Road trips through Austria: 3 routes and tips

Austria is made for a road trip: from alpine panoramic roads and crystal-clear lakes to historic cities, many highlights are only one to two hours’ drive apart. In this guide, we present three varied road trips (5–10 days), including practical planning tips, recommendations for hiking and ski areas, as well as a compact toll overview. Get the right digital vignette for Austria in advance so you can use motorways and expressways with ease.

Before you set off: planning is everything!

The ideal travel route for your road trip through Austria depends primarily on the time you have available and your priorities. Austria offers a wide variety: cities such as Salzburg, Vienna and Innsbruck, the Austrian water world with lakes and waterfalls, diverse hiking areas, ski resorts, as well as regions such as the Grosses Walsertal Biosphere Park or Schladming-Dachstein. The following rough guide can help you plan:

• 5–6 days: Focus on one region (e.g. Alps & lakes or cities & wine regions). Ideal for experiencing the key highlights without rushing.
• 7–10 days: Perfect for combining the Alps, lakes and at least one major city (e.g. Salzburg or Vienna).
• 10–14 days: Ideal if you want to connect several regions – for example western Austria (Tyrol, Vorarlberg) with Styria or Burgenland.

Tips from us

With our sample routes, you have a solid base for a short or longer adventure. A simple rule of thumb for relaxed road trips is: plan a maximum of 1–3 hours of driving time per day and two activities. That way, you have enough time to enjoy the journey instead of rushing from one highlight to the next.

Also consider the seasons and the weather when planning, especially in the Alps:

• May to October: Ideal travel time for road trips. Many mountain roads are open, and hiking regions such as Schladming-Dachstein, the Grosses Walsertal Biosphere Park or the Austrian water world are easily accessible.
• July and August: Peak season with a classic summer vibe at lakes and in cities, but with heavier traffic and reservations needed well in advance.
• Winter (December to March): Perfect for combining a road trip with ski resorts in Tyrol, Vorarlberg, Styria or the Salzburg region. Be aware of winter equipment requirements and weather-related road closures. Alpine roads in particular may be closed.

If you plan your road trip during school holidays or on long weekends, you should expect increased traffic congestion on motorways and around popular holiday destinations.

Austria by car: getting there and starting points

Your starting point depends heavily on where you are coming from. However, some places are particularly well suited as a “hub” for a road trip:

• Salzburg: Ideal if you are travelling from southern Germany. Perfect entry point for Alpine and lake routes (e.g. Salzkammergut, City of Salzburg).
• Vienna: Best if you are travelling from eastern Austria or neighbouring countries to the east. A combination of culture, the Danube and onward travel towards Styria or Burgenland. (Read more: Vienna)
• Innsbruck: Perfect starting point for western Austria with Tyrol, Vorarlberg, Achensee, Plansee and the Grosses Walsertal Biosphere Park. (Read more: Innsbruck)
• Graz / Styria: Recommended if you want to include Styria, Schladming-Dachstein or Burgenland in your route. (Read more in the hiking areas or in natural attractions)

If you will be using Austrian motorways on your journey anyway, it is a good idea to purchase a digital vignette before you set off. This keeps you flexible and helps you avoid unnecessary stops at sales outlets.

Road trip 1: Alps, lakes & panoramic roads (7–10 days)

This route is ideal if you are travelling through Austria by car for the first time and would like to experience a mix of cities, lakes and the high Alps. It takes you from Salzburg via the Salzkammergut and Schladming-Dachstein to Carinthia’s lake landscapes – with plenty of opportunities for hikes, swimming breaks and short detours into the Austrian water world.

• Salzburg: Old town, fortress and culture (1–2 nights)
• Salzkammergut: Lakes & “Austrian water world” (1–2 nights)
• Schladming-Dachstein: Hiking region & mountain panorama (1–2 nights)
• Hohe Tauern National Park / Grossglockner region: Panoramic roads & high mountains (1–2 nights)
• Carinthian lakes: Swimming and culinary finale (1–2 nights)

Salzburg (1–2 nights)

Start your road trip at a relaxed pace in Salzburg. The compact old town with its fortress, Getreidegasse and riverside promenades is the perfect place to settle in first. Stroll through the lanes in the morning, enjoy the view from Hohensalzburg Fortress and end the evening in one of the many restaurants or by the Salzach River. In our guide you will find further tips on getting there, parking options and the ideal length of stay in Salzburg.

Salzkammergut & Austrian water world (1–2 nights)

The next day, the route takes you into the Austrian water world – specifically to the Salzkammergut. Here you can look forward to lakes such as Wolfgangsee, Traunsee or Hallstätter See. Depending on your route, you can enjoy a mix of easy hikes, boat trips, swimming breaks and cultural excursions (e.g. Hallstatt). You can find detailed information on lakes, waterfalls and recommended routes in our article on the Austrian water world.

Schladming-Dachstein (1–2 nights)

From the lakes, you continue into the mountain scenery of the Schladming-Dachstein region. It is an attractive destination both in summer and winter: in summer, hiking trails, alpine pastures and mountain lakes dominate, while in winter the slopes are part of a network of well-known ski resorts. Depending on your preferences, plan a panoramic hike, a visit to the Dachstein cable car or a more relaxed day at an alpine hut. You can find an overview of hikes, cable cars and activities in our guide to Schladming-Dachstein as well as in the articles on hiking areas in Austria.

Hohe Tauern National Park & Grossglockner region (1–2 nights)

Next you head towards the Hohe Tauern National Park with the famous Grossglockner High Alpine Road. Here you can experience Austria’s high-mountain landscape up close: hairpin bends, viewpoints, short panoramic trails and visitor centres make the region accessible even for less experienced hikers. Please note that the Grossglockner High Alpine Road and certain access roads may be subject to section tolls. You can find relevant information in our overview of special tolls and section tolls.

Carinthian lakes (1–2 nights)

To finish, consider staying at one of the Carinthian lakes. They are part of the Austrian water world and combine a lakeside holiday with mountain views. Whether Wörthersee, Millstätter See or smaller lakes – this is where you can deliberately slow down the pace of your road trip: swimming, walks along the lakeside promenade and easy excursions into the surrounding landscape. Our article on the Austrian water world offers more inspiration.

Road trip by car

The stages on this route usually involve between 45 minutes and 2.5 hours of driving time. Many sections run on motorways or expressways, for which a vignette is required. Depending on your chosen route, special toll roads may also apply (e.g. Grossglockner, certain tunnels and Alpine roads).

You can find all key information about the digital vignette and toll regulations in our guide to digital tolls in Austria as well as in the overview of section tolls & special tolls.

Road trip 2: Cities, wine & gentle hills (6–9 days)

This road trip is aimed at anyone who wants to combine culture, cuisine and gentle landscapes. Cities such as Vienna and Graz meet wine regions in Burgenland and Styria. Ideal for travellers who want to spend less time in high mountain terrain but still experience nature, enjoyment and history.

• Vienna: Capital city, culture & the Danube (2 nights)
• Wachau or Lower Austria (optional): Danube, wine & abbeys (1 night)
• Styria: Cities & rolling hills (1–2 nights)
• Burgenland: Wine, Pannonian Plain & nature parks (1–2 nights)
• Graz: Old town & cuisine (1 night)

Vienna (2 nights)

Start your route in Vienna, the country’s cultural hub. Between the Ringstrasse, palace grounds and the Danube Island, you can easily fill two days: museums, coffeehouse culture, Wiener schnitzel and a Danube boat trip. In our article about Vienna you will find tips on parking, short-term parking zones and excursion options in the surrounding area – ideal for planning your arrival and departure as part of your road trip.

Styria (1–2 nights)

From Vienna, taking the route through Styria is a great option. Depending on your interests, you can combine a stop in Graz with detours into the wine and rolling hill landscapes of southern Styria or to hiking areas in the north. Styria combines urban centres with nature experiences, spa offerings and culinary specialities. You can find more inspiration and regional tips in our guide to Schladming-Dachstein as well as in the articles on hiking areas and ski resorts.

Burgenland (1–2 nights)

Burgenland is characterised by wide plains, vineyards and Lake Neusiedl. It is perfect for cycling, leisurely walks and wine tastings. The elevation profile is significantly lower here, making this section especially suitable for calm days in between. In our article on the water world in Austria you will find suggestions for well-known lakes you should not miss on your trip to Burgenland.

Graz (1 night)

To round things off, a stay in Graz is a great choice – a city that combines tradition and modernity. Schlossberg, the Murinsel and the old town alleys offer a varied programme. From Graz, you can organise your return journey flexibly: back to Vienna via Styria or westwards towards Salzburg or Innsbruck.

Road trip by car

Because this road trip relies more heavily on motorways and expressways, a digital vignette is especially important. Driving times between stages are usually between 1 and 3 hours. Special toll roads play a smaller role on this route than in the high Alps, but may be added depending on your individual route choices.

You can find an overview of all relevant toll regulations in our article on tolls in Austria.

Road trip 3: Western Alps, valleys & biosphere park (8–10 days)

The third road trip is aimed at nature lovers who want to get to know western Austria in more depth. With Tyrol, Vorarlberg, lakes such as Achensee or Plansee, the Grosses Walsertal Biosphere Park and well-known ski resorts that also offer attractive hiking regions in summer, this road trip is sure to inspire you.

• Innsbruck: Alpine city & starting point (1–2 nights)
• Achensee / Tyrolean water world: Lake & easy hikes (1–2 nights)
• Plansee & Tyrol/Vorarlberg: Mountain lakes & panoramic roads (1 night)
• Grosses Walsertal Biosphere Park: Nature conservation & tranquillity (2 nights)
• Ski resorts & hiking regions: Mountain summer retreat (1–2 nights)

Innsbruck (1–2 nights)

Innsbruck combines urban infrastructure with direct access to the mountains. The old town, Nordkette cable car, Bergisel and proximity to numerous hiking and ski areas make the city a perfect starting point. You can find more tips on the city, parking options and excursions in our guide to Innsbruck.

Achensee & Tyrolean water world (1–2 nights)

Lake Achensee is known as the “Tyrolean fjord” and is part of the Austrian water world. Here you can swim, try stand-up paddling, take leisurely lakeside walks or explore the area on a panoramic boat trip. There are also numerous easy to moderate hiking trails around the lake. More lakes and waterfalls in Tyrol and Vorarlberg are presented in more detail in our article on the Austrian water world.

Plansee & surrounding mountain landscapes (1 night)

Lake Plansee in Tyrol offers a similarly impressive setting and is ideal for an overnight stop. The approach leads along winding roads with plenty of photo stops. Here you can combine a day of short hikes, a dip in the water and a drive along the lakeside roads.

Grosses Walsertal Biosphere Park (2 nights)

A special part of this road trip is the Grosses Walsertal Biosphere Park in Vorarlberg. As a protected area, it emphasises sustainable tourism, gentle mobility and nature-based experiences. It’s less about spectacular staging and more about peace, open views and hiking areas suitable for a wide range of fitness levels. You can find more detailed information in our guide to the Grosses Walsertal Biosphere Park.

Ski resorts & hiking regions in summer (1–2 nights)

To finish, consider staying in one of the well-known ski resorts that function as hiking regions in summer (e.g. Tyrolean Oberland, Montafon or the Arlberg area). Many cable cars also operate in the warm season, providing easy access to panoramic viewpoints. You can find more information in our articles on ski resorts and hiking areas in Austria.

Road trip by car: driving times & tolls

Driving times are usually between 45 minutes and 2 hours, with many stages taking you along country and mountain roads. Motorways are used especially for arrival and departure. Here, the vignette requirement applies to vehicles up to 3.5 t permissible gross weight. Depending on your chosen route, special toll roads such as certain tunnels or Alpine roads may be added.

Austria toll guide

Are you unsure whether a vignette is sufficient for your route or whether an additional section toll applies? In Austria, three terms play a central role: vignette, distance-based toll and section toll (special toll). You can find a comprehensive overview in our guide to tolls in Austria.

Vignettes are country-specific

Please note that the digital vignette for Austria is valid only in Austria. Neighbouring countries may also require a toll in the form of a vignette or distance-based toll. If your road trip crosses the border, you will need the appropriate vignette there. At DMC Digitale Maut Consulting GmbH, you can also obtain vignettes for the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Hungary, Romania, Switzerland and Slovakia, among others. With us, you are ideally prepared for combined European road trips.

Why our digital vignette is the right choice

DMC Digitale Maut Consulting GmbH makes driving through Austria especially easy: the digital vignette can be ordered online in just a few minutes, is linked to your licence plate and, if you wish, comes with an individual start date. Since 2019, we have been offering digital vignettes for several European countries – ideal for transit journeys and road trips. Our email support in 15 languages helps you with questions about tolls, vehicle classes and special toll roads. Optional cancellation protection provides additional security if your travel plans change at short notice.

Practical tips for the road

To make your road trip through Austria a complete success, you should keep a few practical aspects in mind:

• Time planning: Avoid (if possible) peak traffic times on Fridays and Sundays as well as the beginning and end of school holidays. Instead, travel very early in the morning or later in the evening.
• Traffic rules: Stick to the speed limits and blood alcohol limits. You can find more information in our guide to traffic rules in Austria.
• Nature & protected areas: Use marked trails only, do not leave any litter behind and pay attention to signs in nature and biosphere parks. Respect nature and follow the rules, especially in the Grosses Walsertal Biosphere Park and in sensitive Alpine regions.
• Camping: Wild camping is heavily restricted or not permitted in many regions. Find out in advance about official campsites or parking areas.
• Weather conditions: In the Alps, the weather can change quickly. Dress in layers, bring a rain jacket and sturdy footwear, and check the current situation when crossing high Alpine passes.
• Safety: Take regular breaks, especially on pass roads. Use viewpoints and parking areas only where they are explicitly designated.

The DMC team wishes you a pleasant trip

With these three road trips, you will experience Austria in all its diversity: from alpine panoramas and lake landscapes to hiking areas and culturally rich cities such as Salzburg, Vienna or Innsbruck. Secure the right digital vignette with your preferred start date in advance, and enjoy short driving times, big panoramas and the special interplay of nature, culture and cuisine. We wish you a safe journey and an unforgettable travel adventure. If you have any questions, you can contact us via email.

Austria road trip FAQ: travel questions