Austria Itinerary: Imperial Cities and Alpine Wonders by Train
This 7-day itinerary takes you through Austria's most iconic cities, from Vienna's imperial grandeur to Salzburg's musical heritage and Innsbruck's alpine charm. Travel efficiently by train between destinations, with a scenic day trip to Hallstatt.
- 1Vienna
- 2Salzburg
- 3Innsbruck
Day 1: Arrive in Imperial Vienna
Arrive in Vienna, Austria's capital, and begin your exploration of its historic city centre. Settle in and take your first steps into this magnificent city.
Highlights
- Arrive at Vienna International Airport (VIE) and transfer to Wien Hauptbahnhof, Vienna's main train station, located 2 km from the city centre.
- Begin your initial exploration of Vienna's city centre, a UNESCO-listed historic area with medieval lanes and imperial landmarks.
Day 2: Discover Vienna's Royal Past
Dedicate today to Vienna's rich imperial history, visiting grand palaces and significant cultural sites that showcase the city's royal legacy.
Highlights
- Explore Schönbrunn Palace, the imperial summer residence, with its Baroque rooms and extensive gardens.
- Visit the Hofburg, the former Habsburg winter residence, to see ceremonial apartments and courtyards.
- Stroll along the Ringstrasse, a circular boulevard lined with impressive palaces, museums, and public buildings.
Day 3: Travel to Salzburg and Old Town Charm
Journey by train from Vienna to Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the charming Old Town and its famous shopping street.
Highlights
- Take a train from Vienna to Salzburg, a journey averaging 3 hours 31 minutes, with tickets starting from €21 if booked in advance. Services are offered by Westbahn and ÖBB.
- Arrive at Salzburg Hbf, located 1 km from the city centre, and begin exploring Salzburg's picturesque Old Town.
- Wander down Getreidegasse, Salzburg’s famous shopping lane, known for its wrought-iron guild signs and historic houses.
Day 4: Salzburg's Iconic Landmarks and Gardens
Spend a full day discovering Salzburg's most famous attractions, from its imposing hilltop fortress to the birthplace of its most celebrated composer and beautiful Baroque gardens.
Highlights
- Ascend to Hohensalzburg Fortress, a Baroque hilltop fortress offering panoramic city views and museums.
- Visit Mozart's Birthplace, where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born, displaying family items and instruments.
- Stroll through Mirabell Gardens, admired for its Baroque design, statues, and views of the fortress.
Day 5: Day Trip to Picturesque Hallstatt
Embark on a scenic day trip by train to Hallstatt, a stunning lakeside village nestled in the Alps. Explore its unique beauty and ancient history.
Highlights
- Take a train from Salzburg to Hallstatt, a journey averaging 2 hours 9 minutes, with tickets starting from €10. The earliest outbound train is at 00:13.
- Explore the picturesque village of Hallstatt, known for its charming market square and lakeside promenade.
- Visit the Hallstatt Skywalk Welterbeblick for sweeping lake and village panoramas, or delve into the ancient history at the Salzwelten Hallstatt Exhibition (Salt Mine). The latest return train from Hallstatt is at 23:33.
Day 6: Journey to Alpine Innsbruck
Travel by train through the stunning Austrian landscape to Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol. Upon arrival, explore its historic heart and famous golden landmark.
Highlights
- Board a train from Salzburg to Innsbruck, a journey averaging 2 hours 27 minutes, with tickets starting from €19 if booked in advance. Services are offered by ÖBB and Westbahn.
- Arrive at Innsbruck Hbf, located about 1 km from the city centre, and begin exploring the city.
- Discover the Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof), Innsbruck’s iconic late Gothic landmark, and stroll along Maria-Theresien-Straße, the elegant main shopping street.
Day 7: Depart from Innsbruck
Enjoy a final morning in Innsbruck, perhaps with a visit to a mountain viewpoint or a historic castle, before heading to your departure point.
Highlights
- Spend your morning exploring more of Innsbruck, such as taking a trip to Seegrube for high alpine views or visiting Ambras Castle.
- Depart from Innsbruck Airport (INN), the largest international airport in Tyrol, located approximately 4 km from the city centre.
- Alternatively, consider departing from Munich Airport (MUC) in Germany, approximately 123.2 km away, or Salzburg Airport (SZG), about 133.9 km away, both accessible by train.
