Austria-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Vienna

  • Morning: Arrive at Vienna International Airport (VIE)
    • Flight duration from major European cities: 1-2 hours
    • Visa requirement: Schengen visa required for non-EU citizens; check with your embassy for requirements
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) in the heart of Vienna
    • Explore the nearby Graben shopping street and try some traditional Viennese coffee at a café like Café Central or Café Landtmann
    • Visit the Hofburg Palace, former principal imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty rulers
  • Evening:
    • Enjoy a Mozart concert or opera performance at the Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera)
    • Try some traditional Viennese cuisine at a restaurant like Griechenbeisl or Zum Schwarzen Kameel

Day 2: Vienna

  • Morning:
    • Visit the Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens, a former imperial summer residence
    • Explore the adjacent zoo and botanical gardens
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Belvedere Palace, a stunning baroque palace with impressive art collections
    • Walk through the nearby park and take in the beautiful views of the city
  • Evening:
    • Enjoy some live music at a traditional Viennese tavern like Heuriger or Zinkenwirth

Day 3: Salzburg

  • Morning: Travel to Salzburg by train (approx. 2 hours) or car (approx. 1.5 hours)
    • Train schedules and tickets available on ÖBB website
    • Rent a car for the day if you prefer
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of the largest and most well-preserved medieval castles in Europe
    • Explore the charming old town with its picturesque streets and squares
    • Visit the famous Mirabell Palace and Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Evening:
    • Enjoy some traditional Salzburger cuisine at a restaurant like St. Peter Stift or Gasthof zum Stern

Day 4: Hallstatt

  • Morning: Travel to Hallstatt by train (approx. 3 hours) or car (approx. 2 hours)
    • Train schedules and tickets available on ÖBB website
    • Rent a car for the day if you prefer
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit Hallstatt, a picturesque village famous for its traditional houses and stunning lake views
    • Explore the nearby Hallstätter See (lake) and take in the breathtaking scenery
    • Visit the Museum of Hallstatt to learn about the history and culture of this unique village
  • Evening:
    • Enjoy some local cuisine at a restaurant like Gasthof zur Linde or Schönheitsgarten

Day 5: Return to Vienna

  • Morning: Travel back to Vienna by train (approx. 3 hours) or car (approx. 2 hours)
    • Train schedules and tickets available on ÖBB website
    • Rent a car for the day if you prefer
  • Afternoon/Evening:
    • Visit any last-minute attractions in Vienna, such as the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts) or the MuseumsQuartier (museums quarter)
    • Enjoy some final shopping and dining experiences in this beautiful city

Useful Information:

  • Currency: Euro
  • Language: German is the official language; many people also speak English, especially in tourist areas
  • Weather: Austria has a temperate climate with cold winters and warm summers; pack accordingly for your visit
  • Safety: Vienna and Salzburg are generally very safe cities; take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings

Transportation:

  • Trains: ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) operates trains across the country; schedules and tickets available online or at stations
  • Buses: FlixBus, Eurolines, and other bus companies offer routes from major cities; book in advance for best prices
  • Taxis/Cars: Rent a car or hire a taxi for transportation; be aware of traffic regulations and parking restrictions

Tips:

  • Book attractions and restaurants in advance to avoid long wait times
  • Try some local cuisine and drinks, such as Wiener Schnitzel or Glühwein
  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially in smaller villages like Hallstatt