The short answer: In seven days you can see Austria's highlights by traveling east to west: two days in Vienna, one day in the Wachau Valley, two days in Salzburg with Hallstatt and the Salzkammergut, and two days in Innsbruck with the Tyrolean Alps. The whole route works comfortably by train. May, June, September and the Advent season are the best times to go.
The Route Day by Day
Austria is compact and has an excellent rail network. The main line from Vienna via Linz and Salzburg to Innsbruck links the key cities, with most rides between them taking two to three hours.
Day 1: Imperial Vienna
Start in the old town with St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Graben and the Hofburg. In the afternoon, stroll along the Ringstrasse and take a break in a coffee house. Spend the evening at the opera, a concert or a wine tavern.
Day 2: Schönbrunn and Vienna 1900
Visit Schönbrunn Palace with its gardens and the Gloriette in the morning. In the afternoon, explore Klimt, Schiele and Otto Wagner or the Naschmarkt and Viennese food.
Day 3: Wachau Valley
Head to the UNESCO listed Wachau: Melk Abbey, a Danube boat ride to Dürnstein and a glass of Grüner Veltliner. Continue to Salzburg in the evening or spend a night in Krems.
Day 4: Salzburg
Explore the old town with the cathedral, Getreidegasse and Mozart's birthplace, then Hohensalzburg Fortress and the Mirabell Gardens. Add a Sound of Music tour if you like.
Day 5: Hallstatt and the Salzkammergut
Take a trip to the lakes: Hallstatt with its salt mine, the imperial town of Bad Ischl or Lake Wolfgang. Arrive early for a quieter Hallstatt.
Day 6: Innsbruck
Ride the train to Tyrol. In the afternoon, see the old town with the Golden Roof, the Imperial Palace and the Court Church.
Day 7: The Tyrolean Alps
Ride straight from downtown up the Nordkette, then visit Swarovski Crystal Worlds or enjoy a mountain outing. Fly home from Innsbruck or continue by train via Zurich or Munich.
How Much Time Do You Need?
Seven days are ideal for a first overview. With ten days you can add Graz, Linz or a detour to Carinthia. If you have less time, focus on Vienna, the Wachau and Salzburg and save the west for your next trip. Plan at least one night per stop so you are not packing every day.
Best Time to Visit
May and June as well as September and October offer pleasant weather for both cities and mountains. July and August can be hot in the cities, while the mountains are at their peak. The Advent season with its Christmas markets is a magical time of its own. In winter you can add a few ski days in Tyrol.
Travel Tips
- Train instead of a rental car: The western main line links Vienna, Linz, Salzburg and Innsbruck quickly, and stations are central.
- Pack light: With several moves, a smaller suitcase helps, especially on cobblestones.
- Book guides early: In peak season and during Advent, city guides are in high demand.
- Leave some slack: One free afternoon per stop gives room for a coffee house, a museum or something spontaneous.
Explore with a Guide
Licensed guides work in every Austrian state. We are happy to match you with the right person for each stop, in your language and with your interests in mind:
- Wien Highlights: Stephansdom, Graben und Hofburg
- Wachau: Melk, Dürnstein & Krems
- Salzburg Altstadt & Mozart
- Hallstatt & Salzkammergut
- Innsbruck Altstadt & Goldenes Dachl
Austria Itinerary FAQ
Is one week enough for Austria?
For the highlights from Vienna to Innsbruck, yes. For Graz, Carinthia or Lake Constance you will need extra days.
Can I do this route by train?
Yes. Vienna, Linz, Salzburg and Innsbruck are all on the same main line. The Wachau and Hallstatt are reached by regional train, bus or boat.
Do I need a guide in every city?
Not necessarily, but in Vienna and Salzburg a tour on your first day pays off. You understand the city faster and know what you want to explore on your own afterward.
Can I do the trip in reverse?
Yes. If you arrive via Zurich or Munich, start in Innsbruck and finish in Vienna. The stops stay the same.
Plan Your Austria Trip
Want guides in several cities during your week in Austria? Contact us and we will coordinate the tours, or book individual tours directly. More travel ideas at Austrian National Tourist Office.