Planning a trip to Austria can feel overwhelming. With so many palaces, alpine villages, and lakes to choose from, how do you know which places are truly worth your time — and what actually fits into your itinerary?
🎥That’s exactly what our Austria travel guide is created to solve. After exploring the country over multiple trips, we’ve put together a list of the 35 best places to visit in Austria — all based on firsthand experience and detailed research.
🗺️Not only that, we will also follow our 8-day itinerary route, which you can use as inspiration when planning your own journey in Austria. Along the way, you’ll hear practical travel tips, firsthand impressions, and useful details like entry prices and logistics.
✅By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of what to prioritize, how much things cost, and how to structure your trip realistically.
📍Our travel guide covers the top places to visit, including Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Hallstatt, Wachau Valley, the Austrian Alps, and more. Whether you’re looking for an Austria itinerary or searching for the best things to do in the country, this video will help you make the most of your trip.
ℹ️Please note that all facts and pricing details mentioned are accurate as of the recording date and may change over time.
⏰ Timestamps:
01:14 Vienna
03:22 Semmering Railway
04:14 Riegersburg Castle
06:05 Graz
08:35 Hochosterwitz Castle
09:51 Wörthersee
11:44 Pyramidenkogel Tower
13:32 Grossglockner High Alpine Road
15:22 Zell am See
17:25 Krimml Waterfall
19:48 Zillertal
21:12 Olpererhütte
22:17 Swarovski Kristallwelten
24:14 Innsbruck
26:35 Hohenschwangau & Neuschwanstein Castles
28:46 Highline 179
30:43 Silvretta High Alpine Road
32:09 Lünersee
33:30 Bad Gastein
34:38 Liechtensteinklamm
35:12 Werfen Ice Caves
35:59 Hohenwerfen castle
36:53 Salzburg
39:18 Attersee
40:23 Traunsee
41:55 Bad Ischl
42:48 Wolfgangsee
44:15 Schafberg
46:13 Hallstatt
48:28 Dachstein Krippenstein
51:41 Grundlsee
52:44 Vorderer Gosausee
54:37 Melk Abbey
55:49 Aggstein Castle
56:36 Dürnstein
57:58 Itinerary Summary
59:47 Our Perfect Austria Itinerary
Austria is known for its grand palaces,
Alpine villages, and picture-perfect lakes. But once you start planning your trip, how
do you know which places are genuinely worth your time? And not only that, but also what
actually fits into your itinerary. In this video, we’ll
cut through the noise. We explored Austria over two separate
trips and built you a list of 35 best places to visit in Austria, all based on
first-hand experience and detailed research. Spend the next hour with us and you will
learn what to prioritize, how much things cost, and how to plan a realistic
route that actually makes sense. Let’s begin. In our most recent trip, we spent
eight days covering the entire country. So today I’ll take you through the entire
route and introduce you to the top places as we go. As you follow the route, you will notice
places marked in yellow that represent the places we were able to visit in our
eight-day adventure and pins that approximate our accommodation locations. We land at Vienna International Airport
and begin our journey from here. Before we proceed, let’s talk
about our first location, Vienna. Vienna is the largest city of
Austria and the country’s capital. We decided to skip it this time since
we were here a few years back in winter. That time, we spent a couple of days
exploring some of its grand palaces, museums, and Christmas markets. Schönbrunn Palace is a must see with
its opulent rooms and beautiful gardens. We recommend arriving early to enjoy the
gardens for free before the palace opens up. Different ticket types are available, but
base entry to the palace in summer season costs around €34 online. It is best to book online, especially if
you come in peak season, because short term visits without prior booking cannot
be guaranteed due to the very high number of visitors. Belvedere Palace is another highlight,
famous for its baroque style and art collections. Entry to the upper Belvedere starts from
€21, and combo tickets are available if you want to visit both palaces. We also had an opportunity to visit Hotel
Sacher to try the famous Sacher cake. Although we had to wait about 30 minutes
to get in, the royal atmosphere inside the hotel made the experience worthwhile. The cake’s fancy design was impressive,
though we found it a bit overpriced and frankly, not quite to our taste. Other notable spots include the Hofburg
Imperial Imperial Palace, where you can see the Sisi Museum and Imperial
Apartments for around €20, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a Gothic
landmark with free entry. Climbing the tower or visiting
the catacombs has a small cost. For some fun, The Prater Amusement Park
features the iconic giant Ferris wheel with rides costing a little over €14. Getting around Vienna is easy thanks
to its excellent public transit. Consider buying a Vienna City Card for
about €17 per day, which offers unlimited travel and discounts, or
the Vienna Pass for around €89 per day, which grants free entry
to many attractions. For our first stretch, we took a 200 km
drive to our first overnight stay in Graz. In this part, let’s explore Semmering
railway, Riegersburg Castle, and of course, Graz itself. If you think trains are just for getting
from A to B, wait till you see the Semmering railway. The
Semmering railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its impressive
19th century engineering and beautiful Alpine scenery. It runs from Gloggnitz to Semmering and
continues to Mürzzuschlag, with regular trains providing easy access. Tickets to different locations can
be bought at stations or online. The most scenic section is between
Gloggnitz and Semmering, where the train passes through 15 tunnels and crosses 16
viaducts surrounded by mountain landscapes. At Semmering station, you can learn
interesting facts about the Semmering railway. In addition, you can take short hikes to
viewpoints overlooking the railway, where you can enjoy the area
beyond the train ride. Riegersburg Castle isn’t
just a dusty old fortress. It is active with stories of
witches, weapons, and birds of prey. It was our first introduction of the
majestic Austrian castles, so when we drove towards the hill, it was very
exciting to watch the castle gradually unfold with each turn. When we reach the parking lot, we faced
the three different ticket options. Basic ticket for just over €8 that grants
you the entrance to the outside grounds via the funicular ride, a little over €23
for outside grounds, and castle access, including the museums,
and slightly over €35 for the full experience with the Bird of Pray show. Oh, a bit of shaking,
but generally smooth. It was later that we realized the castle can also be hiked up with the basic ticket. The trail up is on the opposite side, a
steep 20-minute path through fortified gates, passing through the
fields and surrounding vineyards. Outside the castle, the area is quite
spacious, and on a hot day, walking around the exterior alone was enough for us. If you have additional entry tickets, plan
to spend at least two hours to see the castle interiors, museums, take a guided
or audio tour, and watch the falconry show, which usually takes place
a few times in the afternoon. There’s a cozy tavern at the top for
food and a small playground for children. The castle is open daily from 9:00 AM
to 6:00 PM during the summer months. Have you ever underestimated a city only
to find it full of pleasant surprises? Well, that’s exactly how we felt. At first, we underestimated Graz, thinking
it would just be a quick stopover on the way to the real Austria. Turns out Graz is pleasantly relaxed
and very authentic in itself. Despite being Austria’s second largest
city, it didn’t feel overly crowded or touristy. One of the city’s most striking features
is the iconic clock tower atop Schlossberg Hill. It’s a beautiful structure, and you will
spot it from literally anywhere within the city center. We climbed the 260 plus steps to reach it,
which was a bit of a workout, but the beautiful gardens and benches along the
way made the climb quite enjoyable and a nice chance to pause and take in the
panoramic views of graz’s rooftops. If you prefer, you can also take the
funicular or the glass elevator for a small fee. The city center is very walkable, and we
covered the main attractions in a few relaxed hours. While wondering, we discovered beautiful
spots like the Murinsel, a unique island on the Mur river,
the lively square, Hauptplatz, and several impressive churches and cathedrals. The Gothic Graz Catherdral and the
Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II are also nice places to visit. One of the more unexpected discoveries was
a cave-like entrance at the foot of the Schlossberg Hill. Not only was it a cooling escape during a
hot day, but it also has fairytale train tours. The 30-minute ride introduces you to
wonderful fairytale worlds, which will be a great activity to do with smaller
kids if you have some spare time. For those interested in art and
architecture, the Kunsthaus Graz stands out with its modern friendly alien design. Entry is around €12. If you have more time, consider visiting
Eggenberg Palace on the outskirts, a baroque palace with beautiful state
rooms, roaming peacocks, and a park. Keep in mind, most city
museums close on Mondays. If you get the Graz card for around €30,
among other things, it includes free rides on the funicular and castle lift,
which will be handy for Schlossberg. One day was enough to see the main sites,
although looking back, I would not have mind spending an extra day. Up next, we head to the west end of
Wörthersee, which is 160 kilometers away, about 2 hours drive. In this part, we were able to visit
the Hochosterwitz Castle, explore the Wörthersee itself and
Pyramidenkogel Tower. Have a good flight. Did you know that Hochosterwitz Castle is
one of the one of the most heavily fortified castles in Austria. It was built on a 150-metre high limestone
rock, protected by 14 fortified gates. This design made it extremely difficult
for attackers to reach the main castle, and it’s famously known that no attacker
ever made it past the fourth gate. We had a chance to stop by it on our way
to Wörthersee and were immediately struck by how huge the castle actually is. Visitors have two ways to reach the
castle, hiking up the steep ramparts or taking the incline lift, “Fürst Max”. The admission fee is €18 per adult. If you prefer the lift, it adds €10 to
the entry price, making it €28 total. While on the spot, we realized that hiking
up and crossing the castle gates would probably be the primary experience here. We decided to not enter this time, so
instead we post to enjoy the exterior and surrounding landscapes. Up in the castle, visitors can explore the
courtyard, a small chapel, and an armory filled with medieval weapons and armor. The panoramic view from the top overlooks
the stunning Carinthian countryside. The castle is open from April to November. Wörthersee is a stunning Lake located in
Southern Austria, famous for its warm, light blue waters and
popular Lakeside towns. When we arrived in Velden on the Lakes
West Side, the holiday vibes were clear immediately, with many people
enjoying the beaches and water. Here, the Lake’s waters reach around 25
degrees celsius in summer, just perfect for swimming and water activities. Most beaches around the lake offer very
good facilities but require an entry fee, usually between €6 and €8 for a day. As much as we explored, we did not come
across any free beaches around the lake. We received these Wörthersee cards at our
hotel, which was very handy since it gave us discounts and even free access to one
nearby beach, something you should keep in mind when planning your accommodation. Boat cruises are a popular
way to explore the area. The hop-on-hop-off boat pass costs about
€21 when booking online and lets you visit towns like Velden, Pörtschach, and
Klagenfurt, usually from April to October. While in the area, we took an evening road
trip around the lake, stopping in Klagenfurt on the opposite end. Klagenfurt was busier but still had a nice
holiday feel with a pleasant beachfront and a nearby park, perfect for a walk. For sightseeing, there’s a Pyramidenkogel
Tower nearby, which we’ll talk more about in just a moment. In Klagenfurt, you can also visit
Minimundus, a miniature park with famous buildings from around the world. It has an entry fee of €21 for adults. If you enjoy cycling, there are scenic
bike paths around the lake, and renting a bike in Velden or Klagenfurt
is a great way to explore. We experienced that dining by the
waterfront in Velden can be quite expensive. We had lunch at a waterfront restaurant
there, and it was probably the priciest menu of our entire trip. From the moment you approach and see
towering over the forest, you will know that Pyramidenkogel Tower is
no ordinary observation deck. This world’s tallest wooden observation
tower stands 100 meters high on a hill overlooking Wörthersee. You can buy a ticket for €17, and if you
use the Wörthersee card, you get a 20% discount on this. There are two options to reach the top. You can take the elevator
or climb 441 steps. We chose the stairs and enjoyed great
views opening up with every level. There are signs which suggest stretching
exercises along the way, which we found to be a nice little touch. At the top, the panoramic 360-degree views
include Carinthia’s Lakes, mountains, and even the Julian Alps and
Slovenia on clear days. For a fun way down, I tried the
covered spiral slide inside the tower. It costs an extra €5, and it is
the longest of its kind in Europe. The slide is fast but not extreme. Definitely suitable for most visitors. You sit on a cushiony seat and a
staff member gently dumps you in. Bye.
Bye. My ride took about 20 seconds. It felt quite fast, so I wonder
if anyone can beat my time. There’s also a zipline option for
those craving even more adrenaline. The tower is open all year round. For day three, we head
to the Austrian Alps. Here we cross the Grossglockner High
Alpine Road and head down to Zell am See, where we spend the night. You might think mountain roads are narrow
and stressful, but the Grossglockner High Alpine Road surprises with its spacious
lanes with easy access to breathtaking views. This 48 km scenic route winds through Hohe
Tauern National Park, leading up to Austria’s highest peak, Grossglockner, at
3,798 meters. We paid the entry fee of €45 for our car
and started a drive on the spacious, clean roads surrounded by towering mountains. Along the way, there are plenty of
stopping points with lovely picnic tables where we stopped for a snack
break before continuing the drive. At the spot, we discovered
a small surprise. We took a short hike downhill that led to
a small river downstream and the bridge. The road climbed steadily and signs
track your elevation progress. We reached one of the highest points at
around 2,400 meters, where there is a large parking lot and the
Franz-Josefs-Höhe Visitor Center. This spot overlooks the Pasterze
Glacier, Austria’s largest glacier. The visitor center has restaurant with
indoor and outdoor seating that in such remote and scenic location was
surprisingly very affordable. From this high point, the road starts
descending in a serpentine fashion. We really enjoyed the refreshing and cool
climate along the route, which was a nice contrast to the hot
day in the lower parts. Right in the heart of the Salzburg Alps,
Zell am See is a charming lakeside town centered around the stunning Lake Zell. When we arrived in the evening, we started
with a quick dinner at a local restaurant where we got some insider
tips about the nearby beaches. We were recommended a few free access
beaches and went to visit one of them, Strandbad Maishofen. It is a small, cozy beach area on the
northern part of the lake that was just perfect for a relaxing evening. The recreational area here includes a bar,
a restaurant, and even outdoor table tennis, which we gave a quick try. The waterfront offers breathtaking
mountain views with swans swimming peacefully on the lake. Here, the water was clearly colder
compared to lower regions of Austria. For stunning views, the Schmittenhöhe
Mountain at 1,965 meters is accessible by cable car from the town. A round trip ticket
costs a little over €31. At the top, you will find easy
walking trails and Alpine huts. In the winter, it’s popular ski area,
while summer visitors often try paragliding. Nearby, the Sigmund-Thun Gorge features
dramatic wooden walkways and costs about €7 to enter. If you stay in eligible accommodations, be
sure to get the Zell am See-Kaprun Summer Card. It provides free access to all public
transport and discounted rates to cable cars, boat rides, gorges,
museums, and waterfalls. It would absolutely make your visit
much easier and more affordable. On day 4, we head a little
west from Innsbruck. This takes us about 226 kilometers
and roughly three and a half hours. On our way, we got to explore Krimml
Waterfall and Swarovski Kristallwelten. But this stretch is also surrounded by a
few other highlights you should definitely consider: Zillertal, Olpererhütte,
and the city of Innsbruck. If you think cold showers at home are
refreshing, wait until you get a misty spray from Europe’s highest waterfall at
Krimml, dropping down nearly 380 meters over three tiers. The Krimml waterfalls are truly
spectacular, and we found this spot to be among the best highlights
of our entire trip. Before starting our adventure, we
grabbed some brunch at the cafe. Since it was a hot day, we also bought
some caps and began making our way to the waterfall. The most memorable to me was the lowest
part of the waterfall, where the water crashes down. The sheer size and volume of the water are
incredible, and here, you can’t avoid a refreshing shower from the mist
that was honestly much needed. We got to learn that the waterfall effect
and water’s beneficial properties are an effective and sustainable natural
remedy for allergies and asthma. Knowing that, it was really cool to experience the healing properties first-hand directly from the source. Later, we took a 40-minute hike uphill
along the waterfall trail, which was quite steep but offered nice spots to stop
and enjoy different views along the way. Once you reach the top of the stretch,
there is a flat area with a restaurant where you can take a little break. From here, there’s one final climb, but
due to time constraints, we did not continue there. Nonetheless, we can say from what we
experienced that the lower part of the falls is definitely a must
see and shouldn’t be missed. Let’s go through some practical tips. The entrance fee is €9 for adults and
parking costs an additional €6 for up to 2 hours of parking. The Lower Falls are accessible via a
short, easy barrier-free walk of 10 to 15 minutes from the entrance
and are wheelchair-friendly. The full trail to the top is a little over
4 kilometers, contains a 431-metre climb and will take you roughly
one and a half to two hours. There are huts at both the Lower and Upper
Falls where you can buy snacks and drinks. Lastly, the falls are at their fullest in
late spring and early summer due to the snowmelt. Zillertal offers a surprising variety
of experiences within one valley. This large Alpine valley is well known for
its outdoor activities throughout the year. In winter, it attracts many skiers, while
summer provides excellent hiking and biking opportunities. The Zillertal Scenic railway is a historic
steam train running between Jenbach and Mayrhofen. The ride takes about 1 hour 45 minutes,
featuring open air cars and occasional live music. At the end of the valley, at the Hintertux
Glacier, you get year-round skiing and summer snow activities. Cable cars ascend to
3,250 meters with round-trip tickets costing up to €53, depending on
hour and the ascended mountain. At the summit, you can enjoy panoramic
terraces, explore ice caves for an extra fee, and enjoy the summer snow. For scenic drives, the Schlegeis
Alpine Road costs €18 for a car. It leads to the Schlegeis Reservoir and
the 131-metre dam, which is a great place for some scenic hiking. If you plan to stay several days, the
Zillertal Active Card could be a good investment. For around €92 for three days, it includes
daily cable car rides, free public transport, and outdoor pool access. Public busses to valleys like Hintertux
Glacier are free with this card. Right there on the Southern end of the
Zillertal Alps, you will also come across the Olpererhütte, which sits near a
turquoise reservoir surrounded by Glacier peaks. It is a well-known mountain hut,
famous for its suspension bridge. To get there, you can drive or take a bus
to my mentioned Schlegeis Stausee Reservoir. From the Reservoir, the hike to the hut is
about 4 km, with a steep ascent of around 600 meters. Takes roughly one and a half to two hours
for those that are more experienced hikers. A short detour from the main trail leads
to the suspension bridge crossing a creek, which is perfect for photos
with the reservoir below. You can expect some queues here,
especially later in the morning. The Olpererhütte offers food and drinks
and has a sun terrace with panoramic views. You can also stay here in
the shared dormitory rooms. The hut is open from
mid-June to early October. Keep in mind that the hut has limited
overnight accommodations, so if you plan to stay, be sure to book in advance. Swarovski Kristallwelten is a unique
indoor-outdoor attraction located in Wattens, just about 20
minutes from Innsbruck. The entrance itself is quite unique – a
giant’s head with water flowing from its mouth. What’s behind the giant’s
head, you might think? Well, we got a chance to find out. Inside, we had an opportunity to step into
a hidden underground world filled with sparkling Swarovski art within
the 17 artist-designed rooms. These rooms showcase exhibitions that
highlight the exceptional quality of Swarovski crystals, along with light shows
and even a crystal dome you can walk in. We found the audio guide helpful,
especially if you prefer listening over reading. It mostly repeats what’s on the reading
boards, but with some extra details. Our favorite highlight was the room that
senses your heartbeat and carries it over to a single crystal. There are many other creative exhibits,
but I don’t want to spoil them all. After the museum, The outdoor garden has
plenty of recreational activities suitable for both adults and kids, including a
maze, carousel, play tower, observatory tower, and a restaurant. Here you will also come across the Crystal
Cloud, an impressive outdoor art piece made of 800,000 hand mounted crystals. Tickets cost around €25 for adults. Overall, we enjoyed the visit, but
it did feel a little overpriced. The indoor visit ends in the
world’s biggest Swarovski store. As impressive as it sounds, it also makes
the whole experience feel somewhat like a marketing play. All in all, it is a great option
for a rainy day or a family outing. If you ever wanted to walk cobblestone
streets with towering mountains as your backdrop, Innsbruck would be
the perfect place for that. Innsbruck is the capital of Tyrol region,
famous for its Alpine scenery and charming medieval old town set. Although we decided not to stop there, the
city itself is quite a highlight and often makes it as a top destination
for first-time visitors. Right in the old town, you will come
across the iconic golden roof, which is covered with 2,657 gilded tiles. Maria-Theresien-Straße is a lively
shopping street filled with cafés and shops, offering beautiful views
of the Nordkette Mountains. For your unique experience, the Nordkette
cable car takes you from the city center up to 2,300 meters in under 30 minutes,
stopping at several stations, including Hafelekar, with great panoramic views. A round trip ticket to Hafelekar costs
about €52, but you can save a bit by traveling early in the
morning or late afternoon. At Hafelekar, you can enjoy views of
Innsbruck and the surrounding valleys, and even take a short hike to
the Hafelekarspitze peak. Another highlight is the Bergisel ski
jump, designed by a well-known architect, Zaha Hadid, where you can climb up for
amazing views of the city and mountains. A short bus ride will take you to Ambras
Castle, a renaissance castle with beautiful gardens, art collections, and
the chambers of art and curiosities. Entry here is €16. For convenience, consider purchasing the
Innsbruck card, which covers cable cars, public transport, and entries to a variety
of museums, the Alpine Zoo, and even to my previously mentioned,
Swarovski Kristallwelten. It comes in 24, 48, or 72-hour
options, priced between €69 and €89. On day five, we stay at the same
place and have a day trip ahead of us. On this day, we go 90 kilometers, taking
about 1 hour, 40 minutes, just across the northwest border to the Hohenschwangau
and Neuschwanstein castles. And on our way back, we
stop at Highline 179. Also in this area, on the Southern part,
you should consider the Silvretta High Alpine Road and Lünersee. Did you know that Neuschwanstein Castle
inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle and draws millions of visitors every year? It is perched on a cliff, looks like a
storybook castle, and is one of Europe’s most visited sites. Just below stands the Hohenschwangau
Castle, the yellow palace, where King Ludwig II grew up. It’s important to know that entry inside
the castles is not allowed without a guided tour, which lasts
about 30 minutes each. We tried booking one for now
Neuschwanstein Castle over a month in advance, but it was already
fully booked for the June season. The Hohenschwangau is
usually easier to book. The tours cost a little over €23 for
Neuschwanstein and €26 for Hohenschwangau per adult. As we reached, we found the next available
tour was at 1:30 PM, so we decided not to wait and instead explore the castle’s
exterior and the surrounding area. We took a 30-minute uphill hike to
Neuschwanstein, which was steep but pleasantly shaded by the forest. In the end, we didn’t really feel like we
missed out by not going inside because there were many beautiful
viewpoints outside. Our favorite one was from the Mary’s
Bridge, which presented a classic postcard view of Neuschwanstein Castle. It was quite crowded in the peak season,
so it was difficult to enjoy the site for longer than a few minutes. The bridge is accessible by a short
uphill hike from the castle area. We ended up skipping Hohenschwangau as the
heat exploring Neuschwanstein was pretty draining during the hot afternoon. However, Hohenschwangau is just a
15-minute walk from the village or accessible by horse carriage, so distance
should not be a problem if you wish to visit both of the castles. Some practical tips. Pick up your tickets at the ticket
center at least an hour before your tour. It takes some time to hike to the entry
points, and if you come late, you will miss your entry. You have options of taking the shuttle or
horse carriage if you want to avoid the uphill walk. Exploring Neuschwanstein grounds and
Mary’s Bridge is worth it, even if you don’t plan to enter inside the castle. Right on site by the Alpsee Lake, there is
also the Museum of the Bavarian Kings, which is worth a visit if you have time. What does it feel like to walk hundreds of
meters above a valley floor on a swaying metal bridge? We found out at Highline 179. As the longest Tibetan hanging bridge in
the world, it stretches nearly 400 meters and is suspended
114 meters above the Ehrwald Valley. When we arrived, the bridge hung
impressively high up above a spacious parking lot. Before the ascent, we stopped at the
onsite restaurant where the food was great and reasonably priced. You can either hike or take
the incline lift to ascend. We chose to hike up. The steep 15-minute hike was a good
workout and a nice way to warm up for the walk across the bridge. At the bridge, we took our first careful
steps onto the metal deck and quickly realized it was quite stable. As we moved further, the
bridge began to gently sway. It was a windy day, so the movement
combined with the height gave quite a chilling sensation, especially when you
look down and see how tiny the people and cars are below, you get to realize
how high up we actually were. At the end of the crossing, we got to
learn some interesting facts about the bridge and took plenty of photos with the
Ehrenberg Castle ruins in the backdrop. On the way back, we felt a
little more confident this time. We even turned around and
stopped to enjoy the scenery. And that’s where our bravery got punished,
when the wind caught Meenal’s cap and blew it straight into the dense forest below. So hold on to your belongings tightly. We learned it the hard way. There’s a zipline at the top that
looked like a fun way to descend. But since we were on the mission to
find the cap, we hiked back down. Admission costs €10 for adults. If you prefer not to hike, the Ehrenberg
Liner elevator is €8 round trip. Here, you should plan one to two hours to
enjoy the area, the bridge, and exploring the free castle ruins, which include a
small museum and informational panels. Nestled in the Austrian Alps, the
Silvretta High Alpine road links the Montafon Valley in Vorarlberg
with the Paznaun Valley in Tyrol. This mountain route crosses the Bielerhöhe
Pass, which sits at 2,032 meters above sea level. The road commonly called as the Dream Road
of the Alps, is about 22 kilometers long and is famous for its 34 hair
pin turns on the Vorarlberg side. It is one of the go-to stretches for
drivers, motorcyclists, and cyclists to enjoy winding roads and breathtaking
views of mountain peaks and lakes. During our trip, access to the road
was closed due to the recent landslide. Since then, one part of it has reopened,
but because access is very weather dependent, make sure to check their
website for current status before you plan your visit. To drive on here, there typically is a
toll fee, but since the partial opening, no toll fee is being collected. The previous fee was €18 per car and
€14.50 per motorcycle for a day ticket. At the top, you’ll find the Vermunt
Reservoir and Lake Silvretta, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Piz
Buin, which is 3312 meters high. There’s parking available at Bielerhöhe,
and from there, you can take a lakeside walks or have lunch at the Berghaus
restaurant. The road narrows in some spots, and
cyclists should prepare for a climb with about 10% grade. Up next, we’re heading to a stunning
Alpine Lake that you can only reach by cable car. Did you know Lünersee sits nearly 2,000
meters above sea level, making it one of Austria’s highest and
most picturesque lakes. You can reach it by taking the
Lünerseebahn cable car from the village of Brand, which takes you up to
1,970 meters elevation. A round trip ticket
costs €24.50 for adults. At the top, you’ll find
the Douglass Hütte, a mountain hut with a restaurant serving local dishes like
Kaiserschmarrn – a great spot to take a break and enjoy views of the lake. For a gentle walk, there is a 6 km trail
around Lünersee that takes about 2 hours and offers spectacular
views and wildflowers. Fishing is also allowed here
with a permit from Douglas Hütte. On day 6, our sole destination was
Salzburg, which took us about three hours to reach. But for this part, you have an alternate
route that will enable you to visit some additional very impressive highlights like
Bad Gastein, Liechtensteinklamm, Werfen Ice Caves, and Hohenwerfen castle. Did you know Bad Gastein’s natural thermal
waters have been attracting visitors since the 19th century for
their healing properties? The town uniquely combines Alpine scenery
with urban charm, featuring grand old hotels, perched on cliffs, and a beautiful
waterfall running through its center. At night, the waterfall is illuminated,
and the ion-rich air here is said to be healthy. For stunning views, take the gondola up
to Stubnerkogel Mountain at 2251 meters. Highlights include the 140 meter
Stubnerkogel suspension Bridge and the Glocknerblick viewing platform. The summit restaurant is a great spot
to rest and enjoy the mountain panorama. The Gastein healing Gallery, a radon mine
used for therapeutic treatments, requires pre-booking and costs
around €80 per session. The Gastein card is usually provided by
hotels for free, and it offers discounts on spas, lifts, and free local bus rides. The town is quite steep, so the city bus
will help you move between the upper and lower parts. Liechtensteinklamm is easily one of the
most breathtaking natural spots in Austria. It offers a scenic one-kilometer walk
along boardwalks, tunnels, rock galleries, and bridges, ending at
a towering waterfall. This walk takes about 30 minutes one way
and is the main highlight of the gorge. A recent addition is the spiral helix
staircase inside a cavern added after renovations in 2020. Admission costs about €14 for adults. If you have a SalzburgerLand Card, a
free one-day entry admission is included. In the Tennengebirge
mountains, just 40 kilometers south of Salzburg, we come across the Werfen Ice
Caves, the world’s largest ice cave. This place features giant ice stalagmites,
frozen waterfalls, and impressive ice palace chambers. To visit, you will take a steep cable
car ride and join a guided tour. The tour lasts about 70 minutes and
includes climbing 700 steps inside the cave. Temperatures stay around zero degrees even
in summer, so bring warm clothing and sturdy hiking shoes. After the tour, you can relax at the
restaurant at the top station, which grants fantastic views of the valley. The cave entry, including the
cable car, costs €42 on site. Hohenwerfen Castle sits atop a hill near
the town of Werfen, just a 12-minute drive from the Werfen Ice Caves. Built in the 11th century, it gives
visitors a real glimpse into the medieval life, with exhibits on weaponry and
a museum dedicated to medieval arms. Guided tours are available, which last
around 45 minutes and take you through the castle’s chapel, kitchen,
arsenal, and bell tower. You will also come across the Falconry
Center, where you can watch daily demonstrations of eagles,
falcons, and vultures. Getting to the castle involves a steep
15 to 20 minutes walk through the forest. If you prefer, there is a
funicular lift for an extra fee. Ticket prices vary depending on how you
get up and what experiences you want included, costing around 21
euros for all-inclusive pass. Hohenwerfen is open from
April to early November. Situated on the banks of the Salzach
River, Salzburg is a compact city famous for its architecture,
history, and Alpine scenery. We began our explorations with a nice and
scenic walk along the river towards the city center. First, we came across the Mirabell Palace,
which stood out with its colorful gardens, shaded sitting areas, and the
beautiful castle backdrop. Walking 10 minutes further, we reached the
Old Town, which has a fantastic atmosphere. It is very lively, filled with markets,
restaurants, shops, street musicians, and art exhibitions. We passed by Mozart’s birthplace and
residence, yet another city’s highlight, but decided not to visit this time. Instead, we headed straight to
the Hohensalzburg Fortress. To reach it, we chose to hike up the steep
10-minute ascent rather than the funicular. Honestly, the castle was
one of the best we visited. Very active with lots to learn, explore,
and interact with through hands-on exhibits. Different parts of the fortress require
separate tickets, so purchasing the full pass gave us the complete experience and
access to all of the history and exhibitions. It was nice to learn through the audio and
visual displays about the city’s Archbishops and the importance
of salt to the economy. We even got a chance to
try some medieval armor. It felt like we were
suiting up for battle. There’s also a restaurant on site with
some stunning views and surprisingly reasonable prices. We really enjoyed how
walkable the city was. On top of it, our hotel provided a free
public transport pass, so we had that option too. In hindsight, one day
was not enough for us. We would definitely spend an extra day
or two to enjoy Salzburg more fully. If I were to plan the Austrian itinerary
again, I would definitely make some time for exploring the Salzkammergut region. The region is known for its glacial lakes,
impressive mountains and a relaxed recreational atmosphere. Let’s look at the five locations you
should consider in your itinerary from here: Attersee, Traunsee, Bad Ischl,
Wolfgangsee, and Schafberg. Some might think Austria’s lakes are
mostly crowded tourist hotspots, but Attersee shows that you can find more
peace without sacrificing beauty. Attersee is the largest lake in Austria’s
Salzkammergut region, known for its clear turquoise waters and its connection
to the painter Gustav Klimt. The lake is surrounded by charming
villages like village Attersee, Nußdorf, Unterach, and Seewalchen, which you can
explore by taking a scenic boat cruise. These cruises cost from €20 to €30,
depending on route, and boats run hourly in summer, so you can hop off and
visit different villages along the way. Attersee is also great for scuba diving,
with unusually clear visibility of up to 25 meters. Dive centers offer guided dives to
underwater walls and pile dwelling sites. There are interesting museums and a
beautiful lakes shore around Seewalchen and Schörfling, with plenty of
easy hiking and cycling paths. Traunsee offers dramatic landscapes that
few lakes can match, with a depth of 191 meters and a mountain rising to
1,691 meters nearby. At the northern end lies the town of
Gmunden, known for its beautiful lakeside setting. One of the highlights here is Schloss
Ort, a castle situated on a small island. You can walk across a
wooden bridge to reach it. While entry to the museum inside costs
about €5, walking the bridge and courtyard is free and provides
scenic views of the lake. Nearby, the lakefront is lined with cafés
and features the iconic town hall, decorated with ceramic bells. For more views, take the Grünberg Cable
Car for about €25 round trip, which offers hiking, a summer coaster,
and views of Laudachsee Lake. Traunkirchen is a charming village on the
southwest part of the Lake, known for its church with a unique Fisherman’s pulpit. On the south end, Ebensee town offers
access to the Feuerkogel cable car, which takes you up to
1,592 meters for panoramic views, hiking trails, alpine inns, and
a summer adventure park. In winter, this area becomes a ski resort. You can take both trips on Traunsee, with
ferries running from Gmunden to Traunkirchen and Ebensee, priced at
around €30, depending on the destination. Have you ever wondered where emperors went
to escape the pressures of ruling an empire? Bad Ischl is that historic spa town once
serving as the summer capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. One of the must-see attractions is the
Kaiservilla, the summer residence of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Sisi. The guided tours here include visits to
the staterooms, which feature original furnishings, and the photo museum. All-inclusive ticket here costs €29.50.
For relaxation, the thermal spas here introduce to modern brine pools, an
outdoor saltwater canal and an inhalation grotto. It is a great option,
especially on rainy days. Day tickets are about €32. In 2024, Bad Ischl was the European
capital of culture, so the town is nicely refreshed. Wolfgangsee Lake offers a surprising mix
of attractions for every type of traveler, with three historic towns, multiple ferry
routes, and scenic hiking trails to explore. This popular resort area features the cozy
towns of Saint Wolfgang, Saint Gilgen, and Strobl, each with their own unique sights
and beautiful angles of the lake and surrounding mountains. Saint Wolfgang is well known for the
Pilgrimage Church, which houses a baroque altar. The town’s quaint streets and traditional
inns add to the authentic atmosphere. From here, you can enjoy a lively lake
promenade and take regularly departing boat tours. In Saint Gilgen, known as Mozart’s
mother’s birthplace, you will find a colorful main square and a cable car that
takes you up Zwölferhorn Mountain for hiking and spectacular views.
St. Gilgen also has a ferry dock, a frescoed
town hall, and a small Mozart Memorial Museum. Strobl on the quieter Eastern shore
provides a lakeside park, wetlands nature reserve, and a
family-friendly public beach. The lake has an extensive ferry network
connecting all three towns and other points with one-way trips lasting up
to 45 minutes, costing around €30. The water quality here is excellent, and
many accommodation providers will have their own private lake accesses. And right by the Wolfgangsee, we
have Schafberg, a 1783-metre peak. If you think trains only run on flat
tracks, wait until you see Austria’s steepest steam cog railway
climbing Schafberg’s slopes. Ascending from Lake level to summit in
about 35 minutes, it is one of the most authentic and scenic ways to
experience Austria’s Alpine beauty. The Schafbergbahn has
been running since 1893. Tickets cost around €56 for adults round
trip with cheaper options if you want to hike down. At the top, you’ll find the historic
Schafbergspitze Hotel and Restaurant, founded in 1862. From the summit, the views stretch over
Wolfgangsee, Mondsee, Attersee, and the Dachstein and Bavarian Alps. There are short trails leading
to viewpoints and a summit cross. For those who enjoy hiking, the full climb
is 13.6 km one way with total elevation gain of 1,173 meters. This would take you around 3-4 hours
to climb up and 2-3 hours to go down. As you explore the Salzkammergut region,
look out for the Salzkammergut summer card, which is free of charge and usually
is included by accommodation providers for stays of three or more nights. It provides small discounts to various
places in the region, including our covered areas of Attersee,
Traunsee, and Bad Ischl. These discounts can add to some decent
savings if you plan a longer trip here. On day seven, we did our share
of Salzkammergut explorations. Our accommodation remains in Salzburg,
and we have another day trip ahead of us. We began by exploring the
Dachstein-Krippenstein, and on our way back, we made a stop at
the iconic Hallstatt town. Two more highlights in this area
are Grundlsee and Vorderer Gosausee. Hallstatt, nestled on the edge of
Hallstättersee Lake, is a quaint Alpine village known for its 16th century
architecture and dramatic mountain surroundings. It is also home to one of the world’s
oldest salt mines with a history that goes back thousands of years. The village itself is car-free, so you
will need to park in one of the designated lots – P1, P2, or P3, just outside the
village, costing from €5 to €18, depending on the length. If you’re arriving by train, you can take
a ferry across the lake for €4 cash only, which is timed to match train schedules. The town is quite famous, and when we
passed through in the afternoon, all the main paid parking lots right by the
village were completely full, with cars struggling to find spots. However, when we returned later around
6:00 PM, parking was no longer an issue. So for full day visits, arriving by public
transport is a much more convenient option for you. Once in town, we enjoyed a pleasant walk,
appreciating the authentic architecture and natural scenery that give
Hallstatt its unique charm. Hallstatt has plenty of cafés and shops,
perfect for trying famous Austrian cream rolls or grabbing a drink. We really enjoyed the viewpoints that
present amazing angles of the town, the Lake, and the mountains. Although we didn’t visit the Salt Mine,
it is definitely a key attraction here. The Salt Mine tour lasts about 70 minutes
and includes a funicular ride, walking through prehistoric tunnels, sliding down
wooden slides, and seeing an underground Salt Lake. Tickets cost around €43 for a adult. It is a good idea to book tickets in
advance as they are often sold out due to high demand. In those cases, you can also arrive early
as there is a portion of daily tickets sold on first-come first-serve basis. At the top of the funicular, you can visit
the Hallstatt Skywalk, a platform 360 meters above the village
with panoramic views. You can expect to spend at least one to
two hours in the town, and more if you choose to visit the Salt Mine and Skywalk. And talking about sky walks, our next
location has not only breathtaking routes and observation points high up the
mountains, but also two extraordinary caves, all set against
stunning mountain scenery. Dachstein Krippenstein is a mountain
attraction on the Obertraun side of Hallstatt’s Lake that consists of two main
areas, two caves, the giant ice cave and Mammoth cave on the lower part, and the
summit offer that contains beautiful hike routes, panoramic viewpoints like the
famous Five Finger platform and Welterbespirale observation deck, as well
as the unique Dachstein Shark exhibit. We arrived around noon with about four
hours before closing, and we were told we have time to visit just one
of these two main parts. The info center had a live screen showing
the observation point view from the summit. That made it easy to decide since on the
cloudy day, the visibility there was almost nonexistent. Ticket prices vary depending on
which parts you want to visit. A full pass cost a little
over €64 per person. Access to the sites is by
a three-section cable car. We took the first lift to Schönbergalm,
and that is where the two caves are located. To reach the summit attractions, you will
need to ascend to the second station, where you can take about 10 minute hike to
Welterbespirale, and 25 minute hike to Five Fingers, or 40 minutes the
other way to the Dachstein Shark. Lastly, the third lift takes you on a
panoramic cable car route, and you have some additional hiking options from there. Each cave entrance requires a short
15 minute hike from the lift station. If we compare the two, The Giant Ice Cave
was more impressive, featuring real ice formations, lit with colorful
lights, and some nice show elements. The Mammoth Cave is a dry limestone cave
with mostly large passages and a short sound and light show. Keep in mind that hiking footwear is
required in the caves and no flip flops are allowed. Also, it is cold in both caves, where in
some parts of The Giant Ice Cave, temperatures drop even
below zero degrees celsius. We were comfortable with long pants,
jackets, and hoodies, but gloves would have added the perfect touch. Finally, inside the caves, there are many
steps to climb, so that would not be ideal for anyone with compromised mobility. At the first lift station, there are
restaurants, info points, and small wooden huts with free museum exhibitions. So after exploring the caves, we enjoyed a
reasonably priced meal with great views before heading back down. Reflecting on our experience, visiting
The Giant Ice Cave would have been enough. And instead of visiting The Mammoth Cave,
it would have been better to explore the summit hikes for a more holistic
experience, even if the visibility from the observation points is not ideal. On a clear day, the full pass would give
you enough to keep you busy for a full day. The caves are open from May to late
October, while the cable car runs in winter, mainly for skiing, but at
that point, the caves are closed. Grundlsee is often called the Styrian
Fjord due to its unique fjord-like shape, setting it apart from
other lakes in Austria. This is a stunning lake with a peaceful
setting and another quieter alternative to the more crowded areas of the region. In summer, you can take boat ride which
connects the village of Grundlsee with Gößl. A popular half-day trip is to take the
boat to Gößl, then walk about 10 minutes to Toplitzsee, a smaller lake known
for its legends about Nazi gold. From there, a short wooden ferry
ride leads to a waterfall trail. Grundlsee Lake’s water is
very clean and even drinkable. Public bathing areas along the North
shore are perfect for a refreshing swim. When the water warms to around 19
to 22 degrees celsius. These areas often have
lawns and small cafés. In winter, the Lake often freezes enough
for skating, and the nearby Tauplitz ski area attracts winter sports enthusiasts. And last, but definitely not least in this
region is Vorderer Gosausee, renowned for perfectly reflecting
the Dachstein glacier. This postcard perfect mountain lake
creates one of the most striking natural mirrors in Austria. It is easy to reach by car or bus from
Gosau town, with parking available for €5 per day. From the parking area, a short, flat
10-minute walk takes you to the lakeshore, where you will find dark, clear water
framed by forests and snow-capped peaks. The lake is popular for a 4.5 km easy
trail around its edge, suitable for families and taking about one to
one and a half hours to complete. In summer, you can rent row boats for €8
an hour at the Lakeside restaurant and paddle on the chilly water, which
typically averages around 16 degrees celsius. Swimming is allowed, but expect
the water to be on a colder side. For hikers, the trail continues beyond
Vorderer Gosausee to Hinterer Gosausee, providing more remote scenery. Experienced climbers can explore Alpine
routes and via ferrata nearby, including the famous Austria Sky Ladder. For last day eight, We drive 240
kilometers to visit The Wachau Valley, which stretches along the Danube River
between Melk and Krems in Lower Austria. Although we were initially attracted to
Austria mainly for its mountains, The Wachau Valley quickly became one of
our favorite parts of the country. We had a single day there, and we realized
that this is another place where we have to come back and explore for longer. In
our final part, we will cover Melk Abbey, Aggstein Castle,
and the village of Dürnstein. Melk Abbey is nestled on a cliff in the
town of Melk, overlooking the Danube River. For over 900 years, it has been a center
of spiritual life and culture, making it one of Europe’s oldest
continuously inhabited monasteries. When we visited, we arrived after closing
time and couldn’t enter the Abbey itself. However, we discovered a huge park
nearby that was free to enter. From the park, the views of the Abbey
and the surrounding area were fantastic. Standing there and reading the
informational stands, it was clear that Melk Abbey easily belongs to the list
of the best places to visit in Austria. Highlights of the visit include the
Imperial Wing Museum with lavish baroque halls, the Abbey Library, and the Abbey
Church, one of Europe’s finest baroque churches. The gardens, open from April to October,
feature a baroque pavilion and scenic views. The full tour of Melk Abbey usually takes
about one and a half to two hours, and the entrance fee is around €16 for adults. It also includes an audio
guide in over 10 languages. Guided tours in English and
German are also available daily. High above the Danube River, further along
the Wachau Valley, we find yet another steep cliff and the Aggstein
Castle ruins standing at the top. Known historically as a robber baron’s
stronghold with a fearsome reputation for ruthless tactics, this ruined medieval
fortress now offers an interesting experience for visitors. On site, you can freely explore the
preserved walls, courtyards, and chambers. Key points of interest include the Chapel,
the Kuenringer Dining Hall, and the Rose Garden – a rocky ledge where
prisoners were left to die. Wooden staircases and platforms lead to
spectacular viewpoints over the Danube Valley and vineyards. The entrance fee is €9.5 for adults. Dürnstein is a picturesque village in the
northern part of The Wachau region, known for its stunning blue baroque
Abbey Church and castle ruins. Did you know that Dürnstein’s castle once
held King Richard – the Lionheart captive during the 12th century? Today, from the ruins, you get spectacular
panoramic views of The Wachau Valley, especially at the sunset. The Dürnstein Abbey stands out with
its distinctive powder-blue steeple. You can enter the church for free, and
although the interior is small, it is quite ornate. For €9.50, you can explore parts of the
monastery that includes a short exhibition. Dürnstein’s medieval town center is tiny
but charming, with cobbled streets, old houses and shops. The region is known for its wine
production, so here you will also find plenty of wine taverns to taste
Wachau wines in a cozy setting. From our accommodation, we are a little
over 100 kilometers away to the airport, which takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Since we’re driving along Vienna, we had
to spend an extra 30 minutes during the rush hour. And that’s all. To recap, on day one, we did about 200
kilometers from Vienna International Airport to reach Graz via
the Riegersburg Castle. On day two, we went to Wörthersee, which
took about 160 kilometers, passing by the Hochosterwitz Castle. Day three, 190 kilometers via the
Grossglockner High Alpine Road to Zell am See. On day 4, we did
226 kilometers, passing the Krimml Waterfalls and the Zillertal Valley to the
west of Innsbruck, where we spent two nights. Here, we are positioned in the middle
between the northern and southern attractions, and you can even consider
adding one extra night if you want to explore both areas. On day 6, we drove 250 kilometers directly
to Salzburg for a two-night stay through a more direct route via Germany. There’s an inner route which will better
enable you to explore a few of the top places, but it is a longer one, about
350 kilometers and taking 5 hours. I would recommend to break the inner route
drive into two days if you have time for that, for example, staying in Bad Gastein
and exploring the top sites the day after on your way to Salzburg. On day seven, we spend the day exploring
Salzkammergut area, but it is a lovely place with
stunning Alpine lakes where you should spend more time if you have that option. Lastly, for day eight, we spent the first
half of the day in Salzburg before driving 240 kilometers to Weissenkirchen
in the Wachau Valley. Again, Wachau is an area we would
definitely recommend to give at least an extra full day. In summary, I would say that this
itinerary was a little bit more driving intense because we really wanted to circle
out the entire country in the eight days we had. So I encourage you to use our route as an
inspiration and make adjustments based on your travel duration and
personal preferences. In hindsight, our perfect itinerary would
probably require around two weeks with longer stops in Tyrolia region, Salzburg
city, and Salzkammergut and Wachau areas, as well as more halfway overnight stops
for exploring some of the highlighted Alpine towns like Bad Gastein or valleys
like Zillertal, while on our way to the more popular tourist areas. Considering that this time we haven’t
spent any time in Vienna, for us, it would have made more sense to use Salzburg
Airport as our arrival and departure points, which would have positioned us
better for exploring some of the top places situated in this
part of the country. Think about your route. Perhaps it would make
more sense for you, too. I hope you found this video helpful. Thank you for watching and
see you in the next one.