10 Days in Austria Itinerary: Innsbruck, Salzburg and Vienna
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Summary
- Your adventure begins in Vienna, which will serve as your base for five days (5 nights) as you explore the attractions in the capital, Lower Austria, and the Wachau Valley.
- You will then journey to Salzburg, which will be your base for the next three days (3 nights) as you visit the town’s places of interest and the beautiful Salzkammergut region.
- Your trip will culminate in the alpine city of Innsbruck in Tirol, providing a breathtaking finale. There, you will stay for 2 days (2 night), visiting the city and the mountains.
Note: Once we’ve gone over the itinerary, we’ll discuss what you need to prepare and the resources that will help you with further planning. I’ve made this itinerary concise yet comprehensive, including all the essential details for visiting the attractions and cities listed.
Day 1 to 5 (Vienna)
Unless you’re coming from Germany, there’s no better place to kick off your trip to Austria than Vienna.
It’s the capital, the most connected city in the country. Regardless where you’re coming from, either from overseas or simply from nearby European city, there’s no problem to get here! Be at the city by Day 0, so you can allocate the entire Day 1 to 5 exploring and visiting different places. Your five day duration in the city should be enough to cover the highlights of the city and a couple of beautiful destinations nearby.
For your city exploration, I recommend focusing on the stunning architecture, rich history, and remarkable artworks — the three beautiful aspects of the city. I detailed it in my 3-Day Vienna Itinerary. Below is the quick summary (expand to see pictures).
Day one is your immersion into the city’s beautiful architecture. It’s a great way to give yourself a lasting impression of how beautiful the city is.
Kick off your day by visiting one of the elegant traditional coffee houses, for which Vienna is also known. After the delightful coffee and breakfast, continue on a self-guided walking tour of the city’s Ringstrasse. It’s on this historic street that you can find the city’s most important landmarks, which are also the most eye-catching.
After lunch, go inside Hofburg, the winter residence of the Habsburg Emperors. Inside, there are many attractions, but you must see the Austrian National Library, which I believe is the country’s most beautiful library.
From Hofburg, continue exploring the Innere Stadt (Inner District) of Vienna. It’s filled with little gems that I’m sure you’ll love to see, especially since some of them are both marvelous and free! You can use my free walking tour of Old Town Vienna as a guide for this. Don’t miss Graben, Peterskirche, and Stephansdom!
We conclude your first day at Karlskirche, one of Vienna’s unique churches, where you will attend a once-in-a-lifetime concert performed by the Orchester 1756.
Your second day in Vienna will be a journey through time — a discovery of the city’s history.
We start at the Museum of Military History in the morning. This museum, housed in a palatial fortress, offers a comprehensive look at the empire’s history and military, starting from the late sixteenth century to the end of World War II.
In the afternoon, we go to Schönbrunn Palace to hear the great stories of Empress Maria Theresa and other influential Habsburgs. This palace was their summer residence, and during your tour, you’ll see how extravagant their lives were. As you explore the palace and the garden, you’ll stumble upon their personal belongings, artworks, and park features that provide insights into the characteristics of these Austrian rulers.
Before you leave the palace, make sure to visit the Gloriette, perched on a small hill in the palace park. It is one of the most picturesque places in Schönbrunn Palace, where you can also find a café-restaurant, a nice place to relax after wandering in the park. Climb to the Gloriette’s rooftop to see a panoramic view of the palace.
We end your second day in Vienna with a visit to Time Travel Vienna in Old Town Vienna, which offers an amazing 50-minute virtual tour through 2000 years of Vienna’s history.
The third day of your stay in Vienna is a dive into the passion, expression, and visual stories of different people — an unearthing of the masterpieces created by famous artists from Vienna or collected by Austrian patrons of art.
There are many places you can visit to appreciate artworks, but the most notable ones must be located in the Kunsthistorisches Museum and Belvedere Palace. Interestingly, both are stunning architectural marvels inside and out.
From the morning until early afternoon, I’d suggest visiting the Kunsthistorisches Museum. This art and history museum is packed with thousands of artworks from Europe to Egypt and from ancient times to the Renaissance. There’s so much to see! Famous paintings like the Tower of Babel and creepy-looking Egyptian sarcophagi await you here.
Be at Belvedere Palace, your next destination, at least a couple of hours before its closing time. This picture-perfect palace is home to Gustav Klimt’s most famous artworks like The Kiss and Judith, which are undoubtedly the artistic highlights of every visit to Vienna.
As once the home of Prince Eugene of Savoy, a hero of Vienna who was also an art collector, you can expect to find more artworks in Belvedere Palace. Even the walls and ceilings of some rooms and halls of this palace are works of art!
We conclude the third day of your trip to Austria at the Danube Tower, offering a breathtaking dinner in its lofty revolving restaurant.
Staying in Vienna has many perks, and one of them is the easy day trips to nearby beautiful destinations in the country and other European cities.
So, during your fourth and fifth days of your stay, we take the opportunity. While most people make a day trip to Bratislava or even as far as Prague, I’d recommend putting the destinations within Austria as a top priority during your trip. You know, for a more well-rounded trip apart from more city experiences! So, where to go?
For the 4th day of your trip, we head to Wachau Valley — a UNESCO World Heritage site — only an hour away from the city. It’s one of the most beautiful regions in Austria, dotted with charming villages, romantic ruined castles, and amazing historical sites.
One such amazing attraction here is Melk Abbey, which is the highlight of the day trip to the valley. This religious structure, dating back to the 11th century, is so large that I think a small village could fit inside it. It’s a very historic site, where the breath of new monastic life culture in Austria and Southern Germany originated.
During your visit to Melk Abbey, you can explore many parts. That includes the awe-inspiring church, extraordinary library, fairy-tale staircase, intriguing museum, and a panoramic park. There are plenty of things to do, and if you love taking photos, you can spend the whole day just wandering in the abbey.
However, to make your day trip even more interesting, try visiting other parts of Wachau Valley in addition to Melk Abbey. I recommend Dürnstein and Krems, which are two lovely towns dotted with medieval landmarks. Personally, I prefer Dürnstein; it’s kinda romantic with the ruined castle overlooking the village. You can hike to the castle if you want to take in scenic views of the valley.
Wachau Valley is also home to vineyards, and if you like to experience wine tasting — the Austrian way — this is your opportunity.
Castles give a unique touch to every visit to Vienna, with the romantic and fairytale-like experience travelers can get from visiting them.
So, for your last day in Vienna, the plan would be this: in the morning until the early afternoon, have a day trip to one of the nearby castles in Lower Austria. There are three castles that I personally like and which I think you’d also like to visit.
One of them is Liechtenstein Castle, which is the filming location of the movie, Three Musketeers (1993). Come here if you want to discover a unique side of Viennese history, specifically the story of the Liechtenstein family who have two palaces in the city.
Another is the hilltop Kreuzenstein Castle, which has this fairytale architecture — a blend of German vernacular and Gothic. Visiting this castle entails a mini romantic adventure for the short hike involved in getting there.
If you prefer relaxing by nature and still feel some romantic flair, Laxenburg Castle Park is the place to be. You can have a boat ride or hike along the park’s trails while admiring the castle on the island of the park’s lake.
Once you get back to the city from visiting one of these castles in the late afternoon, let’s go shopping for souvenirs and food! Try Mariahilferstraße, which is the longest shopping street in Vienna, or Naschmarkt, which is the most famous food destination in the city.
Before the day ends, you should be heading to Salzburg, which is your next destination and home base for exploring Austria.
Day 6 to 8 (Salzburg)
As a wanderer and a romantic, I can argue that Salzburg is Austria’s most charming city.
The city’s baroque skyline, dominated by a fortress perched on a hilltop, is the most picturesque scene in Austria I know. You can simply go to one of the viewpoints in Salzburg and be amazed! From the town’s vantage points, you can see how significantly smaller Salzburg is compared to Vienna. While that is true, three days aren’t enough to see everything and experience all that the city offers.
However, it is enough to thoroughly explore the old town and visit one amazing day trip destination within the Salzburg region, such as Salzkammergut, or even attractions in Germany. For this itinerary, that is the plan. I detailed it in my Salzburg 3-day itinerary.
Save money by using the Salzburg Card (48 hours).
Below is the summary of the itinerary (expand to see pictures).
For your first day in Salzburg, you’ll be visiting the beautiful top attractions in the city, giving you a lasting first impression.
Having that in mind, there’s no better place to kick off your day than Mirabell Palace. This historical landmark in Salzburg boasts a picturesque garden where scenes from the classic movie, “The Sound of Music,” were filmed. You’ll surely love the picturesque view from the garden with Hohensalzburg Fortress in the backdrop.
From the palace, proceed to the Old Town through Marko-Feingold-Steg for a romantic view of the Old Town. Continue to Getreidegasse, the most charming street in Salzburg, featuring ornate wrought iron shop signs that hang over the streets.
At noontime, be at Salzburg Cathedral to attend the concert that uses the five or seven organs of the church. It’s a musical experience unique to anywhere north of the Alps.
In the afternoon, explore Hohensalzburg Fortress. This 11th-century fortress is the highlight of your first day in Salzburg, offering plenty of discoveries, such as the stunning Princely Chambers, Salzburg Bull, Marionette Museum, and more. If time permits, join the Salzburg Boat Ride, which is a great way to relax after wandering in the fortress. You’ll see Salzburg from a different perspective and its nearby scenic mountain views.
We make the most of your sixth day in Salzburg by attending a performance in the Marionette Theater, which is listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
We dive deeper into the rich heritage of Salzburg on the seventh day of your trip to Austria. You’ll discover why Salzburg is called ‘Mozart’s City’ along with other hidden gems in the city. We also aim to hear the untold stories of Salzburg before the day ends.
I’d recommend sleeping a little early on the first day of your stay in Salzburg because a unique tradition awaits you in Nonnberg Abbey at 6:45 am.
After that, proceed to Hellbrunn Palace for another special experience. This palace on the outskirts of the city is a must-see for its fascinating features and exhibits, especially the Trick Fountains! During your visit to Hellbrunn Palace, you can’t miss the Folklore Museum in the Little Month Palace. I bet you’ll also like to see the traditional costumes in the museum!
Be back in Old Town Salzburg by early afternoon to explore DomQuartier, where you’ll see how extravagant the lives of the Prince Archbishops were during their rule of the city. 1300-year-old religious treasures, an overlooking view of the cathedral square, and lavish architecture are only some of the amazing things that you can find here.
A few steps from the DomQuartier lies Saint Peter’s Abbey, which is the oldest continuously existing monastery in the German-speaking world. Here, wander in the fresco-filled interiors of the church, explore the catacombs, and visit the final resting place of some famous personalities like Michael Haydn and Nannerl (Wolfgang Mozart’s sister). If you become curious about the life of Mozart, his birthplace, now a comprehensive museum about the musician, is just a few minutes away from the abbey.
When the golden hour hits the city, climb to Mönchsberg, where you can find a couple of viewpoints for beholding the magical view of the city. Use the elevator near Getreidegasse for your convenience.
We conclude your day by joining the Salzburg Ghost Tour in the evening to hear about the dark events that took place in the city. Be ready to visit the original sites of the city’s horror stories, including torture chambers and places of execution.
Located at the foothills of the Alps, Salzburg boasts a strategic location for exploring some of the most breathtaking destinations in Austria. From alpine villages to hilltop fortresses and unreal lakes, visiting one of them is never a problem.
You can check my list of nearby day trip destinations from Salzburg to get an idea of what’s best for you.
However, I’d recommend exploring Salzkammergut for a truly unforgettable experience. This includes Saint Gilgen and the heaven-on-earth village of Hallstatt. Saint Gilgen is the charming alpine village featured in the opening scenes of the movie, “The Sound of Music.” Hallstatt, on the other hand, is the village that inspired the Disney movie, “Frozen.”
For a romantic experience and somewhat off the beaten path, try Hohenwerfen Fortress in Werfen, which is just 30 to 45 minutes away from Salzburg.
This fortress, perched on a hill overlooking the Salzach valley, offers a unique blend of experiences: a glimpse into the history of witchcraft in Salzburg, an immersion into the hundred-year-plus falconry tradition of the Prince-Archbishops, and a time-transporting wander through the fortress’ palace.
If possible, go back to the town before sundown. Proceed to Kapuzinerberg next to watch the golden hour in the city from a unique perspective. It’s one of the best ways to end your stay in Salzburg.
If there’s no sunset, you can immediately go to Innsbruck, your next destination, after your day trip. It’s a 1.75-hour train ride from Salzburg or a 2.5-hour bus journey or car drive.
Day 9 to 10 (Innsbruck)
Located deep in the Inn valley of the Austrian Alps, Innsbruck is undoubtedly the most breathtaking city in the country. Mountains surround this city, and they are literally visible even right from the heart of the town.
Imagine — from the windows of your hotel, the mountains stand tall and proud, their peaks piercing the sky. The early morning sun casts a golden glow on the rugged slopes, highlighting every ridge and crevice. Wisps of clouds drift lazily across the sky, sometimes wrapping around the mountain tops like a soft, white blanket.
This relaxing, dramatic scene is just one of the beautiful things you can experience during your 2-day stay in Innsbruck. I’ll help you find more during your ninth and tenth days in Austria. I detailed the plan in my 2-day Innsbruck itinerary. However, if you want to read the summary, it’s just below (expand to see pictures).
Don’t forget to use the Innsbruck City Card (2 days) so you can save money during your stay here.
Similar to what we did in Salzburg and Vienna, we aim for a lasting first beautiful impression of Innsbruck during your first day of stay in the town.
That’s why we kick off your ninth day in Austria by visiting the Top of Innsbruck in Nordkette, the mountain range north of the town. Top of Innsbruck is the highest viewpoint of Innsbruck, offering a panoramic view of the entire valley where Innsbruck sits. There are more attractions in Nordkette aside from Top of Innsbruck (alpine zoo, museums, panoramic restaurants) and they are all easily accessible, connected to the town with cable cars and funicular.
In the afternoon, return to the city to immerse yourself in the charm of its old town. You can check out my walking tour of Old Town Innsbruck to guide you through each attraction in the area.
But here’s what you must not forget to see:
- Golden Roof — it is the most historic landmark in the city where Maximilian I stayed to watch the festivities in the city;
- Stadtturm or the City Tower — a landmark offering 360-degree views of the city, located a few steps from the Golden Roof;
- Innsbruck Cathedral — you will love the interiors of this church, featuring mesmerizing 3D illusionist murals;
- Hofkirche or Court Church — this smaller church is the place where you can find the gem of Innsbruck, which are the Black Men.
Other notable landmarks are the Goldener Adler, Höblinghaus, and the colorful houses of Innsbruck, which are the most picturesque buildings in the city.
After wandering in the Old Town, attend the Tyrolean Evenings Family Gundolf for an entertaining discovery of the amazing culture of Tyrol.
For your last day in Innsbruck and Austria, we’ll dive deeper into the rich heritage of this Tyrolean capital by visiting a castle and a giant artwork on the outskirts of the city.
This may be your last day in Austria, but it is definitely not the least! I bet you’ll also like the architecture and unique story that you will unfold in the morning of your second day at Ambras Castle.
Ambras Castle, considered the oldest museum in the world, is the home of Archduke Ferdinand II and Philippine Welser, a commoner.
Their story? It is a real fairy tale. You know, royalties weren’t allowed to marry commoners in their days. When you visit, you’ll learn more about their love story and see the spectacular Renaissance halls featuring murals that depict Tyrolean leaders and allegorical characters.
Afternoon is the time to explore the Tirol Panorama Museum, also known as Tirol Panorama with the Museum of the Imperial Infantry in Bergisel. It’s a must-see for the Innsbruck Giant Panorama Painting, depicting the Third Battle of Bergisel, housed in it.
This masterpiece is a moving and interesting one. As you gaze at the painting, it feels like you’re peering back in time to the actual battle that occurred right where you stand.
During your visit, you also get the opportunity to explore the permanent exhibitions, giving you insights into the politics, religion, nature, and culture of Tyrol.
Outside the museum, there’s a pavilion offering a sweeping view of the city and Nordkette. It’s a view that best concludes your trip to Innsbruck and, of course, Austria — a destination that’s a blend of interesting culture, beautiful architecture, rich history, and stunning nature.
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Preparation & Other Resources
So, that’s my 10-day itinerary for Austria! Before you set off on your adventure, here are a few things to keep in mind to make the most of your trip. The tips below are for your entire Austrian journey. For specific tips on Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck, check out the individual itineraries I’ve linked previously.
The final part of your trip to Austria will introduce you to the stunning beauty of the Alps. If you’re interested in seeing more, consider visiting Switzerland—it’s truly heaven on earth.
You must see the Jungfrau Region, where you’ll find the unreal, trough-shaped valley of Lauterbrunnen, and the bright turquoise Lake Brienz.
Alternatively, you can visit the charming city of Lucerne, a picturesque town at the foothills of the Swiss Alps. For more ideas on how to enjoy Switzerland, check out my 4-Day Switzerland Itinerary and 6-Day Central Switzerland Itinerary.
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