9-Day Austria Road Trip from Linz to Salzburg, St. Pölten, and Vienna and surrounding area

Welcome to Linz, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Austria! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 1 night immersing yourself in Linz's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Linz 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 Luftschutzstollen "Limonikeller" or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Linz. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Linz. 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.

Have a fantastic dining experience at PAULS steak & veggi Linz, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, nuba - bar with kitchen offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Fu Cheng is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Linz.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Divino, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Café Bar Walker is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Solaris is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

Raise a toast to the start of your 9-day road trip in Austria!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 2 of your road trip in Austria. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Linz. 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.

Make Ars Electronica Center your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this art museum an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 5,491 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Schlossmuseum Linz. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,955 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this museum every year.

New Cathedral, Linz is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This cathedral has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,676 visitors.

When you’re finished at New Cathedral, Linz, the perfect next stop is Carmelite Convent Linz. This church is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 146 reviews.

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.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Salzburg's best restaurants.

Have a memorable dining experience in Salzburg by booking a table at The Glass Garden, renowned as a 1-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional modern menu. For a different culinary experience, Ikarus shines as one of the top destinations known for its delicious creative and modern cuisine in Salzburg. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from previous guests, making it a must-visit addition to your holiday experience. If you're looking for an alternative, SENNS. Restaurant is known as a top local spot for its delicious creative cuisine in Salzburg. This 2-star Michelin awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

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

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

On day 3 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Salzburg. You’ll stay in Salzburg for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Kick off the day at Mirabell Palace, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This château is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 26,688 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Mirabell Gardens. Mirabell Gardens is a park with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 8,148 reviews.

Haus der Natur Salzburg is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This science museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,033 visitors. In a single year, this science museum hosts approximately 500,000 visitors.

Beyond the attractions mentioned above, you also have the opportunity to visit Mozart's Birthplace. This museum is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 21,779 visitors.

Lastly, don’t miss out on Hellbrunn Palace, a famous château in Salzburg. This attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 19,017 travelers.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your travel plan. Austria is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

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

Don’t miss out on dining 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 meal, keep the night alive at a bar like MENTOR'S BAR KULTUR, known for its lively atmosphere. StageBar Salzburg is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Monkeys cafe. Bar offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 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.

When you're ready to see some sights, Mozartplatz is a great place to start. This square is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 12,235 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Salzburg Cathedral. This catholic cathedral has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 9,882 travelers.

We also recommend a stop at Fortress Hohensalzburg. The museum has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 43,309 visitors.

If you're keen to explore more, consider visiting Hangar-7. This architectural structure is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 14,007 reviews.

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

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

Savor the flavors at Hotel Restaurant Roter Hahn, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Saloon Milwaukee beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider MAY Cafe & Restaurant St. Pölten. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in St. Pölten tonight.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Narrnkastl. Alternatively, go to BarRock, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Austria!

On day 5 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 St. Pölten, Gemeinde Melk, and Laxenburg. In the evening, you’ll end up in Vienna, where you will stay for 3 nights.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Museum Niederösterreich. This country museum is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in St. Pölten, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,428 visitors.

Set your GPS to Gemeinde Melk and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 23 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Gemeinde Melk beckons with new experiences!

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Melk Abbey. This abbey is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,473 visitors.

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.

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

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Amador, a 3-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible creative and contemporary menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Mraz & Sohn is one of the best restaurants for creative cuisine in Vienna. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at Steirereck im Stadtpark. As a top-rated it is an ideal choice for creative and contemporary cuisine in the city.

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

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

Day 6 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Vienna for 2 nights more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Drop by the renowned Belvedere Palace Chapel. This popular chapel has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 66,332 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Schönbrunn Palace. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 145,237 visitors, this château deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

We also recommend a visit to Schönbrunn Palace. This château has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 53,579 reviews.

Another favorite attraction in the area is Tiergarten Schönbrunn. This zoo and popular place of interest enjoys a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 50,414 local and international travelers.

Immerse yourself in the local scene through top-rated tours and activities. You can choose from a wide variety of easy to challenging tours and easily add them to your travel package 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.

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

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Kleinod. Alternatively, go to Needle Vinyl Bar, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Roberto American Bar provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Austria.

Day 7 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.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Prater. This extraordinary park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 114,084 visitors.

Next, make your way to Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 37,411 reviews.

While in Vienna, we also recommend a visit to Stadtpark. This metro station has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 27,294 reviews.

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 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.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Lebenbauer, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Lugeck offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Figlmüller – Restaurant Bäckerstraße is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Vienna.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Austria!

On day 8 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Austria, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Vienna. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Linz, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Make St. Stephen's Cathedral one of your first sightseeing stops in Vienna. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 103,855 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Vienna State Opera is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This opera house is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 49,854 reviews.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by Hofburg Palace. This castle has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 47,034 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, head to Maria-Theresa Memorial. A trip to this popular point of interest is also your opportunity to see if it lives up to the reputable 4.7 out of 5-star rating as given by 24,300 previous visitors.

Another top place to visit is MuseumsQuartier. This art museum enjoys an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 30,180 local and international travelers.

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

As you explore more of Linz, 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 a delightful dinner at Wia z'haus Lehner, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try ARCOTEL Nike? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at STEAKHOUSE as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Linz.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Exxtrablatt, a top-rated bar in the area.

Head back to your accommodation in Linz and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Austria!

Day 9 of your road trip in Austria is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Linz before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

As your final day in Austria unfolds, don’t miss the chance for a last-minute shopping spree in Linz’s best shopping location. Your accommodation’s convenient location near the city’s shopping area offers the luxury of time, so you don’t have to limit yourself from leisurely strolling its streets amidst a collection of establishments.

Look for the perfect gift for your loved ones back home, or buy yourself a little keepsake to remind you of Austria. Keep the spirit of your trip to Austria alive with these special souvenirs.

Make Linz’s main square one of your first sightseeing stops in Linz. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,238 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

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

Dine in style at Hotel Schwarzer Bär, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, ÄNGUS Downtown boasts a menu that's sure to impress.

You’ll then say farewell to Linz. 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!