Hey there, traveller! If you’ve been dreaming of visiting Austria, trust us—you’re in for a treat. We’ve explored this stunning country multiple times, and every visit feels like discovering something new. Austria is one of those places that truly has it all: breathtaking landscapes, charming cities, rich history, and delicious food.
Honestly, we always recommend spending more than a week here because there’s just so much to see. But if you’ve only got 7 days Austria itinerary, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
We’ve planned a one-week Austria itinerary to help you make the most of your time in breathtaking places like Vienna, Traunsee, Salzburg, and many more.
This itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors who want to explore Austria without feeling rushed. Whether you’re travelling solo, with a partner, or as a family, this one week plan will help you make the most of your time.
Quick Overview: 7 days Austria Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Vienna
Day 2: Traunsee, Gosauseen
Day 3: Day Trip to Hallstatt
Day 4: Travel to Salzburg
Day 5: Innsbruck and Zell am See
Day 6: Grossglockner
Day 7: Back to Vienna
Why Visit Austria for One Week?
Austria is one of those destinations that feels like it was made for a perfect week-long getaway. In just seven days, you can experience a mix of everything—stunning cities, serene nature, and rich culture—all without feeling rushed.
We’ve been there multiple times, and Austria’s charm lies in its diversity. Spend your mornings sipping coffee in Vienna’s cozy cafés, explore the fairy-tale streets of Salzburg, and end your day soaking in the views of Austria’s jaw-dropping alpine landscapes.
Is One Week Enough in Austria?
So, is one week enough to explore Austria? Well, it depends on what you want. If you ask me, I always say that Austria has so much to offer that even a month wouldn’t be enough to see it all. If you have only one week, you can still experience its most famous sights and hidden gems with the right plan.
From my travel experience, I’ve found that one week lets you plenty of time to visit must-see places like Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, and maybe even a serene spot like Lake Traunsee.
Sure, you might not see everything (because there’s always more to explore), but you’ll leave with unforgettable memories. A week lets you enjoy Austria’s mix of city vibes, alpine views, and cultural treasures.
If anything, it’ll leave you wanting to come back for more—and isn’t that the best kind of travel experience?
One-Week Austria Itinerary: How to Spend a Week in Austria?
Now that you know why Austria is worth your time, it’s time to explore its beauty in just seven days. In this itinerary we’ll guide you through the best places step by step. Let’s start with Day 1 in Vienna!
Day 1: Arrive in Vienna
Start your Austria trip from Vienna, the capital city. If you’re coming by car or train, it’s also super accessible from neighbouring countries like Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.
Vienna International Airport (VIE) connects to cities all over the world, so whether you’re flying in from the U.S., Europe, or beyond, you’ll likely land here.
The city itself is a masterpiece of architecture and history. Strolling through its historic streets, you’ll see elegant Baroque buildings, grand museums, and lush gardens. It is just the beginning of an unforgettable week in Austria.
Morning: Stephansplatz
Start your first day in Vienna with a visit to Stephansplatz , the heart of the city. This lively square is surrounded by historic buildings, shops, and cafés, making it the perfect place to soak in the city’s atmosphere.
We love grabbing a quick breakfast here—try a buttery croissant and a Melange (Vienna’s famous coffee) from a local café.
Afternoon: St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Right in the middle of Stephansplatz, you’ll find St. Stephen’s Cathedral, one of Vienna’s most iconic landmarks. Take some time to explore the interior; here you’ll see beautiful stained glass, intricate carvings, and impressive altars.
If you’re up for a little adventure, climb the 343 steps to the South Tower for an incredible panoramic view of Vienna. It’s absolutely worth it!
After exploring the cathedral, grab a traditional Austrian lunch nearby. We recommend trying Wiener Schnitzel or a hearty Goulash at a classic Viennese restaurant.
Evening: Schönbrunn Palace Gardens
Schönbrunn Palace Gardens is one of Vienna’s most breathtaking places. This former imperial residence is stunning, and while the interior requires a ticket, you can explore the palace gardens for free. Walk through the tree-lined paths and make your way to the Gloriette, a hilltop structure with one of the best views of the palace and the city.
Stroll through the Kaiserpark, grab some dinner at a cosy local restaurant, and if you have time, check out the Kaiservilla from the outside. It’s a calm, relaxing place to end your day before heading to your hotel.
We recommend staying overnight either in Bad Ischl or nearby Hallstatt if you want to get a head start for Day 3.
Day 2: Traunsee & Gosauseen
Today is all about getting out into Austria’s natural beauty. Lakes, mountains, fresh air, and peaceful little towns—this is the kind of day that makes you fall in love with Austria beyond its cities. Here’s how to spend the day:
Morning: Traunsee
Distance from Vienna to Traunsee (Gmunden): Approx. 240 km / 149 miles
Travel time: Around 2.5 to 3 hours by car
Best route: A1 West Autobahn (Vienna → Gmunden)
We always rent a car in Vienna the night before or early morning—it gives you the freedom to stop and enjoy the scenery along the way. The drive is smooth and mostly highway, but try to leave by 7:30 AM to make the most of the day.
Arrive in Gmunden, the lake town by Traunsee, around 10:00 AM. Gmunden is charming, quiet, and not too touristy—which you’ll love. The Ort Castle, sitting right in the lake, is a must-see. Don’t skip a stroll through Gmunden’s town centre—it’s small but so charming. Visit Seeschloss Ort, the little castle on the lake. It’s free to walk around, and the photo views are stunning. Spend at least 1.5 to 2 hours here.
Our Tip: If you’re into ceramics, Gmunden is famous for its pottery. We once picked up a handmade cup here, and it’s still our favourite coffee mug at home.
Afternoon: Vorderer Gosausee
Distance from Gmunden to Gosausee: Approx. 60 km / 37 miles
Travel time: Around 1h and 20m by car
After Traunsee, drive to Vorderer Gosausee, a small alpine lake known for its crystal-clear water and the stunning Dachstein glacier views in the background. There’s an easy walking trail around the lake, which takes about an hour. No hiking experience is needed—just comfortable shoes. Along the way, you’ll pass crystal-clear water, forested paths, and plenty of photo spots.
There’s a lakeside café, Gosausee Hütte, where we usually stop for a coffee or a quick bite.
Our Tip: Bring a light jacket, even in summer—it can get chilly near the glacier. And wear comfortable shoes for the walk (not flip-flops—we made that mistake once and regretted it halfway).
Evening: Bad Ischl
Distance from Gosausee to Bad Ischl: Approx. 28 km / 17 miles
Travel time: About 30 minutes
Bad Ischl is a charming little town full of history. This little spa town was the summer hangout of Emperor Franz Joseph—and you’ll feel the royal vibes in its architecture.
Check out the Kaiservilla from the outside (it’s closed in the evening but still worth seeing). For dinner, we recommend a local Austrian restaurant—Gasthof Zauner or Restaurant Weinhaus Attwenger offers great food in a cosy setting.
Day 3: Day Trip to Hallstatt
Hallstatt looks like it’s been pulled straight out of a fairy tale. Yes, it’s touristy—but it’s also completely worth it. Just be prepared for crowds (especially in the middle of the day), and we’ll guide you on how to make the most of your visit.
Morning: Hallstatt
Drive from Bad Ischl to Hallstatt: Approx. 16 km / 10 miles
Travel time: About 20–25 minutes by car
We recommend leaving early in the morning, especially in peak season. Parking can be tricky, so aim for P1 or P2 parking lots, then either walk 10–15 minutes or take the shuttle to the town centre.
Hallstatt is tiny, but every corner is scenic—from colourful houses along the lake to quiet alleyways with mountain views. Walk along the market square, take photos at the famous viewpoint, and just soak it all in.
Afternoon: Salt Mine
Head up to the Hallstatt Salt Mine (Salzwelten)—the oldest salt mine in the world! We’ve done this tour ourselves, and it was a fun mix of history, cool tunnels, and amazing views from above Hallstatt.
You need a ticket to enter the Salt Mine, which includes the funicular and guided tour. It’s best to book online in advance to save time. The mine tour takes about 90 minutes, and you’ll get to wear overalls, slide down wooden miner slides, and learn how Hallstatt’s salt industry shaped the region.
If you’re continuing your journey and planning to head towards Salzburg, it’s a good idea to leave before sunset, especially if you’re not comfortable driving narrow alpine roads in the dark.
Distance from Hallstatt to Salzburg: Approx. 72 km / 45 miles
Travel time: About 1.5 hours by car
If you’re taking public transport, direct trains run from Bad Ischl or Hallstatt station to Salzburg Hbf, usually with one or two connections, and take around 2–2.5 hours.
Day 4: Travel to Salzburg
Distance from Hallstatt to Salzburg: Approx. 72 km / 45 miles
Travel time: Around 1 hour and 15 minutes by car
Today, you’re exploring Salzburg, one of Austria’s most beautiful and culturally rich cities. The city is the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the setting of The Sound of Music, and a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its baroque architecture, lively music scene, and mountain views.
You can check our article How to Find Solo Travelers at Music Festivals?
Morning: Mirabell Gardens
Our first stop was the elegant Mirabell Gardens, part of the historic Mirabell Palace built in the 1600s. These gardens are open to the public and beautifully arranged with statues, fountains, and flower beds. This place is more than just a pretty park — it’s full of flowers, fountains, and famous filming spots from The Sound of Music.
Afternoon: Hohensalzburg Fortress
Next, make your way to Hohensalzburg Fortress, sitting proudly above the city since the 11th century. It’s one of the largest fully preserved castles in Europe, and the views from the top are just incredible. You can hike up (20 mins) or take the funicular from Festungsgasse—we always go for the funicular to save energy and enjoy the ride.
Evening: St. Peter Stiftskulinarium
To wrap up the day, treat yourself to dinner at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, located within the walls of St. Peter’s Abbey. Founded in 803 AD, it’s one of the oldest restaurants in Europe still in operation. Mozart himself is said to have dined here.
We came here for the history but stayed for the food. They serve traditional Austrian dishes with a fine-dining twist. Try the braised beef, trout, or wild mushroom risotto, and don’t leave without tasting the Salzburger Nockerl, a sweet and fluffy local dessert.
Day 5: Innsbruck and Zell am See
Waking up on Day 5, you’ll head west into Austria’s Alpine region, starting with the mountain city of Innsbruck and ending your day in the lakeside town of Zell am See.
Morning: Innsbruck
Drive from Salzburg to Innsbruck: ~2 hours
Distance: 185 km / 115 miles
Route: A1 → A8 → A12 (scenic highway through the mountains)
We left Salzburg early (around 7:30 AM) to give ourselves a full morning in Innsbruck, and it was totally worth it. Nestled between towering Alpine peaks, Innsbruck is a small city but full of life, colour, and history. It’s known for being a winter sports hub, but even in summer, the mountains make a stunning backdrop. Walk through the Old Town (Altstadt); there are colourful buildings, narrow alleys, and mountain views in every direction that are worth seeing.
Afternoon: Golden Roof
Right in the middle of Innsbruck’s Old Town, you’ll find the Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl)—the city’s most famous landmark. It’s a balcony with 2,657 gold-plated copper tiles, built in the 15th century for Emperor Maximilian I to watch festivals below.
Evening: Zell am See
Distance from Innsbruck to Zell am See: 150 km / 93 miles
Travel Time: Around 2.5 hours by car
Route: A12 → B311 (very scenic mountain roads)
We left Innsbruck in the late afternoon, around 4 PM, and reached Zell am See by 6:30 PM. The route is scenic, passing through charming alpine valleys and villages. Zell am See is one of those towns you’ll wish you had more time in. We stayed overnight here and really recommend it for a relaxing reset before the final stretch of your trip.
Day 6: Grossglockner
Morning: Kaprun
Let’s continue your journey with Day 6 of your 7 days Austria Itinerary.
Distance from Zell am See to Kaprun: 9 km / 5.5 miles
Travel Time: Around 15 minutes by car
Kaprun is a little town known for its glacier and mountain views. Must visit the Kaprun High Mountain Reservoirs (we did this on a past trip). You can take a bus and funicular ride up to the reservoirs. You don’t need too much time here; 1.5 to 2 hours are enough.
Grossglockner
Kaprun to Grossglockner route entrance: ~30 minutes
Distance: 25 km / 15.5 miles
Toll: ~€40 per car
Road open: May to late October (weather permitting)
Grossglockner is one of the highest roads in Europe, twisting and turning through the Alps with viewpoints, hiking trails, and marmots (yes, real ones) all along the way. The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is a paid scenic route, and its entry costs almost €40 per car. Prices can slightly vary; when we visited last time, it was €30.
Bring a jacket—even in summer, the temps up here can be chilly (we’ve seen snow in July!). Fuel up your car (in case of private transport) before starting the climb because there are no gas stations on the route.
Afternoon: Glockner Museum
At the top end of the route, you’ll reach the Glockner Museum, located at Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe. This spot sits right across from the Pasterze Glacier, and on clear days, you’ll get a perfect view of Grossglockner’s peak (3,798 m / 12,460 ft).
Evening: Stay in Liezen
Drive time: ~2.5 hours
Distance: 170 km / 106 miles
Route: Grossglockner exit → B107 → B146 → Liezen
We reached Liezen just before sunset, around 6:30 PM, and checked into a cosy guesthouse. It’s not touristy, which we liked — calm, authentic, and a good place to recharge before heading back to Vienna the next day.
Look for a traditional Austrian inn (Gasthaus) for home-style meals. We had käsespätzle and apple strudel — simple and satisfying!
Day 7: Return to Vienna
It’s your last day in Austria, and instead of rushing straight back, we recommend taking the scenic route and stopping at one of Austria’s most beautiful historic landmarks: Melk Abbey.
Morning: Melk Abbey
Drive from Liezen to Melk Abbey
Distance: ~160 km / 99 miles
Travel Time: Around 2 hours by car
Route: B320 → A9 → A1 (well-maintained highways with mountain views)
Melk Abbey is a Benedictine monastery sitting high above the Danube River, and it’s honestly one of the most impressive baroque buildings in Europe. When we first visited, we were blown away by how grand and well-preserved it is.
The golden interior, the grand library, the panoramic views—it’s all just wow.
Afternoon: Drive Back to Vienna
Distance: ~90 km / 56 miles
Travel Time: About 1 hour
After Melk, you’re only an hour away from Vienna. Depending on your return plans (flight, train, or hotel check-in), you’ll likely arrive back in the capital by 2:30–3:00 PM.
That wraps up your one week Austria itinerary! You’ve covered cities, lakes, mountains, culture, food, and more. Once you’ve done it, you’ll already start planning a return.
Travel Tips for a One Week Austria Trip
After travelling across Austria multiple times, we’ve picked up a few useful tips that can make your 7 days Austria itinerary smoother, budget-friendly, and more enjoyable.
Transportation: Trains, Car Rentals, or Buses?
When planning a one week Austria trip, choosing the right transport method can save you both time and money.
- Trains: Austria has a well-connected and scenic train system (like ÖBB). It’s best if you’re visiting major cities like Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck. Trains are clean, fast, and comfortable.
- Car Rentals: Car rentals are what we personally used for most of our trip. If your route includes off-the-beaten-path places like Traunsee, Gosausee, or Grossglockner, renting a car is highly recommended. It gives you flexibility and lets you enjoy alpine roads at your pace.
- Buses: Budget-friendly and reliable, especially FlixBus and ÖBB buses. Good for travellers on a tighter budget or solo backpackers.
Our tip: We used a rental car for most of our trip. It helped us explore hidden gems and travel early mornings without relying on schedules.
Budgeting for Your Austria Itinerary
Austria isn’t the cheapest country in Europe, but it’s definitely manageable with some planning. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect for a 7-day Austria trip:
- Accommodation: €70–€150 per night (mid-range hotels & guesthouses)
- Meals: €10–€20 for casual meals, €25–€50 for a nice dinner
- Attractions: Most major sites (like Schönbrunn Palace, Salt Mines, or Melk Abbey) charge €10–€20 per person
- Transport: Car rental can range from €40–€70 per day, plus fuel and tolls
- Daily Budget Estimate:
- Budget: €80–€100 per person/day
- Mid-range: €120–€180 per person/day
- High-end: €200+ per person/day/
- Budget: €80–€100 per person/day
Our Tip: Book hotels and attraction tickets in advance, especially in Vienna, Salzburg, and Hallstatt. And always check for city cards or combo passes—they can save money on transport and entry fees.
What to Pack for Austria
Austria’s weather can change quickly, especially in the Alps. What you pack depends on the season, but here are the basics we always recommend for a week-long Austria itinerary:
Layered clothing – even summer mornings in Hallstatt or Grossglockner can be chilly
Comfortable walking shoes – You’ll walk a lot, especially in towns and hiking trails.
Waterproof jacket – mountain weather can be unpredictable
Reusable water bottle – Austria has some of the cleanest tap water in Europe
Daypack – for hiking or exploring during the day
Sunglasses and sunscreen – even in cooler months, it gets bright at high altitudes
Travel adapter – Austria uses the Type F plug, 230V
Don’t overpack. You’ll be changing hotels or cities almost daily in a 7 days Austria itinerary, so light luggage makes travel easier.
FAQs: 7 Days Austria Itinerary
Is one week enough to explore Austria?
Yes, one week is enough to see the highlights of Austria, especially if you plan smartly. With a well-organised itinerary, you can cover major cities like Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck, as well as scenic spots like Hallstatt, Traunsee, and Grossglockner.
What is the best way to get around Austria in a week?
The best way depends on your route. For a mix of cities and lakes, we recommend renting a car. It gives you more flexibility and helps reach remote places like Gosausee. For city-to-city travel, Austria’s train system is reliable and scenic.
How much does a one week trip to Austria cost?
A 7-day Austria trip may cost around €1000–€1500 per person, including transport, mid-range accommodation, meals, and entry tickets. Costs can vary depending on the season, travel style, and how early you book.
Is Austria expensive for tourists?
Austria can feel pricey compared to some other European countries, but it’s manageable with smart budgeting. Look for combo tickets, travel passes, and affordable meal options like bakeries or street food.
When is the best time to follow this 1-week Austria itinerary?
Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September) are ideal. The weather is pleasant, and there are fewer tourists. Summer is best too, especially for lake visits, but can be more crowded.
Do I need a visa to travel to Austria?
Austria is part of the Schengen Area. If you’re from the EU or Schengen countries, you don’t need a visa. Tourists from the US, UK, Canada, and many other countries can visit visa-free for up to 90 days.
Conclusion: 7 Days Austria Itinerary
We’ve visited Austria multiple times, and every trip leaves us wanting more. From elegant cities like Vienna and Salzburg to the peaceful lakes of Hallstatt and Zell am See and the stunning Alpine roads like Grossglockner, Austria will leave you with unforgettable memories.
If you only have 7 days, this itinerary gives you a balanced mix of nature, history, and authentic local experiences. Follow our route, stay curious, and don’t forget to stop and enjoy the little moments, because in Austria, they’re everywhere.