Two-Week Alps Itinerary from Salzburg to France: A Scenic Rail Journey Through Mountain Peaks and Lakeside Towns
Embark on a 14-day rail adventure from the Austrian Alps to the French lakeside, exploring historic cities, charming villages, and breathtaking mountain landscapes. This itinerary takes you through Salzburg, Innsbruck, Interlaken, Zermatt, and Annecy, offering a blend of culture and nature.
- 1Salzburg
- 2Innsbruck
- 3Interlaken
- 4Zermatt
- 5Annecy
Day 1: Arrive in Salzburg
Begin your Alpine journey in Salzburg, arriving at Salzburg Hauptbahnhof. Settle in and start exploring the city's historic core, including Mozart's birthplace and the charming Old Town.
Highlights
- Visit Mozart's Birthplace, displaying family items and instruments.
- Stroll through Getreidegasse, Salzburg’s famous old shopping lane.
- Discover the historic DomQuartier Salzburg, illustrating the power of prince-archbishops.
Day 2: Explore Historic Salzburg
Dedicate a full day to uncovering Salzburg's iconic landmarks, from its imposing fortress to its beautiful gardens, soaking in the city's rich history and baroque architecture.
Highlights
- Ascend to Hohensalzburg Fortress for city panoramas and museums.
- Wander through the formal Mirabell Gardens, admired for baroque design and statues.
- Explore Salzburg Cathedral, a major sacred monument with a grand dome and rich interior.
Day 3: Day Trip to Picturesque Hallstatt
Take a scenic train journey from Salzburg to the stunning lakeside village of Hallstatt. Spend the day exploring its unique charm, including the Skywalk and Lakeside Promenade, before returning to Salzburg.
Highlights
- For planning, the earliest outbound departure is 00:13 and the latest return departure is 23:33.
- Travel by train from Salzburg to Hallstatt, with tickets starting from €10.
- Ascend to the Hallstatt Skywalk Welterbeblick for sweeping lake and village panoramas.
Day 4: Travel to Innsbruck, Alpine Capital
Journey by train from Salzburg to Innsbruck, nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps. Upon arrival, begin your exploration of the city's historic center, focusing on its imperial heritage.
Highlights
- Travel by train from Salzburg to Innsbruck, with tickets starting from €19.
- Admire the Goldenes Dachl, Innsbruck’s iconic gilded roof landmark.
- Stroll along Maria-Theresien-Straße, the elegant main shopping street.
Day 5: Discover Innsbruck's Imperial and Mountain Views
Immerse yourself in Innsbruck's imperial past with a visit to the Hofburg, then ascend to a high alpine viewpoint for breathtaking panoramas of the Nordkette mountains.
Highlights
- Visit Hofburg Innsbruck, an imperial Habsburg residence with richly decorated state rooms.
- Take the funicular or hike to Seegrube for dramatic Nordkette scenery and city views.
- Explore the Altstadt, Innsbruck’s medieval heart with arcaded streets and pastel facades.
Day 6: Journey to Interlaken, Swiss Adventure Hub
Embark on a picturesque train journey from Innsbruck to Interlaken, the adventure capital of Switzerland. Upon arrival, take a leisurely stroll through its central green spaces and along the Aare River.
Highlights
- Travel by train from Innsbruck to Interlaken, with tickets starting from €45.
- Stroll through Höhematte, a large open meadow with classic Jungfrau views.
- Walk along the Aare River, enjoying the scenic riverside atmosphere.
Day 7: Experience Interlaken's Panoramic Heights and Lakes
Dedicate your day to Interlaken's stunning natural beauty. Ascend to a popular panoramic lookout for unforgettable views, and explore the serene waters of Lake Thun.
Highlights
- Ascend Harder Kulm by funicular for popular panoramic views over both lakes and peaks.
- Discover the historic Unterseen Old Town with its arcades and painted facades.
- Enjoy the views of Lake Thun, one of Interlaken's two beautiful lakes.
Day 8: Day Trip to Lauterbrunnen Valley of Waterfalls
Take a short train ride from Interlaken to the breathtaking Lauterbrunnen Valley, famous for its dramatic waterfalls. Explore the valley's natural wonders before returning to Interlaken.
Highlights
- For planning, the earliest outbound departure is 00:28 and the latest return departure is 23:57.
- Travel by train from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen, with tickets starting from €9.
- Witness the iconic Staubbachfall, a 297m waterfall inside the valley.
Day 9: Travel to Zermatt, Home of the Matterhorn
Journey by train through stunning Swiss landscapes to Zermatt, the car-free village at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn. Explore its historic district and begin to take in the magnificent mountain views.
Highlights
- Travel by train from Interlaken to Zermatt, with tickets starting from €43.
- Explore Hinterdorf, a historic district with preserved wooden barns and old houses.
- Enjoy initial views of the Matterhorn, the iconic Alpine summit.
Day 10: Ascend to Zermatt's Majestic Peaks
Experience Zermatt's high-alpine scenery by taking the legendary Gornergrat railway for sweeping views, and enjoy a scenic walk to the picturesque Stellisee lake.
Highlights
- Ride the Gornergrat cog railway for sweeping views of the Matterhorn and 4,000m peaks.
- Hike to Stellisee, a picturesque Alpine lake reflecting the Matterhorn.
- Visit Sunnegga, a famous ridge viewpoint with classic Matterhorn panoramas.
Day 11: Day Trip to Lakeside Montreux
Take a scenic train journey from Zermatt to Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva. Explore the historic Chillon Castle and stroll along the beautiful lakeside promenade before returning to Zermatt.
Highlights
- For planning, the earliest outbound departure is 00:06 and the latest return departure is 23:36.
- Travel by train from Zermatt to Montreux, with tickets starting from €26.
- Explore Chillon Castle, an iconic lakeside medieval castle near Montreux.
Day 12: Journey to Annecy, the 'Venice of the Alps'
Travel by train from Zermatt to Annecy, France, known as the 'Venice of the Alps'. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the charm of its Vieille Ville, with its canals and historic Palais de l'Isle.
Highlights
- Travel by train from Zermatt to Annecy, with tickets starting from €62.
- Explore the Vieille Ville, Annecy’s atmospheric old town with canals and arcades.
- Admire the Palais de l'Isle, an iconic medieval island palace in the Thiou canals.
Day 13: Discover Annecy's Castle and Romantic Bridges
Spend your day delving deeper into Annecy's history and romantic scenery. Visit the restored hilltop castle and walk across the famous Pont des Amours for classic lake and mountain views.
Highlights
- Visit Château d'Annecy, a restored hilltop castle with regional history exhibitions and panoramic views.
- Walk across the Pont des Amours, a romantic iron bridge over the Canal du Vassé.
- Relax in the Jardins de l'Europe, a large lakeside green space ideal for strolling.
Day 14: Depart from Annecy
Your Alpine rail journey concludes in Annecy. From Annecy Train Station, you can easily connect to Geneva Airport (GVA) for your onward travels. Direct shuttle buses are also available to Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS), or consider combined bus and train connections to Chambéry Airport (CMF).
