The Best 10 Day Austria Road Trip Itinerary

By Gemma Tedaldi | Published: 17th April 2021 | Updated: 13th December 2024

An Austrian road trip is the best way by far to explore all that Austria has to offer. From the mountain tops to the vineyard-filled valleys, the city life to the country hikes and everything few and far between.

There is no question about it, Austria is an incredible destination for a road trip. Starting in the capital and driving west this 10-day Austria road trip itinerary is the perfect way to experience Austria for the first time.

📍 Day 1: Vienna Central

📍 Day 2: Vienna East

📍 Day 3: Krems an der Donau

📍 Day 4: Dürnstein 

📍 Day 5: Weißenkirchen in der Wachau & Wösendorf in der Wachau

📍 Day 6: Wolfgangsee

📍 Day 7: Hallstatt

📍 Day 8: Salzburg

📍 Day 9: Innsbruck

📍 Day 10: Aqua Dome & Zugspitze

🚐 Overall Route: Vienna to Zugspitze = 10.5 hours / 770km

Planning Your Trip? Use our favourite travel resources below:

Accommodation: We recommend Booking.com

Rental Car: We recommend Rentalcars.com

Flights: We recommend Kiwi.com

Tours: We recommend Get Your Guide & Viator

Currency Conversion: We recommend Wise 

Travel Insurance: World Nomads

Austria Road Trip Map

10 day Austria Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1 – Vienna Central

The first day of the Austria road trip and we are starting it off in the capital of Austria, Vienna. This city is full of historical buildings mixed in with a bit of modern glamour.

The best way to really get a feel for this capital city is to start at St Stephen’s Cathedral and then walk west along the various streets, including Michalereplatz, Kohlmarkt and Graben. You can get a real sense of old versus new along here with the stunning Hofburg alongside the designer shops.

Make sure in all of your wanderings you visit Café Central for a slice of the famous Viennese Apfelstrudel. The building inside as well as the food is just amazing!

The last place you should stop by before grabbing some local food and heading back to the campsite is back at St Stephen’s Cathedral. Yes, you may have started here but now is the time to go inside to experience the wonderful architecture and to get a chance to see the city from above on the incredible tiled roof!

🚐 How to get there – Take public transport and explore the centre on foot.

📌 Where to eat – Café Central

⛺️ Where to stay – Camping Neue Donau

Day 2 – Vienna East

Before leaving Vienna and continuing on the Austria road trip, we’ve got one final day to explore Vienna, but this time the slightly lesser-known areas to the east. Throughout this area of Vienna, you can find some of the most unique artwork from an artist and architect who isn’t as well-known as he should be… Hundertwasser.

His buildings are really something that have to be seen to be believed! Not only can you visit all of the buildings he has designed along an art trail through this area, but you can also stop for a bite to eat in the garden of the Kunst Haus. From here head back to the campsite before leaving the city tomorrow morning.

🚐 How to get there – Take the local public transport to the area then explore on foot.

📌 Where to eat – Kunst Haus

⛺️ Where to stay – Camping Neue Donau

🚐 Vienna – Krems an der Donau = 1 hour / 78km

Day 3 – Krems an der Donau

Day 3 and we’re heading out of the city and into the beautiful countryside along the Danube for the Austria road trip. Just 1.5 hours away after driving along the route of the River Danube into the Wachau region, you will arrive in Krems an der Donau.

This town is full to the brim with historical buildings and monuments alongside a few modern twists. Lying directly alongside the River Danube is also has a rather nice riverside path that is wonderful to walk along in the late evening as the sunsets on the surrounding vineyard-covered hills.

One place you simply must stop by is the Heuriger Weingut Hamböck. Not only does food and local apricot wine mean you should visit, but the view from this bar across to the Göttweig Abbey is incredible. The wander back through the surrounding colourful town streets is also well worth it. Get settled in at the campsite for tonight as it will be your spot for the next few days exploring the Wachau.

🚐 How to get there – Take the B1 north out of Vienna before following the B14 then B43 west.

📌 Where to eat – Heuriger Weingut Hamböck

⛺️ Where to stay – Donaupark Camping Krems

🚐 Krems an der Donau – Dürnstein = 15 minutes / 10km

Day 4 – Dürnstein

Dürnstein is a place unlike no other in Austria. With a bright blue monastery overlooking the River Danube to greet you into the village, alongside quaint cobbled streets and alleyways to get lost in, what more could you ask for from a day?

How about some apricots?! If you hadn’t guessed already, this area is well known for its apricots, or marillen, so make sure you stop at Dürnsteinerhof for the apricot pancakes and dumplings, (our personal favourite!).

You can easily spend hours exploring the village with its multitude of tiny shops and numerous local delicacies to try along the Haupstrasse. After all that eating of apricots and cherries, head back to the Krems campsite for your second night.

🚐 How to get there – Drive 10 minutes from the campsite west along the B3, otherwise know as the Österreichische Romantikstraße.

📌 Where to eat – Dürnsteinerhof

⛺️ Where to stay – Donaupark Camping Krems

🚐 Dürnstein  – Weißenkirchen in der Wachau & Wösendorf in der Wachau = 10 minutes / 7km

Day 5 – Weißenkirchen in der Wachau & Wösendorf in der Wachau

The last day in the Wachau region sees the villages of Weißenkirchen in der Wachau & Wösendorf in der Wachau being explored. Full of colour, wineries and really quite quiet compared to the last couple of days, these villages are all about getting out on foot and exploring all the alleyways and along country paths between the villages.

This particular area of the Wachau and Danube is also famous for its white churches, so try and spot a few before you leave!

Take the tiny roadways and paths through the vineyards to the north of the villages first before walking the footpath/cycle path that runs alongside the main road route 3 / along the Danube back from Wösendorf to Weißenkirchen. Head back to the campsite at Krems for your final night in the Wachau.

🚐 How to get there – Drive 15 minutes from the campsite west along the B3.

📌 Where to eat – Café Elisabeth

⛺️ Where to stay – Donaupark Camping Krems

🚐 Weißenkirchen in der Wachau & Wösendorf in der Wachau – Wolfgangsee = 2.5 hours / 230km

Planning your own trip to Austria? Be sure to download Wise by far the best currency conversion app around. We use it daily living on the border of two countries and it is a game changer when travelling!

Day 6 – Wolfgangsee

Day 6 and we hit the longest stretch on the Austria road trip, 2.5 hours from one campsite to the next at Wolfgangsee. It’s not all that bad though, the drive is through stunning landscapes that will have you stopping every 10 minutes for photos!

This area of Austria, Salzkammergut, is often compared to the UK Lake District, but believe us when we say, the mountain ranges and alpine lakes are uniquely different and truly a sight to behold. Even though this area is slightly more touristy than the Wachau, you can still easily find a relaxing place to stop alongside one of the many lakes including Wolfgangsee.

If you’re brave enough, and not too bothered by the ice-cold waters, you can even hop in for a swim!

If you stay at Paradiescamping Wolfgangsee you can have direct access to the lake, so no need to worry about finding a parking spot along the lake edge further north!

🚐 How to get there – Take the B3 west past your previous days stops, then cross the Danube to Melk before continuing along the A1/E60. Take the A9 south towards Graz before exiting at 69 Liezen to the B320, B145 then the B158.

⛺️ Where to stay – Paradiescamping Wolfgangsee

🚐 Wolfgangsee – Hallstatt = 45 minutes / 40km

Day 7 – Hallstatt

If you want to feel like you have stepped into a fairytale then Hallstatt is the place for you. This stunning UNESCO World Heritage Village with its alpine houses covered with flower boxes and views out over one of the most peaceful lakes in Austria is something really magical.

When we visited it chucked it down with rain all day, but it was still one of the most beautiful villages we have ever been lucky enough to visit. The numerous churches and village viewpoints make Hallstatt the perfect place to while away a day, local delicacies in hand, (find the schaumrollen stand, you will not be disappointed).

Make sure you also get off the main tourist trail here though and walk the back streets and alleyways between the buildings, particularly around the Oberer Marktplatz, Doktor Friedrich Morton Weg and stepped path towards Mullersteige. The views will be just as good if not better than the ones with all the tourists. Head back to the campsite at Wolfgangsee for your final night in the area.

🚐 How to get there – Take the B158, then the B145 south before driving a short way on the 166 before taking the Hallstättersee Landesstraße.

📌 Where to eat – Ofenfrishce Schaumrollen

⛺️ Where to stay – Paradiescamping Wolfgangsee

🚐 Hallstatt – Salzburg = 1.5 hours / 77km

Day 8 – Salzburg

The hills really are alive with the sound of music in Salzburg! Thanks not only to the film filmed across this region of Austria but also to being the birthplace of Mozart.

Park at CONTIPARK Tiefgarage Altstadtgarage A then follow the Monchesberg track south then east towards the Fortress Hohnesalzburg. We couldn’t go in as it was shut, so instead continued on following the path around to Stift Nonnberg and one of the nicest views over the city.

Next take the steps down Festungsgase from Stift Nonnberg into Kaiptelplatz, entering from the south for more stunning views and an entrance into the heart of the old town directly to the Dom zu Salzburg. The roads through this area of Salzburg have some of the oldest buildings in the city, with ornate signs hanging into the street below, (including at Mozarts House!).

Explore this area of the city before crossing the River Salzach to Mirabell Palace and Mirabellgarten. You can easily spend an hour or two wandering through here, listening to live music and enjoying the beautiful well-kept gardens surrounding the palace.

After taking in all the sights you can head back to the car park and onto your next campsite – Campingplatz Judenstein (it is a 2-hour drive, but it’ll be worth it for day 9…).

🚐 How to get there – Drive north following the B158 Österreichische Romantikstraße.

📌 Where to eat – Eleven 11:11 Eleven

⛺️ Where to stay – Campingplatz Judenstein (ready for day 9!).

🚐 Salzburg – Innsbruck = 2.5 hours / 190km

Day 9 – Innsbruck

How does a day in the mountains sound? Well, that’s just what you’ll get on day 9 during a trip to Innsbruck. Innsbruck was one of our favourite places we visited along this Austria road trip, with the option to get out into nature directly from the city as well as just exploring the city itself, it is somewhat unique.

Start the day off with a trip into the surrounding mountains via the Nordkette Cable Car, which will whisk you from the city outskirts to the top of Innsbruck in a matter of minutes! From here just wander, enjoy the views, and meet some of the local sheep who call the mountains their home. Stop at Restaurant Karstube for some of the best food with a view you will ever have.

After you’ve had enough of the mountain tops, head back down the way you came up and get exploring the city centre. The architecture of the city is stunning, from the Goldenes Dachl to the pink hospital church and all the streets in between.

Be sure to grab a slice of Sacher Torte from Café Sacher whilst exploring, this apricot jam-filled chocolate cake is a local speciality. From the city centre head to the next campsite 1 hour away, for a relaxing final day tomorrow.

🚐 How to get there – Take Rinner Straße west before crossing the A13 at Schloßstraße into the Tivoli area of Innsbruck. Take your pick of parking! We stopped at Congress Parking Rennweg 3, 6020.

📌 Where to eat – Café Sacher Innsbruck and Restaurant Karstube

⛺️ Where to stay – Camping Ötztal Längenfeld

🚐 Innsbruck – Aqua Dome & Zugspitze = 2.5 hours / 140km

Day 10 – Aqua Dome & Zugspitze

For the final day of the Austria road trip get up after a good lie-in, following the mountain exploring yesterday, and make your way to the Aqua Dome, only a 20-minute walk from the campsite. (You also get a discount on entry if you stay at Camping Ötztal Längenfeld so it’s well worth it!). Soak in the warm waters surrounded by the Austrian mountains until your fully relaxed, before grabbing a bite to eat in the local town.

After getting back to the campsite pack up and drive 1 hour north to the border with Germany and the famous Zugspitze. The campground for the night is shadowed over by this mighty mountain, which you can either make your way up, (weather depending), or if you can’t, relax at the final campsite of the trip in the spa!

🚐 How to get there – Take the B186 north, take the exit at B171, then B189. Upon reaching the B179, take it north, then the L71 and L391 at Fernpaßstraße.

⛺️ Where to stay – Zugspitze Resort Obermoos before travelling onwards through Europe or home via Innsbruck Airport (1 hour away).

Where to stay in Austria

As we were driving through Europe with a campervan, we stayed at a few campsites throughout Austria rather than in hotels or hostels. We would highly recommend staying at the following places:

Camping Neue Donau

Donaupark Camping Krems

Paradiescamping Wolfgangsee

Campingplatz Judenstein

Camping Ötztal Längenfeld

 Zugspitze Resort Obermoos

However, if you would rather road trip through Austria, but stay in accommodation with a bit more luxury then be sure to check out the best accommodation deals on Booking.com.

10 Day Austria Road Trip Itinerary FAQs

Where is Austria?

Austria is located towards the east of Central Europe. It is landlocked by the neighbouring countries of the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Liechtenstein, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland, making it the perfect place to visit whilst exploring Europe on a road trip.

How to get to Austria

Due to its central location and proximity to other countries, it makes it very easy to get to Austria via car or public transport as well as via plane. The train network throughout Austria as well as the neighbouring countries is also some of the most reliable in Europe.

On our visit we were exploring Europe in a campervan so came in via Slovakia, and the border crossing was really easy to navigate, (like most of the border crossings throughout Europe). However most people arrive into Austria by plane at one of the international airports that serve the country;

📍 Vienna International Airport

📍 Innsbruck Airport

📍 Salzburg W.A. Mozart Airport

📍 Graz Airport

Driving in Austria

How long does it take to drive across Austria?

We spent 10 days driving across Austria, from entry in the east at the Slovenian border to exit at the border with Liechtenstein in the west, so pretty much the entire width of Austria. We drove from Vienna to Innsbruck, partially on the Romantic Road of Austria and feel like we really got to explore all this wonderfully diverse country has to offer. You can of course take it slower, but we felt that 10 days was the perfect amount of time for our Austria road trip.

Is it safe to drive in Austria?

We drove, parked up and camped in our campervan throughout Austria and not once did we feel unsafe. The Austrians are such a friendly bunch and driving allows you to get to the places that other tourists may not. The places you only find out about from the locals at a campsite down the road, where the best dumplings in the region are for example!

Vignettes and tolls in Austria

You will need to get a vignette if you plan on driving any motorways and expressways in Austria, be it in a car, campervan or via motorbike. The vignettes are compulsory, (and have been since 1997), and ensure that the roads are kept in good condition.

How much is an Austrian vignette?

There are three different types of vignettes, either 10 days for 9.90 euros, 2 months for 29.00 euros or 1 year for 96.40 euros. It is slightly cheaper for motorbikes at 5.80 euros for 10 days, 14.50 euros for 2 months and 38.20 euros for a year.

You can either buy a physical toll sticker that must be on your windscreen or a digital vignette before you begin to travel. (The digital one is not valid until 18 days after purchase, so make sure that you buy it far enough in advance of your trip!).

You can get the physical sticker in lots of places such as petrol stations, post offices and newsagents. As we were driving between countries, before we crossed the border into Austria, we bought a toll sticker at a petrol station in Slovenia. There are signs in convenience stores and petrol stations near the borders of each country in Europe that will remind you to get a new vignette if you need one for that country, so there’s no need to worry about getting caught out.

What do I need to drive in Austria?

To drive in Austria you will need an in date driving license and depending on your passport, an international driving license as well.

Can you drive in Austria without a vignette?

Technically yes, you can drive in Austria without a vignette, although this will mean that you will have to avoid driving on the main roads and motorways throughout the country, which is not recommended if you want to make the most of your time in Austria.

Renting a car in Austria

If you chose to rent a car for your Austria road trip then be sure to check if it already includes the vignette. Depending on where you are starting your journey from, either inside Austria or in a neighbouring country, you may or may not have to purchase a vignette yourself.

Check out Rentalcars.com for all your rental options, they have some great deals on a wide variety of vehicles. We’ve used them in numerous locations across Europe and they’re always really easy and simple to rent through.

What is the best time for an Austrian road trip?

We visited Austria during the early summer, (June) and although it was busy in the main cities, most of the other locations we visited were relatively quiet, so just perfect for us. The season really picks up when the schools across Europe break up for the summer holiday from the end of July through to early September.

The weather was stunning throughout our trip, (all bar one day), and we really got to see Austria in its full summer glory. Having said that, we would love to experience Austria in the spring/autumn with a chance of a dusting of snow and even fewer tourists around.

What is the most beautiful road in Austria?

Without a doubt, the most beautiful Austrian road is the Romantic Road. We wrote this guide to it – How to spend a week on the Austrian Romantic Road – following our trip along it. From the start to the end, this route really gives you a sense of the best bits of Austria, but still leaves you wanting to explore even more. Starting/ending in either Salzburg or Vienna, (or vice versa depending on which way you want to drive), and winding along the River Danube, this route is the best place to start if you haven’t visited Austria before.

What is the most famous road in Austria?

There are two famous roads in Austria, the Großglockner High Alpine Road and the Romantic Road of Austria, (we can highly recommend driving this one!).

What is the best way to explore Austria?

By far the best way to explore Austria is with a car or campervan so you can visit both the well known and not so well known places in Austria. It also gives you the chance to visit Austria at your own pace rather than when you are on a tour.

How far is Vienna from Salzburg?

Vienna is roughly a 380km drive from Salzburg.

Is driving in Austria easy?

Driving in Austria is very easy, (although it can get a little more stressful through major cities). Just be sure to remember to drive on the right and give wax to any trams or buses that you come across.

How many days in Austria is enough?

This is slightly dependent on what you want to see and where you want to go, but if like us you want a broad road trip to explore the best bits that Austria has to offer, then 10 days is a great amount of time. We could easily have spent a lot longer in Austria, but for a first Austria road trip, that is a good amount of time.

Is it worth driving in Austria?

100% yes. There are such a wide variety of roads you drive on throughout Austria, from the motorways between cities right through to single-track lanes out into the wine-growing countryside, you will never get bored of driving.

What is the romantic route in Austria?

The Romantic route in Austria is the Austrian Romantic Road, which goes from Salzburg to Vienna, (or vice versa, which is the route we have driven).

How long does it take to drive through Austria?

Driving from the east to the west of Austria takes roughly 8 hours, but this obviously depends on the route and any stops you might make.

What side of the road do they drive on in Austria?

They drive on the right hand side of the road in Austria.

What language do they speak in Austria?

The official language of Austria is German.

What currency is used in Austria?

The currency used in Austria is the Euro.

What are the 8 countries that border Austria?

Yes, there are 8 countries that border Austria! These include the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Liechtenstein, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland.

Conclusion: 10 Day Austria Road Trip Itinerary

So, here is our itinerary for a 10-day Austria road trip! From the capital to the leafy vineyard valleys, along the river Rhine and into the Alps, what more could you want from an Austrian road trip?

Let us know if you are planning your own trip to Austria, or if there are any places you would suggest we stop by next time. Be sure to check out our other blog posts on Austria for even more inspiration.

All Our Austria Content

Here are a few other articles you may find useful for planning your trip:

📍 Is Hallstatt Worth Visiting? Plus One Day Hallstatt Itinerary

📍 Must See Pretty Village, Towns & Cities in Austria

📍 How To Spend 24 Hours In Innsbruck

📍 How To Spend A Week On The Austrian Romantic Road

Gemma Tedaldi

Gemma is the owner and author of The Travelling Tedaldi, a travel blog helping travellers to discover the best road trips and travel itineraries throughout the UK and Europe. When she isn’t writing about her favourite travel destinations, she can often be found out exploring local hikes or planning future trips.