Exploring Austria: A 10-Day Adventure Itinerary

Austria is a small but breathtaking country, packed with charming towns, romantic cities, and natural wonders. If you're planning a 10-day trip to Austria, you'll want to make the most of your time and see as much as possible. Here's a suggested itinerary to help you make the most of your visit.

Exploring Vienna's historic buildings and museums

Vienna is a city brimming with architectural wonders and historical intrigue. Here is a 4-day itinerary for exploring its most notable buildings and museums:

Day 1:

Start your day by visiting the Stephansdom Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece that has dominated the Viennese skyline since the Middle Ages. Then, make your way to the Austrian Parliament building, an imposing structure that houses the country's political elite.

In the afternoon, explore the Museum District, home to various museums showcasing modern art, ancient artefacts, and historical exhibits. This area truly offers a cultural buffet for the curious traveller.

Day 2:

Begin your day at the Viennese Prater, a quirky amusement park that will entertain and thrill you. Then, head to Schönbrunn Palace, a grand 18th-century royal residence with extravagant gardens.

In the afternoon, visit the Hundertwasser Village, a whimsical neighbourhood designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, with colourful, curved lines and unique architecture.

Day 3:

Today, explore The Hofburg, the former imperial palace of Austrian emperors for over six centuries. This vast complex has 2,600 rooms, so be prepared for a lot of walking!

Afterwards, visit Schloss Belvedere, a Baroque architectural masterpiece that houses art and gardens. Take in the stunning views from the palace's rooftop.

Day 4:

On your final day, start by visiting St. Stephen's Cathedral, one of the city's most popular tourist destinations. Take a guided tour of the catacombs or climb the towers for a small fee.

Next, explore the historic centre of Vienna, including the majestic Rathaus and awe-inspiring cathedrals. Stroll through Stephansplatz, a bustling square full of shops and cafes.

Finally, end your day at the Kunsthistorisches Museum, one of the world's leading art museums. This grand museum will leave you in awe, with its beautiful architecture and extensive collections.

With its mix of architectural styles, from Gothic to Baroque, and its abundance of museums, Vienna is a city that will delight history and culture enthusiasts.

Day trips from Vienna

Vienna is a great base for exploring more of Austria and its neighbouring countries. Here are some ideas for day trips from the city:

Hallstatt

Hallstatt is a popular day trip from Vienna. This picturesque village is nestled between lakes and mountains and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can take a stroll along the lake promenade, wander the quaint streets, and visit the iconic 16th-century church. Hallstatt is around a four-hour train ride from Vienna, so it's a long day but worth it for the stunning scenery.

Salzburg

Salzburg is a beautiful city known for its music and history. It's the birthplace of Mozart and has stunning castles and fortresses. You can visit the Hohensalzburg Fortress, stroll through the Old Town, and explore the Baroque-style palaces. Salzburg is around 2-3 hours from Vienna by train.

Danube Valley

The Danube Valley is a great choice for those who want to explore Austria's stunning natural landscapes. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and you can take a boat trip along the river, visit the town of Melk, and explore the famous abbey.

Bratislava

Just an hour's drive from Vienna, Bratislava is a great option for a day trip. It has a cute, compact city centre with plenty of restaurants and cafes. You can visit Bratislava Castle and explore the old town.

Budapest

Budapest is a little further afield but still doable as a day trip. It's known as the 'Pearl of the Danube' and has a rich history and culture. You can explore the beautiful city centre, try the local cuisine in one of the many great restaurants, and visit the famous Buda Castle.

Prague

Prague is another option for a day trip, with a four-hour train ride each way. It's a medieval city with a stunning Old Town, the famous Charles Bridge, and the impressive Prague Castle.

Salzburg's sights and The Sound of Music

Salzburg is a must-visit on your trip to Austria, especially if you're a fan of The Sound of Music. The birthplace of Mozart, this fairytale-like city is filled with historical charm and will transport you back in time. The sound of music fills the air as you explore its cobblestone streets, ancient fortresses, and Baroque-style palaces.

• Hohensalzburg Fortress – This ancient fortress has been standing guard over Salzburg since 1077 and offers stunning views of the city. It was also featured in the film The Sound of Music, appearing in the song "I Have Confidence".
• St. Erhard Kirche – A modest yet charming church with stained glass windows, it's a great spot to explore and enjoy a moment of quiet contemplation.
• Mirabell Palace and Garden – A beautiful palace and garden that seems like something out of a rom-com movie set. It was also featured in The Sound of Music as one of the locations for the iconic song "Do-Re-Mi".
• Kapuzinerberg – Offering panoramic views of the city, this hill is the perfect spot to sit and ponder life's mysteries.
• Schloss Hellbrunn – This palace is known for its trick fountains and beautiful gardens, which include a gazebo featured in several musical numbers in The Sound of Music.

Now, let's dive into some of the top Sound of Music locations in Salzburg:

• Festung Hohensalzburg & Residenzplatz – This castle is the iconic image of Salzburg and served as the backdrop for many in-town shots in the film. It was featured in the song "I Have Confidence".
• Schloss Leopoldskron – This palatial yellow-coloured estate served as the inspiration for the gilded ballroom scene in the film, including the songs "Lonely Goatherd" and "So Long, Farewell". The lake here was also where Maria and the children fell out of the rowboat.
• Schloss Frohnburg – A beautiful 17th-century home that was used for the shots depicting the front of the Von Trapp family home.
• Felsenreitschule Amphitheatre – This 17th-century rock quarry-turned-amphitheatre is where the Von Trapp family singers performed in the film before their escape to Switzerland.
• Nonnberg Abbey – While the movie set for the convent was created in Hollywood, this is the actual location where the real Maria lived as a novitiate.
• Saint Michael's Cathedral, Mondsee – While Maria and Captain Von Trapp were married at the Nonnberg Abbey in real life, the Hollywood version of their wedding was filmed at this beautiful cathedral in Mondsee.

Graz's culinary delights

Graz is known as Austria's culinary capital, and for good reason. The city is a food lover's paradise, boasting a wide range of restaurants, speciality shops, and local producers offering traditional foods and innovative culinary creations. Here are some of the highlights of Graz's culinary scene:

• Aiola Upstairs: This restaurant sits atop the Schlossberg in Graz, offering panoramic views of the city to pair with your meal. The food is both regional and international, using the best ingredients. For instance, you might start with ceviche of sea bass with fennel, passionfruit, and coriander, followed by a main course of Styrian corn-fed chicken breast with chanterelle mushrooms in a creamy sauce.
• Die Speis am Lendhafen: This restaurant focuses on regional, seasonal, and sustainable cuisine, with at least two-thirds of its ingredients produced within a 50km radius. They serve Styrian tapas with international dishes, such as caprese salad with apricots and chilli pasta served with Styrian Sauvignon Blanc.
• Gut Schlossberg: Tucked away behind the fortress wall at the foot of Schlossberg hill, this cute place is both a shop and a restaurant. The shop stocks over 1000 products from more than 100 small-scale producers from Styria and the rest of Austria. The restaurant upstairs offers local food selections, such as smoked Arctic char with trout roe on sourdough, and chanterelle goulash with sour cream, knödels, and polenta.
• Gasthaus Glöcklbräu: For traditional Austrian food in authentic surroundings, head to Glöcklbräu in Glockenspielplatz. Here, you'll find popular dishes like Backhendl (deep-fried chicken) and Käsespätzle (mac 'n cheese with crispy onion).
• Aiola im Schloss: Set in a beautiful location next to a small castle with gardens and fountains, this restaurant is a sister restaurant to Aiola Upstairs and serves excellent regional specialities.
• Eckstein by Albert: One of the best restaurants in Graz, Eckstein by Albert offers a comfortable atmosphere and knowledgeable wait staff. The traditional Styrian tasting menu is a popular choice, with generous portions and appropriate pricing.
• Bar Albert: Located in Old Town Graz, Bar Albert is a chic spot for small plates of Styrian meats and cheeses, cheese spreads, and freshly baked bread. They also offer over 50 varieties of tinned fish.
• Delikatessen Frankowitsch: A Graz institution since 1932, Frankowitsch serves traditional Austrian food. You'll find everything from sandwiches to pastries, coffee, wine, and candies.
• Speisesaal at The Grand Hotel Wiesler: The breakfast buffet at Speisesaal is a lavish feast, with eggs, fresh juices, yogurts, cereals, meats, cheeses, and freshly baked breads and sweet rolls. The dining room is also open to the public for afternoon tea, dinner, and after-dinner refreshments.
• Der Steier: One of the most popular restaurants in Graz, Der Steier serves local Styrian food, Slovenian dishes, and German specialties. The menu includes tapas-style small plates of Styrian specialties, traditional Backhendl fried chicken, and unique meat and potato dishes from the Steiermark region.
• Graz Farmers Markets: Graz is home to several farmers' markets, including the Kaiser-Josef market, the oldest and largest in the city. These markets offer a wide variety of fresh produce, flowers, baked goods, smoked meats, and more.
• Graz Gourmet Specialty Shops: Graz also boasts a number of gourmet speciality shops, such as s' Fachl, which features products from local artisans, and Hofbäckerei Edegger-Tax, the oldest bakery in Graz.

With its diverse range of culinary offerings, Graz is a city that truly delights the senses and is sure to satisfy any food lover.

Exploring Innsbruck's nature and history

Innsbruck is a city in Austria that is rich in history and natural beauty. Located in the west of Austria, it is the capital of the state of Tirol. Surrounded by the Alps, it is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. The city is known for its Golden Roof, fortified buildings, and avant-garde cable car stations. The rugged cliffs and the historic buildings along the Inn River add to its charm.

Innsbruck has a unique alpine-urban flair, with history meeting the present and culture meeting nature. The city was founded in 1237 and has developed into a charming city, thanks in part to its location on the trade route between Italy and Germany.

Historical Highlights

• Ambras Castle: This castle, first mentioned in the 11th century, was later expanded into a magnificent palace. It is considered the world's first museum and features impressive exhibitions, including detailed ceilings and paintings by Rubens, Van Dyck, and Velázquez.
• Habsburg Walk: Follow in the footsteps of Maximilian, Sisi, and other members of the Habsburg dynasty by exploring the impressive buildings they left behind.
• Inn Bridge: As the city's first bridge, the Inn Bridge connects the St. Nikolaus/Mariahilf district with the old town.
• Hall Mint: Just a few kilometres from Innsbruck, in the town of Hall, the first coin was minted in 1486. The medieval walls bear witness to this pioneering invention.
• Ottoburg Restaurant: This restaurant was once part of the city wall in the 15th century. Today, it serves fine Austrian specialties in its old parlours.
• Golden Roof: Also known as "Goldenes Dachl", this is probably the most famous landmark of Innsbruck. It was built in 1500 for Emperor Maximilian I and is decorated with 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles.
• Innsbruck Cathedral: Also known as St. James Cathedral, this cathedral has a plain exterior but a lavish interior with opulent details, including hand-painted murals from famous artists of the 1700s and hand-carved woodwork.
• Hofburg Palace: Built in the 1400s, this magnificent baroque palace was once the residence of the Habsburgs. It boasts a grand baroque style thanks to Maria Theresa. It is surrounded by the beautiful Court Garden and Theatre.
• Imperial Court Church: This church showcases history, pomp, and splendour.

Natural Wonders

• Nordkette Cable Car: This cable car takes you straight from the city of Innsbruck up to the Nordkette, where you can enjoy spectacular views and hiking opportunities.
• Bergisel Ski Jump: This impressive ski jump combines sporting history with modern architecture. The viewing platform offers breathtaking views over Innsbruck and the Alps.
• Alpine Zoo Innsbruck: Europe's highest zoo, located 750 metres above sea level, specialising in alpine species.

Innsbruck is a wonderful city that offers a unique blend of history and nature. Whether you're exploring the old town, visiting museums, or taking in the stunning alpine landscape, there is something for everyone in this charming city.

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