{"id":30594,"date":"2021-08-03T20:29:41","date_gmt":"2021-08-03T19:29:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/staging.sommertage.com\/?p=30594"},"modified":"2023-10-17T11:45:14","modified_gmt":"2023-10-17T10:45:14","slug":"austria-road-trip-itinerary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.sommertage.com\/en\/austria-road-trip-itinerary\/","title":{"rendered":"Road Trip through Austria: The Best Travel Itinerary for 2-4 Weeks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Majestic mountains <\/strong>and picturesque valleys, kaiserschmarrn and germkn\u00f6del, imperial flair and quaint mountain villages \u2013 all that and much more awaits you on a road trip through Austria. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spoiler: No other country in the world is as beautiful as Austria! We are possibly a little bias (we were born in Austria and grew up there), but one thing is for sure: You will have countless wow-moments<\/strong> on a road trip through Austria. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In our travel blog we show you the perfect travel itinerary <\/strong>through Austria. It will take you to the greatest highlights of the country in two weeks but has many route options<\/strong> so that you could also easily extend it to four weeks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We also provide some useful planning tips <\/strong>in this blog article, such as maps with the most important places along our travel route, so that you can perfectly prepare yourself for your trip around Austria. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\u00d6sterreich<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

1. Austria Travel Itinerary: Each of the Stops on our Road Trip <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Something to note: Our route starts in Vienna but it is a round trip<\/strong> so you can start at any point <\/strong>you wish. So, if you enter from Germany, for example, then you could easily start in Salzburg or Tyrol. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vienna<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Our Austrian road trip starts in the heart of the country, <\/strong>in our home city, Vienna. Perhaps we are a bit partial because we have lived here for over 30 years but in our eyes, Vienna is simply the most beautiful city in the world. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We love Vienna\u2019s baroque, classical flair. <\/strong>The small, picturesque alleyways and the imposing constructions in the inner city look like a film backdrop. We recommend you plan to stay at <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Detailed blog article: <\/strong>Travel Tips for Vienna<\/a>
Recommended length of stay: <\/strong>2-4 nights
Our hotel tip: <\/strong>25hours Hotel<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Michaelerplatz<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Vienna<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Optional: Wachau<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Our road trip starts from Vienna towards the west. The first stop is the beautiful Wachau \u2013 a picturesque river valley <\/strong>on the Donau between Melk and Krems. We love Wachau but marked this as \u2018optional\u2019. (There are just so many highlights in Austria!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What can you expect from Wachau? One of the most scenic river valleys, sun-drenched vinyards, picturesque wine growing villages and impressive castles or castle ruins. You can take a wine tour, <\/strong>for example, or simply enjoy a bit of Austria\u2019s wine culture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting from Vienna to Wachau:<\/strong> This is a fairly short stage of the road trip. You drive about an hour out of Vienna before reaching Wachau. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Detailed blog article: <\/strong>Sights of Wachau <\/strong>(coming soon)
Recommended length of stay:<\/strong> 1-2 nights
Our hotel tip:<\/strong> Steigenberger Hotel & Spa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Burgruine<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Salzkammergut (Traunsee)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of our favourite regions<\/strong> in Austria is not to be left off our travel route: The Salzkammergut. The combination of picturesque mountain lakes and rugged peaks is unparalleled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Traunsee<\/strong> (Lake Traun) is a great starting point to explore the Salzkammergut. The Gosau Lakes and Lake Altaussee are also undoubtedly worth a visit. And last but not least, you can also find one of the most well-known mountain villages of Austria here in the Salzkammergut: Hallstatt. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting from Wachau to Salzkammergut: <\/strong>You can expect a two hours drive for this part of the roadtrip. Would you like to make a stopover on the route? Then we can recommend the small town of Enns – quite an insider tip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Detailed blog article: <\/strong>The best things to do in Salzkammergut (coming soon)
Recommended length of stay:<\/strong> 2-3 nights
Our hotel recommendation: <\/strong>Seehotel Das Traunsee<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Hallstatt<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Salzkammergut<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Salzburg (City)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It wouldn\u2019t be an Austria road trip without a visit to Salzburg! In our opinion, you shouldn\u2019t leave Austria without having paid a visit to the city of Mozart.<\/strong> Yes, Salzburg is very touristy. However, the small city is also just so pretty and cute that we are simply amazed again and again. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paying a visit to the majestic Hohensalzburg Fortress<\/strong> is on the must-do list, and of course wandering through the picturesque old town. And please be sure to try an original Salzburger mozartkugel (mozart chocolate). These are only available in Salzburg \u2013 just delicious. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting from Salzkammergut to Salzburg:<\/strong> You can expect just a small drive for this part of the road trip. From Traunsee you will be on the road for just an hour before reaching Salzburg. (Warning: Parking in Salzburg can be a bit of a trouble. It\u2019s best to contact your hotel in advance about a parking space.) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Detailed blog article: <\/strong>Salzburg tips<\/a> 
Recommended length of stay:<\/strong> 1-2 nights
Our hotel recommendation: <\/strong>Arthotel Blaue Gans<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Kapuzinerberg<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Bad Gastein<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Our travel route takes us out of the city now and in the direction of the mountains.<\/strong> There are countless great destinations in the Austrian mountains, but we dare to say that none are as hip and unique as Bad Gastein. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Belle-\u00c9poque buildings,<\/strong> morbid charm & rugged peaks \u2013 either you love Bad Gastein or you will never warm up to it. One thing is for sure: There are countless spectacular hikes<\/strong> around Bad Gastein waiting just for you. The nature is really breathtakingly beautiful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting from Salzburg to Bad Gastein:<\/strong> You should allow about 1.5 hours for this stage of the road trip. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Detailed blog article: <\/strong>Holiday in Bad Gastein (coming soon) <\/strong>
Recommended length of stay:<\/strong> 2-3 nights
Our hotel tip:<\/strong> Design Hotel Miramonte<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Bad<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Optional: Innsbruck & Bregenzerwald<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Now you have two options for the onward journey of this road trip. Either you drive directly south to East Tyrol (then skip to the next chapter). Or you include the west tip of Austria<\/strong> \u2013 more precisely the North Tyrol and Voralberg regions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The bonus: This is one of the most spectacular scenic areas of Austria. The mountain landscape<\/strong> is unbelievably majestic and impressive. One disadvantage: The region is located a bit off the main route, so you need to allow enough time for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As well as a stop-off in Innsbruck<\/strong> (the capital city of the Tyrol region) we very highly recommend the Bregenzerwald (Bregenz Forest) in Voralberg. The combination of picturesque mountain villages, lovely hills and rugged peaks is wonderfully beautiful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Detailed blog article:<\/strong> Holiday in Bregenzerwald<\/a>
Recommended length of stay: <\/strong>3-4 nights (better 5-6 nights with a stop off in Innsbruck)
Our hotel tip: <\/strong>Hotel Hirschen<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Diedamskopf\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Panoramarestaurant<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

East Tyrol<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ll say it in short: We love East Tyrol! <\/strong>The rugged peaks and crystal-clear mountain lakes are breathtakingly beautiful. Therefore, we can only warmly recommend including East Tyrol in your travel route. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you love (high-)alpine hiking,<\/strong> this is the right place for you. There are countless peaks just waiting to be conquered. We would highly recommend East Tyrol to anyone who is looking for impressive mountains, picturesque valleys and rustic huts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting from Bad Gastein to East Tyrol:<\/strong> Here you can expect to experience what might be the most spectacularly scenic stage of the road trip. Be sure to take the route over the Gro\u00dfglockner high alpine road. (Note: only passable in summer and subject to a toll.) The road is already a highlight in itself, so it\u2019s almost worth spending one night along this stretch. The complete travel time is around 2 hours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you decide to take our optional route to Voralberg, then the stretch will take significantly longer. In this case you should allow around 4 to 5 hours driving time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Detailed blog article: <\/strong>Holiday in East Tyrol <\/strong>(coming soon)
Recommended length of stay:<\/strong> 3-4 nights
Our hotel recommendation:<\/strong> Hotel Waldruhe<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Karlsbader<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Lakes of Carinthia: Lake Faak and Lake Weissensee<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

What would an Austrian road trip be without a visit to the lakes in the Carinthia region? Unfortunately, Austria is not located close to the sea but when the weather is good the lakes in the south of the country<\/strong> exude equally as much holiday flair. Therefore, the next stop on our route through Austria is perfect for anyone looking to cool down and refresh. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally have two favourite lakes: <\/strong>One of these is the picturesque Lake Faak \u2013 a peaceful little spot for a wonderful beach holiday. And the other is the idyllic Lake Weissensee, which is unbelievably beautiful with its turquoise colour. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting from East Tyrol to the lakes of Carinthia:<\/strong> This stage is one of the shortest. Plan for around one to two hours driving time \u2013 depending on which place you leave from in East Tyrol and which lake you are drawn to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Detailed blog article:<\/strong> The Most Beautiful Lakes in Carinthia (coming soon)
Recommended length of stay:<\/strong> 3 nights (gladly more, if you visit both lakes)
Our hotel tips: <\/strong>Kleines Hotel K\u00e4rnten<\/a> (Lake Faak) or Seehotel Enzian<\/a> (Lake Weissensee)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Faaker<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Weissensee<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

South Styria<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you like wine, you cannot leave out South Styria. The region in the south-east of the country doesn\u2019t have the nickname the Tuscany of Austria<\/strong> for nothing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A wonderful, soft rolling landscape, <\/strong>magical trip destinations, rustic taverns and great hotels await you in South Styria. In short: An enjoyable break and the best way to get to know Austria\u2019s wine culture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting from the Carinthia lakes to South Styria: <\/strong>You can comfortably drive this stretch of the travel route in around two hours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Detailed blog article: <\/strong>South Styria Tips (coming soon)
Recommended length of stay:<\/strong> 2-3 nights
Our hotel tip: <\/strong>Loisium S\u00fcdsteiermark<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Southern<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Optional: Graz<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The last stop on our travel journey is Graz, Austria\u2019s second biggest city. This pleasant university city<\/strong> is an unexciting but very worthwhile destination on a road trip through Austria. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The city\u2019s landmark is the Graz clock tower <\/strong>on the Schlossberg. A walk (or alternatively a drive) up to it is definitely one for the must-do list. As well as that, the inner city of Graz is really pretty. And last but not least, Graz offers a large range of art and culture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting from South Styria to Graz: <\/strong>This stage of the road trip is one of the shortest. It will take you less than an hour to reach Graz.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Detailed blog article:<\/strong> Graz Tips<\/a>
Recommended length of stay:<\/strong> 1-2 nights
Our hotel recommendation: <\/strong>Grand Hotel Wiesler<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\u00d6sterreich<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

2. Map: Overview of the Travel Route<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We have marked the individual stops of our road trip on this map so that you can get a better overview of the roadtrip journey. The travel times of each stage are very manageable. You will usually be on the road for one or two hours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Austria<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

3. Further Travel Tips for your Austria Road Trip <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The best time for a road trip through Austria <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Our travel route is primarily designed for a road trip in warm temperatures (i.e. spring \/ summer \/ early autumn). We would like to take you through the pros and cons of each month. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

High season: summer months of July and August <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The most popular time to travel is clearly the summer months of July and August, and there are two reasons why: Weather and school holidays. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n