Design your ultimate round trip in Austria. Discover the best routes, practical tips, and hidden gems for an unforgettable road trip through the Alps.
Austria, a country where imperial cities meet soaring Alpine peaks, is the perfect destination for a round trip. A road trip here is more than just a drive; it's an experience filled with dramatic landscapes, charming villages, and rich cultural history. Whether you're chasing panoramic views on high mountain passes, exploring historic city centers, or simply enjoying a slice of Sachertorte in a traditional coffee house, Austria delivers a journey of constant discovery.
To truly appreciate Austria's diversity, you need to be on the move. A round trip allows you to connect the dots between world-class cities like Vienna and Salzburg and the breathtaking nature of the Alps. Forget rushing from one tourist hotspot to another. A road trip gives you the freedom to stop at that inviting mountain lake, wander through a village that wasn't in your guidebook, or take a spontaneous detour up a scenic toll road. You can set your own pace, linger where you love, and discover the authentic Austria that lies beyond the main attractions. It’s about the journey itself: waking up to a mountain view in Tirol one day and soaking in the imperial grandeur of Vienna the next.
Your route will define your adventure, and Austria offers several distinct regions that are perfect for a round trip. For classic Alpine scenery, Tirol is unbeatable. It's the heart of the Austrian Alps, with famous drives like the Silvretta High Alpine Road and countless opportunities for hiking. Just east lies the Salzkammergut, Austria's lake district. This region is a fairytale of crystal-clear lakes, picturesque villages like Hallstatt and St. Wolfgang, and dramatic limestone peaks. It's a paradise for photographers and nature lovers. For a journey through history and wine, head east to the Wachau Valley. This UNESCO World Heritage site along the Danube river is famed for its terraced vineyards, medieval castles, and charming towns like Dürnstein and Melk, home to its magnificent abbey. Each region offers a different flavour of Austria, and a good round trip will ideally combine two or three of these areas.
No round trip in Austria is complete without visiting its two most famous cities. Vienna, the imperial capital, is a world of its own. You could spend days exploring the Hofburg Palace, marveling at the Schönbrunn Palace, and indulging in the city's coffee house culture. It’s a city of music, art, and grandeur. In contrast, Salzburg offers a more intimate, storybook charm. Nestled against the mountains, the city of Mozart is a maze of baroque architecture, romantic squares, and fortress-topped hills. Strolling through the Getreidegasse and exploring the Hohensalzburg Fortress are essential experiences. Integrating these cities into your road trip provides a perfect cultural counterpoint to the natural beauty of the mountains and lakes, giving you a complete picture of what makes Austria so special.
Austria is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Your round trip is the perfect opportunity to get active. The country is laced with over 24,000 kilometers of marked hiking trails, catering to all levels. In regions like Tirol and Vorarlberg, you can take a cable car up to a mountain station and embark on a panoramic high-altitude hike. The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is not just a drive; it's an attraction in itself, leading you into the heart of Hohe Tauern National Park, where you can spot marmots and get close to glaciers. In the summer, the lakes of Carinthia and Salzkammergut are perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing by the water. Don't be afraid to park the car and explore on foot or by bike; it’s the best way to connect with Austria's stunning natural landscapes.
Getting to Austria from the Benelux is straightforward. The drive is approximately 9-11 hours (950-1100 km) to the border near Salzburg or Tirol. It's a long day of driving on the German Autobahn. A popular strategy is to leave late in the afternoon and drive a few hours into Germany, stay overnight near cities like Würzburg or Nuremberg, and complete the rest of the journey the next morning. This breaks up the trip and allows you to arrive in Austria feeling refreshed. Alternatively, the ÖBB Nightjet sleeper train offers a comfortable and sustainable option, connecting Brussels and Amsterdam directly with Vienna or Innsbruck. You can board in the evening and wake up in the heart of the Alps, ready to pick up a rental car and start your adventure.
This route combines epic mountains, charming lakes, and imperial cities. It's a loop that can be started from Munich (a common airport to fly into) or any point in western Austria.
Many travellers make a few avoidable mistakes. First, underestimating driving times in the mountains. A 100 km journey that looks short on a map can easily take 2-3 hours on winding Alpine roads. Use a GPS with live traffic data and add buffer time. Second, only visiting the famous hotspots. Austria has so much more to offer than just Vienna, Salzburg, and Hallstatt. Venture into less-known valleys in Tirol or explore the wine region of Styria to find more authentic experiences. Lastly, packing for only one type of weather. Even in summer, the weather in the mountains can change in an instant. A sunny day in the valley can be cold and rainy at 2,000 meters. Always pack layers, including a waterproof jacket and some warm clothing, no matter the season.
For a satisfying round trip, plan for at least 10 to 14 days. This allows you to explore two or three different regions and visit Vienna and Salzburg without feeling rushed. A shorter trip of 7 days is possible, but you will need to focus on a smaller area, such as just Tirol and Salzkammergut.
For a round trip that includes mountain regions and small villages, renting a car is highly recommended as it gives you the most freedom. While the train network is excellent for city-to-city travel, a car is essential for exploring the Alps and reaching trailheads or scenic viewpoints.
Driving in the Alps involves steep, winding roads that can be narrow. Drive cautiously, use lower gears to save your brakes on descents, and be prepared for sudden weather changes. Most roads are well-maintained, but check if high alpine passes are open, as they can be closed due to snow, even in early summer.
Austria can be moderately expensive, comparable to Germany or the Netherlands. Accommodation and eating out are the main costs. You can save money by staying in "Gasthöfe" (guesthouses) instead of hotels, eating the "Mittagsmenü" (lunch menu), and using supermarkets for some meals.
No, wild camping with a tent or campervan is officially prohibited in most of Austria and can result in fines. It is especially strict in national parks and nature reserves. You must stay at designated campsites or official campervan spots ("Stellplätze").
The best time for a round trip focused on hiking and scenic drives is from June to September. During this period, the weather is pleasant, and all mountain passes are open. May and October can also be beautiful with fewer crowds, but you risk cooler weather and some high-altitude closures.
You must try Wiener Schnitzel (breaded veal cutlet) and Apfelstrudel (apple strudel). For a hearty mountain meal, look for Käsespätzle (cheese noodles) or Gröstl (pan-fried potatoes, bacon, and egg). Don't forget to also sample local beers and wines.