Adventurous Road Trips through Austria

Austria is perfectly suited for a road trip: from alpine panoramic roads and crystal-clear lakes to historic cities, many highlights are just one to two hours' drive 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 peace of mind.

Before you set off: planning is everything!

The ideal route for your road trip through Austria depends mainly on the time you have available and your priorities. Austria offers great variety: cities like Salzburg, Vienna and Innsbruck, the Austrian Water World with lakes and waterfalls, diverse hiking areas, ski areas, as well as regions such as the Großes Walsertal Biosphere Reserve or Schladming-Dachstein. The following rough guide can help you with planning:

• 5–6 days: Focus on one region (e.g. Alps & lakes or cities & wine regions). Ideal for experiencing the main highlights without rushing.

• 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 connect several regions – for example, western Austria (Tyrol, Vorarlberg) with Styria or Burgenland.

Tips from us

With our sample routes, you have 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 time per day and two activities. This leaves enough time to enjoy the journey instead of just rushing from one highlight to the next.

When planning, also take the seasons and weather into account, 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 Reserve or the Austrian Water World are easily accessible.

• July and August: High season with a classic summer feel at lakes and in cities, but with heavier traffic and the need for early reservations.

• Winter (December to March): Perfect for combining a road trip with ski areas 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 jams on motorways and around popular holiday destinations.

Austria by car: getting there and starting points

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

• Salzburg: Ideal if arriving from southern Germany. A perfect entry point for Alpine and lake routes (e.g. Salzkammergut, the city of Salzburg).

• Vienna: Optimal if arriving from eastern Austria or the neighbouring countries to the east. A combination of culture, the Danube, and onward travel towards Styria or Burgenland. (Read more: Vienna)

• Innsbruck: A perfect 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 section or under natural attractions)

If you'll be using Austrian motorways on your journey anyway, it's advisable to purchase a digital vignette before setting off. This way, you stay flexible and avoid unnecessary stops at sales points.

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

This route is ideal if you're travelling around Austria by car for the first time and want to experience a mix of city, lakes and high alpine terrain. It takes you from Salzburg through the Salzkammergut and Schladming-Dachstein to the lake landscapes of Carinthia – 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: A relaxing, indulgent finale (1–2 nights)

Salzburg (1–2 nights)

Start your road trip in a relaxed way in Salzburg. The compact old town with its fortress, Getreidegasse and riverside promenades invites you to first settle in. Stroll through the alleyways in the morning, enjoy the view from Hohensalzburg Fortress, and end the evening at one of the many restaurants or along the Salzach River. In our guide, you'll 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 takes you into the Austrian Water World – specifically the Salzkammergut. Here you'll find lakes such as Wolfgangsee, Traunsee or 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, continue on into the mountain world of the Schladming-Dachstein region. It's an appealing 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 well-known network of ski areas. Depending on your preference, plan a panoramic hike, a visit to the Dachstein cable car, or a more relaxed day at an alpine pasture. You'll find an overview of hikes, cable cars and activities in our guide to Schladming-Dachstein as well as in our articles on hiking areas in Austria.

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

Continue towards the Hohe Tauern National Park with the famous Grossglockner High Alpine Road. Here you'll 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. Please note that the Grossglockner High Alpine Road and some access routes may be subject to a special toll. You'll find relevant information in our overview of special tolls and toll routes.

Carinthian lakes (1–2 nights)

To finish, a stay at one of the Carinthian lakes is a great option. These are part of the Austrian Water World and combine a lakeside holiday with mountain views. Whether it's Wörthersee, Millstätter See or one of the smaller lakes – here you can deliberately slow 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 further inspiration.

Road trip by car

The stages of this route are usually 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 the route chosen, special toll routes may also apply (e.g. Grossglockner, certain tunnels and alpine roads).

You'll find all the important information on the digital vignette and toll regulations in our guide to digital tolls in Austria as well as in the overview of toll routes & 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 like Vienna and Graz meet wine regions in Burgenland and Styria. Ideal for travellers who want to spend less time in the high mountains but still experience nature, indulgence and history.

• Vienna: Capital, culture & the Danube (2 nights)

• Wachau or Lower Austria (optional): Danube, wine & monasteries (1 night)

• Styria: Cities & hilly landscapes (1–2 nights)

• Burgenland: Wine, the Pannonian plain & nature parks (1–2 nights)

• Graz: Old town & culinary delights (1 night)

Vienna (2 nights)

Start your route in Vienna, the country's cultural hub. Between the Ringstrasse, palace complexes and the Danube Island, you can easily fill two days: museums, coffee house culture, Wiener schnitzel and Danube boat trips. Our article on Vienna provides 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, the route via Styria is a great option. Depending on your interests, you can combine a stop in Graz with detours into the wine and hill country 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 our articles on hiking areas and ski areas.

Burgenland (1–2 nights)

Burgenland is characterised by wide plains, vineyards and Lake Neusiedl. It's ideal for cycling, leisurely walks and wine tastings. The terrain here is noticeably flatter, making this section particularly well suited for relaxed days in between. Our article on the Water World in Austria offers suggestions on well-known lakes not to be missed on your trip to Burgenland.

Graz (1 night)

To finish, a stay in Graz is a great option – a city that combines tradition and modernity. The Schlossberg, the Murinsel and the old town alleyways provide a varied programme. From Graz, you can flexibly plan your return journey: back to Vienna via Styria, or westward towards Salzburg or Innsbruck.

Road trip by car

Since 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 routes play a smaller role on this route compared to the high Alps but may still apply depending on your individual choice of route.

An overview of all relevant toll regulations can be found in our article on tolls in Austria.

Road trip 3: western Alps, valleys & biosphere reserve (8–10 days)

The third road trip is aimed at nature lovers who want to get to know western Austria more intensively. With Tyrol, Vorarlberg, lakes such as Achensee or Plansee, the Großes Walsertal Biosphere Reserve, as well as well-known ski areas that are also attractive hiking regions in summer, this road trip is sure to delight 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 Reserve: Nature conservation & tranquillity (2 nights)

• Ski areas & hiking regions: A summer retreat in the mountains (1–2 nights)

Innsbruck (1–2 nights)

Innsbruck combines urban infrastructure with direct access to the mountains. The old town, the 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)

Achensee is known as the "Tyrolean fjord" and is part of the Austrian Water World. Here you can swim, stand-up paddle, enjoy leisurely lakeside paths, or explore the surrounding area with a scenic boat trip. Numerous easy to moderate hiking trails are also available around the lake. Further 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)

Plansee in Tyrol offers an equally impressive backdrop and is ideal for an overnight stop along the way. The drive takes you 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 Reserve (2 nights)

A 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's less about spectacular scenery and more about tranquillity, sweeping views and hiking areas suited to a wide range of fitness levels. You can find more detailed information in our guide to the Großes Walsertal Biosphere Reserve.

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

To finish, a stay at one of the well-known ski areas that function as hiking regions in summer is a great option (e.g. Tiroler Oberland, Montafon or the Arlberg region). Many cable cars also operate during the warmer months, providing easy access to panoramic viewpoints. You can find further information in our article on ski areas 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 running along country and mountain roads. Motorways are mainly used for arrival and departure. Here, the vignette requirement applies to vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight. Depending on the route chosen, special toll routes such as certain tunnels or alpine roads may also apply.

Austria toll guide

Not sure whether a vignette is enough for your route, or whether an additional toll route charge applies? In Austria, three terms play a central role: vignette, route-based toll, and toll route (special toll). You'll 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 exclusively in Austria. Neighbouring countries may also require a toll in the form of a vignette or route-based toll. If your road trip crosses the border, you'll need the appropriate vignette for that country. At DMC Digitale Maut Consulting GmbH, you can also get vignettes for the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Hungary, Romania, Switzerland and Slovakia, among others. With us, you're perfectly prepared for combined European road trips.

Why our digital vignette is the right choice

Europamaut makes your journey through Austria especially simple: the digital vignette can be ordered online within minutes, is linked to your licence plate, and can have an individual start date if desired. Since 2019, we've offered digital vignettes for several European countries, ideal for transit trips and road trips. Our email support in 15 languages helps you with questions about tolls, vehicle classes and special toll routes. Optional cancellation protection offers additional security in case your travel plans change at short notice.

Practical tips for on the road

To make sure your road trip through Austria goes smoothly, you should keep a few practical points in mind:

• Timing: Avoid (if possible) peak traffic times on Fridays and Sundays, as well as the start and end of school holidays. Instead, travel either very early in the morning or later in the evening.

• Traffic rules: Stick to 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 paths, don't leave any litter behind, and pay attention to signage in nature and biosphere parks. Respect nature and follow the regulations, especially in the Großes Walsertal Biosphere Reserve 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 for motorhomes.

• Weather conditions: Weather can change quickly in the Alps. Dress in layers, bring a rain jacket and sturdy footwear, and check the current conditions before crossing high mountain passes.

• Safety: Take regular breaks, especially on mountain pass roads. Only use viewpoints and parking areas where explicitly designated.

The Europamaut team wishes you a wonderful trip!

With these three road trips, you'll experience Austria in all its diversity: from alpine panoramas to lake landscapes and hiking areas, to culturally rich cities like Salzburg, Vienna or Innsbruck. Secure the right digital vignette with your preferred start date in advance, and enjoy short driving times, sweeping 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, feel free to contact us via email.