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Ultimate 7-Day Itinerary for Discovering Austria

Day 1: Vienna – Step into Austria’s Imperial Past

Vienna is where you’ll start your adventure. This city is known for its impressive architecture, historic palaces, and coffeehouse culture.

Start your day at the Schönbrunn Palace. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was once the summer residence of the Habsburg family. Set aside a few hours to explore the palace grounds and the beautiful gardens.

Afterwards, head over to the Belvedere Palace. It’s home to an impressive collection of art, including works by Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele. Don’t miss Klimt’s famous painting, “The Kiss.”

In the afternoon, explore the city center. Walk around St. Stephen’s Cathedral and its surrounding streets. If you’re in for more history, check out the Hofburg Palace, which houses the Imperial Apartments and the Sisi Museum.

In the evening, relax in a traditional Viennese coffeehouse like Café Central or Café Sperl. Try the iconic Sacher Torte or an Apfelstrudel.

Day 2: Vienna – Culture and Music

On your second day in Vienna, dive into the city’s rich musical history. Start with a visit to the State Opera House. Tours are available if you don’t plan to catch a performance in the evening.

Next, visit the House of Music Museum. It’s interactive and gives you a deep dive into Austria’s famous composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Haydn.

For lunch, head to Naschmarkt. It’s a popular marketplace that’s full of international food stalls and traditional Austrian dishes.

In the afternoon, you can visit the MuseumsQuartier. This place offers a variety of museums within one area. Check out the Leopold Museum for Austrian modern art, or explore contemporary art at MUMOK (Museum of Modern Art).

End your evening with some live music. Vienna is home to various classical music venues, but for a more informal experience, try a traditional Heuriger (wine tavern), where you can enjoy local wine and Austrian folk music.

Day 3: Salzburg – The Sounds of Music and History

Take a morning train from Vienna to Salzburg. The ride takes about 2.5 hours, giving you plenty of time to relax before you arrive in this picturesque city.

Start with a short walk through the Old Town (Altstadt). It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of fantastic baroque architecture and narrow, cobbled streets.

Visit the birthplace of Mozart. The house he was born in is now a museum, packed with artifacts from his life and career. Music lovers will appreciate the exhibits on his compositions and instruments.

In the afternoon, head up to Hohensalzburg Fortress, a medieval castle with panoramic views of the city. It’s accessible by a funicular railway, so you’ll get a little adventure and history in one trip.

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If you’re a fan of “The Sound of Music,” you can take a tour of the film’s locations, including Mirabell Gardens and the Leopoldskron Palace. But even if you’re not a fan, these spots are beautiful and worth a visit.

Day 4: Salzburg – Day Trip to Hallstatt

On Day 4, take a day trip to Hallstatt, one of Austria’s most photogenic towns. It’s just an hour and a half away by bus or train. Hallstatt is often called the “pearl of Austria,” and its lakeside village is straight out of a postcard.

Explore the town at your leisure. Walk through the streets, admire the wooden alpine houses, and visit the Hallstatt Ossuary, where bone collections are displayed as a result of the village’s limited burial space.

For some outdoor adventure, you can hike up to the Salt Mine or take the funicular to the Skywalk for breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding Alps.

Finish your day here with a boat tour of the lake before heading back to Salzburg in the evening.

Day 5: Innsbruck – Mountain Adventures

Take an early morning train from Salzburg to Innsbruck. It takes about two hours and offers some amazing alpine scenery along the way.

Innsbruck is known for its beautiful mountainous surroundings and vibrant city life. Start by exploring the Old Town and see the famous Golden Roof, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

From here, head up to Nordkette mountain. The Nordkette funicular takes you from the center of Innsbruck to the Seegrube, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Alps. If you’re into hiking, there are plenty of trails suitable for all fitness levels. In winter, it’s also a great spot for skiing or snowboarding.

After your mountain adventure, visit the Hofburg Palace in Innsbruck, which was once the seat of the powerful Habsburg dynasty in this region.

Wrap up your day by strolling along the Inn River or stopping by a local tavern to enjoy some hearty Tyrolean cuisine, like Gröstl or Tiroler Knödel.

Day 6: Innsbruck – Alpine Villages and Castles

On your second day in Innsbruck, consider taking a day trip to some of the surrounding Tyrolean villages or castles. One popular choice is Schloss Ambras, located just a short tram ride from the city. This Renaissance-style castle is home to an impressive art and armor collection.

Alternatively, you can visit the small town of Seefeld, just 30 minutes away by train. Seefeld offers beautiful mountain views and traditional village charms. It’s a great place for another hike or for unwinding in one of its cafés.

If nature isn’t your preference today, spend the afternoon visiting the Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens, just 20 minutes from Innsbruck. This complex is full of stunning crystal designs and installations and is a unique artistic experience.

Return to Innsbruck for a leisurely evening before heading to your final Austrian town tomorrow.

Day 7: Graz – Austria’s Hidden Gem

Your last day brings you to Graz. It’s not as well-known as Vienna, Salzburg, or Innsbruck, but it definitely deserves your attention. Take an early morning train (around 5 hours from Innsbruck).

Start with a walk through the Old Town. Graz has one of the best-preserved medieval urban cores in Europe, so a simple stroll through these streets feels like stepping back in time.

If you haven’t had your fill of castles yet, head up to the Schlossberg. This hill gives you amazing views of the city and also features the famous clocktower. You can either hike up or take the elevator.

In the afternoon, visit Landeszeughaus, the largest historic armory in the world. For something slightly different, check out the futuristic Kunsthaus Graz, a contemporary art museum that stands out from the city’s historic architecture with its unique modern design.

End your trip by enjoying some local Styrian food, particularly pumpkin seed oil dishes or a Styrian Backhendl (fried chicken). Graz isn’t as crowded as other Austrian cities, leaving you with a relaxed atmosphere to wind down after a week of incredible travel.

Final Thoughts

This 7-day itinerary will give you a good mix of Austria’s imperial history, rich culture, and stunning nature. It’s not too rushed, but it covers a little bit of everything so you’ll leave feeling you’ve experienced the best this amazing country has to offer. Enjoy every moment and don’t forget to stop and take in those alpine views!

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