📍 Austria

AUSTRIA NATURE AND CULTURE: DANUBE TO ALPINE PEAKS

Vineyards sweep down to the Danube, alpine lakes mirror the peaks, narrow canyons carve through stone. Austrian culture permeates every landscape.

≈ 11
Days
1289
Km
8
Stops
📖 5 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Visit Vienna's museums, cruise the Danube through Wachau vineyards, discover Hallstatt and its reflections, contemplate Lake Achensee at the foot of the Alps. Austria beautifully marries culture and wide open spaces.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Vienna

waltz and strudel imperial soul

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7 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the Hofburg imperial palace and Vienna's historic center
2
Visit to Schönbrunn Palace, former summer residence of the royal family
3
Stroll through the Naschmarkt, Vienna's iconic market
4
Visit to the Spanish Riding School of Vienna
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Break in a typical café for a Viennese hot chocolate
→
Ferris wheel ride at the Prater
→
Free exploration of the capital's cafés and gardens
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 502 km
Travel time: 10h02
2
Day

Wachau

terraced vines river romance

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9 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Exploration of the Wachau valley and its vineyards
2
Visit to Melk Abbey and Aggstein Castle
3
Discovery of the village of Dürnstein and Göttweig Abbey
🎯

Activities

→
Bike ride or boat trip on the Danube
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 94 km
Travel time: 1h53
3
Day

Hallstatt

alpine postcard lakeside perfection

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7 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the village of Hallstatt and Lake Hallstättersee
2
Visit to the historic center listed as UNESCO World Heritage
🎯

Activities

→
Boat ride on Lake Hallstättersee
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 209 km
Travel time: 4h11
4
Day

Achensee

tyrol's mirror water reflection

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6 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Exploration of Lake Achensee, the largest in Tyrol
🎯

Activities

→
Swimming, water activities or hiking around the lake
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 191 km
Travel time: 3h49
5
Day

Innsbruck

olympic valley mountain embrace

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10 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of Innsbruck and its colorful historic center
2
Visit to the Swarovski Kristallwelten museum in Wattens
3
Visit to the silver mines of Schwaz
🎯

Activities

→
Drive on the Silvretta panoramic route
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 65 km
Travel time: 1h18
6
Day

Oetztal

narrow gorge adventure passage

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6 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Visit to the Ötztal valley and ascent to Stuibenfall waterfall
🎯

Activities

→
Hike on the panoramic stairs overlooking the waterfall
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 65 km
Travel time: 1h18
7
Day

Imst

cliff village tyrol stronghold

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7 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Hike in the Rosengartenschlucht gorges in Imst
🎯

Activities

→
Free exploration of Imst and its alpine surroundings
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 27 km
Travel time: 33min
8
Day

Lechtal

limestone valleys hidden paradise

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5 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the Holzgau suspension bridge above the Höhenbach gorges
2
Visit to the typical villages of the Lechtal valley
🎯

Activities

→
Walk in the Tannheim valley and around Lake Haldensee
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 136 km
Travel time: 2h43

🗺️ Itinerary map

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🛡️ Travel advice - Austria

Check official recommendations

UK Foreign Travel Advice →

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Peak Summer (July-August): Perfect weather for hiking and festivals, warmest temperatures, highest prices, most crowded attractions and alpine areas.

Shoulder Seasons (April-June, September-October): Excellent balance of good weather, moderate crowds, reasonable prices, ideal for sightseeing and cultural activities.

Winter (December-March): World-class skiing season, Christmas markets, cozy atmosphere, higher accommodation prices in ski resorts, magical snowy landscapes.

Spring (April-May): Blooming flowers, mild weather, perfect for Vienna and cultural sites, fewer tourists, excellent value for money.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 9 and 13 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Austria?

Mozart's birthplace offers imperial palaces, Alpine beauty, and world-class classical music scene. Vienna's coffeehouses and Salzburg's baroque architecture create cultural magic while ski resorts provide winter adventures. The Sound of Music landscapes and Danube River cruises enchant visitors. Austria perfectly combines high culture with natural splendor.