Road Trips through Austria
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 driving hours apart. In this guide we present three varied road trips (5–10 days), including concrete planning tips, recommendations for hiking and ski areas, and a compact toll overview. Secure 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 itinerary for your road trip through Austria depends above all on the time available and your priorities. Austria offers great variety: cities such as Salzburg, Vienna and Innsbruck, the Austrian Water World with lakes and waterfalls, diverse hiking areas, ski resorts, and regions such as the Großes Walsertal Biosphere Reserve or Schladming-Dachstein. The following rough guide can help you with your planning:
- 5–6 days: Focus on one region (e.g. Alps & lakes or cities & wine regions). Ideal for experiencing the most important highlights without any rush.
- 7–10 days: Perfect for combining the Alps, lakes and at least one larger city (e.g. Salzburg or Vienna).
- 10–14 days: Optimal if you want to link several regions – for example western Austria (Tyrol, Vorarlberg) with Styria or Burgenland.
Tips from Us
Our sample routes give you a solid basis 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 per day and two activities. That leaves enough time to enjoy the journey rather than rushing from highlight to highlight.
When planning, also take the seasons and weather into account, particularly in the Alps:
- May to October: Ideal travel season for road trips. Many mountain roads are open and hiking regions such as Schladming-Dachstein, the Großes Walsertal Biosphere Reserve or the Austrian Water World are easily accessible.
- July and August: Peak season with a classic summer feel at lakes and in cities, but with heavier traffic and the need to book early.
- 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 long weekends, you should expect heavier traffic jams on motorways and around popular holiday destinations.
Austria by Car: Getting There and Starting Points
Your starting point depends largely on where you are coming from. However, some places are particularly well suited as a "hub" for a road trip:
- Salzburg: Ideal if travelling from southern Germany. The perfect entry point for alpine and lake routes (e.g. Salzkammergut, city of Salzburg).
- Vienna: Optimal if 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 as a starting point for western Austria with Tyrol, Vorarlberg, Achensee, Plansee and the Großes Walsertal Biosphere Reserve. (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 are already using Austrian motorways on your way there, it is worth purchasing a digital vignette before you depart. This keeps you flexible and avoids unnecessary stops at sales points.
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 want to experience a mix of city, lakes and high Alps. It takes you from Salzburg via the Salzkammergut and Schladming-Dachstein through 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 leisurely finale (1–2 nights)
Salzburg (1–2 Nights)
Begin your road trip at a relaxed pace in Salzburg. The compact old town with its fortress, Getreidegasse and riverside promenades invites you to settle in first. Stroll through the alleyways in the morning, enjoy the view from Hohensalzburg Fortress and round off the evening at one of the many restaurants or along the Salzach. Our guide has further information on getting there, parking options and the optimal length of stay in Salzburg.
Salzkammergut & Austrian Water World (1–2 Nights)
The next day the route leads you into the Austrian Water World – specifically the Salzkammergut. Here you will find lakes such as Wolfgangsee, Traunsee and Hallstätter See. Depending on your route, you can look forward to a combination of easy hikes, boat trips, swimming breaks and cultural excursions (e.g. Hallstatt). Detailed information on lakes, waterfalls and recommended routes can be found in our article on the Austrian Water World.
Schladming-Dachstein (1–2 Nights)
From the lakes, head on into the mountain world of the Schladming-Dachstein region. It is an attractive destination both in summer and winter: in summer, hiking trails, alpine meadows and mountain lakes take centre stage, while in winter the slopes belong to a network of well-known ski resorts. Depending on your preference, plan a panoramic hike, a visit to the Dachstein cable car or a more leisurely alpine meadow day. An overview of hikes, mountain railways and activities can be found 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)
Continue towards 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 to less experienced hikers. Note that the Großglockner High Alpine Road and certain access roads may be subject to section tolls. Our overview of special tolls and section tolls provides relevant information.
Carinthian Lakes (1–2 Nights)
To round off the trip, a stay at one of the Carinthian lakes is a perfect choice. These are part of the Austrian Water World and combine a swimming holiday with mountain views. Whether at Wörthersee, Millstätter See or smaller lakes – here you can consciously slow down the pace of your road trip: swimming, walks along the lakeside promenades and easy excursions into the surrounding countryside. Our article on the Austrian Water World offers further inspiration.
Road Trip by Car
The stages of this route are mostly between 45 minutes and 2.5 hours of driving time. Many sections run along motorways or expressways, for which a vignette is required. Depending on your route choice, section toll roads may also apply (e.g. Großglockner, certain tunnels and alpine roads).
All important information on the digital vignette and toll regulations can be found in our guide to the digital toll 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 everyone who wants to combine culture, cuisine and gentle landscapes. Cities like Vienna and Graz meet wine regions in Burgenland and Styria. Ideal for travellers who prefer to spend less time in the high mountains but still want to experience nature, good food and history.
- Vienna: Capital city, culture & the Danube (2 nights)
- Wachau or Lower Austria (optional): Danube, wine & abbeys (1 night)
- Styria: Cities & hilly landscapes (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 complexes and Danube Island you can easily fill two days: museums, coffeehouse culture, Wiener Schnitzel and Danube cruises. In our article on Vienna you will find tips on parking, short-stay 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, the route through Styria is a natural choice. Depending on your interests, combine a stop in Graz with detours into the wine and hilly landscapes of southern Styria or to hiking areas in the north. Styria combines urban centres with nature experiences, spa offerings and culinary specialities. Further inspiration and regional tips can be found 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 excellent for cycling, leisurely walks and wine tastings. The elevation profile flattens out considerably here, which makes this section particularly suited to quiet 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 off the trip, a stay in Graz is a great choice. A city that combines tradition and modernity. The Schlossberg, the Murinsel and the old town lanes offer a varied programme. From Graz you can arrange your return journey flexibly: back through Styria to Vienna or westward to Salzburg or Innsbruck.
Road Trip by Car
Since this road trip makes greater use of motorways and expressways, a digital vignette is particularly important. Driving times between stages are mostly between 1 and 3 hours. Section toll roads play a smaller role on this route than in the high Alps, but may apply depending on individual route choices.
An overview of all relevant toll regulations can be found in our article on toll in Austria.
Road Trip 3: Western Alps, Valleys & Biosphere Reserve (8–10 Days)
The third road trip is aimed at nature enthusiasts who want to get to know western Austria more thoroughly. With Tyrol, Vorarlberg, lakes such as Achensee or Plansee, the Großes Walsertal Biosphere Reserve and well-known ski resorts that are also attractive hiking regions in summer, this road trip is sure to impress.
- 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 Reserve: Nature conservation & tranquillity (2 nights)
- Ski resorts & hiking regions: Summer freshness in the mountains (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 the proximity to numerous hiking and ski areas make the city a perfect starting point. Further tips on the city, parking options and excursions can be found in our guide to Innsbruck.
Achensee & Tyrolean Water World (1–2 Nights)
The Achensee is known as the "Tyrolean Fjord" and is part of the Austrian Water World. Here you can swim, stand-up paddle, use the pleasant lakeside paths or explore the surroundings on a panoramic boat trip. There are also numerous easy to moderately difficult hiking trails around the lake. Further lakes and waterfalls in Tyrol and Vorarlberg are featured in our article on the Austrian Water World.
Plansee & Surrounding Mountain Landscapes (1 Night)
The Plansee in Tyrol offers an equally impressive setting and is ideal for an overnight stop. The approach road winds through curvy roads with many photo opportunities. Here you can combine a day of short hikes, a dip in the water and a drive along the lakeside roads.
Großes Walsertal Biosphere Reserve (2 Nights)
A particularly special section of this road trip is the Großes Walsertal Biosphere Reserve in Vorarlberg. As a protected area, it places great emphasis on sustainable tourism, gentle mobility and nature-based experiences. Here it is less about spectacular showmanship and more about tranquillity, sweeping views and hiking areas suited to all fitness levels. In our guide to the Großes Walsertal Biosphere Reserve you can find more detailed information.
Ski Resorts & Hiking Regions in Summer (1–2 Nights)
To round off the trip, a stay at one of the well-known ski resorts that serve as hiking regions in summer is recommended (e.g. Tyrolean Oberland, Montafon or the Arlberg area). Many cable cars operate in the warm season as well, providing easy access to panoramic viewpoints. Further information can be found in our articles on ski resorts and hiking areas in Austria.
Road Trip by Car: Driving Times & Toll
Driving times are mostly between 45 minutes and 2 hours, with many stages running along country and mountain roads. Motorways are used primarily for arrival and departure. The vignette requirement applies to vehicles up to 3.5 t mGW. Depending on the chosen route, section toll roads such as certain tunnels or alpine roads may also apply.
Austria Toll Guide
Not sure 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). A comprehensive overview can be found in our guide to toll in Austria.
Vignettes Are Country-Specific
Please note that the digital vignette for Austria is valid exclusively in Austria. Neighbouring countries may also have a toll requirement in the form of a vignette or distance-based toll. If your road trip crosses the border, you will need a corresponding vignette for that country. At DMC Digitale Maut Consulting GmbH you can also obtain vignettes for the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Hungary, Romania, Switzerland and Slovakia. With us you are ideally prepared for combined European trips by car.
Why the Digital Vignette from Us Is the Right Choice
DMC Digitale Maut Consulting GmbH makes your journey through Austria particularly easy: the digital vignette can be ordered online in just a few minutes, is linked to your licence plate and available with an individual start date if desired. 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 assists you with questions about tolls, vehicle classes and section toll roads. Optional cancellation protection provides additional security if your travel plans change at short notice.
Practical Tips for the Road
To make sure your road trip through Austria goes smoothly, you should keep a few practical aspects in mind:
- Time management: Avoid (where possible) peak traffic times on Fridays and Sundays as well as the start and end of school holidays. If you do travel then, set off either very early in the morning or later in the evening.
- Traffic rules: Observe speed limits and blood alcohol limits. Further information can be found in our guide to traffic rules in Austria.
- Nature & protected areas: Use only marked trails, leave no litter and pay attention to signs in nature and biosphere reserves. Respect nature and follow the regulations, especially in the Großes Walsertal Biosphere Reserve and sensitive alpine regions.
- Camping: Wild camping is heavily restricted or not permitted in many regions. Find out in advance about official campsites or pitches.
- Weather conditions: Weather in the Alps can change quickly. Dress in layers, carry a rain jacket and sturdy footwear, and check current conditions at high mountain passes.
- Safety: Take regular breaks, especially on mountain pass roads. Only use viewpoints and parking areas where they are expressly provided.
The Europamaut Team Wishes You a Wonderful Journey!
With these three road trips you will experience Austria in all its variety: from alpine panoramas and lake landscapes and hiking areas to culturally rich cities such as Salzburg, Vienna or Innsbruck. Secure the right digital vignette with your desired start date in advance, and enjoy short driving times, magnificent panoramas and the unique interplay of nature, culture and cuisine. We wish you safe travels and an unforgettable adventure. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us by email.
FAQ Road Trip Austria: Travel Questions
Do I need a vignette for a road trip through Austria?
Yes. As soon as you use motorways or expressways in Austria and your vehicle weighs up to 3.5 t mGW, you need a vignette. The most convenient option is the digital vignette, which is directly linked to your licence plate and requires no sticker.
Which section toll roads are particularly relevant for holidaymakers?
For many travellers, the roads include the Bosruck Tunnel, the Gleinalm Tunnel, the Tauern Tunnel as well as various alpine roads (e.g. Gerlos Alpine Road, Zillertal High Road, Dachstein Road). These routes must be paid for in addition to the vignette. Details can be found in our overview of special tolls (section tolls) in Austria.
What is the difference between the vignette, distance-based toll and special toll (section toll)?
The vignette applies to vehicles up to 3.5 t mGW on motorways and expressways. The distance-based toll generally concerns heavier vehicles and is charged according to the distance actually travelled. The special toll / section toll applies to specific routes such as tunnels or alpine roads, regardless of whether you hold a vignette or pay a distance-based toll.
Why choose a digital vignette rather than a sticker vignette?
The digital vignette is directly linked to your licence plate. There is nothing to stick on, nothing to scrape off, and no risk of applying the vignette incorrectly. You can order it online and validity begins immediately or on a start date of your choosing. Purchase your digital vignette from us now!
Can I buy the digital vignette at short notice?
Yes. The digital vignette can be purchased online at short notice and is valid immediately or from a desired date (depending on the product). It is important, however, that the vignette is already active before you drive on the toll road. A purchase after the fact does not replace a missing vignette.
Is the digital vignette for Austria also valid in other countries?
No. Vignettes are country-specific. For Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Switzerland or Slovakia you each need a separate vignette. At DMC Digitale Maut Consulting GmbH you can obtain suitable products for several countries – ideal if your road trip goes beyond national borders.
How do I identify my vehicle class?
For most passenger cars and motorhomes up to 3.5 t mGW, the standard vignette applies. The decisive factors are the technically permissible maximum laden mass (mGW) and in some cases the axle height. In our guide to vehicle classes you will find guidance on which vignette is right for your vehicle. If in doubt, our support team will be happy to help.
Does the vignette cover section toll roads?
No. Section toll roads such as certain tunnels or mountain pass roads must be paid for separately. The vignette does not cover these routes. Therefore, find out in advance which sections of your route are subject to a section toll.
