One-Week Austria Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Salzburg to Bad Ischl and Innsbruck

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Photo of beautiful scenic view on Salzburg skyline with Festung Hohensalzburg in the summer, Austria.
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Explore the best of Austria on a remarkable 8-day road trip! Combine exploration with relaxation on a self-drive tour featuring Salzburg, Hallstatt, Bad Ischl, Innsbruck, Marktgemeinde Wattens, Zell Am See, and Kaprun.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Austria. You will spend 3 nights in Salzburg, 2 nights in Bad Ischl, and 2 nights in Innsbruck. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!

With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in Austria. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have you covered.

Upon arriving in Salzburg, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover Austria on your own terms.

An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in Austria. Fortress Hohensalzburg and Swarovski Kristallwelten are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Salzburg, Hallstatt, Bad Ischl, Innsbruck, Marktgemeinde Wattens, Zell Am See, and Kaprun, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Austria. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in Austria.

Throughout your road trip in Austria, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Austria.

This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodations, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.

The best services in Austria fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in Austria today!

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Driver’s age is 30 - 65
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Pick-up: 10:00
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Day1

Day 1

  • Salzburg - Arrival day
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  • Linzergasse
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Say hello to Salzburg! Your exciting road trip through Austria is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the city. You will stay in Salzburg for 2 nights before you continue your adventure!

Salzburg is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. Taking a stroll in the city center is a great alternative. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Salzburg. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Austria. We recommend staying at a central location for easy access to key areas in the city.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Salzburg, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Don’t miss out on dining at IMLAUER Sky - Bar & Restaurant in Salzburg, a top-rated dining destination in Salzburg. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Indian Restaurant Taj Mahal, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at WeiherWirt. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Salzburg this evening.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, The Salzburg Whiskey Museum - Bar stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Harry Bär offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Darwin's Cafe Bar is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Raise a toast to the start of your 8-day road trip in Austria!

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Day2

Day 2

  • Salzburg
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Drive 24 km, 1 hour 13 min

  • Salzburg Zoo Hellbrunn
  • Salzburg Cathedral
  • Mozartplatz
  • Mirabell Palace
  • Red Bull Hangar-7
  • Altstadt
  • More

On day 2 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to discover what to see in Salzburg. You’ll stay in Salzburg for 1 night.

Altstadt is a fantastic place you can explore today in Salzburg. This neighborhood is a testament to the city’s character, and it's easy to spend hours just walking around and admiring the surroundings. Soak in the Salzburg-way-of-life and visit all the nearby sights.

Start your day at Salzburg Zoo. This mesmerizing zoo is a locally renowned place to see in Salzburg. Then, wander over to Salzburg Cathedral. If culturally significant sites excite you, this church will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Mozartplatz. This history-steeped public square is a favorite among visitors.

Salzburg offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Mirabell Palace is an interesting spot in the city that will captivate you with its unique charm. When you’re done at the palace, don’t forget to check out the instagrammable Hangar-7. Take a moment to appreciate the fascinating details of this captivating aviation museum.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Austria. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Salzburg, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Augustiner Bräu Mülln, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, ARCOTEL Castellani Salzburg offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Stadtalm is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Salzburg.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Mentor's Bar Kultur, known for its lively atmosphere. Monkeys Cafe. Bar is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Schnaitl Pub offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Austria.

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Day3

Day 3

  • Salzburg
  • Bad Ischl
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Drive 98 km, 2 hours 7 min

  • Hallstätter Wasserfall
  • Viewpoint Hallstatt
  • Evangelische Pfarrkirche Hallstatt
  • Marktplatz Hallstatt
  • Salzwelten Hallstatt
  • Kaiservilla
  • More

On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Austria, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, including Hallstatt, Lahn, and Bad Ischl. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Bad Ischl, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

Make time for Hallstätter Wasserfall, a frequently visited waterfall that is worthwhile a visit in the village. Nearby, you’ll find Panoramic Viewpoint - Hallstatt, enchanting visitors with its eye-catching appeal. Continue your exploration at Christuskirche (hallstatt). This church is one of the village’s most increasingly popular spots.

Enjoy the freedom of exploring Salzburg at your own pace and find hidden gems along the way. If you want to see more picture-perfect spots, make sure to visit Marktplatz Hallstatt. After exploring the public square, head to the curiosity-inducing Memory Of Mankind. Lastly, wrap up today’s self-guided sightseeing tour with a visit to Kaiservilla, a place of enchanting interest in Salzburg.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Bad Ischl. Bad Ischl offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Bad Ischl. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Taverna Corfu Bad Ischl, a top-rated dining spot in Bad Ischl. If you're in the mood for something new, try Cafe-Restaurant Zauner, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Gasthaus Zur Bürgerstubn. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Bad Ischl.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Café Bar Lafayette, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Stehbeisl offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Bad Ischl.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Austria!

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Day4

Day 4

  • Bad Ischl
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Drive 228 km, 4 hours 7 min

  • 5 Fingers
  • Amusement park Rittisberg
  • Eispalast Dachstein
  • Dachstein Skywalk
  • More

Wake up to day 4 of your road trip in Austria. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Schildlehen and Liezen. With 1 night to stay in Bad Ischl, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the town’s surroundings!

Your adventure in Bad Ischl is only getting started when you visit 5 Fingers, a worthwhile local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Amusement Park Rittisberg. This beloved amusement park is known for its majestic appeal.

After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Bad Ischl's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to Eispalast Dachstein. This noteworthy cave offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable. Dachstein Skywalk is also worth visiting.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Bad Ischl and your accommodation.

Bad Ischl is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Bad Ischl.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Börni Börger, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Landhotel Hubertushof is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Salzmühle Bier- u Weinstube. As an establishment that consistently gains high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Bad Ischl tonight.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Austria!

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Day5

Day 5

  • Bad Ischl
  • Innsbruck
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Drive 246 km, 3 hours 25 min

  • Innsbrucker Hofgarten
  • Altstadt Innsbruck
  • Golden Roof
  • Cathedral of St. Jacob
  • Eduard-Wallnöfer-Platz
  • Triumphal Arch
  • More

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Austria. Today you'll explore 1 destination, including Innsbruck. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Innsbruck, where you'll spend 2 nights.

Start your day at Innsbrucker Hofgarten. This romantic park is an up-and-coming place to see in Bad Ischl. Then, wander over to Innenstadt. If stunning sites excite you, this public square will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Golden Roof. This heritage-rich historical landmark is a favorite among visitors.

Bad Ischl offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Innsbruck Cathedral is an underrated spot in the city that will captivate you with its unique charm. When you’re done at the church, don’t forget to check out the noteworthy Eduard-wallnöfer-platz. Take a moment to appreciate the fascinating details of this worthwhile public square. Wrap up your self-guided tour of Bad Ischl's top attractions with a visit to Triumphpforte.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Innsbruck. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

Innsbruck is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants 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.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Café Bar Dinzler. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Music-bar Zappa, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Cafe Katzung provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Austria.

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Day6

Day 6

  • Innsbruck
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Drive 51 km, 1 hour 12 min

  • Swarovski Crystal Worlds
  • Ambras Castle Innsbruck
  • Bergisel Ski Jump
  • Alpenzoo Innsbruck - Tirol
  • More

On day 6 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Innsbruck, where you have 1 night left to stay.

Whether you decide to explore Marktgemeinde Wattens on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss.

Awaiting your discovery is the well-known Swarovski Kristallwelten, a breathtaking art installation in Innsbruck. Next, go to Ambras Castle Innsbruck.

After visiting Swarovski Kristallwelten and Ambras Castle Innsbruck, have a stroll along Innsbruck's streets and take in the local charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Bergisel Ski Jump. This breathtaking observation deck offers a unique experience. Alpenzoo Innsbruck - Tirol is another noteworthy attraction worthwhile a visit.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Innsbruck.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Innsbruck. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Gasthof Goldener Adler, a top-rated dining spot in Innsbruck. If you're in the mood for something new, try Sixty Twenty Bar und Cafe, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Café Central. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Innsbruck.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Montagu Bed & Beers. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Dom Cafe-bar, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Plansch Bar provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in Austria.

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Day7

Day 7

  • Innsbruck
  • Salzburg
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Drive 260 km, 4 hours 10 min

  • Thumersbach Park
  • Zell am see esplanade
  • Sigmund Thun Gorge
  • Kaprun Castle
  • More

On day 7 of your road trip in Austria, your travel plans include 2 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Zell Am See and Kaprun are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Salzburg, where you will stay for 1 night.

Enjoy all that Thumersbach Park has to offer. This is an often recommended park you should not miss. Another must-see is Zell Am See Esplanade, an underrated boardwalk in Innsbruck.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Sigmund-thun-klamm. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Kaprun Castle, another of the town’s intriguing attractions.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Salzburg, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Salzburg's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Savor the flavors at Austria Trend Hotel Europa Salzburg, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Restaurant Riedenburg beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Die Weisse. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Salzburg tonight.

Say good night to Salzburg and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Austria!

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Day8

Day 8

  • Salzburg - Departure day
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  • Fortress Hohensalzburg
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Day 8 of your road trip in Austria is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Salzburg before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

If you're up for some more sightseeing, begin at Fortress Hohensalzburg. This locally renowned castle is a hotspot among locals.

Before you conclude your road trip in Austria, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Salzburg.

You’ll then say farewell to Salzburg. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Austria!

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Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.
Secure your spot
Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.
Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

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Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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