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Austria Road Trip: The Best Itinerary, Map & Tips

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An Austrian Road Trip from Vienna

Embarking on a scenic Austria road trip is the ultimate way to discover Europe’s most picturesque cities and towns. As you travel through Austria, you will encounter the majestic Austrian Alps, culturally rich cities, unforgettable outdoor experiences, and breathtaking lake and mountain views. 

This Austria itinerary takes you through some of Europe’s most stunning natural scenery, charming historic towns, and bustling modern cities. You’ll also find plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities within alpine mountain ranges and national parks, cultural experiences at UNESCO World Heritage sites, and culinary delights.

In this Austria road trip planner, we share travel tips, the best route between towns and cities, things to do and see along the way, and hotel recommendations to help you plan your perfect road trip through Austria.

Austria road trip

Where is Austria?

Austria is a small landlocked mountainous country located in east central Europe, most famous for gemutlichkeit which describes the Austrian’s characteristic way of enjoying life, its castles and palaces, and the Grossglockner peak, Austria’s highest mountain at 3,798 meters above sea level.

The Republic of Austria is a federation of nine states, one of which is the capital Vienna, the most populous city and state. Austria is bordered by  Germany  to the northwest, the Czech Republic to the north, Slovakia to the northeast, Hungary to the east, Slovenia and  Italy  to the south, and  Switzerland  and Liechtenstein to the west, all of which lend a cosmopolitan culture and outlook to the country.

Map of Europe Austria marked with a red and white Austrian flag

Is this your first time visiting Austria? Get all the information you need in our Austria Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there, and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

Getting to Austria

Whether you’re taking a road trip to Austria in a car, motorcycle, or campervan, self-driving is absolutely the best way to explore this spectacular European country.

You can stop whenever you want, try new activities, visit places you see along the route, and have the freedom to change plans at the last minute.

Fly into Vienna International Airport to start your roadtrip in Austria. With direct flights from America, Europe, and the UK, we recommend booking through Skyscanner for live deals and the best prices.

Are you planning to rent a car in Austria? As one of the largest car hire aggregator companies in the world, we recommend Rentalcars.com because they have massive purchasing power which enables them to secure the best car rental prices, which benefits you when you’re planning a roadtrip in Austria.

For a real adventure, hire a motorhome or campervan in Austria. We recommend Motorhome Republic , an aggregate booking site who pull together all the best deals from a number of rental agencies, to offer you a wide choice of options alongside an excellent English speaking expert motorhome Concierge Team.

Best Time for an Austrian Road Trip

March to may.

Spring is a fantastic time to visit Austria, with temperatures warming up across the country. Blooming wildflowers, vibrant greenery in the mountains, and cows heading out to pasture mean spring is a fantastic time to experience Austria by car. You’ll find the roads and cities less crowded, and most attractions will be open.

June to August

In summer, Austria enjoys beautiful weather and the prospect of outdoor adventures and extreme activities. This is when locals and visitors alike head to the mountains and lakes, meaning heavier crowds and more traffic.

September to November

Autumn is a fantastic time for an Austria trip . The grapes and crops are being harvested, food festivals celebrate the bounty of the land, and you might enjoy an Indian summer, with the fall colors of the vines aflame.

December to February

The winter months in Austria can be very cold, but most people come to Austria during the months of December to March for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. It’s not the best time for a road trip, as the spectacular mountain passes will be closed and roads can be challenging to drive.

RELATED POST: Driving in the Alps: Top Tips & Best Routes

wildflowers in a grassy meadow

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting Austria. We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices, and excellent service.

Austria Road Trip Map & Route

We recommend starting your two week Austrian road trip in Vienna and concluding the itinerary in Innsbruck. Our two week Austria road trip itinerary travels from the east to the west of Austria and is roughly 615km from start to finish.

As you leave Vienna, beautiful and quaint Austrian towns and villages will greet you as you travel south toward the foodie city of Graz, the next major stop on your Austrian itinerary. From here, its north to Hallstatt, a small, alpine village situated on the western shores of Hallstätter See, also known as Hallstatt Lake, that offers iconic views and outdoor experiences. 

Next up is Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We recommend leaving enough time in your itinerary to explore the Baroque architecture of the city and visit the Salzburg Fortress for stunning panoramic views. From Salzburg, head to Zell am See, a charming mountain town surrounded by the unforgettable mountain peaks of the Alps. 

Your journey will continue on to Mayrhofen, a popular skiing destination known for its vibrant nightlife, unrivaled winter sports, and stunning alpine scenery. 

Finally, finish your Austria road trip in Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrol region. The city is surrounded by breathtaking mountains and is home to several impressive landmarks. Innsbruck is the perfect place to end your road trip and reflect on the stunning beauty of Austria.

  • Get the Travel Guides
  • Lonely Planet Austria
  • Fodor’s Vienna and the Best of Austria
  • DK Eyewitness Austria

Austria Road Trip Itinerary

Vienna – Graz – Hallstatt – Salzburg – Zell am See – Mayrhofen – Innsbruck

  • Distance 615km
  • Duration 10-14 days
  • Drive Time 9 hours

How to use this map – Use your fingers (or computer mouse) to zoom in and out. Click or touch the icons to get more info about a place, and click the arrow in the box top left to open the index. To add to your own Google Maps account, click the star next to the title of the map.

Vienna 

Allow at least 3 days in Vienna ( Wien in German, the official language of Austria) to discover the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. If you’re hiring a car, you should arrange to pick it up after you’ve explored Vienna – you definitely don’t need a vehicle in this city!

There are countless things to see and do in romantic Vienna, from visiting the Schönbrunn Palace, a formal imperial residence and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a Gothic cathedral that represents one of Vienna’s most recognizable landmarks. You must take the 343 steps to the top of the cathedral for breathtaking (literally!) views over Vienna from the south tower.

Other tourist attractions include the Hofburg Palace, Belvedere Palace , home to Klimt’s Kiss , the fabulous Naschmarkt food market , and the Vienna State Opera, one of the world’s most famous opera houses offering daily performances of classical operas and ballets. The Vienna hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour is a great way to see key attractions in the city.

Travel Tip: Vienna is famous for its coffee culture. Traditional coffeehouses are recognized for their interior and atmosphere. Coffees and pastries are served on small, marble-topped tables with Thonet chairs tucked into alcoves. Try the historic Café Central and we promise an authentic experience of Vienna’s coffee culture.

RELATED POST: Best Cities in Austria for an Amazing Visit!

  • Where to Stay in Vienna

Upmarket: Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Jaz in the City Vienna – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: H+ Hotel Wien – Booking.com | Agoda

city square with hostirc buildings and cobbled streets

Wachau Valley Side Trip

Roughly an hour northwest of Vienna is the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to rolling hills of grapes vines and apricot trees. A day tour from Vienna to the Wachau Valley is the ideal way to experience this world-renowned area.

If you don’t want to drive, this highly rated Wachau day trip from Vienna takes you on a bus and boat tour of the Wachau and Danube valleys, to the Benedictine Abbey of Melk and the old city of Krems in the heart of the Wachau wine-growing region. Your guide will share Austria’s imperial history as you cruise the famous Blue Danube on its route past picturesque villages and steep vineyards.

The drive from Vienna to Graz mostly takes the E59, S6, and S35 highways, and will take a couple of hours. It’s worth taking the slight detour to Semmering, famous for the UNESCO Semmering Railway, and Bruck an der Mur, one of the oldest cities in Austria.

Graz doesn’t make it onto a lot of Austrian road trip itineraries because its understated charm and lack of bright lights reputation mean people don’t make the effort to drive south.

But we love Graz for its fantastic foodie scene, strong architecture (no surprise that Graz is a UNESCO City of Design), and off-the-beaten-path vibe.

In Austria’s heartland of Styria, known as the “belly of Austria”, Graz’s food offer is legendary – think fried chicken, smoky bacon jam called verhackert , cold cuts, locally made beer and wine, and of course, chocolate.

Alongside the cuisine, this Habsburg city delivers palaces and castles, a UNESCO old town, and colorful squares like Hauptplatz in abundance. Don’t miss Schlossberg and its medieval clock tower called Uhrturm, and the man-made island of Murinsel in the Mur river, constructed to mark Graz being the European Capital of Culture in 2003.

  • Where to Stay in Graz

Upmarket: Kai 36 – Hotel zwischen Fels und Fluss – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Aiola Living Graz – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Zur Steirerstub’n – Booking.com | Agoda

View across terracotta tiled rooftops to a Baroque building with a spire

South Styrian Wine Road Side Trip

The South Styrian Wine Road is a round trip route that runs for 44km between Ehrenhausen, a 45 minute drive from Graz via Leutschach. The route follows mile after mile of vineyards, picturesque villages, wine taverns called buschenschank , and family-owned hotels and inns, and is well worth a few days of your time if you’re a wine lover.

South Styria is predominantly a white-wine-growing region, with the dry Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Blanc being the most famous Styrian wines. Visiting a winery, and tasting their wines in situ as you learn about how they’re made is a fantastic experience, and not to be missed in this beautiful part of Austria.

Looking for the best SIM card deals in Europe for your trip? Check out our guide to the best data SIMs in Europe and get the best deal for your trip to Austria.

Hallstatt 

The drive from Graz to Hallstatt will be the longest stint of your Austria road trip! At 176 kilometers, with a drive time of around two and a half hours, this part of your road trip passes through the picturesque landscape of Styria and the foothills of the Alps.

Hallstatt, a small picturesque town located in the Salzkammergut region of Austria, is a popular tourist destination for its natural beauty, which allowed it to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

We loved the Hallstatt World Heritage Skywalk, which reaches 1,148 feet and extends over the edge of a mountain, providing unforgettable views of the Hallstätter See. The Salzbergbahn funicular will carry you from the valley station of Salzwelten Hallstatt to the Skywalk.

If you’re up for an adventure, we think one of the best ways of experiencing the Skywalk is at sunrise when the light is perfect and there are way fewer people around! We highly recommend a dawn hike up Salzberg mountain to enjoy the incredible views from the Skywalk, with a pro photographer by your side.

Hallstatt is also known for its production of salt which dates back to prehistoric times. The Hallstatt Salt Mine is the world’s oldest salt mine and has been in operation since 4000 BC, and a guided tour through the underground tunnels to learn about the history of salt mining in the region is a must.

No trip to Hallstatt is complete without a stroll along the waterfront, to take in the stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Enjoy fresh fish from the lake itself at restaurants like Schirmbar Hallstatt situated along the water.

Travel Tip: From Hallstatt, we suggest taking a day trip to the Dachstein Ice Cave . You can take a cable car to the giant ice cave to enjoy a guided tour. Remember to wear warm clothing as the caves rarely reach above 4 degrees!

  • Where to Stay in Hallstatt

Upmarket: Seehotel Grüner Baum – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Fenix Hall Boutique Hotel Hallstatt – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Pension Leprich Bad Goisern – Booking.com | Agoda

A lake with a small town and church on the banks backed by densly wooded mountains

Don’t forget your road trip essentials! Our free road trip checklists help you remember everything, including road trip snacks , podcasts , and road trip songs for the journey!

Salzburg  

The next stop on your Austria itinerary is Salzburg. Driving from Hallstatt to Salzburg will take just over an hour as you cover 75 kilometers of the beautiful Austrian countryside.

This section of your drive will take you through the Salzkammergut region of Austria, which is dotted with lakes and mountains. Along the way, there are several towns and villages worth stopping at, including St. Wolfgang im Salzkammergut, a picturesque town located on the shores of Wolfgangsee. As well as swimming in the lake, you can enjoy the historic St. Wolfgang Church and the famous Romantik Hotel Im Weissen Rössl am Wolfgangsee – in English, the White Horse Inn!

Salzburg, a city that borders Germany, is the birthplace of Mozart and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This city is well-known for its Baroque architecture, music culture, and stunning landscapes. 

While in Salzburg, we highly recommend taking the funicular up to the historic Hohensalzburg Fortress to enjoy panoramic views over the city. Additionally, experiencing a Mozart concert at Mirabell Palace is a must, even if you don’t consider yourself a classical music fan.

Salzburg Cathedral, featuring a magnificent organ, Mozart’s Birthplace, and Getreidegasse are also popular tourist spots. 

During your stay in Salzburg, why not enjoy a food tour to enjoy traditional Austrian dishes like schnitzel and strudel as you explore the old town with a licensed Salzburg guide to show you the way?

Travel Tip:   Want to practice your do-ray-me-fa-so-la-ti-do lyrics? One of the best things to do in Salzburg is the original Sound of Music tour . You get to visit the filming locations of the classic musical while learning about the history and culture of Salzburg. Book well in advance though, this one sells out quickly!

  • Where to Stay in Salzburg

Upmarket: Hotel Sacher Salzburg – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Altstadthotel Wolf-Dietrich – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Urban Stay Salzburg City – Booking.com | Agoda

An Austrian city on a river with a large palace in the foreground with verdis gris domed roofs

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Zell am see .

The drive from Salzburg to Zell am See is a scenic 80 kilometers, passing through the Salzach Valley and the foothills of the Alps. Along the way, there are several towns and villages worth stopping at, including the incredible Hohenwerfen, a medieval fortress located in the Salzach Valley, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains, and the picturesque village of Werfenweng.

Werfenweng is a charming alpine village known for its stunning natural beauty. If you stop here make sure to enjoy the local cultural attractions like the historic St. Sebastian Church.

Zell am See is a picturesque town located in the Austrian Alps making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. With numerous ski resorts in the area, it is the perfect place to try your hand at skiing or snowboarding, if you road trip Austria in winter.

Following a trip down the slopes, we recommend warming up by trying local cuisine like goulash and dumplings. If a summer visit is more your thing, you can still experience the stunning alpine landscape by hiking or biking along one of the many trails located in this region. 

A stroll through the old town, to experience the historic architecture of Zell am See, is a must. End a relaxing day with a boat ride on Lake Zell where you can enjoy views of the surrounding mountains.  

The Kitzsteinhorn Glacier (where you can still ski in summer) and Schmittenhöhe Mountain are both accessible by cable car from Zell am See. Taking a trip up to this glacier or mountain peak will allow you to enjoy the breathtaking views of the alpine peaks that Austria is famous for.

  • Where to Stay in Zell am See

Upmarket: Grand Hotel Zell am See – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Romantikhotel Zell am See – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Gästehaus Karl Haffner – Booking.com | Agoda

View across a town over a lake to large snow covered mountains

Grossglockner High Alpine Road Side Trip

During the months of May to early October, the Grossgockner pass will be open. As one of the best driving roads in Europe , we highly recommend you take a short detour south to drive this legendary road.

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is actually route 107 which connects Bruck with Heiligenblut via the Fuscher Törl at 2,428m and the Hochtor Pass at 2,504m. The high road is 47.8km long and has 36 turns which snake between glorious alpine pastures, rocky terrain, and wildflower meadows.

Allow a couple of hours to drive this spectacular road, and then pick up the 108 north at Lienz to return to your original route. This fabulous alpine trip will add two to three hours to your day’s driving, but we promise it’s worth it!

Travel Tip: The road is not open 24/7 even in summer. From early May to May 31st, the road opens between 6am to 8pm daily. From 1st June to 31st August, its open from 5.30am to 9pm, and from 1st September its 6am to 7.30pm. There is also a toll charge of €40 per car.

Winding road over snow dusted mountains in Austria

Want to plan your own road tri p? Get our step-by-step road trip planning guide to help you organize the perfect trip, or check out our Europe road trip ideas .

Mayrhofen 

The drive from Zell am See to Mayrhofen takes you through the Austrian Alps from the Salzburg region into Austria’s historic Tyrol region. You’ll pass through several picturesque towns and villages, including Kitzbühel and Wörgl. Along the way, there are also several opportunities to stop and take in the views, including at the Gerlos Pass in the Hohe Tauern National Park.

The Hohe Tauern National Park is the largest mountain range in the Austrian Alps, offering stunning natural beauty and a range of outdoor activities. With towering peaks, glaciers, and picturesque valleys, the Hohe Tauern is a must-visit destination on your Austria itinerary.  

Mayrhofen is a beautiful alpine village located in the Zillertal Valley of Austria. Here, you can ski on the Hintertux Glacier, visit the Zillertal Alps Nature Park, or take a scenic cable car ride up to the Ahorn Plateau. The Ahornbahn cable car , which takes you to the top of Ahorn Mountain, reveals unparalleled views of the Zillertal Alps. 

Additionally, the nearby Penkenbahn cable car , which takes you to the top of Penken Mountain, offers beautiful views of the surrounding area. In the winter, Penken mountain is the perfect spot for skiing and snowboarding while, in the summer, tourists can enjoy hiking and biking.

If cable cars aren’t your thing, the Zillertal steam train is another way to enjoy scenic views of the Zillertal Valley. Taking one and a half hours, the 119-year-old Zillertalbahn railway is an unmissable experience through the river Ziller valley.

Travel Tip: 12km north of Mayrhofen is Zillertal, a small town that comes alive in the fall every year when the September Almabtrieb  ( cattle drive) takes place. Almabtrieb is the homecoming of the cows, festooned with flowers and head-dress, from the high pastures where the herds have spent the summer.

It is a much-loved tradition and an important part of the Alpine farming calendar, and well worth planning a visit around.

  • Where to Stay in Mayrhofen

Upmarket: DasPosthotel Zell am Zimmer – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Der Siegeler B&B – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: das Cityhouse – Booking.com | Agoda

A burbling river surrounded by trees with a vable car in the far distance

The drive time from Mayrhofen to Innsbruck is approximately one hour and covers 70 kilometers. We recommend visiting both Fügen and Jenbach along this driving route. Both of these charming towns are known for their stunning mountain scenery and historic architecture. 

Innsbruck is the capital city of the Tyrol region in western Austria and is known for its alpine scenery, rich history, and culture. A stroll through Innsbruck’s historic old town to admire the architecture and enjoy the cafes is the perfect way to start your time in the city. 

While visiting Innsbruck, you will be able to visit a range of historic landmarks. These include the Golden Roof, a balcony with a roof covered in over 2,500 gilded copper tiles; Hofburg, a historic palace complex that once housed the Habsburgs; the iconic Bergisel ski jump, and the Imperial Palace, built in the 15th century. 

From Innsbruck in summer , you can take the Nordkette cable car up to the top of the Nordkette mountain range and enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the city and the surrounding alpine landscape. At the summit, you can enjoy an unforgettable dining experience at the Seegrube restaurant . 

Finish off your Austrian road trip by delving into Austrian culture. The Tyrolean Folk Art Museum is an educational experience exploring the history and culture of the Tyrol region and its traditional art and crafts.

Tyrol also has a unique cuisine and experiencing dishes like Tiroler gröstl , a delicious bacon, onion, potato, and egg fry-up, and kaiserschmarrn , a sweet pancake served with apple sauce, is something you should definitely do in Innsbruck.

Travel Tip: From Innsbruck, continue your trip further west to Hoch-Imst and enjoy a unique experience aboard the Alpine Coaster , a summer toboggan run that travels 3,535m along the steepest tracks in the Alps!

To return to Vienna from Innsbruck will add six hours of driving time to your itinerary if you take the ‘quick’ rote back on the E45 and E60 autobahns. Alternatively, fly out of Innsbruck Airport to London Gatwick, Frankfurt Airport, or Amsterdam Airport Schipol, for an easy connection to pretty much anywhere in the world.

  • Where to Stay in Innsbruck

Upmarket: Altstadthotel Weißes Kreuz – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Hotel Grauer Bär – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Meininger Hotel Innsbruck Zentrum – Booking.com | Agoda

Innsbruck Austria view from nearby mountains

Austria Road Trip Resources

Here are the websites and services we personally use and recommend for traveling in Austria.

  • Search for affordable flights to Austria with Skyscanner
  • Search for availability and book hotels and accommodation in Austria with Booking.com
  • Find and book the best campsites in Austria with Eurocampings
  • Book the cheapest and most reliable car rentals in Austria with Rentalcars.com
  • Find and hire your perfect motorhome or campervan with Motorhome Republic
  • Get highly rated, reliable, and trustworthy travel insurance with True Traveller
  • Check if you need a visa and arrange your documents with Visagov

Tips for Driving in Austria

The roads in Austria are well maintained and the drivers are courteous and measured. However, the Austrian roads are some of the narrowest in Europe and navigating this winding drive may be challenging for nervous drivers.

Whether you’re traveling in your own vehicle or flying in and renting a car, you need to follow these rules when you drive and travel in Austria;

  • You must have at least three months remaining on your passport (issued in the past ten years) at your intended date of departure from Austria.
  • You may need a visa to enter Austria, you can find out more on the Federal Ministry Republic of Austria European and International Affairs website .
  • You must have at least 3rd party insurance for your vehicle when you road trip in Austria.
  • Citizens of non-EU third countries may require an IDP, you can check here .
  • Motorists are also required by law to carry the following items when driving in Austria: reflective jackets for driver and passengers; a warning triangle and a first aid box.
  • All vehicles must pay a toll called a mautvignette to use the autobahns in Austria. Vehicles are required to display a toll sticker in the windscreen, which is available from border points and fuel stations, or you can buy a digital vignette online here . Rental cars will have the vignette already included and on display in the vehicle.
  • If you’re planning a winter road trip to Austria between November 15 and March 15, carrying snow chains in your vehicle is mandatory. Check with your car rental company if these are provided.
  • In Austria, motorists drive on the right and overtake on the left. As a general rule, priority must be given to vehicles coming from the right unless indicated
  • Radar detectors that interfere with police equipment are prohibited in Austria, although sat nav systems that indicate where fixed speed cameras are located are permitted.
  • Dashboard cameras are prohibited in Austria.
  • You may only use a mobile phone whilst driving with a hands-free device.

RELATED POST: Driving in Europe – Everything You Need to Know

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Travel to Austria: Entry requirements and lockdown rules explained

By Sarah James , Natalie Munro and Becky Lucas

Scenic nature landscape view of Hallstatt mountain village reflecting in Hallstatter see lake against The Austrian...

Trying to plan a trip to Austria ? Here’s everything you need to know about travel rules to the country, and whether Austria is in lockdown. 

Can Brits travel to Austria?

On 16 May 2022, Austria announced that they would be dropping all Covid entry requirements. This means passengers arriving in Austria do not need to show proof of vaccination, a negative Covid test or a certificate of recovery from Covid.

Previously, fully jabbed British residents or citizens could enter Austria if they could prove their vaccination status. 

Those who are unvaccinated had to present a negative PCR test (valid for 72 hours) or a negative antigen test (valid for 24 hours). Check the UK government website for the latest information. 

Is Austria in lockdown?

In November 2021, the Austrian government announced that it would be introducing a partial lockdown for those who were unvaccinated. People who are not fully vaccinated were only allowed to leave home for a limited number of reasons, including to work and buy essential supplies such as food. This lockdown ended from 31 January 2022, after pressure on hospitals eased. 

As of 1 February 2022, Austria was set to become the first European country to enforce vaccination, making it a legal requirement for citizens to get vaccinated. Children under 12 were to be made exempt, as were those who have recently recovered from coronavirus, pregnant women and those who cannot receive the vaccine for medical reasons. Instead, on 8 March 2022, the Austrian government suspended the mandate for at least three months, after finding that the Omicron Covid variant had not caused the steep increase in hospital patients that had been predicted. 

Currently, FFP2 masks are required on public transport and in some public spaces such as banks, supermarkets and petrol stations, while managers of bars, clubs and après-ski locations can choose between requiring that all visitors either wear a mandatory mask, provide proof that they are fully vaccinated or recently recovered from Covid, or show a negative test. It's best to check what the rules are for each venue before you visit. 

Austrian provinces also have the power to set stricter rules than the national government, so check local guidance before you travel.

What are the rules for Brits returning to the UK from Austria?

From 18 March 2022, all Covid travel rules have been dropped in the UK. This means that, regardless of vaccination status, those returning to the UK from Austria no longer need to fill out a passenger locator form, take any tests or quarantine. 

Can I travel to Austria from the UK? Entry requirements explained as testing rules are relaxed

Austria's decision to scrap pre-departure pcr tests for uk visitors follows a similar move by switzerland.

Taking in the breath taking view

Austria is to remove the UK, along with the Netherlands, Denmark & Norway, from its list of virus variant countries, meaning boosted travellers no longer need to test before entering.

Austria’s decision to scrap pre-departure PCR tests for UK visitors follows Switzerland’s decision to do the same with antigen or PCR tests and leaves skiers with more options for holidays ahead of the popular February half-term period.

The rule change could save a family of four around £80 on the cost of their holiday, as pre-departure PCR tests cost around £20 per person.

What are the new entry rules?

From Monday 24 January, the UK will no longer be classified as a “virus variant” country by Austria.

The Austrian tourist board has confirmed the three ways in which someone can enter the country:

  • Proof of full vaccination (valid at the moment 270 days – this will change to 180 days from 1 February)  plus booster (there have to be 120 days between second jab and booster).
  • Proof of full vaccination (valid at the moment 270 days – this will change to 180 days from 1 February) and negative PCR test (valid 72 hours).
  • Proof of recovery (not older than 180 days) and proof of negative PCR test (valid 72 hours).

What are the entry rules for children?

Teenagers 12 and over and born on or after 1 September 2006 who are not yet fully vaccinated can download a “Holiday Ninja Pass” to enter the country.

The pass involves taking a PCR test before travelling to Austria and more tests once in the country.

Children under the age of 12 travelling with fully vaccinated adults do not need to be vaccinated.

What are the Covid restrictions in Austria?

All those aged 12 and over must be fully vaccinated plus boosted or recently recovered from Covid to enter public places and ski lifts.

Boosters are mandatory for those whose second jab was more than 270 days ago, dropping to 180 days from 1 February.

Children and teens with a Holiday Ninja Pass will be granted the same status as the fully vaccinated.

Under 12s are exempt.

How are Covid infection rates in Austria?

Austria is soon to become the first country in Europe to make Covid vaccination mandatory for all adults after struggling with low take-up.

The average number of new daily infections reported in Austria has reached record highs, with the country in the middle of an Omicron -fuelled fifth wave.

The country is reporting more than 17,845 daily cases, according to Reuters.

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What Is It Like To Drive From The U.K. To Austria?

What Is It Like To Drive From The U.K. To Austria? (45)

I’ll just start by answering that question with a huge spoiler alert – a roadtrip from the UK to Austria is soooooooo much fun!  It isn’t necessarily the most obvious road trip route we would have thought of (in large part because we in the UK live on an island physically disconnect from mainland Europe) but it was absolutely brilliant every step of the way!

There are a few reasons for this though… 😄

First off, the car! For this road trip, we partnered with BMW (who are the official sponsors of Snowbombing Festival… more on that later) where we were given our very own shiny BMW X3 to drive from the UK to Austria!

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There are undoubtedly so many cool features about the BMW X3 – you can find all the details on that right here (right down to the tech specs ) but my favourites part were probably the ‘smaller details’.

Like how you can control the entertainment in your car with just touchless gestures (felt a bit like using a magic wand).

Or how there’s a wireless charger in front.

Or the heated seats for ALL the passengers in the car (not just the driver and the passenger up from).

Or how if you cross the lines on the road without indication, the safety feature allows the wheel to steer you automatically back into the main lane you’re driving on.

Oh, and I particularly loved how we drove all the way from the UK to Germany (*our first stop) without needing to stop for fuel once (we did stop for a ‘rest’ but that was just an excuse to get waffles in Belgium).

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There’s so much more to discover and each day, we just kept finding out more and more details as we went along. I’m just a sucker for things that make my life easier and found this car such a treat and a delight to drive to Austria.

The second reason why this was so exciting was that we were going to be driving to Snowboming Festival – a fun-filled week up in the Austrian Alps with the best music, parties and all around good fun anyway could ask for!

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I don’t know if it’s just here in the UK but it’s just one of those festivals that almost needs no introduction whatsoever. Ski by day, party at night (or you could just part by day and night).

That’s not all though – turns out, it’s a massive tradition every year for festival goers to organise a road trip from the UK to Austria so the party starts even before the party starts!

This year’s theme was “The 90s” and pretty much everyone showed up dressed in their favourite 90s-inspired fancy dress! We’re talking Spice Girls, Ninja Turtles, The Mask, Toy Story, Jurassic Park – the works!!! Cars were painted / stickered / made-over – all for the road trip and festival.

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As relative novices, we showed up totally unprepared and expecting just a few people on this road trip, only to find ourselves thrown into the most colourful crowd ever!

Thankfully, my FOMO dissipated quickly as one of our fellow road-trippers (who had come very prepared) gave me extra props they had (wigs, costumes), allowing me to transform into what I can only describe as a ‘fringe-dressed rocker’. 😀

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After grabbing breakfast, picking up our festival passes as well as other goodies (…and a few impromptu boogie sessions), we all began our journey from Canterbury towards Dover (40 minutes-ish), where we would catch the ferry to France and embark on the next leg of the drive in mainland Europe.

Even the ferry crossing was fun as we all piled on in colourful outfits, much to the delight and surprise of other passengers on the ferry who were most certainly not expecting the colourfulness that was our road trip entourage.

In France, we had quite a few options for the drive as we could head down South (well, relatively South – we were in Northern France so this would have taken us more towards central France), or we could head up towards Belgium.

After much, “ Umm ”ing and “ Aah ”ing, we finally decided to go for the latter route through Belgium, deciding at the last minute to pop into Ypres – a historic town I knew very little about prior to making the snap decision to visit (Lloyd was a bit more clued up on Ypres than I was).

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Although our visit to Ypres was a fleeting one, it was definitely one that left us impressed! It’s such a beautiful Belgian town and a reminder that we definitely hadn’t spent as much time visiting Belgium as we perhaps should have.

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In fact, I can categorically say that we left Ypres feeling like we definitely needed to spend more time in Belgium come summer!

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The streets of Ypres as surprisingly quaint – especially so for a town of its size and there’s so much history in the town, of particular poignancy is the battle here during World War 1 that is still till this day a very important part of the town’s identity (you’ll see lots of references and memorials to the war dotted across the city – not to mention that a lot of the key buildings in the city were rebuilt shortly after the war in their original style).

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Leaving Ypres, we stopped off briefly in the city of Kortrijk (another “ saw-on-the-map-and-decided-to-visit ” stop).

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The main reason we decided to pop in was to check out the famous Broel Towers in the city…

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…though finding this house here made me wanna stay even longer! Hehehe! (Just imagine owning this Belgian beauty).

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With that, we decided it was high time we headed for our final stop for the evening, the German town of Saarbrücken!

I can’t really say that there’s much to see or do in Saarbrücken – in large part because we didn’t arrive till around 9.30pm anyway and went straight for dinner right after in the hotel and promptly to bed after that. 😀

The next day, we got up bright and early to hit the road (after breakfast, of course). Today, we would be heading straight to Mayrhofen – the Austria town where we would be based for the Snowbombing festival but as with any good road trip, we soon found a distraction in the form of the German town of Augsburg.

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Augsburg is one of German’s oldest cities and boasts some rather impressive German architecture.

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It was promptly decided (after a little gander at the city), that we would have to have lunch here and with that, we found ourselves a good old fashion local restaurant and picked seats out in the sunshine for lunch.

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Lloyd went for the Schnitzel (because, why not? 😀 I know we’re not in Austria yet but might as well get started on the Austrian food)…

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…while I went for a traditional German meal of dumplings and a side of pork with gravy and sauerkraut. (Love those dumplings! I can’t really tell you why I do actually, I just seem to always enjoy them so much whenever I have them).

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Lunch over and done with, we just went straight on to Mayrhofen, which we arrived into, just as the rest of the group were arriving.

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As more people arrived, a celebration of sorts kicked off, with a live music performance – before something of a victory lap in Mayrhofen.

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Now, if you thought we were the only ones excited about the road trip and arriving in Austria for Snowboming, you’d be seriously mistaken. 😄😄

Turns out, there was a huge crowd gathered in town waiting for the procession of cars, 90s fancy dress costumes and our fellow about-to-be-revellers to welcome us all in grand style!

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I’ve got to admit, I was slightly surprised by the turnout! I had no idea there would even be anything like this and the excitement in the air was contagious.

My surprise very quickly gave way to over-excitedness and much car-dancing, with high 5s doled out to the crowd from our (very slowly) moving car (also worth noting that for this part, we actually had a driver so we the dancing and high-5’ing wasn’t done while driving).

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Eventually, we bade the procession farewell, and headed off to our hotel to check in, before heading back into town for a night of drinks and good food with our fellow road trippers!

The next couple of days brought in skiing up in the mountains in the mornings (It was nearer the end of the ski seasons but this had to be done! Even in that foggy weather, we had on the first day 😄).

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One one of the days, we stayed up in the mountains for lunch at the Schihütte Schneekar restaurant, with a panoramic view over the mountain – which alas, we couldn’t really see thanks to the fog. (Ironically, it was only foggy for that one day we had lunch booked up here and totally cleared out the very next day! 😀 )

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Lack of views though did nothing to dampen our lunch as we tucked into delicious steaks, burgers and the biggest pancake dessert ever!

Post-lunch daytime was spent exploring the nearby area (which has some pretty stunning views – some of which, alas, we couldn’t access as the roads weren’t open yet for summer – they’re closed due to avalanche risks in winter).

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The roads that were open, however, showed off the beauty of this part of Austria. It’s just such a gorgeous place and hands-down one of the most amazing venues for a festival.

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Evenings were spent flitting from venue to venue, enjoying one of the most fun festivals we’ve ever been to!

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You could almost show up anywhere without knowing anyone and leave with a huge horde of new friends. It was brilliant!

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Alas, eventually, we had to say farewell to Snowbombing and hand back the keys to our epic BMW X3 (we were gonna fly back home to London though I’m pretty sure there’s a return road trip leg to this).

We’d actually wanted to do Snowboming for years and were disappointed a few years ago when we couldn’t organise mutual time off for our group of friends to go together to do it (it was like herding cats that year) and in a lot of ways, I’m kinda glad we didn’t get to do it then as getting to experience it the way we did, with the road trip and that beauty that was out BMW X3 (which I filled to the hilt with as many road trip snacks as possible) was just such great fun and easily one of the best ways to do that road trip. 😀

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It was just the brilliant farewell to winter I didn’t even realise I needed and just the most amazing, crazy, colourful fun few days in the Austrian Alps. 😀

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She Wanders Abroad

  • The Perfect 10 Day Austria Road Trip Itinerary

Gosauseen, Austria

With its outstanding natural beauty and sophisticated cities that fuse old with new, Austria is one of the most enchanting countries to visit in Europe. As there are so many pristine lakes, rivers, and mountain ranges to explore in between the urban areas, the best way to experience the place has to be with an epic Austrian road trip.

Renting a car and hitting the road in Austria gives you so much freedom to pick and choose which places you get to visit. No matter where you drive, you will find yourself surrounded by incredible landscapes the whole time, without even needing to leave the car.

If you’re not sure where to begin, then my 10 day Austria road trip itinerary is here to help! This guide contains all the practical information you need as well as the most impressive destinations that let you experience a bit of everything that Austria is known for.

* Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link. *

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The Perfect 10 Day Austria Road Trip Itinerary

Table of Contents

Useful Info for Your Austria Road Trip

How to get to austria .

This Austria road trip itinerary is designed to start in either Vienna or Innsbruck. My guide starts in the east, in Vienna, and concludes in the west, at Innsbruck. However, you can flip it and do it in reverse if that suits you better!

Both Vienna and Innsbruck are served by an international airport. As the Austrian capital and largest city, Vienna International Airport (Flughafen Wien) connects nonstop to the vast majority of European cities. You can also find direct flights from the US, Canada, the Middle East, and some Asian cities.

As a smaller airport, there are fewer direct flights to Innsbruck Airport (Flughafen Innsbruck). However, you can fly nonstop from other Austrian airports as well as from a select number of European destinations including Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands.

Marktplatz Hallstatt

Best time to visit Austria 

Austria experiences the four distinct seasons as per the Northern Hemisphere and other Central European nations, so the best time to visit Austria really depends on the type of experience you are after. The climate and temperatures differ depending on the altitude, so during the course of this road trip in Austria, you should expect the weather to fluctuate somewhat. 

The peak travel season is the summer months of July and August when the temperatures are at their hottest, reaching typically 27-29°C (80-84°F) or sometimes even higher. Meanwhile, winter brings snowfall to the mountains and sees the ski resorts open up for the season.

In terms of the best time to visit Austria as part of a road trip, the shoulder seasons of late spring and autumn are the most pleasant overall. Temperatures are at their most comfortable, you will have less competition for accommodation and parking space, and tours and hotels will be a fraction cheaper. And to be honest, when you’re up in the mountains you will likely still see dustings of snow on the peaks.

Girl in a red skirt on the 5 Fingers Viewing Platform, Austria

Car rental in Austria

No matter which airport you fly to (Vienna or Innsbruck), there are car rental agencies located at both of the airports and in the cities themselves.

I recommend booking your rental well in advance to get the best deals. Prices can be pretty inflated during the summer months so the earlier you book, the better deals you can snag.

Driving tips for Austria 

Driving in Austria is a doddle, providing that you follow the rules and understand the local road rules. Naturally, you must wear a seatbelt at all times, not drive while under the influence, or when using your mobile phone. Here are a few more driving tips for your Austria road trip itinerary: 

  • During the summer season and warmer months, Austrian roads are a joy to drive. They are paved and well maintained. However, between December and March, snow and ice is likely at higher altitudes so you will need to ensure that your rental is fitted with winter tires and that you have snow chains in the boot. 
  • To drive in Austria, you must possess a full driving license from your home country as well as an International Driver’s Permit (IDP). You will need to arrange this documentation prior to arriving in the country to start your Austria road trip. If your driving license was issued by one of the member states of the European Economic Area, you will not need the IDP as your license is valid in Austria.
  • Traffic rules and regulations are comparable to other European countries. In general, the speed limit is 100 km/h (62 mph) on Bundesstraße (freeways) and S Roads (expressways) and 130 km/h (81 mph) on Autobahn (highways). When driving through residential areas and inner cities, the speed limit is usually 50 km/h (31 mph), but you should stay alert for signs.
  • In order to drive on the Austrian Autobahn and S Roads, your rental must display a vignette toll sticker. If your rental car doesn’t have one, you must purchase a vignette before hitting the highways. For this Austria road trip itinerary, purchasing a 10-day vignette is the best option which costs €9.90. You can buy the vignette at any of the petrol stations and then stick it to your windshield.
  • Driving with your headlights on is optional during daylight hours and compulsory at night in Austria. 
  • ÖAMTC and ARBÖ are the two major breakdown assistance services in Austria and both operate 24/7. The numbers are 120 and 123, respectively. As a non-member, you will be liable to pay a fee if you use this service. 
  • This itinerary for Austria includes a generous amount of hiking so it’s really important to have some sturdy hiking boots in your rental that you can throw on whenever you reach the trails. You should also have a significant stash of water ready for the hikes. 

View from Mitterberghof Jausenstation, Austria

Overview of Your 10 Day Austria Road Trip Itinerary

Breakdown of your 10 days in austria.

This is your itinerary at a glance, with details about where you will need to book accommodation for each of the 10 nights. Remember, you can do the route in reverse if it suits your travel plans better.

  • Day 1-2: Two full days in Vienna (overnight in Vienna)
  • Day 3: Grüner See, Admont Abbey Library, arriving in Hallstatt (overnight in Hallstatt)
  • Day 4: Full day in Hallstatt (overnight in Hallstatt)
  • Day 5: 5 Fingers Viewing Platform (Dachstein), Gosauseen, arriving in Salzburg (overnight in Salzburg)
  • Day 6: Full day in Salzburg (overnight in Salzburg)
  • Day 7: Gollinger Wasserfall, Bluntauseen, Hohenwerfen Castle, arriving in Zell am See (overnight in Zell am See)
  • Day 8: Stausee Mooserboden, Sigmund-Thun Klamm, Alpine Coaster Maisiflitzer Kaprun, Mitterberghof Jausenstation (overnight in Zell am See)
  • Day 9: Krimml Waterfalls, arriving in Mayrhofen (overnight in Mayrhofen)
  • Day 10: Olpererhütte, Innsbruck (overnight in Innsbruck)

Map for your Austria road trip

Below you can find a customized map that includes all the locations you’re going to visit on this Austria road trip itinerary. I marked the different parts of the road trip with different colors so you can easily see which places you’re going to visit each day.

If you open up this post on your phone and you click on the bracket in the upper right corner of the map, it will automatically save this map to your Google Maps app so you can always have it with you. Super convenient, right?

Day 1-2: Vienna

Number one on your Austria itinerary is Vienna, the capital and largest city in the country, located in the northeast. The oldest part of the city and its most central district is the Innere Stadt, which is contained by a ring road.

Within this neighborhood, you will find the majority of the key attractions and majestic architecture, including Baroque palaces and gardens, museums, and concert halls. No wonder that Vienna is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe !

Vienna is synonymous with classical music and was the home of musical masters including Mozart and Beethoven so you will find numerous references and recitals in town.

Two days in Vienna is plenty of time to explore the major landmarks of this elegant city. You will not need a car for these two days as it’s easier to get around the city via public transport and walking so you can pick up your rental car after your two days in Vienna are over.

Karlskirche surrounded by green trees in Vienna, Austria

Where to stay in Vienna

If this is your first time visiting Vienna then I recommend staying in the Innere Stadt. Hotels are more expensive but deals can always be found. Alternatively, you can choose accommodation in one of the outlying neighborhoods and connect to the Old Town easily by metro.

Trendy Wieden has affordable accommodation which is convenient for seeing the sights featured on this road trip in Austria. Landstrasse, to the east of the Innere Stadt, is another alternative for budget hotels. As you will not pick up your rental until the third day, you don’t need to worry about finding a hotel with parking.

Below you can find my suggestions for the best places to stay in Vienna for 2 nights.

Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna

LUXURY – Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna

Built as a hotel for the World Exhibition in Vienna in 1873, the luxurious Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna can be found right on the famous Ringstraße boulevard in the heart of the city. The hotel features 2 restaurants, a bar, and an exclusive spa and fitness center.

Hilton Vienna Plaza

MID-RANGE – Hilton Vienna Plaza

Located on the historic Ringstraße in the Innere Stand, the city center of Vienna, Hilton Vienna Plaza combines modern and Art Déco design elements. The elegantly decorated rooms come with marble bathrooms and offer amazing views of the city from their large windows.

K+K Palais Hotel

BUDGET – K+K Palais Hotel

Centrally located in the quiet part of Vienna’s city center, K+K Palais Hotel is a total steal. Boasting fully air-conditioned rooms and state-of-the-art amenities, the property is in close proximity to many major sights, such as the St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Best things to do in Vienna 

Explore the innere stadt.

Vienna’s old town is brimming with museums, monuments, and landmarks that you can explore on foot. Slip into your sneakers and spend a day touring the key sights.

Look out for the ornate Anker Clock, the commanding Rathaus (city hall), the manicured Volksgarten, and the Wiener Minoritenkirche which features a mosaic of Da Vinci’s Last Supper.

Girl in a red dress on a street with Votivkirche in the background

Hundertwasserhaus

Perhaps the most unusual building you’ll see during your Austria road trip, the Hundertwasserhaus was conceived by the artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser and architect Joseph Krawina in 1985.

The concept was to create a space in harmony with nature and highlights include the grass on the roof and the trees that grow freely through the floors. Thanks to its vibrant colors, it’s definitely one of the best Vienna Instagram spots !

Hundertwasserhaus in Vienna

Classical concert

In a city famed for its lineage of classic music, you might want to book tickets to catch a show for yourself. There are various concert halls scattered throughout the Innere Stadt.

Once you’ve confirmed the dates for your itinerary for Austria, check out what’s on at the Wiener Musikverein, Wiener Konzerthaus, and the Vienna State Opera House . The main season runs from September to June.

Schönbrunn Palace

This 18th-century palace and gardens are located southwest of the Innere Stadt. Once the summer residence of the Habsburg royal family, this colossal complex is now the star attraction in Vienna. Queues are always long so I recommend booking a skip-the-line tour of Schönbrunn Palace to save time.

Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna with flowers in the foreground

Hofburg Palace

Another palace for your list, this one was built during the 13th century and has been restored and expanded in the following centuries. Originally the winter home of the Austro-Hungarian Empire leaders, the property is now the office of the Austrian president.

Hofburg Palace in Vienna

Vergnügungspark

One of the most fun things to do in Vienna at night is to visit the Prater amusement park. The star attraction is the giant Ferris wheel which has been rotating since 1897 but there are plenty of other rides to satisfy all thrill-seekers.

Swing at the Vergnügungspark Prater in Vienna

Where to eat in Vienna

  • Honu Tiki Bowls : Colorful cuisine in an equally colorful setting! You can select one of the signature bowls or customize your own. There are plenty of options to satisfy vegans, carnivores and seafood lovers.
  • Das LOFT : Dine high above the rooftops of Vienna at this upscale restaurant that serves contemporary Viennese dishes, quality wines, and delectable cocktails. They’re also open for breakfast.
  • Café Anzengruber : Located in the foodie haven that is Wieden, the 4th District, this is one of the best places for authentic schnitzel, goulash, and other traditional Austrian plates you must try during your 10 days in Austria.
  • Restaurant Ofenloch : Another option for classic Austrian food this time in the heart of the Innere Stadt. This historic venue has an irresistible ambiance and an expansive menu. 

Day 3: Vienna to Hallstatt

Pick up your rental and ready your playlist, your Austria road trip officially begins today as you journey into the mountainous state of Styria! The total drive time to today’s final destination, Hallstatt, is around 5 hours and the distance is 340 km (211 miles).

But you will stop along the way before reaching your hotel in Hallstatt so allow extra time to visit the destinations listed below.

Once in Hallstatt, you will need to book 2 nights of accommodation. Refer to the next day if you want to learn about my recommendations for where to stay in Hallstatt!

Grüner See

Driving time: 2 hours and 15 minutes (175 km/110 miles) from Vienna to Grüner See

Leaving the city behind, Grüner See in an unbelievably beautiful pool of water formed by the snowmelt of the surrounding karst mountains. Translating into ‘Green Lake’, the water is an ethereal emerald hue.

There is a huge parking lot at the entrance of the lake but since it’s a popular place among locals and tourists alike, it’s better to go early to secure a parking spot. Parking is €6 for a full day (there is no hourly parking option) and you can only pay with cash.

It takes around 20 minutes to reach the lake from the parking lot on a gravel road, the trail is completely flat and very easy. You can walk around the lake in its entirety in around 30 minutes to appreciate the viewpoints and take photos.

There is a small restaurant next to the lake if you need lunch or you can prepare a picnic to enjoy by the water. Note that swimming is not permitted in the lake due to conservation efforts.

Grüner See, Austria

Admont Abbey Library

Driving time: 1 hour and 40 minutes (87 km/54 miles) from Grüner See to Admont Abbey Library

The next scenic stop on today’s journey is a sensational library situated inside Admont Abbey. Stepping into the library feels as if you would enter the library from the Beauty and the Beast !

The archive represents the largest monastic library in the world and the works span architecture, frescoes, sculptures, manuscripts, and printed tomes. Constructed by the architect Josef Hueber, the library hall was completed in 1776.

It registers 70 meters (230 feet) in length, 13 meters (43 feet) in height, and features seven ceiling frescoes that represent the Enlightenment. These were composed by the painter Bartolomeo Altomonte who was 80 years old at the time!

70,000 volumes are stored in the hall while the abbey in total contains around 200,000 books and manuscripts, with some dating as far back as the 8th century AD.

The breathtaking Admont Abbey Library, a must stop on every Austria road trip itinerary

There’s a huge parking lot right next to the Abbey where you can leave your car while you explore the inside.

A ticket to Admont Abbey Library costs €16.50 and it also includes entrance to a bunch of museums such as the Museum of Fine Arts or the Natural History Museum. I’m not a museum kind of girl myself but I really enjoyed wandering around these museums so definitely give them a try!

Depending on how many museums you want to visit, you can easily spend 2-3 hours inside. If you happen to visit at 11 am or 2 pm, you can also take part in a guided tour of the library which lasts for 40 minutes (it’s already included in your ticket price).

Please note that the library only operates on a limited opening time. As of March 2023, according to the official website it’s closed and will be open from April to May between 10.30 am to 3.30 pm and it’s completely closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. From June to October it will be open every day from 10 am to 5 pm. In November you can count on the same opening hours as in April and May. From the second half of December the library is going to be closed.

The official website doesn’t get updated that much so if you want to go for sure, it’s worth calling them in advance about the current opening hours. We almost missed our chance to visit this masterpiece because of the incorrect opening hours on the website so if you want to avoid the struggle, make a call!

Outside of the library, it’s also worth taking a stroll around the beautiful gardens and popping into the Abbey itself (it’s free to visit). Admont itself is situated on the banks of the Enns River right in the middle of the Ennstal Alps so if you have more time, it’s also worth taking a wander around this picturesque town to savor the incredible scenery. 

Girl in a pink skirt inside Admont Abbey Library, Austria

Arriving in Hallstatt

Driving time: 1 hour and 30 minutes (78 km/48 miles) from Admont Abbey Library to Hallstatt

After wandering around Admont and taking in the scenic views, pop back into your car and drive all the way to Hallstatt. It takes around 1.5 hours to reach this fairytale town from Admont. In case you’re not staying directly in Hallstatt, you might need to calculate different driving times depending on where you’ll stay.

Day 4: Full day in Hallstatt 

Hallstatt is a quaint lakeside village located in the mountainous region of Salzkammergut. It is known for its salt mining heritage and historic center which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Hallstatt’s setting on the shore of Hallstätter See (Hallstatt Lake) means that you have arresting views in all directions which really do look like something you’d see on a postcard. This is easily one of the prettiest places you’ll stay during your Austria road trip.

Cars are not allowed in Hallstatt Zentrum. So, you will need to leave your car at the parking lot suggested by your hotel while you carry on with your one day in Hallstatt . 

Panoramic view of Hallstatt from the Classic Postcard Viewpoint, a must visit place on every Hallstatt itinerary

Where to stay in Hallstatt 

As Halsttatt is a small village, accommodation options are limited and it’s essential to book far in advance. However, as you will have your own car you can also consider staying further out of the village in either Obertraun or one of the other nearby hamlets. These are my suggestions for where to stay in Hallstatt for your two nights.

Hallstatt Hideaway

LUXURY – Hallstatt Hideaway

This adults-only resort is located right on the waterfront and comprises a deluxe portfolio of suites that offer lake views. Modern interiors feature a rustic twist and the most decadent options come with additional features ranging from private patios to private spa pools.

Heritage Hotel Hallstatt

MID-RANGE – Heritage Hotel Hallstatt

All rooms and suites at this 4-star hotel provide lake views and are equipped with a private bathroom, coffee maker, and homely touches. The accommodation spans three buildings and there is also a restaurant and sauna on site.

Gasthof Bergfried

BUDGET – Gasthof Bergfried

This centrally located guest house features compact rooms with en suite bathrooms with the option to upgrade to a balcony suite. The property offers a shared relaxation area with a spa and sauna.

Alternatively, if you have a car, you might want to stay a little further out of town in one of the surrounding hamlets. One of the best options is Obertraun, from where you can reach Hallstatt within 10 minutes by car or you can also take advantage of the ferry.

We stayed at  Haus Salzkammergut  on our second visit to Hallstatt and absolutely loved everything about the hotel! Great location, amazing views from the balcony, lovely owners, cute doggie, and delicious breakfast. I can only recommend this place!

In case the hotel is full or you’re looking for something else, you can  check all the accommodation options in Obertraun here .

Best things to do in Hallstatt 

Hallstatt zentrum.

The center of Hallstatt is totally walkable and you can spend the morning exploring the main sites. Roam the Marktplatz Hallstatt with your camera, take in sweeping views from the top of Evangelisches Pfarramt and visit the ossuary (bone cemetery) at Michaelskapelle. You can also walk down to Small Island and head north of the village to appreciate the scenic viewpoints of Hallstatt.

Colorful houses at Marktplatz Hallstatt

Ride the ferry

Whether you stay in Hallstatt Zentrum or Obertraun‎, it is worth hopping on the ferry that connects the two towns in order to experience a different perspective of the river. The crossing takes around 25 minutes.

Hallstatt Skywalk

Ride the Salzbergbahn funicular up to this observation deck that rises 350 meters (1,148 feet) above the village and provides sensational views of the alpine landscape. You can also walk up but it is very steep and takes around 1.5 hours. The compromise is that you ride the funicular up and walk back down!

Girl in a yellow skirt at Hallstatt Skywalk

Salzbergwerk Hallstatt

Take a tour of this 7,000 year old salt mine which includes exploring on foot and by traditional mine train. The mine is only accessible via the 90 minutes guided tour which you can book online in advance to secure your spot. Access to the attraction is also via the funicular so you can plan these two activities for the same time.

Hallstatt Waterfall

A shorter waterfall option: you can walk to the Hallstatt Waterfall from Marktplatz in around 20 minutes. It gushes out from the vegetation and is a great way to warm up for a day of sightseeing or cool down in the spray during summer. 

Girl in a yellow dress in front of Hallstatt Waterfall

Waldbachstrub Waterfall Hike

It takes around 40 minutes to hike to the Waldbachstrub Waterfall from Parkplatz Echerntal or just over 1 hour from Hallstatt Zentrum. This is an easy trail with minimal incline and is a great way to experience the local nature and warm up for some more challenging hikes later in the Austria itinerary.

Gletschergarten (Glacier Garden) Hike

The Glacier Garden is another wonderful hike that you can do from Hallstatt or Parkplatz Echerntal. This assemblage of rocks and streams formed during the last Ice Age as the local glacier receded from the gorge. It takes 2-3 hours to cover the entire complex and it isn’t too demanding.

Glacier Garden in Hallstatt, Austria

Where to eat in Hallstatt

  • Restaurant Rudolfsturm : Located within a medieval tower, this place is worth it for the views alone. The menu is typically Austrian and they also do a great apple strudel. 
  • Restaurant Am See : This lakeside eatery offers charming views and the menu is rich with local dishes and fresh fish dishes. 
  • Pizzeria Kegelbahn : Situated across the lake in Obertraun, this Italian restaurant serves good quality pizza and pasta alongside soups, salads, and Austrian fare. 

Afternoon snack at Restaurant Rudolfsturm Hallstatt

Day 5: Hallstatt to Salzburg 

Today you’ll need to check out of your hotel in Hallstatt as it’s time to head to your next destination: Salzburg! You’re going to have two stops along the way so your driving time will be around 2 hours including both stops.

I recommend starting the day as early as you can as you’ll have some exciting plans for the day!

5 Fingers Viewing Platform (Dachstein)

Driving time: 10 minutes (7 km/4.5 miles) from Hallstatt to Dachstein Krippenstein

Your first stop today is going to be the slopes of the Dachstein massif, a dramatic glacial mountain range that rises 2,700 meters (8,858 feet) in the region south of Hallstatt. Once you reach the summit, you can explore the 5 Fingers lookout, an ice cave, and 360° views.

You can park at the cable car, Dachstein Krippenstein, and then hop on the gondola up the mountain to experience incredible views as you soar. The ticket price depends on which attractions you’re planning to visit, you can check the different options here .

For reference, if you only want to visit the 5 Fingers platform, you’ll need to purchase a Panorama ticket that costs €35.30, while the all-inclusive ticket costs €52.20 which includes a visit to the caves as well.

In a remarkable feat of engineering, the 5 Fingers observation platform protrudes 400 meters (1,312 feet) above the ground below and is shaped in the form of a hand with 5 ‘fingers’ stretching out to grasp the cool mountain air.

Once you leave the cable car at Krippenstein (section 2), you’ll need to hike around 25-30 minutes to get to the viewing platform.

The hike is really easy and well-marked so it shouldn’t be a challenge even if you’re not in the best shape. And the views along the way are out of this world!

5 Fingers Viewing Platform, Austria

Within the same area as the lookout, you will also find the Dachstein Giant Ice Cave. Entering this huge cavern, you will encounter stalactites of all different colors before you catch sight of the massive wedge of ice filling the chasm.

Guided tours of the ice cave last 50 minutes and require a 15-minute walk from the cable car station, Schönbergalm (section 1). If you do want to explore the cave, you will need to dress warmly as the average temperature inside is -2 °C (26.6 °F), even during summer. Make sure you pack layers for your 10 days in Austria!

You can find another cave at Schönbergalm (section 1) called Mammut Cave. It’s known as one of the largest karst caves in the world, hence the name. It takes around 15-20 minutes to reach the cave from the cable car station and as with the Giant Ice Cave, a guided tour lasts for 50 minutes as well.

Depending on how much time you have, you can visit either of the caves or both, or you can just go for the 5 Fingers platform for the panorama – it’s completely up to you!

World Heritage Spiral and Heilbronn Chapel at Dachstein Krippenstein, Austria

Gosauseen 

Driving time: 30 minutes (27 km/17 miles) from Dachstein Krippenstein to Gosauseen

Gosauseen is a cluster of three beautiful lakes located in the Alps of Upper Austria. You can drive to the Gosausee Parking lot and park your car here while you explore, or you can park near the Gosaukammbahn cable car station and ride up to the lakes this way instead if you prefer.

There are a series of hiking trails that connect the lakes and give you the chance to explore phenomenal nature.

The shortest option is to just walk around the first of the three lakes, Vorderer Gosausee, which takes around 1-1.5 hours in total. The more challenging options take you to the middle lake, Gosaulacke, as well as the third and final lake, Hinterer Gosausee.

To visit all three bodies of water, you will need to allow around 5 hours. As the drive time today is around 3 hours, this is feasible if you depart from Hallstatt as early as possible and skip the caves at Dachstein.

If you don’t want to fully drain your batteries, my recommendation is to visit only the first lake and rest a little bit after you arrive in Salzburg.

Gosauseen, Austria

Arriving in Salzburg

Driving time: 1 hour and 10 minutes (80 km/50 miles) from Gosauseen to Salzburg

After exploring the lakes, you’ll need to drive around 1 hour to get to Salzburg, which will be the next destination on your Austria road trip itinerary. Once in the city, you’ll need to stay for 2 nights to be able to spend one full day in Salzburg.

If you need recommendations of where to stay in Salzburg, check the next section for my tips!

Day 6: Full day in Salzburg

Salzburg presses its way up against the border with Germany in Western Austria and affords some of the finest views of the Eastern Alps. The Salzach River flows through the center of the city, with the Salzburg Alstadt (Old Town) resting on the left bank.

As the birthplace of the legendary composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, much of the culture of the city revolves around his lineage.

Fans will no doubt want to visit both Mozart’s Birthplace and Mozart’s Residence and catch a recital while in town. But Salzburg is also abundant in museums, galleries, stately residences, and gardens, restaurants, and shops, and it’s really not a place to skip off your Austria road trip.

You can easily spend one day in Salzburg exploring the delights of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and strolling along the riverside. 

The beautiful Mirabell Gardens that you have to visit even if you have only one day in Salzburg

Where to stay in Salzburg

As with Vienna, it makes sense to book accommodation as centrally as your budget allows. Hotels in Salzburg Altstadt are priced higher and you should expect to pay around €15 per day for parking so do factor that into your plans and budget.

If you stay further out in areas such as Itzling, Maxglan or Taxham then you will find that accommodation rates drop and you can transfer into the city center efficiently via bus.

These are my suggestions for where to stay in Salzburg for your two nights.

Small Luxury Hotel Goldgasse Salzburg

LUXURY – Small Luxury Hotel Goldgasse

All suites at this deluxe hotel are artistically presented and some feature a private terrace. The property is situated in Salzburg Altstadt within walking distance to all the major landmarks and has a wonderful restaurant on the premises. 

Hotel Wolf

MID-RANGE – Hotel Wolf

Colorful rooms are comfortably designed with eclectic furnishings and immaculate bathrooms. The hotel is positioned within a building that dates back to 1429 and is located in the heart of Salzburg Altstadt. A fantastic breakfast is included in the rate. 

Hotel-Flair

BUDGET – Hotel-Flair

Rooms at this budget hotel in Salzburg are clean with plenty of space and each comes with a private bathroom. The property is conveniently located for walking to and from Salzburg Central Station and is a 30-minute walk into Altstadt Salzburg. 

Best things to do in Salzburg

Salzburg alstadt.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Salzburg Alstadt is where you will find the most historic buildings and streets in the city, as well as museums, public squares, shops, and cafes.

You can call in at the shops on Getreidegasse, stroll down Sigmund-Haffner-Gasse, tour Mozart’s Birthplace, or dip into one of the Salzburg Museum institutions. 

Sigmund-Haffner-Gasse in Salzburg, Austria

Mirabell Palace & Gardens

This resplendent palace dates back to 1606 when the prince-archbishop Wolf Dietrich commissioned and gifted the residence to his mistress, Salome Alt. You can explore the sprawling gardens and peer into the public rooms of the estate.

If you are a fan of The Sound of Music then this place will be familiar to you already!

Girl in a floral dress twirling in Mirabell Gardens, Salzburg

Kapuzinerkloster Viewpoint

This viewpoint is accessible via a climb up 260 steps to the Aussicht Kapuzinerberg. Your reward is the scenic views across the city towards Hohensalzburg Castle from the deck and they are worth the effort, I’d say they’re the best in town. 

Panoramic view of Salzburg from the Kapuzinerkloster viewpoint

Hohensalzburg Castle

Ride the funicular up the mountain to get up close to the defining emblem of Salzburg, and one of Austria’s most iconic sights.

Hohensalzburg Castle, the largest fully preserved castle in Central Europe, is home to a portfolio of museums that you can take your pick from. However, it’s the views of the city and the looming alps that more than justify making the journey. 

Panoramic view of Salzburg from Hohensalzburg Castle

Where to eat in Salzburg

  • Imlauer SkyBar : Located on the sixth floor of the Imlauer Hotel, this swanky restaurant is the perfect place to start your day in Salzburg with brunch or wrap up a perfect day of sightseeing with a decadent dinner!
  • Café Bazar : After tackling the viewpoint climb, you can recoup your energy at this historic cafe that looks across at Salzburg Altstadt. Considered the home of artists and poets, the menu spans lunchtime specials, sweet treats, and moreish specialty coffees. 
  • S’Kloane Brauhaus : Slip inside this 400 year old building and you will be greeted with the scents of traditional Austrian delicacies. The friendly staff are on hand to guide you through the menu to find your perfect dish!
  • Lazarte : It might feel odd to dine on Latin American food during your Austria itinerary, but Lazarte delivers the real deal. Add a dash of spice to your trip and experience the flavors of Mexico, Peru, and beyond at this top rated restaurant. 

Breakfast at Imlauer Skybar, Salzburg

Day 7: Salzburg to Zell am See 

The distance from Salzburg to Zell am See via the specified attractions is 120 km (75 miles) and the drive time is approximately 2 hours. Tonight you will need to book accommodation in the little town of Zell am See-Kaprun for 2 nights.

Gollinger Waterfall 

Driving time: 35 minutes (28 km/17 miles) from Salzburg to Gollinger Waterfall

Head to Parkplatz Gollinger Wasserfall where you can leave your car and walk to this remarkable 75 meter (246 feet) waterfall which forms two tiers as it crashes down the cliff from the forest.

Between the months of May and October, you must pay €5 to visit the waterfalls on top of the parking fee which is also €5. You’ll need to drive around 35 minutes to get to the waterfall from Salzburg which makes it one of the best day trips from Salzburg.

There are different viewpoints along the waterfall and you can even hike to the top which I 100% recommend! It takes around 10-15 minutes to reach the lower viewpoint while it will take you approximately 35-40 minutes if you want to go all the way to the top.

The waterfall is super strong so be prepared to get a little bit wet! If you decide to go up, you’ll find a bridge that crosses over the water so that you can get very close to the water spray. It’s recommended to wear sneakers or hiking boots as the trail gets wet and slippery due to the mist.

Gollinger waterfall, Austria

Driving time: 7 minutes (3.5 km/2 miles) from Gollinger Waterfall to Parkplatz Bluntautal

Another day, another magical lake nestled between mountains and forestry to add to your Austrian road trip! Bluntausee changes color depending on the time of day you visit and what the weather is doing, so it might be emerald or sapphire tinted.

You can follow the hiking trail around the perimeter in less than one hour however swimming in the water is forbidden.

Since it’s only 3.5 km (2 miles) from Gollinger Waterfall, you can easily walk from one place to the other but if you’d rather drive, you can leave your car at Parkplatz Bluntautal which is the closest parking lot to Bluntausee. From the parking lot you’ll need to hike for around 30 minutes to reach the lake.

The trail is completely flat so the hike itself is really easy and it goes through a beautiful forest and crosses a crystal clear river. It’s absolutely worth visiting Bluntausee just for the scenery alone!

Bluntausee, an unmissable stop on every Austria road trip itinerary

Hohenwerfen Castle

Driving time: 20 minutes (18 km/11 miles) from Parkplatz Bluntautal to Hohenwerfen Castle

In a country that is overflowing with beautiful castles, this one really takes the biscuit and is an essential sight during your 10 days in Austria! The hilltop fortress of Hohenwerfen Castle has stood in this spot for over 900 years and from the complex, you can look down at the Salzach River and across at the surrounding mountains and woodland. 

Access to the castle is via funicular or a short but steep 25-minute hike. Once at the fortress, you can observe a demonstration of the resident birds of prey in addition to exploring the museums.

There are always a number of temporary exhibitions which change throughout the year and seasonal events are hosted on the grounds. Entrance to the castle costs €10.40 and if you want to take advantage of the elevator, you can buy a combo ticket for €14.40.

Hohenwerfen Castle, Austria

Zell am See-Kaprun

Driving time: 50 minutes (57 km/35 miles) from Hohenwerfen Castle to Zell am See-Kaprun

Today’s final destination is Zell am See-Kaprun, a small town that sits on the shore of Lake Zell (Zeller See). The town is the gateway to the ski resorts and slopes of the Schmittenhöhe mountain that looms over the town and is accessible via cable car if you wish to take in the views.

You can go for a walk or hire some bicycles and cycle along the esplanade that begins at the southwest of the lake and skirts the circumference of the water.

Down at the south corner, you also have the option to rent kayaks or stand up paddleboard and float your way across the lake. There are a number of pretty parks dotted along the lakeside where you can enjoy a picnic and the town has a good spread of restaurants and hotels.

Where to stay in Zell am See

Zell am See-Kaprun is small but it does have a substantial number of hotels and guesthouses. As with Hallstatt, I encourage you to book accommodation way ahead of your Austria road trip and look further out of town if needs be.

Here are my recommendations for where to stay in Zell am See-Kaprun for two nights.

Salzburgerhof Wellness-, Golf- und Genießerhotel

LUXURY – Salzburgerhof Wellness-, Golf- und Genießerhotel

This luxurious, family-run spa, golf, and pleasure hotel offers unique holiday experiences in a beautiful location in Zell am See. Surrounded by a splendid natural landscape, the Salzburgerhof combines 5-star comfort with 4 lilies in the Relax Guide for its spa quality and the culinary pleasures of 3 toques by Gault Millau.

Hotel Neue Post

MID-RANGE – Hotel Neue Post

Only a 3-minute walk away from the Zeller Bergbahn cable car, which provides access to the Schmittenhöhe skiing and hiking area, Hotel Neue Post enjoys an exceptional location in the heart of the old town of Zell am See.

Hotel Glasererhaus

BUDGET – Hotel Glasererhaus

Just a 5-minute walk from the shore of Lake Zell in the heart of Zell am See, Hotel Glasererhaus offers individually furnished rooms, a wellness area, and free WiFi. Most rooms additionally come with a balcony featuring a seating area.

Day 8: Highlights of the Kaprun Valley 

Today you will explore the attractions of the Kaprun Valley before returning to your Zell am See accommodation for a second evening.

Stausee Mooserboden

Driving time: 20 minutes (16.5 km/10 miles) from Zell am See-Kaprun to Kaprun Stauseen Parkhaus

Stausee Mooseroden is one of two high-altitude reservoirs and dams in the Kaprun Valley that resemble fjords. At 2,000 meters (6,562 feet) above sea level, the water is a startling shade of turquoise that contrasts against the circling cliffs and snow-capped peaks.

The dam wall at the Moserboden is 107 meters (351 feet) high and almost 500 meters (1,640 feet) long.

Stausee Mooserboden, Austria

Unfortunately, you can’t drive all the way up to Stausee Mooserboden, so you’ll need to leave your car at Kaprun Stauseen Parkhaus (it’s free) and use the shuttle buses from there.

The parking house has 11 floors and if there’s enough free space, it’s worth driving all the way to the top because that’s the direction you’ll need to go in order to find the ticket office and the shuttle buses. If you park on the lower levels, you’ll need to climb up the stairs to get to the top of the parking lot.

Once you purchase your ticket, you’ll need to get on the shuttle bus which will take you to a very cool open-air lift. This is the largest open lift in Europe and it will take you up on the 431 meters (1,414 feet) incline within minutes.

After that, you’ll need to board another shuttle bus which will take you all the way to the reservoir. The whole process takes around 45 minutes and a return ticket costs €28 per person.

During your exploration, you can follow short hiking trails to get a full perspective on this dramatic landscape from the surrounding viewpoints. If you’re up for a challenge, you can also try some of the via ferrata routes but for that, you’ll need to have the proper gear.

If you want something easier, you can just hike up to the upper viewpoint which takes 10-15 minutes and it’s fairly easy. The route is quite narrow and steep so it’s best to wear sturdy shoes and watch out for your steps.

Stausee Mooserboden, Austria

Sigmund-Thun Klamm

Driving time: 6 minutes (4.5 km/3 miles) from Kaprun Stauseen Parkhaus to Sigmund-Thun Klamm

Once you’re reunited with your rental you can drive 5 minutes along the road to the next attraction on your Austrian road trip itinerary.

Sigmund-Thun Klamm is a stunning ravine with an excellent wooden track that lets you walk past the water that thunders through the narrow chasm before culminating in a massive waterfall that falls like a veil.

You’ll find a couple of parking lots near Sigmund-Thun Klamm, the closest one is right at the crossing of Kesselfallstrasse and Klammweg. Once you park your car, you have to follow Klammweg and around 5 minutes later you’ll come across the ticket office which marks the entrance of Sigmund-Thun Klamm (an entrance ticket costs €6.50).

It takes around 20-30 minutes to go through the gorge and it’s important to note that the wooden track is one way only, you will have to take another road to get back to your car.

Wooden stairway at Sigmund-Thun Klamm, Austria

At the end of the trail you will reach another gorgeous lake called Klammsee that you can then complete a lap around. The lake is quite small and the trail around the lake is only 1.8 km (1.1 miles) so you can walk around the whole lake in 30 minutes.

All in all, you should factor around 1.5-2 hours to fully explore Sigmund-Thun Klamm and Klammsee together. There are few places where you can experience such an extraordinary spectacle of nature and it’s worth taking the time to complete the full route.

Klammsee, Austria

Alpine Coaster Maisiflitzer Kaprun

Driving time: 6 minutes (4 km/2.5 miles) from Sigmund-Thun Klamm to Alpine Coaster Maisiflitzer Kaprun

The next item on today’s agenda isn’t one for the fainthearted but it’s great fun! The Alpine Coaster Maisiflitzer Kaprun is essentially a rollercoaster combined with a toboggan.

Once comfortable in your two-seater sled, you will charge down the track reaching speeds of up to 40 km/h (25 mph), and screaming is fully acceptable.

The ride is open year-round and you can opt for a single ride for €14 or pay for 5 for €59.50.

Dinner at Mitterberghof Jausenstation

Driving time: 25 minutes (15 km/9.5 miles) from Alpine Coaster Maisiflitzer Kaprun to Mitterberghof Jausenstation, then 15 minutes (9 km/5.5 miles) back to Zell am See-Kaprun

After a fairly strenuous and hair-raising eighth day of your Austria road trip, you might just want to flop into your hotel bed. However, if you can summon the energy to drive a little bit more, this awesome restaurant is worth the 15-minute drive, especially on a balmy evening.

From the outdoor dining terrace, you can drink up views across the Kaprun Valley and Zeller See. Although, on overcast days you might be seated above the clouds!

You’ll find wholesome Austrian fare on the menu as well as an excellent variety of desserts. The restaurant is actually part of a family-run inn and you could even choose to stay here rather than in Zell am See if you prefer.

In case you’re not hungry or you have other dinner plans, it’s still worth driving up to the restaurant for the view alone.

Dinner at Mitterberghof Jausenstation, Austria

Day 9: Zell am See to Mayrhofen 

The journey time from Zell am See to Mayrhofen via the below attractions is just shy of 2 hours, and the distance covered is 100 km (62 miles). You will need to book one night of accommodation in Mayrhofen for the penultimate evening of your Austria road trip itinerary.

Krimml Waterfalls 

Driving time: 55 minutes (55 km/34 miles) from Zell am See-Kaprun to Krimml Waterfalls

If you were impressed by the ravine yesterday then just wait until you clap your eyes on what is said to be the highest and most powerful waterfall in Europe!

You’ll find plenty of parking lots near the Krimml Waterfalls, the closest one is P4 so if you find free space there, go for it! There is a small tunnel going under the main road right next to the P4 parking lot, you’ll need to follow this road to get to the ticket office.

An entrance ticket costs €10.20 and if you want to visit the nearby Water Worlds Krimml museum as well, you can purchase a combo ticket for €13.90.

The Krimml waterfalls tumble over several layers and you can decide how far you want to hike. The first viewpoint is accessible via a 15-minute walk from the parking and this alone is impressive.

However, if you want to walk all the way to the summit of the falls, it will take 2-2.5 hours to complete the 380 meters (1,250 feet) hiking trail, and then you’ll need to climb back down so factor in a 5-hour round trip. It does get steep and slippery due to the spray, so excellent hiking boots and a reasonable level of fitness are required.

Aerial view of Krimml Waterfalls, Austria

Driving time: 55 minutes (44 km/27 miles) from Krimml Waterfalls to Mayrhofen

After an intense morning, you can look forward to checking into your hotel in Mayrhofen and taking a leisurely afternoon. It’s a further hour to reach Mayrhofen from the waterfalls if you take Gerlos Strasse.

Since this is a private road, you’ll need to pay €11 per car for the road usage. Sometimes this road gets closed due to weather circumstances so it’s worth checking it in Google Maps in advance before you go in that direction.

If the road is closed or you don’t want to pay, you can take a detour and use another road to get to Mayrhofen, but it will take you 2 hour and 15 minutes this way.

Situated in the Zillertal Valley, in the province of Tyrol, Mayrhofen is another feeder town for the local ski resorts. You can ride the gondolas from the town up to the resorts where you’ll find loads of hiking trails if you have the energy, but the views are lovely on their own.

The Pfarrkirche Mayrhofen is a cute church and you can take a stroll along the river in town.

Mayrhofen, Austria

If you need a restaurant recommendation for dinner, check out Goldkind . They’re the number one restaurant in Mayrhofen according to TripAdvisor and let me tell you, they’re not wrong! The restaurant caters to everyone from vegans and vegetarians to meat lovers.

All the meals we tasted there were super delicious and the prices were reasonable as well (nothing too fancy or expensive). Give them a try, you won’t regret it!

Dinner at Goldkind in Mayrhofen, Austria

Where to stay in Mayrhofen

As a lively ski town, Mayrhofen features a good spread of accommodation options. The following places are all centrally located and provide free on-site parking which is perfect for your one night in Mayrhofen.

Huber's Boutique Hotel

LUXURY – Huber’s Boutique Hotel

This stylish hotel comes with all the luxury trimmings including a pool, spa, and scrumptious breakfast. The top-tier suites feature idyllic freestanding bathtubs and spacious balconies.

Gutshof Zillertal

MID-RANGE – Gut Stiluppe

This beautiful lodge offers a spread of rooms and suites, including ‘Romantic’ and ‘Royal’ themed choices. There is a pool, sauna, spa, and garden terrace where you can unwind.

Brugger ApartHotel

BUDGET – Brugger ApartHotel

Rooms at this inviting hotel are decorated in traditional Tyrolean style with wooden furnishings and feature a balcony, a private bathroom, and a seating area. Breakfast is included and the price is happily affordable.

Day 10: Mayrhofen to Innsbruck 

Can you believe that it’s the final day of your Austrian road trip already? Today your final destination will be Innsbruck but first you’re going to take a little detour to reach one of the most epic viewpoints in Austria.

Once you get to Innsbruck, you’ll need to book a hotel for one night.

Olpererhütte 

Driving time: 40 minutes (25 km/15.5 miles) from Mayrhofen to Parkplatz Schlegeis Stausee (Olpererhütte)

First up on the agenda today is a demanding hike up to Olpererhütte, a mountain refuge that sits 2,388 meters (1,273 feet) above sea level.

Olpererhütte is a 30-minute drive southwest of Mayrhofen. There is a parking lot marked as Parkplatz Schlegeis Stausee where you can leave your car as you tackle the Olpererhütte trailhead which starts a few minutes walk from the parking area.

This is another occasion where hiking boots are essential as the trail is steep and strewn with rocks and even some streams that trickle down the mountain which you’ll have to wade through.

The hike up will take between 2-2.5 hours and then you’ll need to make your way down carefully as well so you can factor in 4-5 hours for the whole hike. This is by far the most challenging hike on your Austria road trip itinerary but trust me, it’s so worth it for the views!

Olpererhütte hiking trail

Once you reach the summit you are rewarded with breathtaking views of the landscape. You can appreciate the scenery from the Panoramabrücke Olpererhütte, which is a suspension bridge that overlooks the valley and turquoise Schlegeisspeicher down below. And of course, you can get a much-needed drink and snack at the hut.

If you do not fancy the hike then you can enjoy a more relaxing walk around the shore of Schlegeisspeicher, or even head straight to Innsbruck and spend longer there.

Ps: Before you think I’m crazy, I just wanted to let you know that I obviously did not hike up to Olpererhütte in a skirt! I was wearing proper hiking shoes with leggings and a top and I just changed to this red skirt at the bridge for the photos. Don’t underestimate this hike and please don’t try to complete it in pretty dresses!

Girl in a red skirt sitting on Panoramabrücke Olpererhütte, Austria

Driving time: 1 hour and 40 minutes (92 km/57 miles) from Parkplatz Schlegeis Stausee (Olpererhütte) to Innsbruck

The final destination on your Austria road trip (or first, if you’ve flipped the itinerary) is the colorful city of Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrol province. Most of the touristic attractions are situated within the Altstadt (Old Town) and you will find monuments, museums, and restaurants galore here.

Notable sights include the 16th-century palace, the Hofburg, and the Roman-style Triumphpforte which was erected in 1765. You can walk along the River Inn or hire a bicycle while a series of cable cars whisk you away high into the Nordkette mountain range which is situated in the Karwendel Nature Park.

If you completed the whole Olpererhütte hike then you’ll probably feel super tired so I recommend just casually strolling around the Old Town and finding a great restaurant for dinner.

My personal recommendation is Gasthof Goldener Adler, which is allegedly the oldest restaurant in Innsbruck. They have a really nice terrace right in the heart of the historic old town and their menu is full of authentic Austrian delicacies.

Colorful houses by the river in Innsbruck, Austria

Where to stay in Innsbruck

Innsbruck is teeming with budget-friendly and luxury hotels and you can find decent deals in the city or elect to stay further afield if you are keeping your rental for the final night. Here are my top picks for where to stay in Innsbruck.

aDLERS Hotel Innsbruck

LUXURY – aDLERS Hotel Innsbruck

Being the tallest hotel in Innsbruck, aDLERS Hotel Innsbruck offers a breathtaking panorama from its stylish rooms. There is also a spa area on the 11th floor and guests can dine at the Panorama Restaurant and Bar on the 12th floor.

Faktorei

MID-RANGE – Faktorei

Sophisticated rooms weave minimalism with a rustic touch and a number are equipped with a balcony. On site you will find a bohemian cafe and a lovely bar where you can toast the end of your trip!

Hotel Garni Römerhof

BUDGET – Hotel Garni Römerhof

Combining modern facilities with a traditional style, Hotel Römerhof enjoys a quiet location only 8 km from the center of Innsbruck. Stylish rooms offer amazing views of the surrounding woods and meadows and there is also a spa area on site.

Planning a trip to Austria?

Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about Austria. I promise, they are just as awesome as this article was!

  • Where to Stay in Vienna: 7 Best Areas & Hotels
  • 2 Days in Vienna Itinerary: The Perfect Weekend in Vienna
  • 19 Stunning Vienna Instagram Spots You Can’t Miss
  • How to Spend One Day in Salzburg, Austria
  • One Day in Hallstatt Itinerary: The Perfect Hallstatt Day Trip
  • Hotel Review: Das Edelweiss Salzburg Mountain Resort
  • Hotel Review: Hotel Post Lermoos, Austria

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The Perfect 10 Day Austria Road Trip Itinerary

8 thoughts on “The Perfect 10 Day Austria Road Trip Itinerary”

Hi, we are planning to visit Austria from 26 Nov- 3rd Dec and kind of follow this itinerary. However, could you please tick-off routes and places to be avoided during this time of the year?

I’ve never been to Austria during that time of year so unfortunately I don’t have any first hand experience to help with.

Some good advice but all of these places can be visited by train without adding to green house gasses. I can only hope that this ridiculous trend of travel bloggers posing in long dresses and skirts is dead soon. Seriously, posing in a flowing dress on a hanging bridge or hiking trail just distracts from your articles. It also clogs up travel spots for the rest of us travelers as we have to wait around while you get the perfect photo. Isn’t this blog to serve other travelers? Help with our trips? You’re doing the opposite. Please. Just stop.

Well, yes, most of these places can be visited with a train but then you’ll need a lot more time and wouldn’t be able to complete this itinerary in 10 days. But if you have more free time, go for it! I’m sorry if the pictures bothered you but at the end of the day, did you find the information on this blog helpful? Did it help you to plan your trip? If yes, you are welcome, if you found it useless, then you can just click away and read another blog. I don’t think that by sharing some pictures I like makes the article unhelpful but again, sorry if you feel that way.

Hi! I have been to Austria a few time and I still learned a lot from this blog. Some I have done before and I totally agree with your suggestions so I trust the many suggestions and ideas that I have not heard of or tried. Thank you for your thorough research and clear, well thought out itinerary. I picked and chose what I liked from it and will definitely use it on my trip in May. Really great job. Glad I came across your page. Thank you. Thank you!

Thank you so much for your lovely comment, it really means a lot and I’m so happy I was able to help you plan your trip. Have fun in Austria in May!

Can You tell me please which time have you visited. Because the flow of waterfalls is insane. To witness the same experience I’m asking your travel month. And yes i love your article so much that everyday i come and read your blogs.

Sure! We’ve been to Austria multiple times but most of these photos were taken on a road trip in the middle of June. Hope that helps!

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50 things you need to know before traveling to Austria

Austria is one of our favorite destinations in Europe . It has beautiful natural landscapes, historic cities, impressive architecture, and fabulous landmarks, and it is one of the best places in the world to explore classical culture and art. Naturally, it is a very popular country among travelers.

In this guide, we will help you plan a fabulous trip to Austria by providing travel tips that allow you to travel easily, and stress-free while making the most of what the country has to offer. And believe us, it has more than enough.

So, and to make this information easy to understand, we created the 50 things you need to know before traveling to Austria while peeking at the best destinations and monuments, how to interact with locals, the best ways to travel, expected costs, ways to save, and much more…

Page Contents

About Austria and the Austrians

#1 With only 83,872 km2, Austria is a relatively small country. Located in the center of Europe, it is landlocked and borders Germany and Czechia to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east, Italy and Slovenia to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the west.

#2 Austria is extremely mountainous, especially in the western regions. Marked by the Alps, more than 65% of the country is at an altitude above 500 meters; the highest point is the Grossglockner, with 3,797 meters of altitude.

#3 Austria is one of the world’s richest and most developed countries, and this is visible everywhere. Not because of the luxury and ostentation but for the organization, cleanliness, and quality of life that is always present.

With a Gross Domestic Product per capita PPP (purchasing power parity) of 60,418 international dollars, Austria is the 14th richest country in the world. In terms of human development, Austria ranked 18th in 2018.

things you need to know before traveling to Austria

How are Austrians like

#4 Despite its small size, Austria has almost 8.9 million inhabitants, of which 1.8 million (2.8 if we include the metropolitan area) live in Vienna, the capital and largest city. All other Austrian cities are much smaller, the main ones being: Salzburg, Linz, Graz, and Innsbruck.

#5 German is the official language, and virtually everyone in Austria speaks German, however, there are some regional languages ​​, such as Croatian, Hungarian, and Slovenian, close to the respective borders. The German dialect of Austria is very similar to the Bavarian.

If you speak some German, even just a few words, it will be greatly appreciated. It also helps a lot when you need to follow basic directions and road signs.

#6 But even if you don’t speak any German, a large part of Austria’s population speaks English. In big cities and tourist areas, then, you won’t have any problems. In some more hidden areas that receive few foreigners, you may have a few more problems, but nothing that can’t be solved.

Austrian National Library - Austria Travel Tips

#7 Be that as it may, we always suggest that you learn some expressions in German, as in almost all other countries, locals like tourists to make an effort to communicate in their language.

  • Hello – Hallo;
  • Good morning/afternoon/evening – guten morgan if it’s morning; guten tag from noon to dusk (but can be used all day); guten abend (after dark)
  • Please – Bitte;
  • Thank you – Danke;
  • Goodbye – Auf Wiedersehen or Tschüss;

#8 Our experience dealing with the Austrians has always been pretty positive. Despite having a reputation for being cold or distant, they are always very helpful and friendly.

They are not Latinos, but they are very attentive, and if they see us having difficulties doing something, they take the initiative to ask if we need help. In this sense, the Austrians are similar to the Germans in Bavaria.

#9 This brings us to one thing that Austrians really don’t like. Never call an Austrian a German, or confuse Austria with Germany. Although to an outsider, there are many similarities (and especially with Bavaria), confusing or mixing Austria with Germany is a serious faux pas .

In short, they speak German, but they are not German 🙂

Colorful houses in Innsbruck

#10 One ​​of the things everyone remembers when talking about Austria is the Habsburgs, the former Austrian royal family. For hundreds of years, the Habsburgs were one of the most influential families in all of Europe, making Austria and, subsequently, the Austro-Hungarian Empire one of the main European powers.

The Habsburgs were also well-known patrons of art and science, and this made Austria and particularly Vienna, one of the main European cities, even rivaling Paris at times.

#11 The Austro-Hungarian Empire was really a huge country that dominated almost all of east-central Europe. This domain ended with the first world war, but many of Austria’s main tourist attractions and monuments were created during this time.

Austria-Hungary included (partially or fully) territories of present-day Austria, Hungary , the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Romania , Slovenia, Croatia , and Serbia.

See here for this and other things Austria is so famous for

Hofburg Palace

Weather in Austria

#12 In general, the climate in Austria is continental, with cold and relatively dry winters and hot and rainy summers. In alpine areas, precipitation is higher, and temperatures are lower.

Winters are quite cold throughout Austria, even in Vienna and the Danube Valley, where the average temperature is around 0 degrees. In the valleys, the temperatures are even lower, and in the mountains, much lower.

During the summer, temperatures are pleasant in the valleys and Vienna, but at night it gets quite cold. In Vienna, the average highs reach 25/26º Celsius. Some summer storms with rain and thunderstorms are usual.

What do i need to known before going to Austria

When to travel to Austria?

#13 Austria is a tourist destination all year round, offering interesting winter and summer activities. The high season is undoubtedly summer, especially in Vienna and Salzburg. So, the best time to travel to Austria depends greatly on your purpose.

If you want to go skiing, then it will have to be in winter, preferably at the end, with February, March, and April probably the best months. Otherwise, generally, the best time of year to travel in Austria is in May/June and then in September and early October. Afterward, it can start to be very cold.

In July/August, the temperatures are higher, but it is more likely to get rain, especially for crowds in more touristy places.

Travel tips Austria - Mozart Statue in Salzburg

Is it safe to travel in Austria?

#14 Austria is a very safe country, where you will hardly find crime, let alone violent crime. However, as in all countries, it is necessary to pay attention when on public transport and near major tourist attractions, as scams and pickpockets are always possible.

We never felt the least bit in danger in Austria and always felt quite safe, even walking at night. Our experience in Austria has been nothing but positive regarding safety.

In the Alps, it is necessary to pay special attention to rapid changes in weather, avalanches and not get lost on mountain trails.

Travel to Austria - Go to Vienna Zoo

Travel in Austria

Tourists in austria.

#15 Austria is a very popular destination, receiving millions of tourists every year. With about 32 million international arrivals, it was the 7th most visited country in 2019, generating almost 23 billion dollars. By comparison, Portugal received almost 25 million tourists.

Most tourists in Austria are European, namely from Germany and the Netherlands . The main tourist regions in Austria are Tyrol, Vienna, and Salzburg. As we said initially, it is a popular destination throughout the year, with peaks in winter (February) and summer (August).

UNESCO Heritage in Austria

#16 Austria has 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, some shared with other European countries. Of these ten places, nine are cultural heritage, and only one is natural heritage. You can check the full list here.

In addition to these sites, Austria also has several traditions and cultures that have been considered an intangible heritage of humanity by UNESCO, such as the Spanish riding school, the Viennese coffee culture, and the Schemenlaufen, also known as the Carnival of Imst.

Spanish riding school is one of the main landmarks in Vienna, Austria

Where to go in Austria

#17 At first glance, we might think that the most popular tourist destination in Austria would be Vienna, but the truth is that the region that receives the most tourists is Tyrol. The Tyrol area is popular both in winter and summer, as it is of extraordinary natural beauty. In conjunction with northern Georgia is the most beautiful mountainous region we have ever visited.

If in winter, tourists seek out ski resorts and après-ski activities. Austria has some of the best winter destinations in the world with Kitzbühel Ski Resort at the top of the list.

In summer, there are many incredible walking and cycling trails in the moutains.

#18 Innsbruck is the capital of Tyrol and one of the largest cities in the Alps and, therefore, the gateway to the entire region and the Alps. However, Innsbruck is more than just a gateway.

Located by the Inn River, it is surrounded by mountains over 2000 meters high, and it is a hub for skiing and other mountain activities such as mountain biking and trails. But the city of Innsbruck itself has many tourist attractions, such as:

  • Goldenes Dachl – the golden roof
  • Imperial Hofburg Palace – official residence of the imperial family in Innsbruck and one of the most culturally important buildings in Austria
  • Schloss Ambras – an impressive palace
  • Hofkirche – one of the most beautiful baroque churches in Austria and with the impressive tomb of Maximilian I inside

#19 Vienna is one of the most fascinating European capitals. In terms of architectural wealth, it’s really our favorite. The amount of impressive buildings is incredible, and sometimes it even becomes exhausting because, at every turn, you discover a new museum, a new baroque church, and another historic building or monument.

In our opinion, you should take at least three days to visit Vienna because it really is a city that impresses and concentrates a good part of the most famous Austrian Landmarks.

Innsbruck, one of the most popular cities to Visit in Austria

#20 But in addition to all the monuments, Vienna also has some unique or almost unique characteristics, which end up turning into unforgettable activities for visitors.

Vienna is the capital of classical music, so visiting the Vienna State Opera or the classical music concert is an experience not to be missed, even if you are not a big music fan. Going to the Spanish Riding School and seeing the famous Lipizzans horses is also an amazing experience. In addition to the beautiful building itself, attending a training session or a show is something unique.

Historic center of Vienna

#21 Salzburg is another of the best-known and most popular destinations in Austria. The historic center of Salzburg is considered one of the best-preserved among German cities and has been a UNESCO heritage site since 1997.

There are several imposing monuments in Salzburg, such as the Hohensalzburg fortress, the Mirabell palace, the Getreidegasse, and its typical signs, the Hellbrunn castle, among others.

#22 However, Salzburg (and consequently Austria) is very well known for something completely different, the film and “ the sound of music .”

This famous film was shot in Salzburg and the mountains around it and is one of the reasons why they are so popular and so well known. So if you’re in Salzburg and feel like you’ve been there, that’s probably why.

Beautiful mountain setting in Austria - Everything you need to known when traveling to Austria

#23 Hallstatt is a small village on the shore of Hallstatt Lake. It is one of those one-street villages, but it is one of the most popular destinations in Austria as it is incredibly picturesque, nestled between the mountains and the lake.

Near Hallstatt, we have several other tourist attractions, such as the five fingers viewpoint, the Mammoth Cave, Dachstein ice caves, and salt caves.

Hallstatt is so tiny and popular that sometimes the large crowds crammed into such a small space make a visit during the high season unpleasant. So if you can, go in mid or low-season.

Hallstatt is usually considered one of the most beautiful villages in the world

#24 Graz is the second-largest city in Austria, but don’t think it’s a big city or receives the same tourists as Vienna or Salzburg. It has only about 300 000 inhabitants. It is a historic city with Roman and Slovenian roots and was declared a UNESCO heritage site in 1999.

The city’s main attraction is its over 1000 historic buildings, some of which date back to the Middle Ages. It is a picturesque city and well worth visiting for anyone who likes history and architecture.

#25 Despite all the destinations and activities mentioned above, the great landmarks impress us most in Austria. Most of these are from the imperial period, but there are also some natural and from other periods. The best known is the aforementioned Schonbrunn Palace on the outskirts of Vienna, but there are dozens or hundreds of monuments worth visiting in Austria.

In collaboration with some bloggers, we made an article exclusively about the most famous Austrian landmarks . When planning your itinerary, don’t forget to try to include as many monuments as possible on this list. It is well worth it.

Schonbrunn Palace in Austria - Travel information

What to eat in Austria?

#26 Despite being a rather small country, Austria has an incredible variety of traditional dishes that have been influenced by a wide variety of Central European cuisines. This diversity comes mainly from the time of imperial Austria when they, directly and indirectly, dominated a large part of central Europe.

Thus, some of Austria’s most popular dishes are shared with its neighbors, while others were heavily influenced by each of the lands of the former Austro-Hungarian empire and sometimes even further afield.

#27 In this article, we will not differentiate between Austrian and Viennese cuisine, however, they are considered two different cuisines. Viennese cuisine shares many characteristics with Austrian cuisine, but it developed separately and with some peculiarities of its own.

Viennese pastries and Schnitzel are some of the most popular dishes in Viennese cuisine, but in this article, we are not going to differentiate their origin but talk a little about the foods not to be missed in Austria.

roasted ham

Typical dishes to eat in Austria

#28 The Viennese schnitzel is Austria’s national dish, and eating it in Vienna is one of the experiences not to be missed. Its origin is unknown, but it is understood that it was not invented in Austria. However, it has become the most popular dish in the country.

A Schnitzel is a dish made with a slice of meat, breaded and fried. The meat is normally pounded to make it thin and tender. The Viennese schnitzel uses veal ribs, which should be very tender and extend throughout the dish. The outer, breaded part should be crispy.

Wiener Schnitzel

#29 Another extremely popular dish in Austria is Tafelspitz. So popular that it is also sometimes considered the national dish. It is well-known for being one of the emperor’s favorite dishes, but it is a very simple dish.

Tafelspitz consists of beef cut into slices and cooked in a spice and vegetable broth. It is served with chopped apples and horseradish or sour cream with chives. It is a dish with a lot of substance and of humble origins, but it has become one of the mainstays of Austrian food.

#30 In terms of sweets, apfelstrudel is probably the most popular dessert in Austria and other countries in the Austro-Hungarian empire. Essentially, it consists of an oblong pastry with an apple filling. The filling is made with gratin apple, sugar, cinnamon, and bread crumbs (sometimes, it also includes raisins and walnuts). The dough is similar to filo dough in that it is thin, elastic, unfermented, and layered.

This is a very old recipe, there is even a recipe from the 17th century in Vienna’s town hall. Today you can find apfelstrudel in practically every Austrian café and bakery.

apfelstrudel, one of the things to eat when traveling in Austria

#31 The Sacher torte is completely different in content and origin. Franz Sacher invented it in 1832 in Vienna and consists of a dense chocolate cake with two layers of apricot jam between the chocolate icing and the cake. Traditionally it is served with unsweetened whipped cream.

Sacher torte is a Hotel Sacher secret, and the original pie can only be purchased at Hotel Sacher, Cafés Sacher, or online.

Sacher torte in the Sacher Cafe in Innsbruck

#32 The Viennese Café or Eispänner is also very popular. It is a drink served in a tall glass and consists of a double espresso with a good amount of whipped cream on top, which is then covered with powdered sugar and cocoa powder. This is perhaps the most iconic drink of the famous coffee houses in Vienna .

#33 Typical Vienna cafes are really the best places to try Eispänner. First of all, the most typical are beautiful places, very traditional, but full of style. Second, because the drink is excellent. For those who like coffee, it’s an experience not to be missed.

Finally, and perhaps even more important because they have an excellent atmosphere and a very unique culture, where in addition to consuming the products, you should also enjoy the time you spend there, which is why it is also an experience in itself.

It is not by chance that UNESCO declared this culture of the experience of going to these cafes an intangible heritage of humanity. It is often said these cafes in Vienna are the places where “time and space are consumed, but only the coffee appears on the bill”.

We explore this culture a little more in point 16 of this article about Austria

How to travel in Austria

Money and costs of traveling to Austria

Currency, withdrawals, and payments.

# 34 Austria is a founding member of the Eurozone , so if you come from another Euro country, you won’t have to worry about currency exchanges and exchange rates. You also don’t have to worry about currency exchange costs. You can withdraw money or make payments without any foreign currency charges.

#35 However, despite not having exchange commissions to pay, it doesn’t mean that you don’t pay commissions at ATMs, as there may be ATMs that charge per withdrawal. To avoid this cost, you can simply make payments directly with a debit/credit card.

So, our suggestion to save on commissions and similar is to use a Eurozone (if possible) card to make all possible payments. If you need to withdraw money, withdraw as much as possible and pay attention to the information on the screen as it is mandatory by law to come there with cost information.

Tips to travel in Austria

Costs of traveling in Austria

#36 One of the things you need to know before traveling to Austria is that it is a very expensive country to travel to, almost on the level of Israel , the Netherlands, and the Nordics. It is, therefore, much more expensive than Portugal or Spain , and it doesn’t even compare to most Eastern European countries. Since the average cost of living is also one of the most expensive in Europe, almost all day-to-day expenses are a little more expensive than elsewhere.

It is difficult to predict how much you will spend per day, as it depends a lot on what type of traveler you are. In our experience, almost always as backpackers, we have spent around 60 Euros per person per day. However, it is quite easy to reach 150 or 200 Euros a day without splurging too much because, in high season, the prices increase greatly in the most popular places.

#37 As with most places, accommodation is one of the biggest slices of travel costs. A bed in a cheap hostel in Vienna or Salzburg will cost at very least 20 Euros a day in Austria. While a room for two in a cheap hotel will cost 50-100 Euros, an average hotel can cost between 100 and 200 Euros, and a luxury hotel hardly ever costs below 200 Euros a day. These prices may be even higher at the peak of the high season.

In Austria, we suggest you use booking.com to book accommodation as it has an immense variety of hotels, guest houses, hostels, and even local accommodations, at the best prices.

what to know when travelling to Austria

#38 One of our favorite ways to save a few bucks is to eat only one restaurant meal per day, opting for another fast-food (not necessarily pizza or hamburger), street food, or supermarket for the other meal. It’s a kind of 3 in 1, you save money, you waste less time, and you can go to the supermarkets to see what the locals usually buy.

#39 As we said before, one of Austria’s biggest attractions is the museums and famous historical monuments . However, practically all these places have paid admission, and the tickets tend not to be cheap at all, so they accumulate, and at the end of the week, they weigh on the budget.

Obviously, we are not suggesting that you do not visit them, if you are going to a destination, it is also to see the attractions, but you should bear this in mind when you are planning the trip so as not to be surprised. The main cities, namely Vienna and Salzburg, have city cards where you can save some money (and time too) if you are thinking of visiting a lot of monuments. In this sense, the Vienna one allowed us to save at least 50 Euros per person.

Gardens of the Schonbrunn Palace | Things to known before going to Austria

How to travel in Austria

Public transport.

#40 Due to its central location, Austria has many transport links throughout Europe, both by land and air. It is very easy to catch trains and buses to Vienna or Salzburg.

There are many air routes from all over Europe to the main Austrian cities, including low-cost flights. To search for the best option, we usually use the site rome2rio because, in addition to providing us with options with different means of transportation, it also gives us an estimate of time and price.

#41 If you can’t find any cheap flights to Vienna, we suggest you also look for Bratislava, Slovakia. The Slovak capital is located on the border with Austria, about 20km from Vienna.

charmig village of Hallstatt

#42 The best way to travel to Austria will completely depend on the type of trip you are doing. In the center of some cities, it is a bad idea to drive. For example, driving to Salzburg was a mistake we won’t make twice, and even in Vienna, we simply parked the car and never picked it up again until we left the city.

But driving through the Alps is amazing! The freedom to go wherever we want, stop wherever we want, drive on those mountain roads, and go to small lakes and natural monuments is spectacular.

#43 The public transport network in Austria is of excellent quality. Only Vienna has a metro, but the other cities have well-developed urban transport.

If you’re thinking of traveling only in urban areas, you don’t need a car as in general urban transport works quite well in practically all cities and is relatively cheap (or at least much cheaper than any other option).

Public transport is very punctual, and buying tickets in advance, in machines or kiosks, is usually necessary. As in Switzerland, train trips through the Alps are very popular because they are beautiful, but sometimes a little expensive. Buses are much cheaper, but the journey is not as exciting.

Everything about Austria

Rent a car and drive in Austria

#44 When planning your trip, ask yourself if you really need to rent a car and check if there are good alternatives. If you are planning a more urban trip, it is likely that a car is not necessary and can even become a source of costs and problems.

If you decide to travel by car, note that costs can quickly add up. If you don’t have your own car you have to:

  • Rent a car – count on 200 Euros per week, at least.
  • Mandatory Insurance – Nothing you can do to avoid it;
  • Paying for fuel – which is very expensive in Austria;
  • Pay tolls – To use motorways in Austria you have to buy a vignette at the border or at the post office. The vignette allows us to drive on any motorway during its validity period. The 10-day ticket costs around 10 Euros, which turns out to be much cheaper than in most other European countries.
  • Parking – in addition to being very difficult to park in large cities and historical centers, it is quite expensive. Don’t overlook this cost.

#45 In general, driving rules in Austria are similar to those in Western Europe, so driving is not a big problem. You drive on the right, and your. The right priority rule also exists in Austria. At roundabouts, priority is given to whoever is on the roundabout, but this is practically always indicated.

Speed ​​limits are a little more permissive than in some countries, with 130 km/h on highways, 100 km/h outside towns, and 50 km/h in urban areas, but all this is very well signposted.

Regarding driving itself, we would say that if you are used to driving at home, you can drive in Austria. Austrians are orderly people to drive, although there are also some people with less patience, especially in big cities.

National library in Austria

Other tips for travelers to Austria

Internet in austria.

#46 All the accommodations you book should have free WIFI access, so this shouldn’t be a big concern, but we always advise you to check the comments about the signal quality.

If you want to use mobile data, you can use the data card of any European country and pay the same amount you pay in the country of origin. So, if you have data in Portugal, you have data in Austria and the rest of the EU.

Cleaning / Pollution in Austria

#47 Generally speaking, Austria is one of the cleanest countries we’ve ever traveled to. It’s not Luxembourg , but it’s close by. There are, of course, exceptions in some areas in the larger cities, but they are smaller and less severe than in most other countries.

On the other hand, in rural areas and parks, everything is exceptionally clean. Nothing to point out here. On the contrary, it is often an example to follow.

What to do in Austria? Going to the Opera

Electricity

#48 Power outlets in Austria are of type C and F, with a voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50 Hz, similar to the rest of Europe. Thus, those traveling from Europe do not need any adapters. If you come from countries with other outlets, we suggest this power adapter.

Documentation for traveling to Austria

#49 As Austria is part of the Schengen area, EU citizens do not need any special documents to travel to Austria. All you need is a valid identification document, which can be a citizen’s card or passport, and a driving license if you want to drive.

Otherwise, click here for more information on how to enter Austria and the Schengen Zone and which nationalities need a Visa.

Gardens of the Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna -  50 things you need to know before traveling to Austria

Austria Travel Guide

#50 If you want to buy an Austria travel guide with this and all the information you need to travel, we suggest the Lonely Planet guide You can buy it by clicking here , or on the image below.

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20+ Austria Travel Tips for First Timers & Must Knows Before You Go

Last Updated: July 6, 2023

*FYI - this post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure. for more info.

Despite its relatively small size, Austria is a country packed to the brim with sights – from majestic mountains and opulent palaces to elegant cities and more stunning cakes than you could ever eat in one lifetime.

… it’s also full of potential culture shocks and silly travel mistakes.

I used to live just across the border in Munich, so over the years I’ve gotten to know Austria fairly well… the hard way! Namely by bumbling around, committing the faux pas and embarrassing myself in the name of research.

But luckily, you’re here just in time to prepare for Austria the easy way – by reading my full list of Austria travel tips, collected over years of first hand experience (and many a starry-eyed day trip from Munich to Salzburg ).

So, from avoiding saucy schnitzels to preparing for naked saunas, here are a few weirdly specific must-knows before you visit Austria. I hope you find it helpful!

travel to austria from uk by car

Save this list of Austria Travel Tips for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

1. Remember: Austria ≠ Australia

We’ll start with a silly Austria tip, and one that I (frankly) cannot believe needs saying.

But from US presidents to famous news outlets , it’s a gaffe that pops up time and time again, so, just to make sure we’re all on the same page… Austria is a country in Central Europe, and completely different to Australia, the Southern Hemisphere country famed for its kangaroos and koalas.

Walk around Austria for even a few minutes and you’ll come across silly souvenirs mocking this confusion, and probably a tour guide or two telling a joke about it.

So, again, before you start planning that Austria trip, make sure it’s mountains, schnitzel and Sound of Music you’re looking for, not the Outback, Didgeridoos, and giant spiders that hide in your shoes.

travel to austria from uk by car

2. Never mistake Austrians for Germans

Just as Austria and Australia are (shockingly) not the same country, the same goes for Austria and its neighbour, Germany.

A very important Austrian etiquette tip I must shout from the rooftops is simply this: Austrians don’t take kindly to being mistaken for German.

So, remember to never say that Germany and Austria are the same, or make jokes about Germans and Austrians being the same. At best, they’ll laugh it off, at worst, you’ll cause legitimate offense.

Sure the two countries share a language and there are (admittedly) similarities, but Austrians are really proud of their country and don’t love it when people just dismiss them as the exact same as Germany, so keep that in mind.

As a Canadian who’s frequently mistaken for American, I totally get it.

travel to austria from uk by car

3. Be sure to add Austria’s nature spots to your itinerary

Now in terms of where to go in Austria, I find that overseas visitors often gravitate towards the country’s most famous cities, Vienna and Salzburg.

But there is SO much more to explore beyond that, especially Austria’s natural marvels, which many overseas visitors miss. In fact, it’s often Austria that Europeans choose for their nature-forward holidays (whether it be for skiing or hiking), so don’t miss out!

Filled with soaring mountains, glimmering lakes, and charming swathes of countryside, Austria is (in many ways) a more budget-friendly version of Switzerland, so I highly recommend extending your time and expanding your itinerary to include at least a day trip or two to take in some of these incredible natural landscapes.

There’s the valleys and waterfalls of Salzburgerland, the alpine majesty of Tyrol’s nature parks, the beautiful lakes of Carinthia, along with more under-the-radar picks like the Bregenzerwald in Vorarlberg (which offers amazing mountains and cute alpine towns).

All that to say – there’s plenty of amazing nature to be enjoyed in Austria, so don’t just limit yourself to cities.

travel to austria from uk by car

4. Seek out new destinations by reading Austrian websites

On that note, if you are open to visiting more offbeat places during your Austria trip, one thing I can highly recommend is doing your research on local Austrian websites.

In my opinion, there’s quite a big difference between the Austrian destinations that international tourists visit and the destinations that domestic tourists visit.

Both are great, but if you want to explore beyond the most famous sights, then reading Austrian blogs to see where locals vacation is a good starting point.

NOTE: This is also a great way to discover more offbeat things to do in individual cities as well. For instance, if I wanted to find more alternative things to do in Graz , I might browse local blogs/event websites to find pop-up events or unique festivals.

travel to austria from uk by car

5. Don’t miss Austria’s Christmas markets

I know that neighbouring Germany is probably the best known country in the world for Christmas markets, but Austria has a fair few incredible gems too, often with far thinner international crowds.

So, if you’re looking for a magical winter destination in Europe, consider pencilling in some Austrian Christmas Markets between mid November to Christmas.

travel to austria from uk by car

6. Learn the basics in German

In terms of which language to panic-learn before your trip, German is the official language of Austria, so that’s what everyone will speak.

In larger cities, it won’t be tough to get by with English, but it may be more difficult in the countryside.

In any case, it’s good to at least know the basics, like…

  • Hello – Hallo (Ha-low!) or Grüß Gott (Grewss-got!)
  • Thank you – Danke (Dahn-keh)

NOTE: The German spoken in Austria can sound very different depending on where you are because there’s a lot of different regional dialects, so don’t be surprised if you have trouble understanding locals (or vice versa). It’s all part of the fun!

travel to austria from uk by car

7. Only rent a car if you plan to do nature trips

If your trip mainly consists of city to city travel, then I’d advise relying on public transport to save yourself the headache of driving.

Public transport is amazing in Austria, so you’ll have no trouble getting around, both from place to place and also within cities themselves.

But, if you plan to do a lot of more offbeat nature spots to see mountains, lakes and national parks, then having a car would be ideal. Be sure to check out my considerations before renting a car in Europe if that’s the case.

Of course, a more convenient alternative would be to book day tours to nature spots from the city you’re staying in – that way you can simply drool in the back seat while you see all the landscapes, without the stress of navigating.

travel to austria from uk by car

8. Get a vignette if you’re driving

If you do plan to rent a car however, one important Austria must-know is you’ll need a vignette.

This is a sticker that you must buy for your car in order to use the country’s motorways. Failure to procure one means an aggressive fine in the mail weeks after the fact. (Ask me how I know that).

IMPORTANT: Make sure this sticker is purchased and adhered to the car before you enter the country because there are automatic scanners that look for them at the border… so you may get fined even if you buy one upon entry. (Again, ask me how I know that)

travel to austria from uk by car

9. Understand that public transport is on an honour system

Unlike other countries which have fare gates and other measures in place to ensure you pay, public transport in Austria works on a very trusting honour system where you are responsible for buying your own ticket, and only need to show it if you are asked to (via random controls).

So, make sure you always buy the right ticket and validate it properly in case you get checked!

travel to austria from uk by car

10. Learn the tricks to saving money on Austrian trains

Train travel is one of my personal favourite ways of getting around Austria. If you are new to train travel in Europe, then be sure to read my step by step guide to get acquainted, and scope out my favourite scenic train rides while you’re at it.

After you’ve decided that you do want to glide elegantly across the country by rail, then there are a few different ways to save money on tickets:

  • Einfach-Raus-Ticket: A group ticket that gives you unlimited travel for a day on all local/regional trains across Austria. The more people you have, the cheaper it works out to be per person. Great for group day trips!
  • Regional Tickets/Offers: Special passes that give you unlimited travel for a day on local/regional trains for a particular region/area. Great for day trips in a smaller area!
  • Eurail: A rail pass that covers train travel across most European countries. Great only in certain instances, i.e. when you are visiting many countries and want flexibility/spontaneity. I explain more in my full Eurail review.

travel to austria from uk by car

11. Sorry – Austrians do not know the Sound of Music

I hate to be the bearer of bad news.

And trust me – as someone who grew up watching the Sound of Music religiously every Christmas, this fact is definitely not one of my favourite things, but here goes…

Austrians do not really care about the Sound of Music. It’s not a classic film for them, they have no nostalgia tied to it, and (frankly) many of them don’t even like it.

So, when you head to Salzburg for your big Sound of Music pilgrimage, just know that your enthusiasm is probably best shared among your fellow tourists, rather than among locals.

travel to austria from uk by car

12. Remember “W” is pronounced like V

In terms of language, a good thing to remember is that the letter W in German is pronounced like a V so if you’re saying any words or names, say it with a “Vuh” sound.

In Austria, the most prominent example would be the German name of Vienna which is spelled Wien, but pronounced “Veen”.

You’ll catch this pronunciation trap in the city’s most popular dish too -Wiener Schnitzel. So remember: if you do decide to indulge in this fried slab of goodness during your trip, order it as a “Veen-uh” schnitzel and not “Weeeeee-ner” schnitzel.

travel to austria from uk by car

13. Avoid catching locals in photos/videos without their consent

Upon arrival in Austria, your first instinct may be to whip out your phone and capture as many of those beautiful sights as possible, to the chagrin of your 52 Instagram followers.

But just a quick note before you do that – Austrians can be very private people who don’t like having their photograph taken without consent.

So, a very important Austrian etiquette tip is to be mindful of others’ privacy and try not to blatantly take photos that might accidentally catch someone’s face head on. 

travel to austria from uk by car

14. Don’t be alarmed if you catch people staring at you

While taking photos of others’ faces is considered very rude, one thing that isn’t is… staring.

To the shock of many first time visitors, Austrians don’t mind staring. So you could very well be sitting on the bus, minding your own business, only to feel the stony stare of a stranger who is (rather shamelessly) staring at you while you just try to peacefully exist.

Can it be jarring? Of course! But don’t worry – it’s just a cultural difference where they don’t consider staring to be a rude practice. Think of it as just them perceiving you (or if it helps your confidence, pretend it’s because you’re wowing them with your stunning face).

travel to austria from uk by car

15. Learn how to tip in Austria

In terms of tips, tipping culture in Austria is definitely not as aggressive as in North America.

For good service you’ll tend to tip 5-10%, usually rounding up to a number that makes sense so if your meal was 45 euro, you might hand them 50. 

What’s worth noting though is that tipping works a little differently here.

For instance, you wouldn’t just leave money on the table after the meal. Instead, you have to tell them how much you intend to pay in total (including tip) as you hand over your cash or card.

So let’s imagine that (including tip), you want to pay 40 euro. In this instance, you would say “40” as you hand over your cash or your card, and then they’ll give you the appropriate change.

If you want them to just keep the change, then you hand your cash over and say “Stimmt So!”, and they’ll know to just keep the whole thing.

travel to austria from uk by car

16. Be prepared for a different style of customer service

Now in terms of culture, it is often said that Austrians can seem cold and direct. I personally haven’t had this experience as much, but maybe I’ve just been lucky. (And tend to surround myself with the drunk ones ).

Anyways, what I will concede though is that Austrian customer service is very different from typical North American customer service.

In contrast to typical North American service which involves being bright, cheery, friendly and hands on, Austrian customer service is usually a lot less animated, and to someone who’s not used to it, it may even seem like you’re being ignored on purpose.

The way I’ve had this explained to me though is that Austrians just really value their privacy, hence why they take such a hands-off approach.

At a restaurant for example, the server will come, take your order and then leave you alone, hence why you need to flag them down if you want anything, because they consider constant check-ins a rude interruption.

So, don’t take ‘colder’ customer service personally – it’s just another one of those cultural differences.

travel to austria from uk by car

17. Prepare for nude saunas and public nudity areas

Another fun cultural difference? The Austrian approach to nudity!

Namely, that they’re very into it.

If you go to a sauna in Austria for instance, it’s very much expected that you go naked (for sanitary reasons), and there’s often designated nude (FKK) zones at lakes and swimming areas as well.

Add on the fairly common occurrence of both men and women alike sunbathing topless, and you have a sure recipe for culture shock. So, if you’re from a part of the world where this kinda bare-it-all attitude isn’t common, just remember it’s normal here, so adapt accordingly.

travel to austria from uk by car

18. Eat as much dessert as humanly possible

An easier thing to adapt to perhaps is the absolutely WONDER that is Austria’s sweet scene.

Truly, Austrians are masters of dessert.

While North Americans will have no doubt heard of strudel or the famous Sacher Torte, there are SO MANY more options than those. My personal favourite is the Esterházytorte which is originally Hungarian but is commonly found in Vienna these days too, or the almighty Kaiserschmarrn, shredded pancakes served with jam or apple sauce.

With hundreds of options and special regional desserts all over, I’d recommend you simply go to a coffee house or bakery and let your senses guide you.

travel to austria from uk by car

19. Try regional specialties wherever you are

While overseas visitors often think of Austrian food as simply schnitzel and not much else, the truth is there’s a lot of culinary variety across the country, so choose your eats accordingly.

For instance, Styria is known for its crispy fried chicken (Backhendl) and delicious pumpkin seed oil. Some alpine regions are also known for their hearty eats like Käsespätzle, bouncy little dumplings slathered with cheese and onions.

Other regions do a lot of fish dishes, others work miracles with potatoes – all to say be sure to try the local specialties wherever you are.

travel to austria from uk by car

20. Don’t miss out on Austrian wine

Despite its proximity to Germany, Austria is definitely more of a wine country than a beer country, so take advantage of all the crisp and delicious wines that they have to offer.

Or better yet – book yourself a trip to a wine region to enjoy it close to the source! South Styria is one of my favourite areas of Austria.

travel to austria from uk by car

21. Try Almdudler

And if you’re looking for a soft drink to try in Austria, make sure you grab yourself a refreshing Almdudler.

Besides being fun to say, it’s a remarkably tasty soda made with alpine herbs, and is often considered the national drink of Austria.

travel to austria from uk by car

22. Don’t order schnitzel with sauce

A proper Austrian schnitzel requires little more than a quick squeeze of lemon juice. Anything more is often considered akin to sacrilege, so keep that in mind before your slather your schnitzel in mushroom sauce (which I fear to admit was actually a common thing I did in Germany).

And for my fellow Sound of Music fans, no, sadly ‘schnitzel with noodles’ is not a thing. Why is it in the song then? I imagine it’s likely because few things rhyme with “potato salad”.

Schnitzel Steinheil 16

23. Bring cash 

While many more places accept card payments these days in Austria, paying with cash is often still the norm, especially for smaller purchases, so having cash is always a good idea, preferably in smaller denominations like 50 euro bills or smaller.

travel to austria from uk by car

24. Prepare to pay for public bathrooms

Another important Austria travel tip is to bring coins with you wherever you go.

That’s because public bathrooms usually charge a small fee of 50 cents or a euro, so make sure you have some coins with you in case of an emergency.

travel to austria from uk by car

25. Do not jaywalk

In Austria, the only crime worse than saucing up your schnitzel is crossing the street when you’re not supposed to.

No – really – jaywalking is not only illegal in Austria, it’s actually enforced (albeit kind of randomly), so err on the side of caution and avoid it if possible.

travel to austria from uk by car

26. Remember that most shops are closed on Sundays

Last but not least, a very important Austria travel tip if your visit coincides with a Sunday is that Sundays are considered a day of rest in Austria so shops (including grocery stores) are closed.

That said, be sure to stock up on any shopping before Sunday, although in a pinch, bakeries, restaurants, gas stations and shops in transit hubs will usually still be open.

travel to austria from uk by car

I hope this list of Austria travel tips was helpful!

If you’re here after all those Austrian travel tips, congrats – I’m beyond proud of you! Hopefully by now, you’ll feel much more prepared for your big Austria trip, but if you have any more questions, let me know in the comments.

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Importing a vehicle to Austria

When importing a vehicle in to Austria, especially from the UK; what must I consider?

Firstly, there is a difference between importing a vehicle from within the EU and from outside the EU (e.g. the UK). In both cases the NoVA Normverbrauchsabgabe The Normverbrauchsabgabe (NoVA) is a one-off fuel consumption tax to be paid at your local tax office when importing a car previously on foreign number plates. tax must be paid; however, if importing from a non-EU country certain further customs formalities will need to be completed, which is not the case for an EU country.

Note: Different treatment may apply to vehicles registered in Northern Ireland!

The NoVA tax is a standard consumption tax that is specific to Austria. When importing a vehicle from outside Austria, this one-off tax must be paid before a vehicle can be registered. The amount you pay depends on the WLTP CO 2 emissions of the vehicle above a certain threshold (102 g/km in 2023 for private vehicles). NoVA is also paid on new vehicle registration in Austria.

There are different NoVA calculations for vehicles directly imported from the EU/ EEA EEA The European Economic Area (EEA) consists of the 27 EU Member States as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. The United Kingdom is not part of the EEA . where they were first registered there: “For motor vehicles imported directly from a Member State of the European Union and previously registered in the rest of the Union, the NoVA must be calculated on the basis of the legal situation in force in Austria at the time of first registration in the rest of the Union”

It is worthwhile doing a rough calculation of the NoVA BEFORE importing the vehicle to see if it is worth importing the vehicle in the first place.

Note 1:  The NoVA calculations also affect the road tax element of the annual insurance premiums.

Note 2: Please ensure it is the WLTP CO 2 value as some dealers (eg. in Germany) have been known to show different values which does affect the calculations.

Items required for registration

In order to register the vehicle, you will need the vehicle registration details (e.g. UK V5C), EU Certificate of Conformity and an up to date official valuation or invoice for the vehicle. You should get these from a main dealer in the UK. Of course, you will need valid insurance and where appropriate a valid certificate of roadworthiness (e.g. UK MOT) to drive the vehicle to Austria.

Please ask a UK main dealer if they are also able to supply a German Language version of the EU Certificate of Conformity as this may help matters in Austria. Be advised, they may charge a fee for this and do this BEFORE you leave the UK. You will need the WLTP CO2 emissions for the vehicle.

Austrian book values on vehicles tend to be higher, so you are advised to get a recent valuation from the country where you are importing the vehicle from.

Where the vehicle does not have an EU Certificate of Conformance, then this can be obtained via an independent Sachverständiger in Austria (one member paid 2K EUR for this).

Note : UK Green Card insurance is typically valid for 90 days in the EU.

Customs Formalities

When moving your main residence to Austria you have 1 month to register a vehicle in Austria. If your main residence is outside Austria, you have 12 months to register the vehicle. When importing the vehicle from outside the EU, you must complete the customs forms (links below)

The relief from having to pay tax and duty on personal belongings is only valid up to 12 months from the point you move your main residence to Austria.

Importing vehicles from outside the EU after the 12-month period will incur addition cost (Duty etc)

Austrian Approval Database

Before registering imported vehicles with EU type-approval; the vehicle details must be entered in to the Austrian Approval Database. This can be done by a General Importer or the Technical Test Centres of the relevevant Provincial Government department and should cost a maximum of €180 (2023). More details on this link

Vehicle Roadworthiness Certificate (Pickerl)

The vehicle will need a Roadworthiness certificate to be insured. For UK vehicles particular attention needs to be paid to things such as headlamps which either need to be adjusted (best case) or completely replaced (increased cost). Beam benders are unlikely to be accepted. Fog lights might also need to be replaced if they are only on one side.

Depending on the time of year you import the vehicle at, you may also require winter tyres .

Licence Plates & Insurance

One key difference with vehicle licence plates in Austria compared to the UK is that they are issued by the insurance company as opposed to an organisation such as the DVLA. No insurance, means no licence plates.  Licence plates are also district specific, if you move districts you will need a different licence plate.

Austrian vehicle insurance typically costs a lot more than UK car insurance. The coverage is different (eg. Any driver) but costs can be considerably higher and an element of the annual premium is based on the CO 2 values.

Other Considerations

Owners should consider all the costs/effort and work out whether it is beneficial to import a vehicle in the first place BEFORE driving it to Austria. In some case it may be beneficial to use a specialist broker to help with the paperwork.

Vehicle prices in Austria tend to be higher than countries such as the UK. However, the second-hand market for Right Hand Drive (RHD) vehicles is quite low here.

Driving a right-hand drive vehicle can also be a pain in certain situations (e.g. entering car parks with barriers)

  • Classic Cars (Oldtimer)

There are special rules for importing Classing Cars (Oldtimers) in to Austria. In general they need to be over 30 years old and in the original state. There are also restrictions on their usage (e.g. maximim use of 120 days per year for cars, 60 days for motorbikes). These are exempt from the NoVA, but are subject to import tax. More details on the OeAMTC website.

Useful Links

  • Driving a vehicle with Foreign Plates
  • Importing vehicle for personal use
  • NoVA (Standardised Consumption Tax)
  • BMF NoVA online calculator (DE)
  • BMF NoVA information (DE)
  • NoVA 2 Forumula (DE)
  • BMF Transferring place of residence non-EU
  • OeAMTC Self Import (DE)
  • Durchblicker Insurance Comparison
  • Certificate of Conformity
  • Motorway Vignette

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  • Things to Do
  • Skiing and Winter

Skiing in Austria by Car

Budget-conscious but ski-addicted? Journalist Rob Rees shows you how to avoid airline aggro, save money, and discover new resorts to keep your skiing adventures fresh.

Last season we chose to avoid the duplicitous airline fees, the messy service and crowded terminals by driving to the Austrian Alps. If you have your own skis and there are at least three paying passengers, driving works out cheaper . It takes a bit longer, but if you split the driving that's two 2-hour stints each and you'll be dropping down the Fernpass into the Inn Valley sooner than you can say "Auf Wiedersehen".

Taking a car allows you to pack everything you need for all skiing weathers (15 kg / 33 lbs is "minimalist" for an airline skier), and there's no hanging around for trains, overpriced taxis or those non-sensical, 4 a.m. charter coaches to and from the package holiday airport. The best bit is that the car enables you to stay cheaper in the valleys, opening up a wide choice of surrounding resorts each day.

You can easily put together your very own Ski Safari and discover little-known, uncrowded local resorts where lift passes can be up to 30% cheaper than the mega resorts. Keep saving too. Top up with hypermarket drinks for the guesthouse, buy DIY lunch delicacies for the rucksack, and you'll still have enough for those obligatory Austrian post-slope beers and dancing on tables in your ski boots.

Basic Logistics

Crossing the Channel: Time-wise, the Eurotunnel wins, taking you from Dover to Calais in just 35 minutes, but the clever parties go to Dunkerque via the Norfolk Line ferry and get going east to pick up the free Belgian/German motorways. It takes a little longer at one hour and 50 minutes but it avoids the drive to Belgium and crowds in Calais.

Satnavs with European maps preloaded make this a doddle now, although be aware of their natural tendency to direct you down the paying autoroutes of France via Lille to Austria. Get the route right and you do not pay a penny getting to Austria via Belgium, Holland and the German autobahns. Exiting the Eurotunnel, head northeast and follow signs to Dunkerque/Oostende, then to Ghent, Brussels, Leuven, Genk and onto Aachen, briefly into Holland. Then aim for Kerpen (Michael Schumacher's hometown!), Koblenz, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Ulm, Kempten and Reutte, then finally over the Fernpass by Imst into Tirol (ski in the Zugspitz Arena resorts of Lermoos and Ehrwald, if you have time!).

Driving Check List

  • A roof box is always a good idea if you are taking your own skis, boots, poles, and boards.
  • Take your car documents (both the driving licence card and your original Vehicle Registration Document ).
  • Check your RAC/AA policy , ensure it has got foreign permissions on it and you know who to ring, in case of breakdown.
  • Pay any excess for European car insurance and get the 1/2 extra drivers on the policy.
  • Get a winter service to cover essential checks before setting out (oil, water, brake fluid, tyre tread, and tyre pressure).
  • Plenty of water, snacks and Euros for those obligatory coffee stops.
  • You must by law carry a GB sticker, a warning triangle, headlamp converters and a high visibility jacket for everyone in the car in Austria. The high visibility reflective jacket must be accessible from inside the vehicle (not kept in the boot) and must be used in the event of a breakdown. Both jacket and triangle must conform to EU standards and the driver should wear a high-visibility vest when exiting the car.
  • Snow chains. You're supposed to carry snow chains in the Alps even if you don't need to put them on. Police can stop and fine you if don't have them. If you can afford it, pop your winter tyres on which give good grip in compacted snow. Motorways and major roads are fine without snow chains. You'll only need to put chains on if there is heavy snow on the mountain passes as the police will often be at the bottom checking. This never seems to stop Dutch caravanners though!
  • A Motorway Vignette (toll sticker) is required when driving in Austria. This is a road tax disk stuck on the windshield to prove that tolls have been paid. Vignettes can be purchased at petrol stations at the border or at the local tourist office or post office, as well as online in advance. They are available for short-term periods or annually. In Germany or Belgium, there are no road tax discs or tolls.

Ski Safari Ideas

You can really break new ground, ski in uncrowded areas (and we did our two safaris at New Year's and February half-term respectively) and feel like you are in your very own secret parts of Austria.

Ski Safari 1: Pitztal Valley and the Tiroler Oberland

Winter in Pitztal Tourismusverband Pitztal media_content.tooltip.skipped

Serfaus Austrian National Tourist Office / Peter Podpera media_content.tooltip.skipped

Skiing at Hochzeiger hochzeiger.com / Daniel Zangerl media_content.tooltip.skipped

TVB Pitztal media_content.tooltip.skipped

Hochzeiger Bergbahnen media_content.tooltip.skipped

Family skiing at Hochzeiger hochzeiger.com / Daniel Zangerl media_content.tooltip.skipped

This itinerary offers snow sure skiing on the 3,440-metre (11,286 ft) Pitztal glacier and the nearby areas of Riflsee and Benni Raich's Hochzeiger in Jerzens, plus day excursions to Nauders, Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis , and Samnaun. The combined skiing on this safari totals well over 500 km (311 mi) with Serfaus offering 160 km (99 mi) and Samnaun opening up the whole of the Ischgl's 200 km (124 mi) Silvretta Arena from the Swiss side. Nauders on the Reschenpass at the South Tirol-Italian border throws in a fun 65 km (40 mi) for good measure. We based ourselves over the busy New Year week near the Pitztal glacier in Plangeross with the ever hospitable Sepp Eiter at Pension Anna. Most of the top ski teams train early season on the Pitztal glacier, prior to the FIS World Cup kick-off in Sölden in the valley adjacent. 2,800 m (9,186 ft) Rifflsee provides four blacks and gentler descents like the valley run blue 1. Combined the two areas offer 49 km (30 mi) of varied skiing. You've an absolute gem in the resort of Hochzeiger , voted by the ADAC - the leading German travel magazine - as the Newcomer Resort in 2010 for its excellent 9 lift infrastructure, 52 km (32 mi) of runs, and overall ambiance. Benni Raich learned to ski here - his Dad was an instructor in the Jerzens ski school - and you can understand why he is such a good all-round skier. The resort has everything from steep blacks, cruising reds, dense forests, and some super huts . To ensure a table, book for a well-deserved lunch at the Stalderhütte , where the table service and traditional dishes are outstanding. Serfaus offers all you need for at least three full ski days, with easy access to the whole area by parking at the Waldbahn lift station, when you drive up from the valley. There are some stunning huts in the Cervosa Alm, Zirbenhütte, and Weiberkessl. Reschenpass, which includes Nauders, Schöneben, and Haideralm, offers an unbelievable value 6-day family ski pass in low season. Nauders is the biggest area and has many wide runs from the top of Bergkastel and some testing descents from Tscheyeck. The best spot for lunch is the lively Lärchenalm.

Ski Safari 2: Carinthia for Lakes and Mountains

Snowshoe hiking in Bad Kleinkirchheim Austrian National Tourist Office / Michael Stabentheiner Bad Kleinkirchheim media_content.tooltip.skipped

Katschberg in Carinthia Tourismusregion Katschberg-Rennweg media_content.tooltip.skipped

Katschberg for families Kärnten Werbung / Franz Gerdl media_content.tooltip.skipped

Winter hiking at Gerlitzen Alpe Region Villach Tourismus GmbH / Adrian Hipp Gerlitzen media_content.tooltip.skipped

Skiing area Gerlitzen Alpe Kärnten Werbung / Franz Gerdl media_content.tooltip.skipped

Skiing on the Turracher Hoehe Turracher Höhe / Peter Maier Turracher Höhe media_content.tooltip.skipped

Winter sports on the Mölltal glacier Nationalpark Camping Heiligenblut / Daniel Zupanc media_content.tooltip.skipped

Skiing on the Mölltal glacier Nationalpark Hohe Tauern Kärnten / Franz Gerdl media_content.tooltip.skipped

This is an altogether different take on a winter holiday staying by the side of a sunny lake in Austria's beautiful Carinthia and driving no more than 45 minutes to access a different resort each morning. In a week, we experienced the complete spectrum of skiing in Bad Kleinkircheim, Katschberg , Gerlitzen , and Turracher Höhe . With the Topskipass Kärnten Osttirol, you can add resorts like Nassfeld-Hermagor and the Mölltaller Glacier, about 90 minutes away, covering 32 ski resorts and over 1,000 km (621 mi) of pistes in and around the lakes. Base yourself by the Millstättersee, more commonly a summer destination, where even in February half-term you can pick up high quality 4-star hotels like the Hotel Post. 25 minutes away is Bad Kleinkircheim or 'BKK', the home region of Franz Klammer. There are 103 km (64 mi) of forested skiing, Franz's favourite Kaiserburg mountain, and some cosy huts such as the Zum Poldl above St. Oswald. When you are done, experience the exceptional Nockberg mountain cuisine and work off some of it (or just lounge about!) in the state-of-the-art Römerbad thermal spa. Nearby Turracher Höhe is one of the most fun day resorts I've experienced. It has steep runs that take your over into nearby Styria from the top of the eastern mountain, a tractor taxi which tows you by rope across the frozen lake and a brilliant bobsleigh track called the "Nocky Flitzer" from the top of the Panoramabahn. You won't find a more enjoyable 38 km (24 mi) of skiing anywhere.

Freeride Nassfeld Nassfeld / Daniel Zupanc Nassfeld media_content.tooltip.skipped

Head further south-west to unlock the biggest Carinthian resort of Nassfeld , with 110 km (68 mi) of sunny runs, sitting at 2,020 m (6,627 ft) on the border with Italy and possessing the longest lift in Austria, "The Millenium Express". Cruising wooded runs such as the 7.6-kilometre (4.7 mi) Carnia red piste to Gailtal and huts galore make this ideal for at least three days. If all this discovery is tiring you out and you fancy a shorter day, then head for an afternoon to Gerlitzen which is the home hill of Villach. Small can be perfectly formed, too, as Goldeck, on the edge of Spittal an der Drau, has the longest black run in the Alps, with 1,600 m (5,249 ft) vertical descent on a 8.5-km (5.3 mi) piste, despite only 30 km (19 mi) of skiing.

Skiing holiday at Katschberg Austrian National Tourist Office / Achim Meurer media_content.tooltip.skipped

But don't miss Katschberg , a glorious drive up the Salzburg motorway. Here, you'll find another gem which is a stone's throw from Lungau and other ski areas like Obertauern and Grosseck-Speiereck. Katschberg has undergone significant development since the first lift was built on the pass in 1959, proudly adding some unusual architecture in the shape of two award-winning apartment blocks, the Premium Apartments Edel:Weiss designed by the Italian architect Matteo Thun. The two towers are covered in a structure made from local larch wood and the shape chosen is a round bodied, diamond rhombus. Beginners and intermediate skiers are well catered for with wide, uncrowded blue and red runs leading down the two sides of the valley. There are two must-dos for the better skiers: firstly, the off-piste trip off the back of the Tschaneck to the Pritzhütte in Gontal, where a warming glass of Zirben schnapps is followed by a rope tow by horse and sleigh back to the main pistes; secondly, dash at full speed straight down the 6-km (3.7 mi) A1 piste on the opposite Aineck side of the valley, all the way down to the village of Sankt Margarethen.

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Austria by road, winter holidays - the austrian way.

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A Northern rail class 142 pacer train at Darlington railway station

Electric cars produce twice as much CO₂ as trains, says rail group data

Rail Delivery Group said it hopes analysis will allow businesses to make greener travel choices

Travelling by train on Britain’s busiest business routes generates less than half the carbon emissions of a battery electric car, according to detailed analysis from the rail industry.

Certain journeys on the greenest, fullest electric trains produce as little as one-fifteenth of the CO 2 per person compared with the footprint of a sole occupancy petrol or diesel car, the data shows.

The Rail Delivery Group (RDG) claimed the data is the industry’s most accurate and granular yet, incorporating train types and occupancy, and said it hopes it will allow businesses to make the greenest travel choices.

However, campaigners pointed out that fares on some of the comparatively greenest rail routes were not cheaper than cars, and the cost of rail travel needed to be addressed.

The RDG said that on average across the top 100 business travel routes, using a diesel or petrol car produced nine times more carbon than going by train. The figure was four times more polluting than a train if driving a plug-in hybrid electric car, or almost two-and-a-half times more if using a battery electric car.

The comparison uses the government’s official figures for average executive car emissions by distance. Battery EV emissions largely depend on the source of electricity , and should decrease with the uptake of renewable energy.

Going from Edinburgh to London Kings Cross would emit 116kg of CO 2 in a diesel car, 31.8kg in a battery car and 12.7kg per person by train, according to the RDG data.

However, single fares on the main operator on that route, LNER, are now £183 without pre-booking , although much cheaper advance fares are available.

Average fuel costs would be roughly £50 for a small petrol car to travel the 400 miles, and significantly less again for an electric car, even after recent energy price rises.

Jacqueline Starr, chief executive of the RDG, said the data would allow businesses to have the most accurate measure of emissions for the 100 most popular business rail journeys.

She said: “We all have a responsibility to reduce our carbon footprint, and the data that we have published reveals that rail is the green choice for travel between our towns and cities.”

Business travel on rail has slipped substantially since the pandemic, accelerating moves towards online meetings and video conferencing.

Rail fares are due to rise by 4.9% across England from Sunday. Michael Solomon Williams, from charity Campaign for Better Transport, said: “Travelling by train is always greener than driving, and it’s getting even greener as more rail routes are electrified.

“It is often quicker too, but what we now need to do is to ensure it is also cheaper. Next week’s rail fare rise will do little to address the rising cost of rail travel.

He added: “Businesses can also do their bit to reduce transport emissions by having a ‘rail first’ travel policy and encouraging employees to take the train when travelling with work.”

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  • Travel and transport
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  • Business tax
  • Spring Budget 2024: Overview of tax legislation and rates (OOTLAR)
  • HM Revenue & Customs

Spring Budget 2024 — Overview of tax legislation and rates (OOTLAR)

Published 6 March 2024

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© Crown copyright 2024

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/spring-budget-2024-overview-of-tax-legislation-and-rates-ootlar/spring-budget-2024-overview-of-tax-legislation-and-rates-ootlar

Introduction

This document sets out the detail of each tax policy measure announced at Spring Budget 2024 and of previously announced measures that will be included in Spring Finance Bill 2024. It is intended for tax practitioners and others with an interest in tax policy changes, especially those who will be involved in consultations both on the policy and on draft legislation.

Spring Budget 2024 will be published on 6 March 2024. The information in the document is set out as follows:

Chapter 1 contains details of all measures that are included in Spring Finance Bill 2024.

Chapter 2 contains details of measures which are part of Spring Budget 2024 but are not in Spring Finance Bill 2024.

Table 1 lists measures in this document without a corresponding announcement in the Budget report.

Annex A provides tables of tax rates and allowances for the tax year 2023 to 2024 and the tax year 2024 to 2025.

Annex B provides a guide to the impact assessments set out in tax information and impact notes.

The government will bring forward a further set of tax administration and maintenance announcements on 18 April 2024. None of these announcements will require legislation in Spring Finance Bill 2024 or have an impact on the government’s finances at this stage.

For an update on previously announced consultations, see the tax policy consultation tracker .

Chapter 1 — Spring Finance Bill 2024

Personal tax, 1.1 income tax charge & rate.

The government will introduce legislation in Spring Finance Bill 2024 to set the charge for income tax, and the corresponding rates, as it does every year.

Spring Finance Bill 2024 will set: 

  • the main rates for 2024 to 2025, which will apply to non-savings, non-dividend income of taxpayers in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland
  • the savings rates for 2024 to 2025, which will apply to savings income of all UK taxpayers
  • the default rates for 2024 to 2025, which will apply to non-savings, non-dividend income of taxpayers who are not subject to the main rates of income tax, Welsh rates of income tax or the Scottish rates of income tax

Income tax rates and thresholds on non-savings, non-dividend income for Scottish taxpayers are set by the Scottish Parliament. The UK rates are reduced by 10 pence in £1 for Welsh taxpayers, and the Welsh rates of income tax for non-savings, non-dividend income are set by the Welsh Parliament and added to the UK rates.

1.2 Starting Rate for Savings Limit

As announced at Spring Budget 2024, the government will introduce legislation in Spring Finance Bill 2024 to retain the 0% band for the starting rate for savings income at its current level of £5,000 for 2024 to 2025. This measure will apply to the whole of the UK.

1.3 Collective money purchase ( CMP ) winding up

The Pension Schemes Act 2021 introduced legislation to allow collective money purchase ( CMP ) pension schemes to operate in the United Kingdom. The government will introduce legislation in Spring Finance Bill 2024 to ensure that the Commissioners of HMRC can accommodate the detailed provisions necessary for the treatment of funds transferred from a CMP scheme in the process of winding up.

Further consequential tax changes will then be made through secondary legislation to authorise payments made during the wind-up process.

The measure will have effect from Royal Assent to Spring Finance Bill 2024.

1.4 Changes to the Capital Gains Tax rate on UK residential property disposals

As announced at Spring Budget 2024, the government will introduce legislation in Spring Finance Bill 2024 to reduce the higher rate of Capital Gains Tax for residential property gains from 28% to 24%. The change will take effect from 6 April 2024. The lower rate will remain at 18% for any gains that fall within an individual’s basic rate band.

The tax information and impact note for this measure provides more information: Capital Gains Tax: changes to the higher rate of tax on residential property .

1.5 High Income Child Benefit Charge threshold

As announced at Spring Budget 2024, the government will introduce legislation in the Spring Finance Bill 2024 to increase the High Income Child Benefit Charge ( HICBC ) adjusted net income starting threshold to £60,000, from the 2024 to 2025 tax year onwards.

The charge will apply at a rate of one per cent of the full Child Benefit award for each £200 of adjusted net income between £60,000 and £80,000, halving the rate at which HICBC is charged. The charge on taxpayers with income above £80,000 will be equal to the full amount of Child Benefit paid.

For new Child Benefit claims made after 6 April 2024, any backdated payment will be treated for HICBC purposes as if the entitlement fell in the 2024 to 2025 tax year if backdating would otherwise create a HICBC liability in the 2023 to 2024 tax year.

This measure will apply to the whole of the United Kingdom.

The tax information and impact note for this measure provides more information: Income Tax: Increasing the High Income Child Benefit Charge threshold .

1.6 Geographical scope of agricultural property relief and woodlands relief from Inheritance Tax

As announced at Spring Budget 2024, the government will introduce legislation at Spring Finance Bill 2024 to restrict the scope of agricultural property relief and woodlands relief to property in the UK. Property located in the European Economic Area (EEA), the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man will be treated the same as other property located outside the UK. The changes will take effect from 6 April 2024.

The tax information and impact note for this measure provides more information: Changes to the geographical scope of agricultural property relief and woodlands relief for Inheritance Tax .

Corporate Tax

1.7 corporation tax rates.

The government will introduce legislation in Spring Finance Bill 2024 to set the charge for Corporation Tax as it does every year, and to maintain the main rate at 25% and the small profits rate at 19%, for the financial year beginning 1 April 2025.

1.8 Additional support for independent film

As announced at Spring Budget 2024, the government will introduce legislation in Spring Finance Bill 2024 to provide additional support for independent films via the Audio-Visual Expenditure Credit.

The Independent Film Tax Credit is aimed at films that have budgets (or total core expenditure) of up to £15 million and that receive a new accreditation from the British Film Institute. The credit rate will be 53% of qualifying expenditure. Qualifying expenditure is capped at a maximum of 80% of a film’s total core expenditure; the most taxable credit a film can receive will be £6.36 million.

The changes will take effect for films that commence principal photography from 1 April 2024 on expenditure incurred from 1 April 2024. Claims may be submitted from 1 April 2025.

The tax information and impact note for this measure provides more information: Corporation Tax: tax relief for independent film productions .

1.9 Permanent extension for higher rates of Theatre Tax Relief, Orchestra Tax Relief, and Museums and Galleries Tax Relief

As announced at Spring Budget 2024, the government will introduce legislation in Spring Finance Bill 2024 for permanent 40%/45% (for non-touring/touring and orchestral productions respectively) headline rates of relief for Theatre Tax Relief, Orchestra Relief, and Museums and Galleries Exhibition Tax Relief. These rates will take effect from 1 April 2025.

The tax information and impact note for this measure provides more information: Corporation Tax: extension to the temporary rates of relief for theatre, orchestra, museum and galleries exhibition tax relief .

1.10 Stamp Duty Land Tax — Multiple Dwellings Relief ( MDR )

As announced at Spring Budget 2024, the government will introduce legislation in Spring Finance Bill 2024 abolishing Multiple Dwellings Relief, a bulk purchase relief in the Stamp Duty Land Tax regime. This change will come into effect for transactions with an effective date on or after 1 June 2024. Transitional rules mean that MDR can still be claimed for contracts which are exchanged on or before 6 March 2024, regardless of when completion takes place. This is subject to various exclusions, for example that there is no variation of the contract after that date.

A response to the 20 November 2021 consultation Stamp Duty Land Tax: mixed-property purchases and Multiple Dwellings Relief is published, as well as the outcome of the external evaluation of MDR , carried out under HMRC’s Tax Relief Evaluation programme .

The tax information and impact note for this measure provides more information: Stamp Duty Land Tax: abolition of Multiple Dwellings Relief .

1.11 Stamp Duty Land Tax — Acquisitions by Registered Social Landlords and Public Bodies

As announced at Spring Budget 2024, the government will introduce legislation in Spring Finance Bill 2024 to amend out of date references and definitions in Stamp Duty Land Tax ( SDLT ) legislation relating to registered social landlords. The government will also introduce legislation to remove public bodies from the SDLT 15% higher rate charge when purchasing residential property with a value of more than £500,000. These changes will take effect from 6 March 2024.

The tax information and impact note for this measure provides more information: Stamp Duty Land Tax: change to rules for acquisitions by registered social landlords and public bodies .

1.12 Stamp Duty Land Tax – First-time Buyers’ Relief: Leases and Nominees

As announced at Spring Budget 2024, the government will introduce legislation in Spring Finance Bill 2024 amending the rules for claiming First-time Buyers’ Relief from Stamp Duty Land Tax.

The changes will mean that individuals who purchase new leases using nominee or bare trust arrangements will be able to claim the relief and ensure that individuals who have used such arrangements in the past are unable to claim the relief on future purchases made in their own name.

The changes will take effect from 6 March 2024. Where contracts are exchanged on or before 6 March 2024, transitional rules may apply subject to conditions.

The tax information and impact note for this measure provides more information: Stamp Duty Land Tax: First-Time Buyers’ Relief .

1.13 Energy Profits Levy – Energy Security Investment Mechanism

As announced at Spring Budget 2024, the government will introduce legislation in Spring Finance Bill 2024 to provide for the Energy Security Investment Mechanism ( ESIM ).   

The detail and application of the ESIM were announced in a Technical Note at Autumn Statement 2023.

The tax information and impact note for this measure provides more information: Energy Profits Levy: Energy Security Investment Mechanism .

1.14 Economic Crime Levy

The Economic Crime (Anti-Money Laundering) Levy was announced at Spring Budget 2020 to raise approximately £100 million per annum to tackle money laundering and deliver economic crime reforms.

Levy receipts for the first period between April 2022 and March 2023 show a shortfall against the levy’s target of raising £100 million per year. The government’s policy objective is to mitigate this shortfall, putting funding for measures to tackle economic crime back on a sustainable footing. 

The government will increase the charge paid by very large businesses with UK revenue greater than £1 billion, and which are regulated for anti-money laundering purposes, under the Economic Crime (Anti-Money Laundering) Levy (the levy). The charge for these entities will rise from £250,000 to £500,000 per annum, from tax year 2024 to 2025 onwards. Amounts are payable following the end of each financial year.

There will be no change to the charge for small entities (which remain exempt), medium entities (which will continue to pay £10,000), or large entities (which will continue to pay £36,000).

The tax information and impact note for this measure provides more information: Economic Crime Levy: increased charges for very large entities .

1.15 Changes to anti-avoidance legislation: Transfer of Assets Abroad Provisions

As announced at Spring Budget 2024, the government will introduce legislation in Spring Finance Bill 2024 so that individuals cannot bypass anti-avoidance legislation, the Transfer of Assets Abroad provisions, by using a company to transfer assets offshore in order to avoid tax. This applies to individuals who are resident in the UK. 

The changes will take effect for income arising to a person abroad from 6 April 2024.

The tax information and impact note for this measure provides more information: Amendments to the transfer of assets abroad provisions .

1.16 Reserved Investor Funds ( RIFs )

As announced at Spring Budget 2024, the government will introduce legislation in Spring Finance Bill 2024 in relation to the Reserved Investor Fund (Contractual Scheme) ( RIF ), including to provide for a power to make detailed tax rules through secondary legislation at a later date.

The government is also publishing the summary of responses to the 2023 consultation on the scope and design of a tax regime for the RIF .

The tax information and impact note for this measure provides more information: Reserved Investor Fund .

Indirect Tax

1.17 vat — bringing trades in carbon credits within the scope of the terminal markets order ( tmo ).

As announced at Spring Budget 2024, the government will introduce legislation in Spring Finance Bill 2024 that underpins the VAT Terminal Markets Order ( TMO ) which will take effect from the date of Royal Assent to Spring Finance Bill 2024. This will allow for further reform, including bringing trades in carbon credits within the scope of the TMO in due course, and forms part of the government’s broader commitment to update the TMO legislation, which was announced at Tax Administration and Maintenance Day 2023.  

A summary of responses to the consultation on reforming the TMO legislation, which was launched in 2023, will be published in due course.

1.18 VAT: DIY Housebuilders Scheme: Power to request evidence

Following digitisation of the DIY Housebuilders Scheme, the government will introduce legislation in Spring Finance Bill 2024 to give HMRC Commissioners additional powers to request further evidential documentation in relation to a DIY housebuilder’s claim. This will assist the Commissioners in validating claims and carrying out compliance checks. 

The power will come into force on the date of Royal Assent to Spring Finance Bill 2024 and will apply to claims made on or after the day the provisions come into force.

The tax information and impact note for this measure provides more information: VAT: DIY Housebuilders Scheme request for evidence .

Tax Administration and Other Measures

1.19 penalty reform — vat credit amendment.

The government will introduce legislation in Spring Finance Bill 2024 to make technical amendments so interest for VAT operates as intended. The legislation corrects the unintentionally narrow scope of the common period rules, and ensures that HMRC’s power to automatically collect overpaid VAT repayment interest applies consistently to all such amounts.

The tax information and impact note on Interest harmonisation and penalties for late submission and late payment of tax provides more information on the VAT interest legislation announced in Spring Budget 2021.

The changes will take effect from 1 January 2023.

Chapter 2 — Measures announced at Spring Budget 2024 but not in Spring Finance Bill 2024

This chapter contains details of other tax measures announced at Spring Budget 2024 but are not in Spring Finance Bill 2024. This includes consultations and measures that will be legislated by secondary legislation and future Finance Bills.

2.1 A reduction in the main rates of Primary Class 1 and Class 4 National Insurance contributions

As announced at Spring Budget 2024, the government will introduce legislation to reduce the main rate of primary Class 1 National Insurance contributions by 2 percentage points from 10% to 8% from 6 April 2024.

For the self-employed, the government will introduce legislation to reduce the main rate of Class 4 National Insurance contributions by 2 percentage points from 8% to 6% from 6 April 2024.

This is in addition to the previously announced reduction in the main rate of Class 4 National Insurance contributions from 9% to 8%, and means that from 6 April 2024 the main rate will reduce from 9% to 6%.

Technical specifications for payroll software companies will be published shortly.

2.2 Class 2 National Insurance contributions — Commitment to Consult

As announced at Spring Budget 2024, the government will consult on how it will deliver Class 2 National Insurance contributions abolition later this year.

At Autumn Statement 2023, the government announced the removal of the requirement to pay Class 2 National Insurance contributions from 6 April 2024 and committed to abolishing Class 2 entirely.

2.3 Replacing Non-UK Domicile tax rules with a residence-based regime

As announced at Spring Budget 2024, the government will abolish the remittance basis of taxation for non-UK domiciled individuals and replace it with a simpler residence-based regime, which will take effect from 6 April 2025. Individuals who opt into the regime will not pay UK tax on foreign income and gains for the first four years of tax residence.

Overseas Workday Relief ( OWR ) will be reformed with eligibility for the relief based on the new regime. OWR will continue to provide Income Tax relief for earnings from duties carried out overseas for the first three years of tax residence with restrictions on remitting these earnings removed.

The government has also announced an intention to move to a residence-based regime for Inheritance Tax, with plans to publish a policy consultation on these changes, followed by draft legislation for a technical legislation, later in the year.

2.4 UK Individual Savings Account ( ISA )

As announced at Spring Budget 2024, the government will introduce a new UK ISA with its own allowance of £5,000 a year. The government will consult on the details at a later date.

2.5 ISAs and Fractional Share Contracts

As announced at Spring Budget 2024, the government is committed to ensuring people have the opportunity to invest in a diverse range of investment types through their ISAs .

As previously announced at Autumn Statement 2023 this includes certain fractional share contracts, and the government is working as quickly as possible to bring forward legislation by the end of the Summer following detailed engagement with industry and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

2.6 Amending Gift Aid legislation due to implications of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill

The Digital Markets, Competition, and Consumers Bill will introduce new protections for consumers who take out subscription contracts.

As announced at Spring Budget 2024, the government will amend existing Gift Aid legislation by Statutory Instrument to ensure that eligible charities which operate subscription models can continue to claim Gift Aid while complying with these new protections.

The intention is that these amendments to the Gift Aid regime will be in place by the time the relevant provisions of the Bill come into force.

2.7 Abolition of the Furnished Holiday Lettings ( FHL ) tax regime

As announced at Spring Budget 2024, the government will abolish the Furnished Holiday Lettings tax regime, eliminating the tax advantage for landlords who let out short-term furnished holiday properties over those who let out residential properties to longer-term tenants. This will take effect from April 2025.

Draft legislation will be published in due course and include an anti-forestalling rule. This will prevent the obtaining of a tax advantage through the use of unconditional contracts to obtain capital gains relief under the current FHL rules. This rule will apply from 6 March 2024.

2.8 Taxation of environmental land management and ecosystem service markets

As announced at Spring Budget 2024, the government will introduce legislation in a future finance bill to extend the scope of agricultural property relief from Inheritance Tax to environmental land management from 6 April 2025 following the consultation in 2023.

Relief will be available for land managed under an environmental agreement with, or on behalf of, the UK government, Devolved Administrations, public bodies, local authorities, or approved responsible bodies. This includes agreements in place on or after 6 March 2024.

The government will also establish a joint working group between HM Treasury, HMRC, and industry representatives to identify solutions that provide clarity on the tax treatment of the production and sale of ecosystem service credits and associated units, where existing law or guidance may not provide sufficient clarity.

2.9 Technical consultation on extending full expensing to leased assets

As announced at Autumn Statement 2023, full expensing and the 50% first-year allowance for special rate assets were made permanent. Expenditure on plant or machinery for leasing is excluded from these allowances.

The government will shortly publish draft legislation for technical consultation to help it consider any potential extension to include plant and machinery for leasing, which is subject to future decision.

2.10 Additional tax relief for expenditure on visual effects

As announced at Autumn Statement 2023, and following a call for evidence, the government will give additional tax relief to visual effects costs in films and high-end TV. Under the Audio-Visual Expenditure Credit, visual effects costs will receive tax credit at a rate of 39%. The 80% cap on qualifying expenditure will also be removed for visual effects costs. The changes will take effect from 1 April 2025. 

A consultation will be published shortly on the types of expenditure that will be within scope of the additional tax relief.

2.11 Energy Profits Levy — One Year Extension

As announced at Spring Budget 2024, the government will extend the end date of the Energy Profits Levy to 31 March 2029.

2.12 Freeport tax reliefs sunset date extension

As announced at Autumn Statement 2023, the government will extend the window to claim the tax reliefs available in Freeport special tax sites from 5 to 10 years. At Spring Budget 2024, the government announced that the sunset date will be extended to:

  • 30 September 2031 for special tax sites in respect of English Freeports
  • 30 September 2034 for special tax sites in respect of Scottish Green Freeports and Welsh Freeports

The government will extend the sunset dates through secondary legislation.

2.13 Amendments to Common Reporting Standard (CRS2)

As announced at Spring Budget 2024, the government is publishing a consultation to seek views on the implementation of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s ( OECD ) amendments to the Common Reporting Standard (CRS2), the international tax transparency regime for the automatic exchange of information on financial accounts.

The consultation also seeks views on two proposed changes to regulations and a potential extension of the CRS to include reporting on UK resident taxpayers by UK financial institutions.

The consultation will close on 29 May 2024.

2.14 Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework ( CARF )

As announced at Spring Budget 2024, the government is publishing a consultation to seek views on the implementation of the OECD ’s Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework ( CARF ), the new international tax transparency regime for the automatic exchange of information on crypto-assets.

The consultation also seeks views on a potential extension of the CARF to include reporting on UK resident taxpayers by UK service providers. The consultation will close on 29 May 2024.

2.15 Administrative change to ease the payment of Inheritance Tax before probate or confirmation

As announced at Spring Budget 2024, the government will relax the Inheritance Tax requirements for ‘grants on credit’. 

From 1 April 2024, personal representatives of estates will no longer need to have sought commercial loans to pay Inheritance Tax before applying to obtain a ‘grant on credit’ from HMRC.

2.16 Guidance on deductibility of training

As announced at Autumn Statement 2023, HMRC has published guidance to provide greater clarity of the tax deductibility of training costs for sole traders and the self-employed.

The guidance clarifies that updating existing skills, maintaining pace with technological advancements, or changes in industry practices, are deductible costs when calculating the taxable profits of a business.

2.17 Vaping Products Duty

As announced at Spring Budget 2024, the government will introduce legislation in a future finance bill to introduce a new duty on vaping products.

The government has published a consultation on the detailed design and implementation of the duty, which will close on 29 May 2024.

Registration for the duty will open on 1 April 2026 with the duty taking effect from 1 October 2026 alongside a proportionate increase in tobacco duties.

The duty will apply to liquids for use in vaping devices and e-cigarettes at the following rates:

  • £1 per 10ml for nicotine free liquids
  • £2 per 10ml for liquid containing nicotine at concentrations between 0.1 to 10.9mg per ml
  • £3 per 10ml for liquids containing nicotine at concentrations 11mg per ml, or above

The government will also make a one-off tobacco duty increase of £2 per 100 cigarettes or 50 grams of tobacco from 1 October 2026.

2.18 Alcohol Duty Uprating

As announced at Spring Budget 2024, the government will freeze alcohol duty from 1 August 2024 until 1 February 2025. This extends the six-month freeze announced at Autumn Statement 2023. There will be no revisions to existing legislation and no new legal provisions will be introduced.

The alcohol duty rates and allowances as introduced on 1 August 2023 are set out at Annex A.

2.19 Closure of the Alcohol Duty Stamps Scheme

As announced at Spring Budget 2024, the government will end the Alcohol Duty Stamp Scheme that applies to many retail containers for spirits, wine and other fermented products following a review by HMRC. 

The government will publish draft legislation later in 2024 for an orderly wind-down of the Scheme.

2.20 VAT Registration Threshold: increase to £90,000

As announced at Spring Budget 2024, secondary legislation will amend the VAT Act 1994 to increase the VAT registration and deregistration thresholds.

The taxable turnover threshold which determines whether a person must be registered for VAT, will be increased from £85,000 to £90,000

The taxable turnover threshold which determines whether a person may apply for deregistration will be increased from £83,000 to £88,000

For Northern Ireland, the registration and deregistration thresholds for acquisitions will increase from £85,000 to £90,000.

These changes will be effective from 1 April 2024. 

2.21 Landfill Tax Rates for 2025 to 2026

As announced at the Spring Budget 2024, the government will legislate in a future finance bill to increase the standard and lower rates of Landfill Tax in line with Retail Price Index ( RPI ), adjusted to take account for high inflation in the period 2022 to 2024 and rounded up to the nearest 5 pence.

The change will take effect on and after 1 April 2025. The rates of Landfill Tax from 1 April 2025 are set out in Annex A.

Landfill Tax was devolved to the Scottish Parliament in April 2015 and to the Welsh Assembly in April 2018.

2.22 Landfill Communities Fund 2024 to 2025

The government will set the value of the Landfill Communities Fund for 2024 to 2025 at £30.9 million, with the cap on credits claimed by landfill operators in respect of contributions remaining at 5.3% of their Landfill Tax liability.

2.23 Air Passenger Duty rates ( APD ) 2025-2026

As announced at Spring Budget 2024, the government will legislate in a future finance bill to increase APD rates for 2025 to 2026. The reduced rates for economy passengers will increase in line with forecast RPI , rounded to the nearest pound.

This means that economy, domestic and shortfall rates will remain frozen. The standard and higher rates will also increase by forecast RPI and will also be further adjusted to account for recent high inflation.   

The new rates will apply from 1 April 2025. APD rates are set out in Annex A.

2.24 Fuel Duty main rates

As announced at Spring Budget 2024, the government will introduce legislation by Statutory Instrument to extend the cut in the rates of Fuel Duty introduced at Spring Statement in March 2022, and extended at Spring Budget in March 2023, for a further 12 months.

This will maintain the cut in the rates for heavy oil (diesel and kerosene), unleaded petrol, and light oil by 5 pence per litre, and the proportionate percentage cut (equivalent to 5 pence per litre from the main Fuel Duty rate of 57.95 pence per litre) in other lower rates and the rates for rebated fuels, where practical.

The changes will take effect from 23 March 2024.

The tax information and impact note for this measure provides more information: Fuel Duty: extending the temporary cut in rates to March 2025 .

2.25 Road Fuel Gases Rates

As announced at Spring Budget 2024, following review, the government will maintain the difference between road fuel gas and diesel duty rates until 2032.

2.26 VAT Treatment of Private Hire Vehicles

As announced at Autumn Statement 2023, the government will publish a consultation on the potential implications of the High Court’s ruling in ‘Uber Britannia vs Sefton MBC’ in April 2024.

Tax administration and other measures

2.27 raising standards in the tax advice market: strengthening the regulatory framework and improving registration.

As announced at Spring Budget 2024, the government is today publishing a consultation both on options to strengthen the regulatory framework in the tax advice market, and on requiring tax advisers to register with HMRC if they wish to interact with HMRC on a client’s behalf. The government will also explore making it quicker and easier for tax advisers to register with HMRC.

2.28 Tackling non-compliance in the umbrella company market

As announced at Spring Budget 2024, the government will provide an update on the progress of its work to tackle non-compliance in the umbrella company market shortly.

Table 1 — Measures in this document without a corresponding announcement in the Budget report

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