📍 Austria

AUSTRIA COMPLETE: DANUBE VALLEYS AND ALPINE CROWNS

Baroque churches, turquoise lakes and snow-capped peaks. Austria's valleys reflect imperial elegance rooted in stone and tradition.

≈ 17
Days
1527
Km
10
Stops
📖 9 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

From Vienna's imperial grandeur to Wachau vineyards, from turquoise lakes to Tyrolean alpine peaks, Austria will seduce you with its diversity. Let yourself be carried by the sound of Salzburg's bells.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Durnstein

danube stone castle yellow

Durnstein - Photo 1Durnstein - Photo 2Durnstein - Photo 3Durnstein - Photo 4Durnstein - Photo 5Durnstein - Photo 6Durnstein - Photo 7Durnstein - Photo 8Durnstein - Photo 9Durnstein - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Vienna: Hofburg, national opera and strolling on the Ring
2
Wachau: village of Dürnstein and castle ruins
3
Melk Abbey (UNESCO): baroque church and library
🎯

Activities

→
Short panoramic cruise on the Danube (Wachau)
→
Local wine tasting (Grüner Veltliner, Riesling)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 85 km
Travel time: 1h10
2
Day

Filzmoos

alpine meadow flower sanctuary

Filzmoos - Photo 1Filzmoos - Photo 2Filzmoos - Photo 3Filzmoos - Photo 4Filzmoos - Photo 5Filzmoos - Photo 6Filzmoos - Photo 7
7 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Route Wachau → Dachstein Alps
2
Filzmoos: village center and church
🎯

Activities

→
Walk in the alpine meadows around Filzmoos
→
Viewpoint over the Dachstein massif
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 270 km
Travel time: 3h20
3
Day

Filzmoos

alpine meadow flower sanctuary

Filzmoos - Photo 1Filzmoos - Photo 2Filzmoos - Photo 3Filzmoos - Photo 4Filzmoos - Photo 5Filzmoos - Photo 6Filzmoos - Photo 7
7 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Dachstein: panoramic platform and ice caves (if open)
2
Ramsau am Dachstein: alpine pastures and photo spots
🎯

Activities

→
Dachstein cable car (Südwandbahn) round trip
→
Short marked hike (family) on the ridges
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 72.2 km
Travel time: 1h12
4
Day

Zell Am See

turquoise lake peak reflection

Zell Am See - Photo 1Zell Am See - Photo 2Zell Am See - Photo 3Zell Am See - Photo 4Zell Am See - Photo 5Zell Am See - Photo 6Zell Am See - Photo 7Zell Am See - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Grossglockner High Alpine Road: viewpoints and waterfalls (Hohe Tauern National Park)
2
Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe: views of the Pasterze glacier
🎯

Activities

→
Photo stops at designated viewpoints
→
Wildlife observation (marmots, raptors) from secure areas
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 95 km
Travel time: 1h50
5
Day

Mayrhofen

valley glacier mountain gateway

Mayrhofen - Photo 1Mayrhofen - Photo 2Mayrhofen - Photo 3Mayrhofen - Photo 4Mayrhofen - Photo 5Mayrhofen - Photo 6Mayrhofen - Photo 7Mayrhofen - Photo 8Mayrhofen - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Mayrhofen: center, church and streets of the Zillertal
2
Penken cable car: panorama over the peaks
🎯

Activities

→
Easy hike on the marked trails of Penken
→
Mountain biking or downhill scootering (depending on season)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 150 km
Travel time: 2h10
6
Day

Mayrhofen

valley glacier mountain gateway

Mayrhofen - Photo 1Mayrhofen - Photo 2Mayrhofen - Photo 3Mayrhofen - Photo 4Mayrhofen - Photo 5Mayrhofen - Photo 6Mayrhofen - Photo 7Mayrhofen - Photo 8Mayrhofen - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Ziller Valley: hamlets and alpine dairies
2
Local gorges (if open) or Schlegeis reservoir lake (seasonal access)
🎯

Activities

→
White water rafting (beginner to intermediate level)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 42.4 km
Travel time: 1h25
7
Day

Pertisau Achensee

emerald lake mountain embrace

Pertisau Achensee - Photo 1Pertisau Achensee - Photo 2Pertisau Achensee - Photo 3Pertisau Achensee - Photo 4Pertisau Achensee - Photo 5Pertisau Achensee - Photo 6Pertisau Achensee - Photo 7Pertisau Achensee - Photo 8Pertisau Achensee - Photo 9Pertisau Achensee - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Achensee: shores at Pertisau and docks
2
Lake walk (flat sections)
🎯

Activities

→
Swimming in summer or boat trip on Achensee
→
Boat/stand-up paddle rental (weather permitting)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 50 km
Travel time: 1h
8
Day

Pertisau Achensee

emerald lake mountain embrace

Pertisau Achensee - Photo 1Pertisau Achensee - Photo 2Pertisau Achensee - Photo 3Pertisau Achensee - Photo 4Pertisau Achensee - Photo 5Pertisau Achensee - Photo 6Pertisau Achensee - Photo 7Pertisau Achensee - Photo 8Pertisau Achensee - Photo 9Pertisau Achensee - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Balcony hike above Achensee
2
Local museum/traditional farm depending on opening hours
🎯

Activities

→
Mini circular cruise on the lake
→
Relaxation time on the lawns and beaches of the lake
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 75.9 km
Travel time: 1h16
9
Day

Ehrwald

alpine village wetterstein peak

Ehrwald - Photo 1Ehrwald - Photo 2Ehrwald - Photo 3Ehrwald - Photo 4Ehrwald - Photo 5Ehrwald - Photo 6Ehrwald - Photo 7Ehrwald - Photo 8Ehrwald - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Ehrwald: village center and panorama of Zugspitze
2
Ehrwalder Alm: alpine pastures and lakes
🎯

Activities

→
Cable car/alpine elevator ride (seasonal)
→
Easy to moderate hiking loop
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 60 km
Travel time: 1h
10
Day

Ehrwald

alpine village wetterstein peak

Ehrwald - Photo 1Ehrwald - Photo 2Ehrwald - Photo 3Ehrwald - Photo 4Ehrwald - Photo 5Ehrwald - Photo 6Ehrwald - Photo 7Ehrwald - Photo 8Ehrwald - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 10
🔍

Discover

1
Zugspitze (summit) via cable cars on Austrian/German side (conditions permitting)
2
Seebensee and Drachensee (if sustained hike)
🎯

Activities

→
Paddle/swimming at Seebensee in summer (if permitted)
→
Sunset observation over the massif
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 81.4 km
Travel time: 1h21
11
Day

Lech Am Arlberg

ski resort mountain elite

Lech Am Arlberg - Photo 1Lech Am Arlberg - Photo 2Lech Am Arlberg - Photo 3Lech Am Arlberg - Photo 4Lech Am Arlberg - Photo 5Lech Am Arlberg - Photo 6Lech Am Arlberg - Photo 7
7 photos
Day 11
🔍

Discover

1
Lech am Arlberg: village, shops and banks of the Lech
2
Panoramic balconies around Lech
🎯

Activities

→
Summer cable car (if open) for high-altitude hikes
→
Bike ride/e-mountain bike on marked routes
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 120 km
Travel time: 1h45
12
Day

Lech Am Arlberg

ski resort mountain elite

Lech Am Arlberg - Photo 1Lech Am Arlberg - Photo 2Lech Am Arlberg - Photo 3Lech Am Arlberg - Photo 4Lech Am Arlberg - Photo 5Lech Am Arlberg - Photo 6Lech Am Arlberg - Photo 7
7 photos
Day 12
🔍

Discover

1
Loop hike above Zürs/Lech
2
Village center at the end of the day
🎯

Activities

→
Wellness moment (spa/sauna) after hike
→
Star observation (clear mountain sky)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 42.6 km
Travel time: 1h25
13
Day

Brand Vorarlberg

rhine valley cliff village

Brand Vorarlberg - Photo 1Brand Vorarlberg - Photo 2Brand Vorarlberg - Photo 3Brand Vorarlberg - Photo 4Brand Vorarlberg - Photo 5Brand Vorarlberg - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 13
🔍

Discover

1
Brand: traditional village and Brandnertal valley
2
Lünersee: lake circuit (alpine, spectacular views)
🎯

Activities

→
Cable car to Douglasshütte (seasonal) and lakeside walk
→
Wildlife observation (ibex, marmots)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 52 km
Travel time: 1h10
14
Day

Innsbruck

tyrol alpine city crossroads

Innsbruck - Photo 1Innsbruck - Photo 2Innsbruck - Photo 3Innsbruck - Photo 4Innsbruck - Photo 5Innsbruck - Photo 6Innsbruck - Photo 7Innsbruck - Photo 8Innsbruck - Photo 9Innsbruck - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 14
🔍

Discover

1
Innsbruck: historic center, Golden Roof and Maria-Theresien-Straße
2
Imperial Palace (Innsbruck Hofburg)
3
Hungerburg funicular (Nordkette) for panoramic views
🎯

Activities

→
Winter Olympics Museum (subject to opening hours)
→
Evening in downtown bars/restaurants
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 145 km
Travel time: 1h50
15
Day

Salzburg

baroque bell mozart mountain

Salzburg - Photo 1Salzburg - Photo 2Salzburg - Photo 3Salzburg - Photo 4Salzburg - Photo 5Salzburg - Photo 6Salzburg - Photo 7Salzburg - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 15
🔍

Discover

1
Salzburg: old town, Getreidegasse and Mozart's residence (ext.)
2
Hohensalzburg Fortress (ascent and visit)
🎯

Activities

→
Walk along the banks of the Salzach and photo spots
→
Option return to Vienna (if flights/trains) at end of day
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 185 km
Travel time: 2h

🗺️ 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 14 and 20 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.