Austria 2-Week Itinerary: Imperial Grandeur to Alpine Peaks
Embark on a 14-day rail adventure through Austria's most captivating cities. Begin in Vienna, exploring its imperial grandeur and artistic heritage, then journey to the musical city of Salzburg. Discover the picturesque lakeside village of Hallstatt before heading to the alpine charm of Innsbruck. Conclude your trip in the vibrant city of Graz, experiencing diverse landscapes and rich history.
- 1Vienna
- 2Salzburg
- 3Innsbruck
- 4Graz
Day 1: Arrive in Imperial Vienna
Your Austrian journey begins in Vienna. After arriving at Vienna International Airport (VIE) and transferring to Wien Hauptbahnhof, immerse yourself in the city's imperial past.
Highlights
- Wander through the magnificent Hofburg Palace, the former imperial residence.
- Admire the stunning Gothic architecture of St. Stephen's Cathedral.
- Consider alternative arrival at Bratislava Airport (BTS), located approximately 62 km from Vienna.
Day 2: Vienna's Artistic Treasures
Dedicate your day to Vienna's rich art and cultural scene, exploring world-class museums and galleries.
Highlights
- Discover masterpieces at the Kunsthistorisches Museum, a grand Ringstrasse palace.
- Visit the Albertina, combining major temporary shows with prints, drawings, and modern art.
- Enjoy a classic Wiener Schnitzel, Vienna's signature dish.
Day 3: Palaces and Baroque Splendor
Continue your exploration of Vienna, focusing on its opulent palaces and beautiful gardens.
Highlights
- Explore Schönbrunn Palace, the imperial summer residence with grand Baroque rooms and formal gardens.
- Visit the Belvedere Museum, home to Klimt’s The Kiss and outstanding Austrian art.
- Stroll along the Ringstrasse, admiring the palaces and public buildings.
Day 4: Scenic Day Trip to Melk
Take a train journey from Vienna to Melk, a charming town on the Danube. Explore its iconic abbey and enjoy the scenic Wachau Valley.
Highlights
- Visit the magnificent Melk Abbey, a Baroque masterpiece with an impressive library.
- Enjoy panoramic views of the Danube and Wachau Valley from the abbey terraces.
- Trains depart from Vienna as early as 00:40 and return from Melk as late as 23:40, with tickets starting from €20.
Day 5: Journey to Salzburg, Mozart's City
Travel by train from Vienna to Salzburg, a picturesque city renowned for its musical heritage. Settle in and begin exploring its historic heart.
Highlights
- The train journey with ÖBB or Westbahn takes around 3h 31m, with tickets from €21.
- Stroll along Getreidegasse, Salzburg's famous shopping lane with historic houses.
- Discover the charm of Salzburg's UNESCO-listed Old Town.
Day 6: Salzburg's Musical and Fortified History
Immerse yourself in Salzburg's rich history, from its most famous resident to its imposing hilltop fortress.
Highlights
- Visit Mozart's Birthplace, displaying family items and instruments.
- Explore the Hohensalzburg Fortress, a Baroque hilltop fortress offering city panoramas.
- Savor Salzburger Nockerl, Salzburg’s famous soufflé-like dessert.
Day 7: Gardens, Cathedrals, and Prince-Archbishops
Spend another day discovering Salzburg's beauty, from its formal gardens to its grand ecclesiastical and residential complexes.
Highlights
- Wander through the Mirabell Gardens, admired for their Baroque design and fortress views.
- Explore the magnificent Salzburg Cathedral, a major sacred monument with strong links to Mozart.
- Discover the DomQuartier Salzburg, illustrating the power and taste of Salzburg’s prince-archbishops.
Day 8: Lakeside Beauty in Hallstatt
Embark on a scenic train journey from Salzburg to the enchanting lakeside village of Hallstatt, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Highlights
- Explore the picturesque village, known for its charming houses and stunning setting.
- Ascend to the Hallstatt Skywalk Welterbeblick for breathtaking panoramic views.
- Trains depart from Salzburg as early as 00:13 and return from Hallstatt as late as 23:33, with tickets starting from €10.
Day 9: Alpine Journey to Innsbruck
Travel by train from Salzburg to Innsbruck, nestled in the heart of the Alps. Upon arrival, begin your exploration of this unique city.
Highlights
- The train journey with ÖBB or Westbahn takes around 2h 27m, with tickets from €19.
- Admire the iconic Golden Roof in Innsbruck's historic Altstadt.
- Wander through the charming medieval streets of the Old Town.
Day 10: Innsbruck's Imperial and Alpine Views
Discover Innsbruck's imperial past and breathtaking alpine scenery, combining history with natural beauty.
Highlights
- Visit the Hofburg Innsbruck, an Imperial Habsburg residence with richly decorated state rooms.
- Take a trip to Seegrube for high alpine viewpoints and dramatic Nordkette scenery.
- Explore the Hofkirche Innsbruck, known for Emperor Maximilian I’s cenotaph.
Day 11: Castles and Tyrolean Culture
Delve deeper into Innsbruck's cultural offerings, from its historic castles to its regional museums.
Highlights
- Explore Ambras Castle, housing imperial hunting and arms collections.
- Visit the Tiroler Landesmuseum Ferdinandeum, a leading regional museum of Tyrolean art and history.
- Enjoy a hearty Tiroler Speckknödel, a mountain staple.
Day 12: Train to Historic Graz
Journey by train from Innsbruck to Graz, a city celebrated for its Renaissance architecture and vibrant cultural scene. Settle in and take in the initial sights.
Highlights
- The train journey with ÖBB takes around 6h 3m, with tickets from €25.
- Ascend the Schlossberg for stunning panoramic views over Graz.
- Explore the historic castle hill and its fortifications.
Day 13: Graz's UNESCO Old Town and Modern Art
Spend your day exploring Graz's UNESCO-listed Old Town, its unique modern art museum, and local culinary delights.
Highlights
- Wander through the Altstadt, with its courtyards, lanes, and Renaissance and Baroque buildings.
- Visit Kunsthaus Graz, a leading contemporary art museum in a futuristic building.
- Discover the Styrian Armoury, one of the world’s largest historic armouries.
Day 14: Depart from Graz
Enjoy a final morning in Graz before heading to Graz Airport (GRZ) for your departure, or consider alternative airports for onward travel.
Highlights
- Graz Airport (GRZ) is located 8-9 km south of the city center, with S-Bahn connections to Graz Hauptbahnhof in 12 minutes.
- Alternatively, consider Klagenfurt Airport (KLU), 97 km away, or Vienna International Airport (VIE), 144 km away, for broader flight options.
- The main train terminal, Graz Hauptbahnhof, offers tram and bus connections to the city center.
Austria
