One-Week Austria Road Trip from Vienna traveling west to Gmunden, Salzburg, and St. Pölten

Welcome to Vienna, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Austria! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 2 nights immersing yourself in Vienna's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Vienna is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Vienna. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Austria. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.

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

Start your culinary exploration in Vienna by securing a reservation at Amador. This renowned restaurant holds , and offers an exceptional menu of creative and contemporary cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Mraz & Sohn, celebrated for its delectable creative menu. This acclaimed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover Steirereck im Stadtpark, a top local spot known for its tantalizing creative and contemporary menu. With a 2-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

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

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

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Vienna has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Vienna by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

Make Belvedere Palace Chapel one of your first sightseeing stops in Vienna. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 66,332 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Schönbrunn Palace is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This château is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 145,237 reviews.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by Schönbrunn Palace. This château has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 53,579 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, head to Tiergarten Schönbrunn. A trip to this popular zoo is also your opportunity to see if it lives up to the reputable 4.7 out of 5-star rating as given by 50,414 previous visitors.

To immerse yourself in more memorable moments in Vienna, check out the best-rated tours the region offers. You can discover and choose from all of the top-rated activities you can do on this day in Vienna below.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Vienna. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Vollpension, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Zum Schwarzen Kameel offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Plachutta Wollzeile. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Vienna.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Kleinod, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Needle Vinyl Bar, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Roberto American Bar likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

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

On day 3 of your road trip in Austria, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Vienna. In the evening, you’ll end up in Gmunden, where you will stay for 1 night.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to St. Stephen's Cathedral. This extraordinary catholic cathedral is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 103,855 visitors.

Next, make your way to Vienna State Opera. This top attraction is an opera house with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 49,854 visitors.

We also recommend a visit to Maria-Theresa Memorial. This sightseeing destination is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 24,300 travelers.

If you’re keen to keep exploring, visit Museum of Natural History Vienna. This highly recommended sightseeing destination has received an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 33,317 travelers.

Today is also your chance to spend some time at MuseumsQuartier. This art museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 30,180 travelers.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Gmunden. Gmunden offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Gmunden's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Runningsushi Bamboo, a highly-rated dining destination in Gmunden. If you're eager to try something different, consider San Marino, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Pizzeria Capri. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Gmunden this evening.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Seelounge Gmunden, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Die Strandung offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Gmunden.

Relax and reminisce about your day in Austria and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 4 of your road trip in Austria. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Lahn, Hallstatt, and Tenneck. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Salzburg, which will be your home away from home for 2 nights.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Lahn. This drive usually takes around 55 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Journey into the unknown at Memory of Mankind, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable building has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,417 reviews.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Hallstatt. This drive usually takes around 9 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Panoramic Viewpoint - Hallstatt. This extraordinary point of interest is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 10,737 visitors.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Salzburg, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

As you explore more of Salzburg, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at The Glass Garden, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible modern menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Ikarus is one of the best restaurants for creative and modern cuisine in Salzburg. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at SENNS. Restaurant. As a top-rated it is an ideal choice for creative cuisine in the city.

Round off your dining experience by visiting The Salzburg Whiskey Museum - Bar, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Harry Bär, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Darwin's Cafe Bar likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

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

Day 5 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Salzburg for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Fortress Hohensalzburg. This museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 43,309 reviews.

Continue your journey at Salzburg Cathedral. This catholic cathedral is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 9,882 travelers from near and far.

Salzburg is also the home of Mozartplatz. This square has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 12,235 visitors.

You can continue your self-guided sightseeing tour at Mirabell Gardens. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 8,148 visitors, a visit to this top sight is time well spent.

Lastly, don't miss out on Mirabell Palace. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 26,688 reviews, it’s hard to refuse the opportunity to see this château.

Your discoveries in Salzburg do not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Salzburg on this day of your trip. You can select your tours below.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Salzburg.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Augustiner Bräu Mülln, a top-rated dining destination in Salzburg. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Die Weisse, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Salzburg this evening.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to MENTOR'S BAR KULTUR, known for its inviting atmosphere. StageBar Salzburg is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Monkeys cafe. Bar provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 6 of your road trip in Austria. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Salzburg. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in St. Pölten. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Mozart's Birthplace. Previous visitors have rated this museum an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars in 21,779 reviews.

Haus der Natur Salzburg is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This science museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 11,033 reviews. The attraction welcomes 500,000 visitors every year.

Another attraction you won't want to miss is Hellbrunn Palace. This château is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 19,017 reviews.

Hangar-7 is another outstanding experience in Salzburg. Around 14,007 travelers have rated this architectural structure an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

The attraction gets an estimated 500,000 visitors every year.

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

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in St. Pölten.

Make sure to book a table at Hotel Restaurant Roter Hahn, a popular restaurant in St. Pölten. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of St. Pölten at Saloon Milwaukee, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is MAY Cafe & Restaurant St. Pölten. As a dining spot that gains consistently high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to St. Pölten tonight.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by going to a bar or two. Narrnkastl is an excellent place to start. You could also check out BarRock, offering a different kind of charm.

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

Dive into day 7 of your remarkable road trip in Austria. Today you will explore St. Pölten, Gemeinde Melk, and Laxenburg, 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 Vienna. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Museum Niederösterreich. This country museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,428 reviews.

Gemeinde Melk’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of St. Pölten behind. This drive usually takes around 23 min. Gemeinde Melk welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Kick off the day at Melk Abbey, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This abbey is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 12,473 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Vienna. Vienna offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Vienna. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Esteemed as a restaurant, it features an exceptional menu. Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Lebenbauer, a top-rated dining spot in Vienna. If you're in the mood for something new, try Lugeck, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Figlmüller – Restaurant Bäckerstraße. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Vienna.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Austria!

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

Maximize your last day in Austria and go on a shopping spree in Vienna’s shopping center. This bustling commercial district is conveniently located near your lodging, granting you leisure time to roam and explore its assortment of establishments.

If you love the adrenaline rush of hunting for the best offers and deals in Austria, you’re in for a treat. A variety of goods and gifts await your discovery. Bring a bit of Austria home with you through these charming souvenirs.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Stadtpark. Previous visitors have rated this metro station an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 27,294 reviews.

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

Have a fantastic dining experience at Bockshorn Irish Pub, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Reinthaler's Beisl offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Vienna. 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!