Austria 5 Day Itinerary

Austria 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Vienna (Wien)

  • Arrival at Vienna International Airport.
  • Visit the historic Hofburg Palace, which houses the Sisi Museum, Imperial Apartments, and Imperial Silver Collection.
  • Explore St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) and its iconic Swarovski Crystal Riemercapitul-Glockenspiel.
  • Take a stroll in the beautiful Belvedere Palace gardens, home to Austrian art collections including Gustav Klimt’s ‘The Kiss’.
  • Evening: Enjoy traditional Viennese cuisine at a local Heuriger (wine tavern) in Grinzing district.

Things to Know:

  • Vienna is famous for its coffee culture. Try a piece of Sacher Torte at the original Sacher Hotel.
  • Use the city’s extensive public transportation system, including trams, buses, and the underground (U-Bahn).
  • Vienna Card offers free admission to several museums and discounted prices on other attractions.

Day 2: Schönbrunn Palace & Naschmarkt

  • Morning: Visit the vast Schönbrunn Palace, exploring its gardens and palaces, including the oldest zoo in the world.
  • Lunch at Naschmarkt, Vienna’s most popular market offering a wide variety of food stalls.
  • Afternoon: Stroll through the Museum Quarter (MuseumsQuartier), home to several contemporary art museums.
  • Evening: Experience the city’s nightlife in districts like Mariahilf and Naschmarkt.

Day 3: Salzburg

  • Morning: Travel by train to Salzburg (approximately 3 hours).
  • Visit Mirabell Palace and Gardens, St. Peter’s Abbey, and Hohensalzburg Fortress.
  • Afternoon: Explore the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and shop at Getreidegasse street.
  • Evening: Enjoy an opera or concert at Salzburg’s Festival Hall (if timing allows).

Things to Know:

  • Salzburg is the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Visit his childhood home, now a museum.
  • The city is also the setting for ‘The Sound of Music’. You can take a tour that recreates the film’s locations.

Day 4: Salzkammergut Lakes Region

  • Day trip to the scenic Salzkammergut region, with its beautiful lakes such as Lake Wolfgang and Lake Attersee.
  • Activities include boat trips, hiking, or simply relaxing at one of the many lakefront resorts.

Day 5: Innsbruck

  • Morning: Travel by train to Innsbruck (approximately 2 hours).
  • Visit the Golden Roof, Innsbruck’s iconic landmark, and the Imperial Palace.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Nordkette mountains via cable car or hiking trails.
  • Evening: Stroll through the Old Town, admiring its medieval architecture.

Things to Know:

  • Innsbruck is known for winter sports, including skiing and snowboarding during winter months.

Visa Requirements: Citizens of many countries do not need a visa for stays under 90 days within a 180-day period in the Schengen Area (which includes Austria). Always check your country’s specific requirements before traveling.

Transportation: Trains are the most convenient way to travel between major cities in Austria. Purchase tickets in advance for discounted rates at train stations or online through ÖBB, Austria’s national railway company.