Imperial grandeur in Vienna, alpine calm just a train ride away.
Austria pairs Vienna's imperial grandeur with alpine towns and lakes just a short train ride away, all tied together by a strong classical music tradition still very much alive.
Wiener schnitzel
A thin, breaded and fried veal cutlet, one of Austria's most iconic dishes.
Sachertorte
A dense chocolate cake with a thin apricot jam layer, invented in Vienna in 1832.
Apfelstrudel
Thin pastry wrapped around spiced apples, usually served warm with cream.
Melange coffee
Vienna's classic coffeehouse drink, similar to a cappuccino, best enjoyed slowly.
Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna
The former summer residence of the Habsburg emperors, its 1,441 rooms set within extensive formal gardens featuring a hilltop gloriette with sweeping city views. Highlights include the Great Gallery, used for state receptions, and the world's oldest zoo, founded in the palace grounds in 1752. A full visit easily fills half a day.
Hallstatt
A lakeside village so picturesque it has been reproduced as a full-scale replica in China, with pastel houses stacked against a steep mountainside above the Hallstättersee lake. Beneath the town, one of the world's oldest salt mines is open for tours, complete with a slide used by miners for centuries. Its popularity means visiting early or late in the day helps avoid the crowds.
Vienna State Opera
One of the most important opera houses in the world, hosting a different production most nights of its packed season. Standing-room tickets are famously cheap and offer a way to experience world-class performances on a budget. Guided daytime tours cover the building's ornate interior even without attending a show.
Hofburg Palace, Vienna
The former principal imperial palace, now housing the Austrian president's office alongside museums covering the Habsburg treasury, the Spanish Riding School's Lipizzaner horses, and Sisi's personal apartments. Its scale reflects six centuries of continuous expansion by successive rulers. It sits at the heart of Vienna's compact historic center.
Salzburg's Old Town
Mozart's birthplace and the setting for much of The Sound of Music, its baroque old town sits below the hilltop Hohensalzburg Fortress. Narrow lanes lead past the composer's childhood home and numerous churches, with the fortress offering panoramic Alpine views. It's an easy day trip or overnight stop between Vienna and the mountains.
Wachau Valley
A UNESCO-listed stretch of the Danube lined with vineyard terraces, medieval castle ruins, and small wine towns like Dürnstein and Melk. A river cruise or bike path along the valley floor is the classic way to see it, with Melk Abbey's baroque library as a highlight. Apricot orchards add a distinct local specialty to the wine.
9 days covers Vienna, the Wachau Valley, Salzburg, and the Salzkammergut lakes without rushing. 6 works if you drop one region; 12+ lets you add Innsbruck and the western Alps.
1. Days 1–3
Vienna
Schönbrunn Palace, the Hofburg, and an evening at the State Opera.
2. Day 4
Wachau Valley
A day trip along the Danube's vineyard terraces and Melk Abbey.
~1h drive from Vienna
3. Days 5–6
Salzburg
Mozart's old town and the hilltop Hohensalzburg Fortress.
~2.5h by train from Vienna
4. Days 7–9
Hallstatt & the Salzkammergut
The lakeside village, its ancient salt mine, and the surrounding alpine lake district.
~1.5h drive from Salzburg
Frequently asked questions
How long can I stay in Austria without a visa?
90 days within any 180-day period for US, UK, Canadian, and Australian passport holders — the standard Schengen rule. The EU's EES biometric border system is now active, so budget extra time at your first entry.
Which airport should I fly into?
Vienna International (VIE) for this route; Salzburg Airport (SZG) if you'd rather begin in the west and travel it in reverse.
Do I need to book Schönbrunn Palace in advance?
Recommended in peak season — timed-entry slots can sell out on busy summer days, though it's less essential than, say, Neuschwanstein in neighboring Germany.
Is Austria expensive to visit?
Comparable to Germany — moderate by Western European standards, with Vienna running a bit higher than Salzburg or the lake district.