Germany and Austria by Train: A 7-Day Itinerary from Munich to Vienna
Embark on a 7-day train journey through Germany and Austria, starting in Munich and concluding in Vienna. This itinerary guides you through historic cities, cultural landmarks, and scenic landscapes, with a day trip to the picturesque Hallstatt.
- 1Munich
- 2Salzburg
- 3Vienna
Day 1: Arrive Munich
Arrive at Munich Airport (MUC) and transfer to the city centre, spending the afternoon exploring central Munich's iconic sights and vibrant atmosphere.
Highlights
- Transfer from Munich Airport (MUC) to the city centre via S-Bahn or Lufthansa Express Bus, taking approximately 40 minutes.
- Stroll through Marienplatz, Munich's central square, to see the Neo-Gothic New Town Hall and its famous Glockenspiel.
- Explore the historic Viktualienmarkt, a lively market perfect for browsing local character and food stalls.
Day 2: Explore Munich
Dedicate a full day to immersing yourself in Munich's rich history and diverse cultural offerings, from grand palaces to world-class museums.
Highlights
- Discover the opulent Munich Residenz, the city's largest palace, which housed Bavarian rulers for centuries.
- Visit the Deutsches Museum, one of the world's largest science and technology museums, offering hands-on exhibits.
- Admire the art collections at the Alte Pinakothek, renowned for its European paintings from Dürer to Rubens.
Day 3: Munich -> Salzburg
Take a scenic train journey from Munich to Salzburg, arriving in time to begin exploring the charming Austrian city in the afternoon.
Highlights
- Travel by train from Munich Central Station (München Hbf) to Salzburg Hbf, a journey averaging 1 hour 50 minutes.
- Begin your Salzburg exploration with a visit to Mozart's Birthplace, displaying family items and instruments.
- Stroll along Getreidegasse, Salzburg’s famous shopping lane with historic houses and wrought-iron guild signs.
Day 4: Explore Salzburg
Spend a full day discovering Salzburg's imperial grandeur and musical heritage, from its imposing fortress to its beautiful gardens.
Highlights
- Ascend to the Hohensalzburg Fortress, a baroque hilltop fortress offering panoramic city views and museums.
- Visit Salzburg Cathedral, a major sacred monument with a grand dome and strong links to Mozart.
- Wander through the formal Mirabell Gardens, admired for their baroque design and views of the fortress.
Day 5: Bookable day trip from Salzburg to Hallstatt
Enjoy a picturesque day trip by train to Hallstatt, a stunning lakeside village known for its scenic beauty and unique cultural sites.
Highlights
- For planning, the earliest outbound departure is 00:13 and the latest return departure is 23:33.
- Take a train from Salzburg Hbf to Hallstatt Bahnhof, a journey averaging just over two hours.
- Visit the Hallstatt Skywalk Welterbeblick for sweeping lake and village panoramas.
Day 6: Salzburg -> Vienna
Travel by train from Salzburg to Vienna, arriving in the imperial capital for an afternoon of initial exploration and discovery.
Highlights
- Board a train from Salzburg Hbf to Vienna, with services arriving at Wien Westbahnhof or Wien Hauptbahnhof, taking around 3 hours 22 minutes.
- Begin your exploration in the Innere Stadt, Vienna's UNESCO-listed historic center, with its medieval lanes and imperial landmarks.
- Walk along the Ringstrasse, a circular boulevard lined with grand palaces and museums, to grasp Vienna's 19th-century splendor.
Day 7: Depart Vienna
Enjoy a final morning exploring Vienna's cultural treasures before heading to Vienna International Airport (VIE) for your onward journey.
Highlights
- Visit St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna's spiritual symbol, known for its patterned roof and historic interior.
- Explore the Hofburg, the former Habsburg winter residence, housing ceremonial apartments and institutions.
- Transfer to Vienna International Airport (VIE) via ÖBB Railjet trains from Wien Hauptbahnhof, a quick 15-minute journey.
