Austria Road Trip Itinerary + 2-Week Route Map (original) (raw)

Our Austria road trip itinerary highlights the most memorable and scenic destinations across Austria. We designed this route for travelers who want to authentically and deeply experience Austria.

Over the course of two weeks, you will eat in Almen (alpine pasture huts) and Hütten (mountain huts), drink wine in Buschenschänke (wine taverns), hike in multiple mountain ranges, and sleep in unique and memorable accommodations.

This 2-week road trip itinerary leads from Vienna through the Wachau Valley to the Dachstein mountains in Salzburg.

It continues along the Grossglockner High Alpine Road to East Tyrol, where you’ll experience the best-kept secrets of Hohe Tauern National Park.

Next, the route links Tyrol’s top attractions including Mayrhofen and the Zillertal Alps, Lake Achensee and the Karwendel mountains, and Ehrwald and the Mieming Range. The drive continues through the Lech Valley to the alpine village Lech am Arlberg and onwards to the Rätikon Alps in Vorarlberg.

The final stretch follows the Silvretta High Alpine Road back to Tyrol. Stay in Innsbruck, before driving through the Hochkönig Mountains to Salzburg. Stay in Salzburg City (optional) and either drop your car off in Salzburg, or complete the trip back to Vienna.

We recommend following this Austria road trip itinerary between June and September. If you’re visiting Austria in fall, read Autumn in Austria.

More Austria Road Trip Routes | 10-day Bavarian Alps & Tyrolean Alps itinerary starting in Munich and 1-Week Austria Itinerary starting in Salzburg.

Zillertal Alps, Austria Road Trip Itinerary

2-Week Austria Itinerary Summary

Austria Road Trip Route Map

Tips for Road Tripping in Austria

Vignette

If you’re driving into Austria from a neighboring country, make sure to purchase a vignette (toll sticker). The digital toll sticker is compulsory on Austria’s motorways and expressways.

Here’s more info about pricing and your options.

Car Rental

We recommend using the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals in Austria. This easy-to-use booking platform compares car rental deals from 500+ trusted providers, so that you can choose the best option for your trip.

Tip: If you can only drive automatic transmission cars, as opposed to manual transmission cars (stick shift), book your car rental as early as possible.

Check car rental rates here.

Cash

It’s essential to carry EUR cash with you. Many establishments (e.g. restaurants, mountain huts, taverns, etc…) only accept payment in cash.

Hotel Auszeit Pool, Pertisau, Tyrol, Austrian Alps

How to Book this Austria Travel Itinerary

Optional 1-2 Nights in Vienna | Vienna Hostel Ruthensteiner (budget), Hotel Schani Salon (midrange), or Altstadt Vienna (luxury)

Book 1 Night in the Wachau Valley in Lower Austria | Hotel Garni Weinquadrat (midrange), or Hotel-Restaurant Kirchenwirt (midrange)

Book 2 Nights in Filzmoos in Salzburg| Bauernhof Krahlehenhof (midrange), Das Anja Alt Filzmoos (midrange), or meiZeit Lodge (luxury)

Book 1 Night in Matrei in East Tyrol| Matreier Tauernhaus (budget), AlpenParks Montana Matrei (midrange), or Natur- und Wanderhotel Outside (luxury)

Book 2 Nights in Mayrhofen in Zillertal in Tyrol | Landhotel Rauchenwalderhof (budget), Der Siegeler B&B (budget-midrange), Hotel Neue Post (luxury), ElisabethHotel – Adults only (luxury), or ZillergrundRock Luxury Mountain Resort (luxury)

Book 2 Nights in Pertisau at Lake Achensee in Tyrol | Seehotel St. Hubertus (midrange), Seehotel Einwaller – adults only (luxury), or NOVA Moments Boutique Hotel (luxury)

Book 2 Nights in Ehrwald in Tyrol | Mellow Mountain Hostel (budget), Der Grüne Baum Hotel (midrange), or Romantik Hotel Spielmann (luxury)

Book 2 Nights in Lech am Arlberg in Vorarlberg | Hotel Garni Schneider (midrange), or Der Berghof (luxury)

Book 1 Night in Brand in Brandnertal in Vorarlberg | Hotel Lün (budget), Pension Bergkristall (midrange), or Aktiv-Hotel Sarotla (luxury)

Book 1 Night in Innsbruck in Tyrol | Motel One Innsbruck (budget-midrange), Faktorei (midrange-luxury), or Altstadthotel Weisses Kreuz (luxury)

Optional Night in Salzburg | B&B Flöckner (budget), Imlauer Hotel Pitter Salzburg (midrange), or Hotel Sacher Salzburg (luxury)

Vienna, Austria

Arrival in Vienna

Before you start your road trip across Austria, you may want to spend a few days exploring Vienna.

You absolutely do not need a car in the city, as public transit is excellent. And, it’s a hassle to figure out where to park legally. So, we recommend picking up your rental car after visiting the city.

Vienna is one of the most immaculate cities in Europe. You’ll be romanced from the moment you arrive. Though there are many things to do and see, I find that Vienna is never stressful.

You can explore slowly, taking in the sites between breaks in traditional coffee houses.

If you’re visiting Vienna in September and/or October during the harvest season, prioritize a visit to a Viennese Heuriger. These wine taverns are open seasonally (May – October) on select dates and times. Read our Viennese wine tavern guide for additional guidance.

For restaurant recommendations, read our frequently-updated Vienna restaurant guide.

Learn more about Vienna:

Where to Stay in Vienna

Budget | Vienna Hostel Ruthensteiner is a friendly accommodation near Vienna’s Westbahnhof train station. In addition to on-site bike rental and regular events such as barbecues and movie nights, the hostel offers a welcoming atmosphere for travelers from all over the world.

Midrange | Hotel Schani Salon is an excellent hotel located on Mariahilfer Straße, Vienna’s biggest shopping street, a few steps away from the Neubaugasse U-Bahn station (U3). We love this Vienna hotel, because of the bright, modern rooms, the friendly vibe, the communal lounge and bar, and the helpful staff. Breakfast is healthy and varied.

Luxury | Altstadt Vienna is a boutique 4-star hotel in the charming Spittelberg quarter, close to Kunsthistorisches Museum. This contemporary-art-filled hotel features uniquely designed interiors and a hidden rooftop terrace (open from March until October). A wonderful breakfast is served in the Red Salon daily. In the afternoon, complimentary tea and homemade cakes are served in front of the open fireplace.

Luxury | The Leo Grand is advantageously located in the inner district of Vienna, steps away from Peterskirche, Stephansdom, and the Graben. This top-rated hotel features luxurious rooms with romantic, pastel-colored furnishings and decor. Stay here for the unbeatable location, helpful personnel, and fairy tale vibes. Breakfast is available at an extra charge.

Look for accommodation in Vienna.

Wachau Valley, Austria

Day 1: Wachau Valley

The Wachau Valley is a scenic stretch of the Danube River Valley in Lower Austria. This UNESCO World Heritage Site harbors castle ruins, historic abbeys, wine villages, and terraced vineyards.

Quintessential experiences in this wine region are drinking local wine in a wine tavern (Buschenschank), cycling along the Danube, walking along the Wachau World Heritage Trail, visiting Dürnstein village and Melk Abbey.

Read ourWachau Valley Travel Guide for a comprehensive overview of the region.

Stay 1 Night in Weissenkirchen in der Wachau

Midrange | Hotel Garni Weinquadrat is a very friendly B&B with 12 rooms set in the heart of Weißenkirchen, close to the Danube. This superb guesthouse offers a rich breakfast buffet featuring local and homemade products. Guests can rent bikes and e-bikes directly at the B&B and select wines from the 24-hour, self-service wine cellar (Kellerstüberl).

Midrange-Luxury | Hotel-Restaurant Kirchenwirt is a traditional hotel with an on-site restaurant in the center of Weißenkirchen. Widely praised for its comfortable rooms, excellent breakfast buffet, and courteous staff, Kirchenwirt is an ideal base for exploring the Wachau. Guests can also relax in the spa, housed in the nearby 16th century Winzerhaus, at a surcharge.

Look for accommodation in Weißenkirchen in der Wachau.

Or, Stay 1 Night in Dürnstein

Midrange | Bioweingut Schmidl is a family-run, organic winery with a small guesthouse (3 spacious rooms), located just outside the historic town center of Dürnstein. They offer a bicycle rental service, breakfast (included), and wine tasting (upon request).

Luxury | Hotel Schloss Dürnstein is housed in a historic castle built in 1630, overlooking the Danube. This classic hotel features grand interiors, an excellent on-site restaurant, and a wellness area (two swimming pools and two saunas). Though this is a fine hotel overall, it does need some updates (e.g. new bathrooms, functional air-conditioning). Breakfast is included. Book a room with a view of the Danube.

Luxury | Hotel Richard Löwenherz is a charming old-world hotel which commands a romantic view of the Danube. Stay here for the fairy tale setting, garden outdoor pool (not heated), and gourmet restaurant and terrace.

Look for accommodation in Dürnstein.

Dachstein, Austria in late October

Days 2-3: Filzmoos and the Dachstein Mountains

Your Austria road trip continues to the Dachstein mountains, a significant massif in the Northern Limestone Alps, which straddles the regions of Salzburg, Styria, and Upper Austria.

On your way to Filzmoos, we recommend stopping in Ramsau am Dachstein.

Alternatively, you could drive through the Salzkammergut region and stop in Hallstatt.

Visit Ramsau am Dachstein

Ramsau am Dachstein is located on an elevated plateau in Styria, between the Dachstein mountain range and the Enns Valley.

The center of Ramsau, known as “Ramsau Ort,” is a small village with a striking church and a few stores, eateries, and hotels.

Ramsau offers sweeping views of the limestone Dachstein South Wall. We recommend hiking the 5 Huts Trail, or the shorter Bachlalm to Neustadtalm circuit trail, before continuing your trip to Filzmoos.

Explore Filzmoos in Salzburg

Facing the Gosaukamm, which forms part of the Dachstein mountain range, Filzmoos is a lovely base for exploring the magical Northern Limestone Alps.

During your full-day in Filzmoos, we recommend hiking in the Gosaukamm. Here, you can experience Salzburg’s mountain pasture culture.

During the grazing season (June – September), livestock graze freely in high alpine pastures (Almen). To learn more about alpine transhumance, read The Alps in Summer. In summer and early autumn (weather depending), managed mountain pasture huts (Almhütten) serve delicious fare to hungry hikers.

There are a few notable hikes starting in Filzmoos. We recommend hiking the Hofpürgl Hut to Sulzenalm circuit trail. This Filzmoos hike starts at Hofalm, accessible by a toll road.

This gorgeous circuit tour runs along the base of the Bischofsmütze and Gosaustein in the Dachstein Mountains. Along this route, you will visit the Hofpürglhütte mountain hut, the Rinderfeld meadows, the Sulzenschneid/Eiskarlschneid spur summit, and the Sulzenalm mountain pasture.

Eat lunch at Wallehenhütte, or Krahlehenhütte, both located on the Sulzenalm mountain pasture.

If you extend your stay in Filzmoos, also check out the challenging Rötelstein Peak hike.

Stay 2 Nights in Filzmoos

Midrange | Bauernhof Krahlehenhof is a traditional farm with double rooms, family rooms, and apartments. Set in an idyllic location, this lovely accommodation offers a wonderful breakfast, a welcoming and authentic atmosphere, and cozy interiors. We ate a delicious dinner here during our last visit to Filzmoos.

Midrange | Das Anja Alt Filzmoos offers rooms and apartments in the heart of Filzmoos. Stay here for the intimate setting, excellent location, and lovely rooms.

Top Choice – Luxury | meiZeit Lodge is a tastefully-furnished boutique hotel in the town center of Filzmoos. Stay here for the generous breakfast buffet (included in rate) and relaxing wellness facilities (Finnish pine sauna, bio herbal sauna, infrared relaxation loungers, relaxation zone, and vital drink bar). This charming accommodation also serves a complimentary afternoon cake selection between 3:00 and 5:00 pm.

Look for accommodation in Filzmoos.

Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria

Day 4: Grossglockner High Alpine Road

The drive from Filzmoos to Fusch an der Großglocknerstraße, the start of the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, is about 1 hour.

Driving the awe-inspiring Grossglockner High Alpine Road (Großglockner Hochalpenstraße) is a must-do travel experience in Austria.

This toll road is usually open from early-mid May until the end of October.

Drive the Grossglockner High Alpine Road

The 48-km Grossglockner High Alpine Road is a paved serpentine road that steers you into the heart of Hohe Tauern National Park and directly to the base of the Grossglockner (3,798 m), Austria’s highest mountain.

The alpine road stretches between Fusch an der Großglocknerstraße in Salzburg and Heiligenblut am Großglockner in Carinthia.

There are few notable lookout points and hikes along the route, which you can learn about in our Grossglockner High Alpine Road.

We recommend hiking the 3-hour Lake Sandersee circuit trail, starting at Glocknerhaus (Google Maps).

Pricing and Opening Times | See current pricing

Drive to Matrei in Osttirol

From Heiligenblut, continue the drive to Matrei in East Tyrol (1 hour).

Stay 1 Night in Matrei in Osttirol

We recommend staying in the town of Matrei in East Tyrol, or in Matreier Tauernhaus, a traditional guesthouse located at the entrance of Gschlösstal valley.

Budget | Zedlacherhof is a lovely and authentic place to stay when you’re on a budget. Located in Zedlach village, 4.5 km from the town center of Matrei in Osttirol, this family-run guesthouse is advantageously surrounded by mountains. The hosts are extremely welcoming and helpful.

Midrange | AlpenParks Montana Matrei is located directly in Matrei and offers both double rooms and family studios. The breakfast is excellent and the alpine views are superb.

Luxury | Natur- und Wanderhotel Outside combines alpine charm with modern sensibilities. Located in the center of Matrei, this 4-star hotel checks all the boxes: spa and wellness, regional sourcing of ingredients, gourmet food, and fresh design.

Look for accommodation in Matrei in Osttirol.

Berlin High Trail - Hut to Hut Hike in the Zillertal Alps, Austria

Days 5-6: Mayrhofen and the Zillertal Alps

Before continuing your journey to Mayrhofen, we recommend hiking theInnergschlöss Glacier Trail, which starts at Matreier Tauernhaus. To save time and energy, take the Venediger Taxi to Innergschlöss. Starting at the dreamy Innergschlöss hamlet, this 9.1 circuit trail takes 4-5 hours to complete.

Drive to Mayrhofen

After experiencing the hidden splendors of Hohe Tauern National Park, it’s time to journey further west to the town of Mayrhofen in Zillertal Valley.

From Matreier Tauernhaus, continue driving on 108 (north) in the direction of Südportal Felbertauerntunnel. There is a toll fee to drive through the tunnel.

The drive takes about 2 hours.

Explore Mayrhofen

Mayrhofen is a charming and lively alpine town in Tyrol. This Tyrolean destination is the perfect base for exploring the majestic Zillertal Alps.

During your full day in Mayrhofen, either hike to Olpererhütte, or hike to Plauener Hütte.

Learn more | Best Things to Do in Mayrhofen in Summer

Stay 2 Nights in Mayrhofen

Budget | Landhotel Rauchenwalderhof is a cozy and traditional guesthouse in Mayrhofen with an attractive price point. Guests love the location, outdoor swimming pool, and hospitality. Breakfast is included.

Top Choice – Budget-Midrange | Der Siegeler B&B – this lifestylehotel rocks is a newly-renovated bed and breakfast in Mayrhofen, just minutes away from the train/bus station. Enlivened by a pub-style sports bar, this beloved accommodation promises a harmonious blend of comfort and conviviality.

Luxury | With a rich heritage harkening back to the 17th century, Hotel Neue Post stands as a distinguished gem in the heart of Mayrhofen. This 4-star-superior establishment seamlessly marries tradition with innovation, boasting unrivaled facilities including a rooftop pool, sauna complex, gym, and an esteemed on-site restaurant. Book half board.

Adults-Only Luxury | ElisabethHotel Premium Private Retreat- Adults only is a luxurious hotel in Mayrhofen featuring beautiful spa facilities, outstanding cuisine, and alpine-modern furnishings. This is the best place to stay in Mayrhofen for a relaxing and rejuvenating getaway.

Full-Board Luxury | Standing on the bank of the Ziller River, ZillergrundRock Luxury Mountain Resort is a beacon of hospitality, captivating travelers with its seamless blend of timeless charm and modern sophistication. This Tyrolean retreat offers an exquisite full-board experience and access to two extensive spa areas. ZillergrundRock is a 5-minute drive away from Mayrhofen.

Look for accommodation in Mayrhofen.

Bärenkopf Peak, Lake Achensee, Tyrol, Austria

Days 7-8: Lake Achensee

Our Austria travel itinerary continues to Lake Achensee, the largest lake in Tyrol.

Drive to Achensee

From Mayrhofen, it’s a 45-minute drive to Lake Achensee. Along the way, you can detour to Schwaz to hike to Wolfsklamm Gorge.

Swim in and Hike around Achensee

Achensee is a fjord-shaped lake, nestled between the Karwendel Mountains and the Rofan mountains.

After a week of intense traveling, we recommend carving out some time to relax at Lake Achen. If you stay at Seehotel Einwaller – Adults Only, you will have access to a private jetty on the lake.

Achensee is easily one of our favorite summer and autumn destinations in Austria, because of the exciting hiking trails and abundance of mountain huts.

During your stay in Achensee, consider hiking these trails Bärenkopf (moderate), Seekarspitze & Seebergspitze Ridge Hike (difficult), Hochiss (moderately difficult), and Lamsenjochhütte to Hahnenkampl (moderately difficult).

Learn More: Lake Achensee Travel and Hiking Guide

Stay 2 Nights in Pertisau

Pertisau is the main tourist center of Lake Achensee. The village is located on the southwestern bank of the lake along the border of Karwendel Nature Park.

Pertisau is also the gateway to three alpine valleys that lead into the Karwendel Mountains: Gerntal, Tristenautal, and Falzurntal. These valleys serve as trailheads, cycling paths, and grazing areas.

Midrange | Seehotel St. Hubertus is a top-rated hotel with a private beach, on-site restaurant, and wellness area.

Midrange | Hotel Bergland is a traditional Tyrolean hotel with an on-site restaurant. All rooms have balconies. Guests love the location, the friendly staff, and the food.

Adults-only Luxury | Seehotel Einwaller – adults only impresses with its stylish rooms, lake-facing wellness area, à la carte restaurant, and scenic lakeside location. In summer, guests can enjoy the hotel’s private pier, furnished with comfortable sunbeds and umbrellas. Expect an excellent breakfast. Read our Seehotel Einwaller Hotel Review.

Luxury | NOVA Moments Boutique Hotel is a 4-star hotel with 34 air-conditioned rooms and suites, all tastefully furnished in an elegant, alpine-modern style. The hotel is set in a quiet location, 900 meters away from the lakeshore. Hotel facilities include an outdoor natural pool (open in summer), infinity whirlpool (open all-year-round), sauna, steam-bath, wellness relaxation room, garage parking with electric car charging stations, and fitness room.

Family-friendly Luxury | Hotel Wagnerhof is a half board (breakfast and dinner included) hotel with traditional Tyrolean-style rooms as well as plush, modern suites. Surrounded by meadows, this lovely accommodation boasts 3 swimming pools, a spa, and fitness center.

More accommodations in Pertisau | Das Karwendel (luxury) and Travel Charme Fürstenhaus am Achensee (lakeside luxury).

Look for accommodation in Pertisau.

Lake Drachensee hiking trail, Ehrwald, Tyrol, Austria

Days 9-10: Ehrwald and Lake Drachensee

We recommend driving to Ehrwald via Bavaria. Along the way, you can visit Grosser Ahornboden, Mittenwald, and Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

If you want to extend this itinerary, it’s worth staying in Garmisch-Partenkirchen for 1-2 nights in order to visit Partnach Gorge, Höllental Gorge, and Lake Eibsee.

Explore Ehrwald

We recommend staying in Ehrwald for two nights, so that you have a full day to savor the hike to Lake Drachensee in the Mieming Range.

Stay 2 Nights in Ehrwald

Budget | The spotless and charming Mellow Mountain Hostel has a range of bedrooms: double and triple rooms as well as 4-person and 6-person dormitories. Guests have access to a shared kitchen, sauna, and cozy living space.

Midrange | Der Grüne Baum Hotel is a comfortable, boutique hotel in the center of Ehrwald. With its fresh Tyrolean interiors, modern spa oasis, and in-house restaurant, it strikes just the right balance between urban and nature. Guests can choose between breakfast-only, or half board.

Luxury | The historic, family-run Romantik Hotel Spielmann is beautifully put together, with an ivy-covered facade accented by painted window frames and rustic Tyrolean interiors. Highlights of staying here are the sensational mountain views, excellent service, delicious food, and the new wellness area comprising a mountain-facing infinity rock pool and numerous saunas.

Look for accommodation in Ehrwald.

Lech am Arlberg, Vorarlberg, Austria

Days 11-12: Lech am Arlberg

Our Austria itinerary continues to Vorarlberg, the westernmost state of Austria.

Drive to Lech am Arlberg

We recommend driving to Lech am Arlberg via Elmen and Warth. The drive leads through Lech Valley between the Allgäu Alps and the Lechtal Alps. Stop for lunch at LechZeit in Elmen.

Explore Lech am Arlberg

Lech am Arlberg is a famous ski resort town. Far more low-key in summer, Lech is an unmissable destination on any Austria road trip. Many people venture here to start the Lechweg multi-day hiking trail. You can hike the first stage from Lake Formarinsee to Lech during your trip.

Lech is a particularly scenic village, because it’s wedged between the Lechquellen Mountains to the west and the Lechtal Alps to the east. Both ranges are accessible directly from the town via cableways and seasonal buses.

If you only have time for a single hike, prioritize the Lake Fomarinsee to Lake Spullersee hiking trail.

More hikes around Lech: Spuller Schafberg Peak, Oberlech – Göppinger Hütte – Gasthaus Älpele, and Rüfikopf – Stuttgarter Hut – Zürs.

Stay 2 Nights in Lech

Midrange | Hotel Garni Schneider is a top-rated, affordable bed and breakfast, situated next to Rüfikopfbahn in the center of Lech. Bedrooms are nicely decorated, spotless, and comfortable. Guests also have access to a wellness area (Finnish sauna, steam bath, Kneipp basins, and relaxation room) and free private parking.

Luxury | Der Berghof is a sophisticated, 4-star superior hotel in the center of Lech. This hotel delivers an unparalleled experience in terms of style, comfort, wellness and cuisine. Bedrooms are designed with premium materials and furnished with extraordinary attention to detail. The wellness area features 5 modern saunas, a cold water basin, and a footpath. The breakfast was extraordinary.

Luxury | Hotel Auenhof is a family-run 4-star hotel, situated along the River Lech, facing Omeshorn. With its dreamy location and extraordinary staff, Hotel Auenhof outshines other Lech accommodations in terms of its hospitality and atmosphere. The highlight of staying here is the gourmet multi-course dinners, which delight with their creative ingredient combinations, flavors, and presentations. Many hotel restaurants strive to be innovative, but none so successfully as Hotel Auenhof. As a guest, you’ll also enjoy the generous, complimentary afternoon snacks and a very nice wellness area.

Look for accommodation in Lech am Arlberg.

Read Next | Best Hotels in Lech am Arlberg

Lake Lünersee Alm, Vorarlberg, Austria

Day 13: Brandnertal and the Rätikon Alps

This Austria road trip itinerary continues west to Brandnertal, an alpine valley in the Austrian State of Vorarlberg.

Brandnertal is a gateway to the Rätikon, a limestone mountain range that straddles the border of Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.

Visit Lünersee

Embedded in the Rätikon Alps, Lünersee is one of the most striking mountain lakes in the Alps. The lake is very easy to reach. Simply drive, or take the bus, to the uppermost part of Brand valley, and ride the Lünerseebahn cableway up to the lake.

For an easy-going day, follow the circuit trail around Lünersee and eat lunch at the lakeside Douglashütte. This 6.1 km circuit trail takes 2 hours.

For the best experience, combine the circuit trail with a detour to a nearby panoramic peak. We recommend ascending to Schafgafall Peak for the best, bird’s-eye view of Lünersee. Another option is to hike from Lünersee Alpe to Gafalljoch saddle (2239 m), located at the border between Austria and Switzerland.

Or, if you’re looking for a challenge, you can hike to Schesaplana (2965 m), the highest mountain in the Rätikon Alps. Before setting off, due inquire about the snow conditions.

Learn More | How to Visit Lünersee

Stay 1 Night in Brand

We suggest basing yourself in the picturesque and quiet village of of Brand in Brandnertal. Eat dinner tonight at Gufer55, the best restaurant in Brand. In high season, it’s advisable to make a recommendation a day, or two in advance.

Midrange | Hotel Lün is a top-rated modern alpine hotel in Brand, offering double rooms as well as apartments with fully equipped kitchenettes and dining areas. Highlights of staying here are the spa area, the breakfast buffet, the fresh and cheerful design. Read our Hotel Lün Review.

Midrange | Pension Bergkristall is an apartment-style accommodation in Brand, next to the Dorfbahn Cable Car Station. If you’re planning to base yourself in Brandnertal for a few days, or even a week, you’ll feel very comfortable here. Breakfast is available upon request.

Luxury | Aktiv-Hotel Sarotla is a stylish and modern hotel with excellent spa facilities, spacious rooms with balconies, and a fabulous hotel restaurant and bar. Guests can participate in guided hiking and cycling tours free of charge.

Look for accommodation in Brand.

Innsbruck, Austria

Day 14: Silvretta High Alpine Road and Innsbruck

Drive to Montafon Valley and follow the Silvretta High Alpine Road (toll fee applies) into Tyrol. Along the way, consider hiking from Silvretta Bielerhöhe (2037 m) to Hohes Rad Peak (2934 m).

Drive through Paznaun Valley, passing Galtür and Ischgl along the way, to Innsbruck.

If you want to end your Austria road trip on the highest of notes, we recommend detouring to Ötztal Valley to visit the Aqua Dome Therme. You can visit for a few hours, or spend the night in the thermal spa hotel.

Learn everything you need to know about visiting Aqua Dome in How to Visit Aqua Dome and our Aqua Dome Hotel Review.

Stay 1 Night in Innsbruck

Innsbruck is the capital of Tirol. Wedged between the Karwendel Mountains and the Tux Alps, Austria’s fifth largest city is a stunner.

Enjoy the architectural splendor of the Altstadt, or Old Town.

If you extend your time in Innsbruck, read our Innsbruck Hiking Guide, which summarizes our favorite trails in the area, including Nockspitze and Hundskopf. Another riveting hike nearby is the Rotmoosalm – Wetterstein Hut circuit trail near Seefeld in Tirol.

Budget-Midrange | Motel One Innsbruck is located near the Innsbruck Train Station, a mere 10-minute walk into the Innenstadt (Inner City of Innsbruck). This modern 3-star hotel offers snug rooms with views overlooking the city and mountains. Don’t miss the top floor bar. Perks: luggage storage and 24/7 reception. Breakfast and underground parking are both available for an extra charge.

Midrange | NALA individuellhotel is a quirky hotel with uniquely-designed rooms, a sun terrace, fitness room, breakfast (extra fee), and nearby parking (extra fee).

Midrange-Luxury | Faktorei is a boutique hotel housed in a 15th century town house with 12 sun-drenched minimalist rooms, a garden, terrace, and bar. Private garage parking is available, but must be reserved in advance (extra fee). Breakfast is served in the hotel’s adjacent café (extra fee).

Top Choice – Luxury | Altstadthotel Weisses Kreuz is a contemporary hotel with an atmospheric bar in Innsbruck’s pedestrian zone. Stay here for the delicious breakfast, stylish design, professional staff, and location. No on-site parking.

Top Choice – Luxury | Set in a historic building in the center of Innsbruck, the exceptional Weisses Rössl is a boutique hotel with a 600-year-old Tyrolean restaurant. Expect a delicious breakfast. Paid public parking is located nearby.

Look for accommodation in Innsbruck.

Maria Alm, Hochkönig Region, Salzburg, Austria

Day 15: Salzburg

It’s about a 6-hour drive from Innsbruck to Vienna.

You may want to break up your road trip in Salzburg City, or somewhere in SalzburgerLand.

Drive to Salzburg via Wilder Kaiser, Leogang, Maria Alm am Steinernen Meer, and the Hochkönig holiday region.

You may also want to visit Berchtesgaden National Park in Bavaria on your way to Salzburg.

If you break your trip up in the Hochkönig holiday region, check out Mühlbach High Trail, Hochkeil and Troiboden Lake, and Taghaube Peak Hike.

Stay in Salzburg (optional)

Budget | B&B Flöckner is an excellent bed and breakfast in Salzburg. Located within walking distance to the historic center, this quiet, clean, and comfortable accommodation is perfect for a weekend getaway.

Midrange | Imlauer Hotel Pitter Salzburg boasts outstanding views of the Hohensalzburg Castle from the dining terrace, an excellent breakfast (accommodating all dietary needs), and newly renovated rooms.

Luxury | Hotel Sacher Salzburg is a grand and historic hotel dating back to the 19th century. Located on the banks of the Salzach River, this fine Salzburg hotel offers marvelous city views, luxuriously-furnished rooms, and superior customer service. The breakfast is excellent.

Look for accommodation in Salzburg.

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Austria Trip Planning Essentials

Use our Austria Travel Guide and Austria blog archive to plan a unique and memorable trip to Austria.

When to Visit Austria

We recommend visiting Austria between June and October for hiking and between December and March for skiing and winter adventuring.

Summer Travel | Summer in Austria

Autumn Travel | Autumn in Austria

Winter Travel | Winter in Austria

Getting around Austria

Austria has an excellent public transit system. We’ve used it extensively to travel throughout the country. We highly recommend using transit if you’re visiting cities (Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Graz, etc…), and/or doing hut-to-hut hikes.

Some areas like Mayrhofen, Schladming and Lech am Arlberg have wonderful seasonal transit systems in place (e.g. summer hiking buses). However, if you’re not visiting during the high season, bus frequencies are significantly reduced and it’s far easier to get around with your own vehicle.

If you’re planning on visiting multiple destinations across Austria, we recommend renting a car.

Use these road trip itineraries for trip planning inspiration:

Start in Vienna | 2 Week Austria Road Trip

Start in Salzburg, or Munich | 1 Week Austria Road Trip

Start in Munich | 10-Day Bavarian Alps & Tyrolean Alps Road Trip

Car Rental

We recommend using the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals. This easy-to-use booking platform compares car rental deals from 500+ trusted providers, so that you can choose the best option for your trip.

Check car rental rates here.

If you’re driving into Austria from a neighboring country, don’t forget to purchase a vignette at/near the border.

Hiking in Austria

Where to Hike in Austria

Read Austrian Alps Hiking Destinations for an overview of where to hike in Austria, with tips on specific trails and where to stay. Also check out Best Day Hikes in Austria and these region-specific hiking guides:

Tyrol | Innsbruck Hikes, Lake Achensee Hikes

Salzburg | Salzburg Hikes, Filzmoos Hikes

Styria | Schladming Hikes

Vorarlberg | Vorarlberg Hikes, Lech am Arlberg Hikes

Lower Austria | Vienna Mountains Hikes

Hut to Hut Hiking in Austria

Austria is a premier hut-to-hut and long-distance hiking destination. The quality of the mountain huts are superb. We particularly love the high-alpine trails, which are called Höhenwege in German. We’ve summarized our favorite multi-day hikes in Trekking Austria. If you’re new to hut hiking, read this in-depth guide to Hut to Hut Hiking in Austria.

What to See & Do in Austria

1. Visit a gorge like the Liechtenstein Gorge in Salzburg, or Wolfsklamm Gorge in Tirol.

2. Bathe in the thermal pools of an Austrian Therme like Aqua Dome in Tirol.

3. Stay in a thermal spa hotel like Rogner Bad Blumau in Styria, EurothermenResort Bad Ischl in Upper Austria, or the Aqua Dome Hotel in Tirol.

4. Hike to a mountain lake like Lake Tappenkarsee in Salzburg or Lake Drachensee in Tirol.

5. Go Wine Tasting in South Styria.

6. Marvel at the culture, music, and architecture of Vienna.

7. Eat heartwarming mountain food in an Almhütte at Grosser Ahornboden in Tirol or Ursprungalm in Styria.

8. Drive the Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Hohe Tauern National Park.

9. Visit the castles, monasteries, and wine taverns of the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

10. Experience a Krampus Run during the Advent Season.

Austrian Hotels

Austria Road Trip Itinerary

Moon & Honey Travel is an independent blog created by two passionate hikers. We are able to provide free content to you, because of ads and affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Happy travels and happy trails, Sabrina and Kati