Exploring Austria: Days Needed For A Fulfilling Trip

Austria is a beautiful country nestled in the heart of Europe, brimming with vibrant cities, charming villages, majestic mountains, and stunning lakes. When planning a trip to Austria, a common question arises: How many days should I spend there? The answer depends on your interests and the depth of exploration desired. Here's an introduction to help you decide.

For a comprehensive experience, 10 days in Austria is ideal. This duration allows you to visit the country's top cities, including Vienna, Salzburg, Linz, and Innsbruck, while also exploring scenic destinations like Hallstatt and the Wachau Valley. Vienna, the elegant capital, warrants at least three days to discover its rich history, palaces, museums, and vibrant music scene. Salzburg, known for its musical heritage and picturesque landscapes, deserves two days to explore its old town, fortress, and surrounding natural wonders.

If you have a week to spare, you can still cover much ground by basing yourself in a major city and taking strategic day trips. Vienna and Salzburg are excellent hubs for exploring nearby attractions, such as the ancient salt mines of Hallstatt, the picturesque Wolfgangsee, and the majestic Bavarian Alps.

Even with just five days, you can focus on the highlights of Vienna and Salzburg, or escape to one of Austria's renowned ski towns, such as Kitzbühel or Zell am See, for a wintry adventure.

Austria's central location also makes it convenient to combine your trip with visits to neighbouring countries. Popular extensions include Prague, Budapest, and Munich, all easily accessible by train or flight.

So, how many days in Austria? The answer depends on your interests and travel style. Whether you choose a condensed city break or an extensive exploration, Austria has something for everyone, ensuring a memorable journey through this captivating country.

Vienna: 2-4 days exploring the capital's rich history, museums, palaces, and food

Vienna is Austria's capital and most populous city, with a rich history, culture, and architecture. It is also known as the "City of Music" due to its musical legacy, with many famous classical musicians having lived and worked there.

Day 1: Exploring the Old Town

Start your day by visiting the historic Stephansplatz, where you can find St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Gothic mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vienna. Then, make your way to the Hofburg Palace, the former residence of the Habsburgs, which houses several museums such as the Sisi Museum, the Imperial Apartments, and the Silver Collection. Explore the museums and learn about the day-to-day lives of the Habsburgs, including Empress Elisabeth.

In the afternoon, take a stroll along the Ringstraße, a grand boulevard surrounding the historical town. Admire the impressive buildings, monuments, and parks that line this street, including the Rathaus (town hall), the Burgtheater, the University, and the Parliament.

Day 2: Museum Hopping

Vienna is home to some of the world's best museums, displaying objects of global importance. Spend your second day exploring some of these renowned institutions:

• The Kunsthistorisches Museum: Admire the paintings by old masters, including the world's largest collection of Bruegel, as well as the Kunstkammer chamber of wonders, the Egyptian collection, and Greek and Roman antiquities.
• The Albertina: Discover masterpieces by Monet, Picasso, Cézanne, and Chagall, as well as special exhibitions covering a wide range of artistic styles.
• The Belvedere: Explore the Upper and Lower Palaces, featuring art from medieval to contemporary periods. Don't miss the world-leading collection of Klimt paintings, including "The Kiss."
• The Leopold Museum: Located in the MuseumsQuartier, this museum showcases modern Austrian art, including works by Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt.
• The Natural History Museum (Naturhistorisches Museum): Discover geological, anthropological, and zoological exhibits, including the 29,000-year-old Venus of Willendorf statue.

Day 3: Palace Exploration

Vienna is renowned for its stunning palaces, which were once the residences of European empires and nobles. Here are some palaces to visit:

• Schönbrunn Palace: This Baroque palace, a former summer residence of the Habsburgs, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the lavish staterooms, stroll through the beautiful gardens, and enjoy the views from the Gloriette viewpoint.
• Hofburg Palace: In addition to the museums mentioned earlier, this palace features a chapel and the famous Spanish Riding School.
• Belvedere Palace: Built in the 18th century for Military commander Prince Eugene of Savoy, this palace comprises the Upper and Lower Belvedere and is surrounded by lush gardens.
• Liechtenstein Palace: Located in the heart of Vienna, this Baroque-style palace houses a gallery of Baroque masterpieces, including works by Rubens, van Dyck, and Rembrandt.

Day 4: Food and Leisure

On your final day in Vienna, indulge in the city's culinary delights and explore some leisure activities:

• Cafes and Coffee Houses: Vienna is famous for its coffee house culture. Visit cafes such as Café Central, Café Landtmann, and Café Sacher to experience the traditional Viennese coffee house atmosphere.
• Naschmarkt: Explore this permanent market for fruit, vegetables, spices, fish, and meat. It's a great place to sample local produce and interact with vendors.
• Heuriger Wine Taverns: Vienna is one of the few major cities with its own wine-growing region. Visit the taverns in the wine-growing areas of Döbling, Floridsdorf, Liesing, and Favoriten to taste local wines and enjoy simple, homemade meals.
• Prater: Take a break from sightseeing and spend some time in this large public park. Visit the Wurstelprater, an amusement park with rides, roller coasters, and the Wiener Riesenrad, a 64.75-meter tall Ferris Wheel.
• Danube River: Stroll along the Danube River and enjoy the views. You can also opt for a boat ride or try some watersports on the New Danube (Neue Donau).

Salzburg: 2 days to see Mozart's birthplace, film locations, and the Hohensalzburg Fortress

Salzburg is a great base for exploring Austria, and two days is a good amount of time to see the city's highlights. Here is an itinerary for two days in Salzburg, taking in Mozart's birthplace, film locations, and the Hohensalzburg Fortress.

Day 1

Start your day with a visit to Mozart's Birthplace in Getreidegasse. The Mozart family lived in the "Hagenauer House" for 26 years, and the building now houses a museum dedicated to the composer's life. Original portraits, historical instruments, and manuscripts are on display, offering a fascinating glimpse into Mozart's life and work. The museum typically takes about an hour to explore.

After visiting Mozart's Birthplace, take some time to explore the rest of the historic Getreidegasse district. This area is known for its beautiful architecture and charming shops. You can also visit the Mozart Residence, where Mozart lived from 1773 onwards.

In the afternoon, head to the Hohensalzburg Fortress, which overlooks the city. This impressive fortress is the largest fully preserved castle in Central Europe and offers stunning 360-degree views. Take a panoramic tour to see the salt magazine, dungeon, and Reckturm viewing platform. The fortress also houses several museums, including the Fortress Museum, the Marionette Museum, and the Rainer Museum. The state rooms, or princely chambers, are particularly impressive, with golden stars on an azure and royal-blue background.

Day 2

On your second day, explore the film locations from "The Sound of Music." Start with Schloss Hellbrunn, which featured in the "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" pavilion scene. You can also visit the beautiful gardens of Schloss Mirabel.

Next, head to the historic Old Town, where you can see more film locations and enjoy the charming atmosphere. Stop for coffee and apple strudel, a local delicacy.

In the afternoon, take a walk along the Salzach River, which offers beautiful views of the city and the fortress. Alternatively, you can take a day trip to one of the nearby towns, such as Berchtesgaden, Werfen, or Munich, each offering its own unique attractions.

Hallstatt: 1 day to visit the ancient salt mines and the 'Bone House'

Hallstatt is a small town in Austria, known for its ancient salt mines and the Bone House. It can be visited as a day trip from Salzburg or Vienna, or as an overnight stay. Here is a suggested itinerary for a day trip to Hallstatt:

Morning:

Arrive in Hallstatt by train or car. Start your day by visiting the ancient salt mines, which date back more than 7,000 years. The salt mines are a unique attraction and offer a glimpse into the area's historical industry.

Afternoon:

After exploring the salt mines, head to St. Michael's Chapel to visit the "Bone House". This delightfully spooky attraction features over 600 painted human skulls. It is a unique and fascinating insight into the town's history.

Evening:

Take a stroll through the village and enjoy the picturesque setting. Rent a boat and enjoy a relaxing evening on the lake. Finish your day with a lakeside dinner at one of the local restaurants.

If you have more time in Hallstatt, consider visiting the World Heritage Skywalk, which offers panoramic views of the area. You can also take a walk along the lakefront and explore the surrounding mountains and lakeside villages.

Hallstatt is a popular tourist destination, so it is recommended to visit during the off-peak season or book accommodations in advance if you plan to stay overnight.

Overall, a day trip to Hallstatt can be a rewarding and memorable experience, offering a mix of historical, cultural, and natural attractions in a beautiful Austrian setting.

Graz: 1 day to explore the Grazer Burg, the Glockenspiel, and the Kunsthaus

Graz in a Day

Graz, Austria's second-largest city, is often overlooked by travellers, but it has a lot to offer. Here is a suggested itinerary for spending one day in Graz:

Start your day at the Kaiser Josef Market, a bustling marketplace where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and sample some fresh produce or traditional Austrian delicacies.

From there, make your way to the Grazer Burg, the city's medieval castle. Take in the fascinating double spiral staircase and explore the castle's rich history.

Next, head over to the Graz Cathedral and admire its impressive architecture and intricate details. Be sure to time your visit so you can witness the clock chiming and the intriguing puppets at the city's Glockenspiel.

In the afternoon, make your way up to Schlossberg, the castle hill that offers incredible panoramic views of the city. You can access this viewpoint via a funicular ride, which is an experience in itself.

After taking in the views, head to the Lend district, a hip and vibrant area known for its modern art scene. Visit the Kunsthaus, a modern art museum that showcases contemporary exhibitions and offers a unique cultural experience.

End your day by indulging in Graz's culinary delights. Sample the region's renowned wines and enjoy a meal at one of the city's renowned restaurants to cap off your day in Graz.

Other Things to See and Do in Graz

If you have more time in Graz or are particularly interested in history, you could visit the Styrian Armoury instead of the Kunsthaus. The Styrian Armoury is a historical museum that houses an impressive collection of weapons and armour, providing insight into the city's military past.

Additionally, Graz has a vibrant café culture, so you may want to spend some time relaxing in one of the many charming cafés and soaking in the atmosphere. Exploring the city's other notable landmarks, such as the Uhrturm Clock Tower or the Murinsel, a unique artificial island in the middle of the Mur River, can also be worthwhile.

Day Trips from Graz

If you have extra time and wish to explore beyond Graz, there are several appealing day trip options. You can visit nearby castles and palaces, such as Eggenberg Palace or Schloss Eggenberg, which offer a glimpse into the region's aristocratic past.

You could also consider a trip to the South Styrian Wine Road, where you can indulge in wine tastings and enjoy the picturesque scenery. Alternatively, head to the nearby town of Maribor in Slovenia for a cross-border experience, or explore the surrounding natural areas, such as the Austrian Alps or the nearby lakes.

Innsbruck: 2 days to experience the Tyrol region, including the Imperial Palace and the Dolomites

Austria is a country with a lot to offer, from the museums of Vienna to the mountains of Innsbruck. If you're looking to experience the Tyrol region, including the Imperial Palace and the Dolomites, here is a 2-day itinerary for Innsbruck that will give you a taste of this beautiful area.

Day 1: Exploring Innsbruck

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Strudel Café Kroll to try some of the best strudels in Innsbruck. After fuelling up, make your way to the historic Old Town, where you can wander through a maze of narrow lanes and explore one of Europe's prettiest Old Towns. Don't miss the Goldenes Dachl or Golden Roof, a landmark featuring 2,657 gilded copper shingles and elaborate reliefs built to celebrate the marriage of Maximilian I and Bianca Maria Sforza.

Next, head to the Hofgarten, a stunning park in the heart of the city comparable to New York's Central Park. It's the perfect spot to relax, picnic, or enjoy some outdoor games. The Hofgarten is also adjacent to the Imperial Palace (Hofburg), one of the three most significant buildings in Austria. The Imperial Palace was completed in 1500 under Emperor Maximilian I and has a rich history. Take a tour of the palace to learn more about its past and admire the architecture.

In the afternoon, continue your exploration of Innsbruck by visiting the Grassmayr Bell Foundry and Museum, founded in 1599, and the Markt Halle, a farmer's market selling local produce, cheese, meat, wine, and artisan wares. If you're an art lover, you can also check out the Tyrolean State Museum, which showcases local art and culture.

For dinner, indulge in some traditional Austrian fare at Gasthof Weisses Rössl, a local favourite.

Day 2: Venturing into the Dolomites

On your second day, venture into the Dolomites, a stunning mountain range just a short distance from Innsbruck. You can take a train or bus to Ortisei, a picturesque town with spectacular views. From there, take the gondola up to Seiser Alm for breathtaking vistas of the Dolomites. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also skip the ride and opt for a challenging hike.

Spend the day exploring the Dolomites, enjoying the fresh air, and taking in the natural beauty of the region. If you're looking for a place to dine, Rauchhutte is a great option for a traditional mountain hut dining experience.

For accommodation, there are plenty of inns and hotels in Ortisei, or you could even stay in one of the inns up on the Seiser Alm for a truly spectacular view.

Frequently asked questions