Austria Itinerary 15 Days: Imperial Cities to Alpine Wonders by Train
Embark on a 15-day train journey through Austria, exploring the imperial grandeur of Vienna, the musical heritage of Salzburg, the picturesque lakeside village of Hallstatt, and the alpine charm of Innsbruck. This itinerary combines cultural immersion with breathtaking natural landscapes.
- 1Vienna
- 2Salzburg
- 3Hallstatt
- 4Innsbruck
Day 1: Arrive in Vienna
Begin your Austrian adventure in Vienna, arriving at Vienna International Airport (VIE) and transferring to the city centre to explore its imperial highlights.
Highlights
- Discover the historic Innere Stadt, a UNESCO-listed centre with medieval lanes and imperial landmarks.
- Visit St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna’s spiritual symbol, known for its distinctive roof and Gothic architecture.
Day 2: Vienna: Art and Culture
Immerse yourself in Vienna's rich artistic and cultural scene, exploring world-class museums and grand palaces.
Highlights
- Explore the Kunsthistorisches Museum, a world-class art museum strong in Bruegel, Old Masters, and Egyptian antiquities.
- Visit the Belvedere Museum, home to Klimt’s 'The Kiss' and outstanding Austrian art in a Baroque palace.
- Stroll along the Ringstrasse, a circular boulevard lined with palaces, museums, and parks.
Day 3: Vienna: Imperial Palaces and Gardens
Delve deeper into Vienna's imperial past by visiting its magnificent palaces and their expansive gardens.
Highlights
- Tour Schönbrunn Palace, the imperial summer residence with grand Baroque rooms and formal gardens.
- Explore the Hofburg, the former Habsburg winter residence, housing ceremonial apartments and courtyards.
- Wander through the MuseumsQuartier, a large cultural district blending major institutions with a lively urban atmosphere.
Day 4: Vienna: Museums and Musical Heritage
Continue your cultural exploration with more of Vienna's renowned museums and its deep connection to classical music.
Highlights
- Visit the Albertina, combining major temporary shows with prints, drawings, and modern art.
- Discover the historic Innere Stadt, the UNESCO-listed heart of Vienna, perfect for a leisurely walk.
- Enjoy a traditional Wiener Schnitzel, Vienna’s signature dish, at a classic Viennese restaurant like Figlmüller.
Day 5: Vienna: Local Life and Viennese Cuisine
Experience the local side of Vienna, from charming neighbourhoods to authentic culinary delights.
Highlights
- Explore the vibrant streets and elegant squares of the Innere Stadt.
- Savour Tafelspitz, slow-cooked boiled beef, a beloved imperial-era Viennese specialty, at a refined restaurant like Plachutta Wollzeile.
- Indulge in Palatschinken, thin pancakes with various fillings, a comforting Viennese dessert.
Day 6: Travel to Salzburg and Mozart's Birthplace
Journey by train from Vienna to Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, and begin exploring its musical and historical treasures.
Highlights
- Take a train from Wien Hauptbahnhof to Salzburg Hbf, a journey of approximately 2h 25m to 3h 31m, with tickets starting from €21.
- Upon arrival, head to Mozart's Birthplace, displaying family items and instruments from his early years.
- Wander through Getreidegasse, Salzburg’s famous old shopping lane with historic houses and wrought-iron guild signs.
Day 7: Salzburg: Hohensalzburg Fortress and Baroque Splendor
Ascend to the iconic Hohensalzburg Fortress for panoramic views and explore Salzburg's magnificent Baroque architecture.
Highlights
- Visit Hohensalzburg Fortress, a Baroque hilltop fortress from 1077 offering city panoramas and museums.
- Explore the DomQuartier Salzburg, showcasing historic residence rooms and state apartments of the prince-archbishops.
- Discover Salzburg Cathedral, a major sacred monument with a grand dome and strong links to Mozart.
Day 8: Salzburg: Sound of Music Sights and Mirabell Gardens
Relive scenes from 'The Sound of Music' and enjoy the beauty of Salzburg's formal gardens and palaces.
Highlights
- Stroll through Mirabell Gardens, admired for its Baroque design, statues, and views of the fortress.
- Visit Hellbrunn Palace, a 17th-century Baroque palace known for its formal gardens and trick fountains.
- Enjoy Salzburger Nockerl, Salzburg’s famous soufflé-like dessert, a classic from Hotel Sacher traditions.
Day 9: Travel to Hallstatt and Lakeside Charm
Travel by train to the picturesque lakeside village of Hallstatt, known for its stunning beauty and unique history.
Highlights
- Take a train from Salzburg Hbf to Hallstatt Bahnhof, a journey of approximately 2h 9m, with tickets starting from €10.
- From Hallstatt Bahnhof, take a ferry across the lake to the village centre, a coordinated transfer with train timetables.
- Explore Marktplatz Hallstatt, the traditional village square framed by historic houses and monuments.
Day 10: Hallstatt: Scenic Views and Salt Mine Exploration
Discover Hallstatt's breathtaking viewpoints and delve into its ancient salt mining history.
Highlights
- Ascend to the Hallstatt Skywalk Welterbeblick for sweeping lake-and-village panoramas.
- Visit the Salzwelten Hallstatt Exhibition to learn about ancient salt extraction and miners' lives.
- Walk along the Seepromenade Hallstatt, enjoying postcard views and the iconic lakeside houses.
Day 11: Travel to Innsbruck and Golden Roof Old Town
Journey by train to Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol, and begin exploring its charming Old Town and iconic Golden Roof.
Highlights
- Take a train from Hallstatt Bahnhof to Innsbruck Hbf, a journey of approximately 4h 10m, with tickets starting from €25.
- Upon arrival, walk to the city centre (800m-1km) to see the Goldenes Dachl, Innsbruck’s iconic gilded roof.
- Wander through Altstadt Innsbruck, the medieval heart of the city with arcaded streets and pastel facades.
Day 12: Innsbruck: Imperial History and Alpine City Views
Explore Innsbruck's imperial residences and enjoy dramatic alpine scenery surrounding the city.
Highlights
- Visit Hofburg Innsbruck, an imperial Habsburg residence with richly decorated state rooms.
- Discover Hofkirche Innsbruck, a late Gothic court church known for Emperor Maximilian I’s cenotaph.
- Take a trip to Seegrube for high alpine viewpoints and dramatic Nordkette scenery.
Day 13: Innsbruck: Museums and Historic Streets
Delve into Innsbruck's cultural institutions and explore its elegant main streets.
Highlights
- Explore the Tiroler Landesmuseum Ferdinandeum, a leading regional museum with Tyrolean art and history collections.
- Stroll along Maria-Theresien-Straße, the elegant main shopping street linking the Old Town and Triumphal Arch.
- Visit the Museum Goldenes Dachl, located beneath the Golden Roof, presenting Emperor Maximilian I and medieval history.
Day 14: Innsbruck: Ambras Castle and Local Tyrolean Culture
Spend a day visiting a historic castle and experiencing authentic Tyrolean culinary traditions.
Highlights
- Tour Ambras Castle, featuring imperial hunting and arms collections, noted for Renaissance armour.
- Savour traditional Tyrolean cuisine like Gröstl (pan-fried potatoes with meat) or Tiroler Speckknödel (dumplings with speck).
- Enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Altstadt Innsbruck, with its historic buildings and local shops.
Day 15: Depart from Innsbruck
Conclude your Austrian journey with departure from Innsbruck, utilizing convenient airport access.
Highlights
- Consider alternative international airports such as Munich Airport (MUC) in Germany, with frequent train and bus links to Innsbruck.
- Salzburg Airport (SZG) is another option, reachable by train from Innsbruck.
