Lyla Lindsey
Austria is a beautiful country with a lot to offer, from picturesque lakes and sprawling palaces to majestic castles and jaw-dropping alpine scenery. If you're planning to stay in Austria for two weeks, there are several options to consider. You could start your journey in Munich, Germany, and make your way to Austria, stopping by the fairy-tale-like Neuschwanstein Castle. Alternatively, you can begin in the German city of Rothenburg, known for its cobblestone streets and medieval walls, and then take a ferry ride on Chiemsee Lake to Herrenchiemsee Palace.
When in Austria, Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, is a must-visit. You can explore the historic centre, wander the beautiful squares and streets, and visit Mozart's former residence, the Salzburg Cathedral, Hohensalzburg Fortress, and the Mirabell Palace and Gardens. Hallstatt, a village known for its bone chapel and medieval salt mine, is another popular destination. If you're looking for outdoor activities, Lake Achensee, nestled between the Karwendel and Rofan Mountains, is perfect for hiking, biking, and swimming. Lech, with its surrounding trails and lakes, is another ideal destination for hikers and travellers without a car.
Additionally, Vienna, the vibrant capital, offers a wealth of cultural experiences, including St. Stephen's Cathedral and the museums in the Old Town. You can also take day trips from Vienna to Kreuzenstein Castle, Liechtenstein Castle, or Melk Abbey. With so much to see and do, a well-planned itinerary will ensure you make the most of your two-week stay in Austria.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of days | 14 days |
| Starting point | Munich, Germany |
| Day 1 | Munich, Germany |
| Day 2 | Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany |
| Day 3 | Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany |
| Day 4 | Vienna, Austria |
| Day 5 | Danube Valley (Melk to Krems and back), Austria |
| Day 6 | Salzburg, Austria |
| Day 7 | Hohenwerfen Castle, Austria |
| Day 8 | Predjama Castle, Slovenia |
| Day 9 | Hochosterwitz Castle, Austria |
| Day 10 | Hallstatt, Austria |
| Day 11 | Salzburg, Austria |
| Day 12 | Bavarian Alps, Germany |
| Day 13 | Dolomite Peaks, Italy |
| Day 14 | Milan or Venice, Italy |
Explore related products
$12.99 $12.99
What You'll Learn
- Vienna: Saint Stephen's Cathedral, coffee, museums, and the Old Town
- Salzburg: Mozart's birthplace, Hohensalzburg Fortress, and the Mirabell Palace and Gardens
- Hallstatt: bone chapel, medieval salt mine, and Lake
- Munich: Oktoberfest, historic sights, and delicious food
- Berchtesgaden: Eagle's Nest, Obersalzberg Documentation Centre, and alpine scenery
Vienna: Saint Stephen's Cathedral, coffee, museums, and the Old Town
Vienna, Austria's capital, is a cultural hub with a rich history and a plethora of attractions. The city is renowned for its musical heritage, mouth-watering cuisine, and stunning architecture.
One of the must-see landmarks in Vienna is St. Stephen's Cathedral, also known as Stephansdom. This majestic Gothic cathedral stands tall in the heart of the city, boasting a colourful roof and an intricate interior. Visitors can explore the cathedral's many chapels, climb the towers for panoramic views, or even attend a classical music concert.
Viennese coffee culture is an integral part of the city's identity. Coffeehouses are scattered throughout the city, inviting patrons to savour traditional coffee specialities and indulge in delectable pastries. These coffeehouses are more than just cafes; they are spaces for socialising, intellectual discourse, and creative inspiration. Many famous writers, artists, and thinkers have frequented these establishments, contributing to Vienna's rich intellectual history.
Vienna is also a haven for art and history enthusiasts, boasting an impressive array of museums. The Kunsthistorisches Museum, or the Museum of Fine Arts, houses a remarkable collection of European artwork, including masterpieces by Rubens, Rembrandt, and Vermeer. The Natural History Museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the natural world, while the Albertina showcases a diverse range of artworks, from Renaissance masters to contemporary artists.
Exploring Vienna's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is like stepping back in time. The cobblestone streets wind past elegant buildings, grand palaces, and picturesque squares. The iconic Heldenplatz square, the majestic Vienna Opera House, and the vibrant Naschmarkt, with its array of culinary delights, are all part of the Old Town's allure.
When planning a two-week trip to Austria, it is worth considering combining your stay with visits to nearby European cities. Prague, Munich, and Budapest are all within a few hours' reach of Vienna and offer their unique attractions and cultural experiences. Whether you explore the medieval charm of Prague, the picturesque Bavarian Alps surrounding Munich, or the vibrant Danube River in Budapest, these additions can enhance your Austrian adventure.
Car Hire in Austria: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Salzburg: Mozart's birthplace, Hohensalzburg Fortress, and the Mirabell Palace and Gardens
Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, is a popular destination in Austria. Located on the banks of the Salzach River with the picturesque Eastern Alps as its backdrop, Salzburg is the country's fourth-largest city. The city has many attractions, including Baroque churches, the stunning Hohensalzburg Fortress, and the picturesque Mirabell Palace and Gardens.
Mozart's Birthplace is a yellow building on Getreidegasse Street in the heart of Salzburg's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Getreidegasse is a popular street lined with souvenir shops, clothing boutiques, and historic museums. Mozart's former residence, which is different from his birthplace, is located just across the park south of the Mirabell Palace and has been converted into a museum that houses his original fortepiano.
The Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of the most well-preserved castles in Europe, overlooks the city from atop the Festungsberg. Visitors can take a funicular up to the castle to enjoy breathtaking views of Salzburg and its surroundings. Throughout the fortress's interior are museums, exhibits, and even some of the royal rooms.
The Mirabell Palace and Gardens, located on the banks of the Salzach River, provide a beautiful backdrop to the baroque-style palace. The gardens are a popular spot to walk in the footsteps of Mozart and sing "Do Re Mi" from the famous musical "The Sound of Music".
Salzburg is a great destination for a two-week trip to Austria, as it is easily accessible from other European cities. It has its own airport for intra-Europe destinations and is only a two-hour train ride from Vienna.
Crafting Austrian Schnapps: A Beginner's Guide to the Delicious Spirit
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Hallstatt: bone chapel, medieval salt mine, and Lake
Austria is a beautiful country with many attractions, and two weeks is a great amount of time to explore some of its highlights. One place to consider is Hallstatt, a village nestled between a lake and mountains, which counts as one of the first places of human settlement due to its rich sources of natural salt.
Hallstatt is home to the world's oldest salt mine, dating back to the 8th to 5th centuries BC. The salt mine has 21 levels and several smaller shafts, and the salt has helped preserve many organic materials and artefacts from the past, such as textiles, wood, leather, shoes, and tools. The Hallstatt Museum covers the region's ancient history, particularly its role in the salt trade, and features tools, weapons, and burial objects from the Bronze and Iron Ages.
St. Michael's Chapel, located next to the catholic parish church, is another fascinating site in Hallstatt. It is home to the Bone House or Beinhaus, a charnel house containing over 1,200 human skulls, with more than 600 of them painted with symbols, names, and dates. The tradition of painting skulls and preserving bones began due to the limited burial space in the village. The skulls were exhumed and moved to the ossuary to make room for new burials, as the village had little space for cemeteries. The Bone House is a unique and intriguing part of Hallstatt's history and culture.
Hallstatt also offers idyllic views of the lake and the surrounding Dachstein Alps. The Hallstatt Skywalk, or the "World Heritage View", provides a panoramic view of the village, Lake Hallstatt, and the Alps from 360 meters above. The lake itself is a beautiful attraction, and accommodation options around it range from elegant 5-star luxury hotels to comfortable guesthouses and family-friendly apartments.
Hallstatt is a wonderful destination to include in a two-week trip to Austria, offering a combination of natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural experiences.
Exploring Austria's Pristine Lake District Around Hallstatt
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Munich: Oktoberfest, historic sights, and delicious food
If you're looking for a place to stay for two weeks in Austria, Munich is a great option, especially if you're visiting in September or October. The city hosts the world's biggest and original beer festival, Oktoberfest, which is a celebration of Bavarian culture, tradition, and food. The festival runs for 2 weeks, with beer served from 12 am on the opening day. It features countless rides and attractions on the festival grounds and in the tents, including the Grand Entry of the Oktoberfest landlords and breweries, the ceremonial opening of the beer tapping, and a traditional costume parade on the first Sunday.
When it comes to food, Oktoberfest offers a variety of delicious and exciting traditional German dishes. While the festival is known for its beer, the locals also celebrate Bavarian culture and food. The menu includes various meat dishes, such as beef stew, beef steak, beef tartare, boiled beef, and pork knuckle. For the vegetarians, there are options like smoked fish on a stick, potato pancakes, potato dumplings, potato salad, and Spätzle (the German version of macaroni and cheese). Don't forget to try the delicious sides, such as sauerkraut, red cabbage, and Obatzda (creamy cheese dip).
In addition to Oktoberfest, Munich also offers historic sights and attractions worth visiting. The historic Oktoberfest "Oide Wiesn" is open daily from 10 am to 11:30 pm. The first Oktoberfest was held on October 12, 1810, when Crown Prince Ludwig, who later became King Ludwig I, married Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. The citizens of Munich were invited to attend the festivities, which included horse races in the presence of the Royal Family.
Munich is also a great base for exploring other nearby cities and attractions. It is within close proximity to other European destinations such as Prague, Budapest, and, of course, other parts of Germany. For those interested in exploring more of Germany, the Bavarian Alps are a short distance away and offer beautiful scenery and hiking opportunities.
Babaria in Austria: Exploring the Connection
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Berchtesgaden: Eagle's Nest, Obersalzberg Documentation Centre, and alpine scenery
If you're looking for a place to stay in Austria for two weeks, you might want to consider Berchtesgaden, a popular tourist destination in Germany, just a 45-minute drive from Salzburg, Austria. Surrounded by breathtaking mountains, Berchtesgaden offers a unique atmosphere and plenty of historical and educational sites to visit. Here are some key attractions you can include in your itinerary:
Eagle's Nest (Kehlsteinhaus)
Eagle's Nest, originally built as a mountaintop retreat during the Nazi regime, now attracts tourists seeking panoramic views of the stunning alpine scenery. The journey to Eagle's Nest is an experience in itself, with various transportation options, including buses and special-purpose vehicles, offering breathtaking views along the way.
Obersalzberg Documentation Centre
The Obersalzberg Documentation Centre provides a historical and educational perspective on Berchtesgaden's association with World War II. The centre documents the area's history during the Third Reich and serves as a memorial and a place for reflection.
Alpine Scenery
Berchtesgaden is nestled within the Berchtesgaden Alps, offering breathtaking natural scenery. You can hike in the Berchtesgaden National Park, walk up to Röthbachfall, Germany's highest waterfall, and explore the surrounding mountain ranges, such as the Karwendel Mountains and the Rofan Mountains.
When planning your trip to Berchtesgaden, consider staying for at least 2-3 days to fully appreciate the area's unique atmosphere and natural beauty. You can easily access the area by car, train, or bus, making it a convenient starting point for your two-week exploration of Austria and its neighbouring countries.
Car Rental in Austria: IDP Requirements Explained
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Austria is a centrally located country with many neighbouring countries within easy reach. You could fly into Prague, work your way through Vienna and Salzburg, and then fly home from Munich.
In Vienna, you can follow a free walking tour, taking in Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, a Vienesse coffee, and the museums including the Hofburg. You can also take a tram tour, which loops around Old Town.
Within a two-hour radius of Vienna, you can visit Kreuzenstein Castle, Liechtenstein Castle, or Melk Abbey. You can also take a boat trip along the Danube River to see some of the wine towns.
Salzburg is known for being the birthplace of Mozart and the setting of the musical "The Sound of Music". You can visit Mozart's former residence, Salzburg Cathedral, Hohensalzburg Fortress, and the Mirabell Palace and Gardens.
You can take a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle, or to the two small towns of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, which are well known for being a hotspot for winter sports.
