Adventurous Road Trips through Austria

Austria is made for a road trip: from alpine panoramic roads and crystal-clear lakes to historic towns, many highlights are only one to two hours' drive apart. In this guide, we introduce you to three varied road trips (5–10 days), including concrete planning tips, recommendations for hiking and ski areas, and a compact toll overview. Secure your suitable 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 mainly on the time available and your priorities. Austria offers great diversity: cities such as 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 guideline 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 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: Ideal if you want to combine several regions – for example, western Austria (Tyrol, Vorarlberg) with Styria or Burgenland.

Tips from us

Our sample routes give you a good 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 trip 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: The 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: High season with a classic summer feel at lakes and in cities, but with higher traffic volume 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 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 largely on where you are coming from. However, some places are particularly well suited as a "hub" for a road trip:

• Salzburg: Ideal if arriving from southern Germany. The 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 continuing your journey 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 will be using Austrian motorways anyway on your journey, it is advisable to purchase a digital vignette before you set 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 are travelling through Austria by car for the first time and want to experience a mix of city, lakes, and high alpine scenery. It takes you from Salzburg via the Salzkammergut and Schladming-Dachstein to the Carinthian lake landscapes – with many 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 indulgence 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 arrive and settle in first. Stroll through the lanes in the morning, enjoy the view from Hohensalzburg Fortress, and round off the evening at one of the many restaurants or by the Salzach River. In our guide you will find 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 takes you into the Austrian Water World – specifically into 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, the journey continues into the mountain world 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 belong to 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 the alpine pastures. You'll find an overview of hikes, mountain railways, 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)

The journey continues towards the Hohe Tauern National Park with the famous Grossglockner High Alpine Road. Here you can experience Austria's high mountain scenery up close: switchbacks, 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 a route toll. Our overview of special tolls and route tolls provides relevant information.

Carinthian lakes (1–2 nights)

To finish, a stay at one of the Carinthian lakes is recommended. These are part of the Austrian Water World and combine a beach holiday with mountain views. Whether Wörthersee, Millstätter See, or smaller lakes – here you can deliberately slow the pace of your road trip: swimming, walks along the lakeside promenade, and light 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 route 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, culinary delights, 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 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 & rolling hills (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 grounds, and the Danube Island, you can easily fill two days: museums, coffeehouse culture, Wiener Schnitzel, and a Danube cruise. In our article on Vienna you'll find tips on parking, short-term parking zones, and excursion options into 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 choice. Depending on your interests, you can combine a stop in Graz with detours into the wine and hill landscapes of southern Styria or to hiking areas in the north. Styria combines urban centres with natural experiences, thermal spa offerings, and culinary specialities. You'll find further inspiration and regional tips in our guide to Schladming-Dachstein as well as in the articles on hiking areas and ski areas.

Burgenland (1–2 nights)

Burgenland is characterised by wide plains, vineyards, and Lake Neusiedl. It's perfect for cycling, leisurely walks, and wine tastings. The elevation profile is noticeably reduced here, making this section especially suited to quiet days in between. In our article on the Water World in Austria you'll find suggestions for well-known lakes that you shouldn't miss on your trip to Burgenland.

Graz (1 night)

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

Road trip by car

Since this road trip relies heavily on motorways and expressways, a digital vignette is particularly important. Driving times between stages are usually between 1 and 3 hours. Special toll routes play a smaller role on this route than in the high Alps, but may still apply depending on the individual route chosen.

You'll find an overview of all relevant toll regulations 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: 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, the Nordkette cable car, Bergisel, and the proximity to numerous hiking and ski areas make the city a perfect starting point. You'll find further tips on the city, parking options, and excursions in our guide to Innsbruck.

Achensee & the 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, use the leisurely lakeside paths, or explore the surroundings with a scenic boat trip. Numerous easy to moderately challenging 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 perfect for an overnight stop along the way. The drive there takes you along winding 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 special part of this road trip is the Großes Walsertal Biosphere Reserve in Vorarlberg. As a protected area, it places great importance on sustainable tourism, gentle mobility, and nature-based experiences. Here it's less about spectacular staging and more about tranquillity, sweeping 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 Reserve.

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

To finish, a stay in one of the well-known ski areas that serve as hiking regions in summer is recommended (e.g. Tiroler Oberland, Montafon, or the Arlberg area). Many mountain railways also operate during the warmer months, providing easy access to panoramic viewpoints. You'll find more information on this in our articles 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 roads and mountain roads. Motorways are mainly used for arrival and departure. Here, the vignette requirement applies to vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight. Depending on the route chosen, special toll routes such as certain tunnels or Alpine roads may also apply.

Toll guide Austria

Are you unsure whether a vignette is sufficient for your route or whether an additional route toll applies? In Austria, three terms play a central role: vignette, distance-based toll, and route toll (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 have a toll obligation in the form of a vignette or distance-based toll. If your road trip takes you across the border, you will need the appropriate vignette there. 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'll be perfectly prepared for combined European road trips by car.

Why our digital vignette is the right choice

Europamaut makes your journey through Austria especially easy: the digital vignette can be ordered online in just a few minutes, is linked to your licence plate, and can have an individual start date if you wish. Since 2019, we have been offering digital vignettes for several European countries, ideal for transit trips and road trips. Our email support in 15 languages assists you with questions about tolls, vehicle classes, and special toll routes. Optional cancellation protection provides additional peace of mind if 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 consider a few practical aspects:

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

• Traffic rules: Observe the speed limits and blood alcohol limits. You'll find further information on this in our guide to Traffic Rules in Austria.

• Nature & protected areas: Use only marked trails, don't leave any litter behind, and pay attention to information signs in nature and biosphere parks. Respect nature and follow the regulations, especially in the Großes Walsertal Biosphere Reserve and other 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: The 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 they are 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 and lake landscapes to hiking areas and culturally rich cities such as Salzburg, Vienna, or Innsbruck. Secure your suitable 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, you can contact us via email.

FAQ Road trip Austria: Questions about the trip

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 gross vehicle weight, 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 special toll routes are particularly relevant for holidaymakers?

For many travellers, the Bosruck Tunnel, the Gleinalm Tunnel, the Tauern Tunnel, as well as various Alpine roads (e.g. Gerlos Alpine Road, Zillertal Höhenstraße, Dachstein Road) play a role, among others. These routes must be paid in addition to the vignette. You'll find details in our overview of special tolls (route tolls) in Austria.

What is the difference between a vignette, a distance-based toll, and a special toll (route toll)?

The vignette applies to vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight on motorways and expressways. The distance-based toll generally applies to heavier vehicles and is charged based on the actual distance travelled. The special toll or route toll, on the other hand, applies to certain 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 instead of a sticker vignette?

The digital vignette is directly linked to your licence plate. You don't have to stick anything on, scrape anything off, or risk attaching the vignette incorrectly. It can be ordered online, and validity begins either immediately or on a start date of your choosing. Get 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 (depending on the product) is valid immediately or from a chosen date. However, it's important that the vignette is already active before you drive on the toll road. A subsequent purchase does not make up for a missing vignette.

Does the digital vignette for Austria also apply in other countries?

No. Vignettes are country-specific. For Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Switzerland, or Slovakia, you need separate vignettes for each country. At DMC Digitale Maut Consulting GmbH, you can get suitable products for several countries – ideal if your road trip extends beyond national borders.

How do I know my vehicle class?

For most cars and motorhomes up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, the standard vignette is intended. The technically permissible total weight (gross vehicle weight) and, in some cases, the axle height are the deciding factors. In our guide to vehicle classes you'll find information on which vignette is suitable for your vehicle. If you're unsure, our support team will be happy to help.

Is the vignette sufficient for special toll routes?

No. Special toll routes such as certain tunnels or mountain pass roads must be paid separately. The vignette does not cover these routes. Therefore, find out in advance which sections of your route are subject to special tolls.