Exploring Austria: A Week-Long Adventure Itinerary

Austria is a country that magically weaves between high culture and music, amongst urban old-town charm that’s juxtaposed with the vastness of alpine summits and outdoor delights.

If you're looking to spend a week in Austria, you can easily spend a few days in the country's capital, Vienna, before heading to Salzburg and Innsbruck.

Here's a suggested itinerary for your week in Austria:

- Day 1-3: Vienna. Explore the city's grand palaces, museums, and coffee culture.

- Day 4-5: Salzburg. Visit Mozart's birthplace and re-enact your favourite scene from The Sound of Music.

- Day 6-7: Innsbruck. Take in the royal history and visit the Swarovski Crystal Worlds.

Vienna's imperial palaces and museums

Vienna is a great place to start your Austrian adventure. The city is well-connected to major cities and is the capital of the country. It is home to several palaces, museums, famous historical monuments, and lively streets.

One of the biggest palace complexes in the world, the Hofburg Imperial Palace was formerly the residence of the imperial Habsburg family. Today, it is a hotspot for museums, politics, and events. Visitors can marvel at the private apartments and stunning staterooms of the former imperial family. The palace is also home to the seat of the Austrian Federal President and five world-class museums.

Another must-see palace is the Schönbrunn Palace, which was the summer residence of the Habsburgs. Visitors can explore the entire piano nobile of the palace, including the private apartments of Franz Joseph and Elisabeth, the southern reception rooms, and the State Apartments. The palace also offers guided tours, including one of the state rooms and private apartments of the imperial couple, with a few glimpses behind the scenes.

Vienna is also home to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, which was built in 1891 near the Imperial Palace. The museum displays works of art from the 18th and 19th centuries, giving visitors a glimpse into the courtly display at the time of Maria Theresa.

Salzburg's Mozart history and 'The Sound of Music' sights

Salzburg is a must-visit when spending a week in Austria. It is a magical city that seems like it's straight out of a storybook, with the Salzach River flowing through its centre and snow-capped mountains surrounding it. It is also known for its musical associations, particularly as the birthplace of Mozart, and its connection to the movie 'The Sound of Music'. Here is a guide to help you explore Salzburg's Mozart history and 'The Sound of Music' sights:

Mozart History in Salzburg

Salzburg, the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, is a great place to learn about the composer's life and work. Start your exploration by visiting Mozart's Birthplace, a highlight of the Salzburg Sound of Music Tour. Step into the house where Mozart was born and raised, and explore the rooms where he composed some of his most famous works. See his childhood piano and handwritten musical scores, and learn about his life, struggles, and triumphs.

Continue your journey by visiting other significant landmarks associated with Mozart, such as the Mozarthaus, where he lived as an adult, and the family residence. Delve into his life and the legacy he left behind in the world of classical music. Salzburg is also home to the Mozarteum University of Music, reflecting the city's deep musical roots.

'The Sound of Music' Sights in Salzburg

'The Sound of Music' is a classic movie that was filmed in and around Salzburg, and the city is filled with locations featured in the film. Start your tour by visiting the Mirabell Gardens, where Maria and the Von Trapp children danced and sang 'Do-Re-Mi'. You can also visit the Nonnberg Abbey, where Maria was a novice, and the Pegasus Fountain, another filming location.

Another iconic location is Schloss Leopoldskron, which served as the house where the family lived in the film. Hellbrunn Palace, with its beautiful singing scenes, and St. Gilgen/Wolfgangsee, the setting for the movie's opening scene, are also must-visits. Don't forget to stop by the Mondsee Basilica, which was used for the wedding scene.

To fully immerse yourself in the world of 'The Sound of Music', consider taking a guided tour, whether by bus, bicycle, or on foot. There are also plans to open a Sound of Music museum in Salzburg by 2026.

Innsbruck's Golden Roof and Court Church

Innsbruck is a stunning medieval town set against the backdrop of the Austrian Alps. The town is a great base to explore the surrounding mountain villages and towns. The old town of Innsbruck is a short walk away and is home to architectural treasures such as the Golden Roof, the Hofburg Imperial Palace, and the Hofkirche (Court Church).

The Golden Roof, or Goldenes Dachl, is a landmark civic structure completed in 1500 by Archduke Maximilian I to celebrate his marriage to Bianca Maria Sforza. The roof is decorated with 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles, and the emperor and his wife used the balcony to observe festivals and tournaments in the square below.

The Hofkirche, or Court Church, is a gothic church built in the 1500s. The church is attached to a small museum, and visitors can purchase a ticket to see one or both. The church features a large black marble tomb surrounded by 28 life-size bronze statues, including one of King Arthur. The church also contains the tomb of Tyrol's national hero, Andreas Hofer, a freedom fighter who led thousands of Tyroleans against Napoleonic troops.

In addition to the Golden Roof and Court Church, other notable attractions in Innsbruck include the Imperial Palace, the Cathedral of Sankt Jacob, and the Wilten Basilica.

Hallstatt's salt mine and Skywalk

Hallstatt is a village in Austria that stands on a narrow lake, the Hallstätter See. It is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Austria and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Salzwelten Hallstatt salt mine in the village is the oldest in the world, with a 7000-year history.

The Hallstatt salt mine is located in the heart of the Salzkammergut, a beautiful spot in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hallstatt. The mine is accessible by the Salzbergbahn funicular, which is located in the village of Hallstatt. The funicular ride offers panoramic views of the village and the lake below.

The tour of the mine begins with a ride on the Salzbergbahn, followed by a short walk to the Knappenhaus entrance building. The mine tour involves exploring approximately 2 kilometres on foot and includes a 64-metre-long miners' slide. The mine train brings visitors back out into the daylight at the end of the tour. The entire visit, including the funicular ride, the mine tour, and the walk across the Hallstatt high valley, takes at least 3 hours.

The Hallstatt Skywalk is a 12-metre-long lookout platform located 360 metres above the village. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, the Hallstätter See, and the village of Hallstatt with its narrow lanes and picturesque houses. The Skywalk can be accessed via the Salzbergbahn funicular and is located in the Hallstatt high valley, along with the salt mine.

The Hallstatt salt mine and Skywalk offer a unique opportunity to explore the ancient history of the region, with tunnels and passageways dating back 7000 years. The site is of significant archaeological interest, with burial grounds and prehistoric tunnels providing insight into the Hallstatt Period (ca. 800 to 400 BCE).

When planning a visit to the Hallstatt salt mine and Skywalk, it is important to note that the footpath to the high valley may be closed during winter for safety reasons. Additionally, the mine tunnels are not suitable for wheelchairs, and warm clothing and sturdy shoes are recommended as the temperature inside the mine is around 8°C year-round.

Tyrol's ski resorts and winter activities

Tyrol is a winter wonderland, offering some of the most thrilling ski resorts and winter activities in the Alps. With over 80 ski resorts and around 3,400 kilometres of skiable terrain, Tyrol is a skier's paradise. The region boasts a range of options, from large glacier ski areas to smaller, family-friendly resorts, and even resorts with night skiing under floodlights.

For those seeking the biggest and best, the SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental ski resort offers up to 275 kilometres of slopes, while the Pitztal Glacier ski resort reaches altitudes of up to 3,440 metres. The St. Anton/St. Christoph/Stuben/Lech/Zürs/Warth/Schröcken – Ski Arlberg resort is another giant, with 299.7 kilometres of slopes to explore.

If you're looking for a hidden gem, the Zettersfeld resort in Lienz is a sunny, family-friendly option with free ski passes for children up to six years old. The Venet – Landeck/Zams/Fliess resort is another great-value option, offering 15 kilometres of slopes and stunning views.

Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol, is a great base for skiers. The city itself has a charming Old Town and is surrounded by magnificent ski resorts and mountain villages. The Olympia SkiWorld offers a range of cool activities, including bobsleigh and toboggan rides at the Oberperfuss Rangger Köpfl Ski Resort.

For a unique experience, consider staying in an igloo hotel. The Alpeiglu Igloo Village, Schneedorf The Snow Village, and Iglu Village Kühtai are all popular options that open during the colder months.

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