Despite having some of the most picturesque cities on the European continent, invaluable history, and the best opera house in the world, Austria doesn’t enjoy the tag of favourite holiday destination. This 7-day Austrian itinerary will take you through some of the country’s highlights, immersing you in culture, cuisine, and countryside. This is the best opportunity to explore Austria like never before when you have a Schengen visa Austria.
Day 1: At Vienna
The capital of Austria is referred to as the cultural capital of Europe. This great city was once the center of the Habsburg Empire, with traditional architecture, exquisite Viennese cafes, and music. You will feel like going back in time while exploring this magnificent city.
There are several transport options to get from Vienna International Airport. But, it’s wise to pick up your Vienna City Card first from the tourist info booth. For the next three days in Vienna, apply for a 72-hour card, which will cover all your local transportation and more than 210 discounts to the attractions of the city.
Day 2: Explore Vienna
Hofburg Palace in Vienna is one of the largest palace complexes in the world. For more than 600 years, this palace has been the winter home of the Hapsburgs, the Austrian dynasty. You can visit the Sisi Museum and the Imperial Apartments to learn more about the dynasty. Your next stop is St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The tower of the Cathedral is renowned for its famous multi-colored tile roof. Explore the 18 altars, small chapels, tombs, and catacombs of the church. This Gothic church is now the seat of the Archbishop of Vienna. Your Vienna tour will be incomplete without a night at Vienna State Opera. This is considered the best opera in the world, with impressive Neo-Renaissance architecture, and the interior looks more like a palace than an opera.
Day 3: More of Vienna
Today you will start your Vienna tour with Schönbrunn Palace. This baroque palace boasts 1440 rooms and is considered one of Austria’s most significant historical, cultural, and architectural buildings. A guided tour of the palace will take you to visit 40 luxuriously furnished rooms, including the Mirror Room, where 6-year-old Mozart performed his first concert. While at the Schönbrunn Palace, you must not miss the Apple Strudel Show. You can see the centuries-old tradition of making this delicious dessert in the Court bakery of the palace’s Café Residenz. After the show, you can taste the freshly baked Viennese Apple Strudel and take the recipe as well. Next is The Natural History Museum, which sits in a beautiful palace complex. From huge Dinosaur Skeletons, meteorites to mesmerizing architecture, you’ll find everything here. Across the street, Kunsthistorische Museum features paintings, sculptures, and antiques that once belonged to the Hapsburg.
Day 4: Head to Salzburg
Located at the top of Festungsberg, Salzburg Fortress has been the crown of the city of Salzburg since the 10th century. It once belonged to the prince-archbishops, and you can visit their apartments. But, the best part is the panoramic view of the Altstadt (old town) and the Alps. Now take a closer look at the town and stroll among the medieval shopping streets of Getreidgasse. The tradition of displaying signs above the doors of the shops is still intact and gives the middle age vibe. Head towards St. Peter’s Abbey, which established the oldest monastic order, is the spiritual heart of Salzburg. In fact, the cemetery served as a background of the movie The Sound of Music. When you are in Salzburg, you must visit Mozarts’ birthplace, which is one of the tourist-favourites.
Day 5: Day trip to Hallstatt
Getting to Hallstatt from Salzburg is a bit challenging but worth a visit. This picturesque town is only 1km from end-to-end, and you can explore the whole town by walking. You’ll get some Instagram-worthy photos with the iconic lake, the church, and the mountains, all in one frame. Take a funicular to the top of Salt Mountain, only to find some awe-inspiring view. The 7000-years old Salt mine is the highlight of Hallstatt. The mine is open to visitors and has a slide inside.
Day 6: Salzburg to Innsbruck
The journey from Salzburg to Innsbruck is awe-inspiring yet simple. Begin your Innsbruck trip with the old town city center. The medieval street of the Altstadt is adorned with cafes, restaurants and most of the attractions of Innsbruck are here in the Old Town. In fact the court church Hofkirche is located here. Besides, Innsbruck offers you the opportunity for adventure with Bergisel Ski Jump. This famous hilltop has witnessed the world’s greatest skiers in the 1964 and 1976 Olympics. While you are in Bergisel, take time to visit Tirol Panorama. This is the site of the four battles of Bergisel in 1809 when local rebels fought against Napoleon’s army and the Bavarian forces. And those battles were the inspiration behind the largest oil painting by Zeno Diemer portraying the battle.
Day 7: Return to Vienna
Today you are heading back to Vienna. Before you take off to your country, visit Vienna’s Neo-Gothic style town hall Rathaus and take a ride on the city’s Giant Ferris Wheel, Wiener Riesenrad.
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