in the world. You’ll even slide down a wooden chute into the heart of the mountain. The history of salt production is fascinating and the views from up top are unbeatable.

Return to Salzburg

After spending the day in Hallstatt, return to Salzburg in the early evening. Take it easy for the rest of the night after a full day of exploration. Grab dinner at one of the local beer halls or perhaps give traditional Austrian schnitzel a try.

Day 5: Innsbruck – The Heart of the Alps

Catch a morning train from Salzburg to Innsbruck. This journey will take about 2 hours, with plenty of Alpine scenery along the way. Innsbruck is a perfect place to wrap up your Austrian adventure with some fresh mountain air.

Discover Innsbruck’s Old Town

Once there, explore the small but charming Old Town. The highlight here is the Golden Roof, a balcony covered with 2,657 gold-plated tiles. The nearby Hofkirche is worth checking out for its Gothic architecture and the tomb of Emperor Maximilian I.

Take the Nordkette Cable Car

For stunning views of the surrounding Alps, take the cable car up to Nordkette. The ride itself offers incredible photo opportunities, and once you’re at the top, you can hike along ridge trails or simply take in the breathtaking view of Innsbruck below.

End the day at Bergisel

Wrap up your trip with a visit to Bergisel, where you’ll find a famous ski jump and museum. Even if you’re not into skiing, the panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains make it worth it. If you happen to visit in winter, you might even catch a skiing event.

From Innsbruck, you can catch a train or a flight back home depending on your schedule. After five days in Austria, you’ve covered some of the best this country has to offer: history, culture, nature, and good food. Take some time to reflect on everything you’ve seen and done. Austria has a way of sticking with you.

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *