12-Day Self-Drive Road Trip in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland With Itinerary from Vienna to Salzburg, Innsbruck, Lucerne, Zurich, Munich, and Nuremberg

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your multi-country journey across Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. This exciting part of your road trip invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in Salzburg in Austria. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to Salzburg where you'll spend 1 night of well-deserved relaxation.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Vienna and set your GPS to Salzburg. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 3 hours 20 min. Upon reaching Salzburg, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Our first attraction recommendation in Salzburg is Fortress Hohensalzburg, a notable castle that draws attention for its history-steeped features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Salzburg Cathedral, a symbolic church that stands out in the city.

Time flies when you're having fun! But don't forget to stop for a bit to eat and drink between your adventures. When you're rested and recharged, head to Mirabell Palace, a locally renowned palace that offers a unique experience. Be sure to also explore Mozartplatz, a nearby public square, highly recommended by other travelers.

After a long day of discovery, it's time to settle in at a top-rated hotel in Salzburg. Indulge in well-deserved rest and rejuvenation, preparing for the continued adventure that lies ahead.

As the day unfolds, you’ll be delighted to find that Salzburg boasts an array of restaurants and bars catering to every budget. Take this opportunity to sample the distinctive flavors of the region.

Savor the flavors at IMLAUER Sky - Bar & Restaurant in Salzburg, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Indian Restaurant Taj Mahal beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider WeiherWirt. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Salzburg tonight.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting The Salzburg Whiskey Museum - Bar, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Harry Bär is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Darwin's Cafe Bar also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Savor the moment and raise a toast to yet another amazing day of your vacation in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland! Enjoy your evening in Salzburg to the fullest!

On day 4 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, you’ll soak in the magnificence Innsbruck in Austria. When you’re not exploring the city and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Innsbruck, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Innsbruck. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 11 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the city's best attractions, visit Ambras Castle Innsbruck, an underrated castle that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey. Next, head to Bergisel Ski Jump and admire its stunning features.

When you’re ready, continue to Golden Roof, a captivating historical landmark beloved by locals and tourists alike. Don't miss out on Stadtturm, another highlight of the area that promises a memorable visit.

Take some time off from the road, it’s time to check in at a top-rated stay in Innsbruck. Choose a hotel where you can gently let go of the day’s excitement and enjoy some peace and relaxation.

If you're eager to sample culinary delights during your multi-country road trip in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, you'll be excited to head out for dinner and get a taste of the local cuisine in Innsbruck.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Stiftskeller, a popular restaurant in Innsbruck. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Innsbruck at Thai-Li-Ba, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Breakfast Club. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Innsbruck tonight.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Café Bar Dinzler after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Music-bar Zappa for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Cafe Katzung is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Relax, recharge, and look forward to what tomorrow holds. The opportunities are endless with a European self-drive tour!

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. Today's main destinations are Lucerne in Switzerland, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Lucerne. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

As you explore Lucerne’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the town.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Lucerne, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Innsbruck to Lucerne may take around 3 hours 48 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Lucerne, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Swiss Museum Of Transport, a well-known museum that everyone visiting Lucerne should see. Next, head to Lion Monument Lucerne. This masterful monument is one of the most captivating attractions in the region.

If you're keen to see more, don’t miss out on Männliturm, a picture-perfect monument popular among locals as well as travelers. Chapel Bridge is an excellent attraction to visit next. Spend some time learning more about this notable historical landmark before you continue your journey.

Relax your senses after a day of exhilarating activities and fun exploration. Retreat to one of the best accommodations in Lucerne.

Before this day of your vacation comes to a close, treat your palate to a taste of Switzerland's delectable cuisine at one of Lucerne's best restaurants. After a nice meal, enjoy the local nightlife or unwind with a drink or two in the town’s most recommended bars.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Valentino, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Restaurant Weisses Schloss offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Bolero. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Lucerne.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Bar 58, known for its lively atmosphere. Blue Bar & Smokers Lounge is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Penthouse offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Go to bed happy and look forward to a good night’s sleep as soon as your head hits the pillow. Your European tour continues tomorrow!

Wake up to day 9 of your extraordinary road trip through Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Hohenschwangau in Germany. With 1 night left in Munich, seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Hohenschwangau. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 47 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Hohenschwangau Castle, a popular castle that everyone visiting Hohenschwangau should see. Next, head to Neuschwanstein Castle. This romantic castle is one of the most famous attractions in the region.

When you’ve had your share of Hohenschwangau, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Horn. Your travel time is around 8 min.

Königliche Kristall-therme Am Kurpark Schwangau is a curiosity-inducing spa we recommend visiting today. Discover its enchanting features before continuing your self-guided tour.

Get ready to savor the tastiest bites and enjoy a lively evening in Munich. From mouthwatering restaurants to happening bars, we've got the inside scoop on where to eat and drink at this stop on your multi-country road trip across Austria, Germany, and Switzerland.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Gasthaus Isarthor, a popular restaurant in Munich. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Munich at Zum Dürnbräu, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Zum Alten Markt. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Munich tonight.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Pusser's after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Ory Bar for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Harry's is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Relax, recharge, and look forward to what tomorrow holds. The opportunities are endless with a European self-drive tour!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 10 of your multi-country journey across Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. This exciting part of your road trip invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in Nuremberg in Germany. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to Nuremberg where you'll spend 1 night of well-deserved relaxation.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Munich, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Nuremberg. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 53 min.

Spend your afternoon discovering Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds, a captivating museum known for its culturally significant features. Next, continue your sightseeing at Nuremberg Castle, a locally renowned castle.

If you're starting to feel hungry, this is a great time for a break at a nearby restaurant or cafe. When you're ready for more, stop by Albrecht Dürer's House and uncover the details of this heritage-rich museum. Make sure to also explore St. Sebald Church - Sebalduskirche Nürnberg, a frequently visited church. For your last stop, consider Schöner Brunnen, a breathtaking monument that many travelers find worth the detour.

After an exciting day of sightseeing, it’s time to check in at your accommodation in Nuremberg. This is not only a place to sleep but your home away from home, offering a warm welcome after a long day on the road.

As the sun sets, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Nuremberg. Check out our recommendations on where to wine and dine while seeing this marvelous destination in Germany in a new light.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Restaurant Burgwächter, a top-rated dining destination in Nuremberg. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Alte Küch'n & Im Keller, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at NOVINA HOTEL Südwestpark Nürnberg. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Nuremberg this evening.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Irish Castle Pub offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Mata Hari Bar is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Undecided Bar is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Spend the evening looking over your itinerary for tomorrow and reminisce about what you’ve seen and done so far on your European road trip adventure. New experiences await!

On day 11 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, you’ll soak in the magnificence Regensburg in Germany. When you’re not exploring the city and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Vienna, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.

Set your GPS to Regensburg and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 25 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Regensburg beckons with new experiences!

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Old Stone Bridge and explore the enchanting features. Next, make your way to St Peter Cathedral, another highlight in Regensburg. When you’re done exploring the church, continue to Porta Praetoria In Regensburg, a photogenic historical landmark.

Nearby, you will also find Regensburg Museum Of History. This increasingly popular museum is a top place to see in the area.

After a long day of discovery, it's time to settle in at a top-rated hotel in Vienna. Indulge in well-deserved rest and rejuvenation, preparing for the continued adventure that lies ahead.

In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Vienna’s regional flavors and culminate your day with a toast. We’ve curated a guide to the city’s culinary and nightlife hotspots to enhance your experience during your multi-country vacation in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland.

Don’t miss out on dining at Puerstner, a top-rated dining destination in Vienna. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Vollpension, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Zum Schwarzen Kameel. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Vienna this evening.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Bar is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Loos American Bar, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Brandauer Bierstube. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Take in the ambiance of Vienna as this day slowly comes to an end. Whether you’re going bar hopping or you decide on a quiet night at your hotel, you have another exciting day of your multi-country road trip to look forward to!