Austria: Vienna, Salzburg & Hallstatt in 9 Days
Austria
Overview
Austria's rail network connects some of Europe's most photogenic stops with ease: Vienna's palaces and coffeehouse culture, Salzburg's Mozart-birthplace old town beneath its fortress, the almost impossibly picturesque lake town of Hallstatt, and Innsbruck's mountain-ringed old town to close it out.
- Duration
- 9 days
- Pace
- Balanced
- Transport
- Public transport
- Estimated budget (comfortable)
- €1,550–€1,950
Route
1. Vienna2. Salzburg3. Hallstatt4. Innsbruck
Highlights
- Schönbrunn Palace and Vienna's coffeehouse culture
- Salzburg's Altstadt beneath Hohensalzburg Fortress
- Hallstatt's lakefront views, best seen away from the main viewpoint crowds
- Innsbruck's Golden Roof and surrounding Alps
Worth knowing
- Hallstatt gets extremely crowded with day-trippers — an overnight stay is worth it to see it after the buses leave
- Vienna to Hallstatt requires a change in Attnang-Puchheim
- Winter closes some mountain activities around Innsbruck
Day by day
Day 1
ViennaMain activities
- Arrive, settle in
- St. Stephen's Cathedral and the old town
Overnight: Vienna
Day 2
ViennaMain activities
- Schönbrunn Palace
- A traditional coffeehouse
Overnight: Vienna
Day 3
ViennaMain activities
- Belvedere Palace
- Naschmarkt
Overnight: Vienna
Day 4
Vienna → SalzburgMain activities
- Train (~2.5h)
- Altstadt and Mozart's birthplace
~2.5 hoursOvernight: Salzburg
Day 5
SalzburgMain activities
- Hohensalzburg Fortress
- Mirabell Gardens
Optional additions
- Sound of Music filming locations tour
Overnight: Salzburg
Day 6
Salzburg → HallstattMain activities
- Train and ferry (~1.5h)
- Lakefront walk
~1.5 hoursOvernight: Hallstatt
Day 7
Hallstatt → InnsbruckMain activities
- Train (~4h)
- Golden Roof and old town
~4 hoursOvernight: Innsbruck
Day 8
InnsbruckMain activities
- Nordkette cable car for Alps views
Overnight: Innsbruck
Day 9
InnsbruckMain activities
- Departure
Overnight: Innsbruck
Alternatives
Shorter version · 6 days
Drop Innsbruck and finish in Hallstatt before returning toward Vienna to fly out.
Longer extension · 12 days
Add Graz for a slower, less-touristed university city between Vienna and Salzburg.