One-Week Austria Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Salzburg to Bad Ischl and Innsbruck
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Escape the ordinary with this exciting 8-day road trip through Austria. Explore the diverse landscapes, lively cities, and beyond. Pack your bags, hit the road, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!
This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in Austria takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. 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 got 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. Marvel at the remarkable Mirabell Palace, learn more about the unique Golden Roof, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Hangar-7.
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, accommodation, 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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Day 1
- Salzburg - Arrival day
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- Linzergasse
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Your road trip adventure in Austria begins as soon as you reach Salzburg and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Salzburg for 2 nights and explore the best things to see and do, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.
Salzburg 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 Linzergasse, a must-see street, and taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
Find your way to your hotel in Salzburg. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Austria. Settle in and make plans for the evening.
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.
Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at IMLAUER Sky - Bar & Restaurant in Salzburg, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Indian Restaurant Taj Mahal? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at WeiherWirt as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Salzburg.
Keep the evening going at The Salzburg Whiskey Museum - Bar, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Harry Bär, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Darwin's Cafe Bar, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.
Raise a toast to the start of your 8-day road trip in Austria!
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
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On day 2 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.
Altstadt is a neighborhood that stands out as one of the must-see places in Salzburg. Take a moment to explore its distinct atmosphere, and don’t miss the popular sightseeing spots just a short walk away.
A blend of fun adventures, scenic views, and photo-friendly spots await you in Salzburg on today’s itinerary. First up is the notable zoo, Salzburg Zoo. Afterward, continue to Salzburg Cathedral, a church every traveler should visit.
As you explore Salzburg’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the city. Next, make your way to Mozartplatz. This captivating public square is an essential stop. Following that, head to Mirabell Palace, another must-visit site that will enhance your experience. Don’t forget to stop by Hangar-7, a popular aviation museum in the city.
Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. 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 day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Salzburg's best restaurants.
Dine in style at Augustiner Bräu Mülln, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, ARCOTEL Castellani Salzburg boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Stadtalm. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice 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.
As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Austria.
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
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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 Hallstatt, Lahn, and Bad Ischl. In the evening, you’ll end up in Bad Ischl, where you will stay for 2 nights.
Today’s route brings family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and natural wonders. The first attraction of today is Hallstätter Wasserfall. This up-and-coming waterfall is an eye-catching place to see in Salzburg. Continue your discovery at Panoramic Viewpoint - Hallstatt, a serene observation deck with stories to tell.
As you stroll around Salzburg, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this village so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Christuskirche (hallstatt). This increasingly popular church offers a history-steeped encounter with Salzburg. Next, make your way to Marktplatz Hallstatt to add another highlight to your day. After that, visit Memory Of Mankind, an increasingly popular cave that’s sure to impress. If you’re up for more, end your self-guided sightseeing tour at Kaiservilla, an underrated palace in the village. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Salzburg.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of 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.
As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Bad Ischl. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Taverna Corfu Bad Ischl, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Cafe-Restaurant Zauner? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Gasthaus Zur Bürgerstubn as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Bad Ischl.
Continue your lively evening at Café Bar Lafayette, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Stehbeisl is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood.
As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Austria.
Day 4
- Bad Ischl
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Drive 228 km, 4 hours 7 min
- 5 Fingers
- Amusement park Rittisberg
- Eispalast Dachstein
- Dachstein Skywalk
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On day 4 of your road trip in Austria, you’ll start and end your day in Bad Ischl, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the town. Since you will return to Bad Ischl for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Schildlehen and Liezen to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!
Bad Ischl is home to plenty of attractions that offer fun adventures, romantic experiences, and natural wonders! Start at 5 Fingers, a worthwhile observation deck that is worthwhile a visit in the hamlet. Nearby, you’ll find Amusement Park Rittisberg, enchanting visitors with its picture-perfect appeal. Continue your exploration at Eispalast Dachstein. This cave is one of the hamlet’s most increasingly popular spots.
Enjoy the freedom of exploring Bad Ischl at your own pace and find hidden gems along the way. If you want to see more picture-perfect spots, make sure to visit Dachstein Skywalk.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Bad Ischl and your accommodation.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Bad Ischl. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the town, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Have a fantastic dining experience at Börni Börger, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Landhotel Hubertushof offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Salzmühle Bier- u Weinstube is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Bad Ischl.
Relax and reminisce about your day in Austria and look forward to more memorable moments to come!
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
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 5 of your road trip in Austria. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Innsbruck. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Innsbruck, which will be your home away from home for 2 nights.
Today’s itinerary in Bad Ischl covers several incredible sights, including a park, a public square, a historical landmark, a church, a monument and much more! Start your adventure at Innsbrucker Hofgarten. This curiosity-inducing park is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the visually striking wonders of Innenstadt, a must-see public square in the city.
Consider stopping for a small bite to eat or a drink at a local eatery to keep your energy going. When you’re ready, continue your discovery with a visit to Golden Roof. This locally renowned historical landmark offers an enriching experience. For a change of pace, head to Innsbruck Cathedral, where you can take in grand features. Conclude your self-guided sightseeing tour with a visit to Eduard-wallnöfer-platz and Triumphpforte. These sights offer a fulfilling end to a perfect day.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Innsbruck, 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 Innsbruck, 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 delicious dinner at Stiftskeller, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Thai-Li-Ba offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Breakfast Club. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Innsbruck.
Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Café Bar Dinzler, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Music-bar Zappa provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Cafe Katzung offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.
Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Austria!
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
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On day 6 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Innsbruck, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. On today's itinerary, you'll find attractions in Marktgemeinde Wattens and Innsbruck. You still have 1 night left in Innsbruck.
Prepare for a day full of fun adventures, breathtaking views, and photo-friendly spots. When you’re ready, kick off your sightseeing adventure at Swarovski Kristallwelten. This captivating art installation is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Ambras Castle Innsbruck, one of the town’s best highlights.
Next, check out Bergisel Ski Jump, one of the most curiosity-inducing places to see in Innsbruck. This observation deck is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Enjoy some downtime and refreshments before continuing to your next stop, Alpenzoo Innsbruck - Tirol. Wander around and soak in the eye-catching atmosphere this zoo offers.
When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Innsbruck.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Innsbruck's best restaurants.
Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Gasthof Goldener Adler, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Sixty Twenty Bar und Cafe? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Café Central as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Innsbruck.
Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Montagu Bed & Beers, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Dom Cafe-bar offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Plansch Bar. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.
Say good night to Innsbruck and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Austria!
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
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 7 of your road trip in Austria. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Zell Am See and Kaprun. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Salzburg. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.
Set out on a day brimming with fun adventures, romantic experiences, and natural wonders. Start at the often recommended Thumersbach Park, a mesmerizing park in Innsbruck. Next, go to Zell Am See Esplanade.
After visiting Thumersbach Park and Zell Am See Esplanade, have a stroll along Innsbruck's streets and take in the local charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Sigmund-thun-klamm. This picturesque canyon offers a unique experience. Kaprun Castle is another noteworthy attraction worthwhile a visit.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Salzburg. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.
Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Salzburg's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Austria Trend Hotel Europa Salzburg, a popular restaurant in Salzburg. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Salzburg at Restaurant Riedenburg, 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 Die Weisse. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Salzburg tonight.
Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Austria!
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, we recommend visiting Fortress Hohensalzburg, a symbolic castle before you head out.
As your final day in Austria unfolds, enjoy a last-minute shopping spree in Salzburg's best shopping area. Enjoy finding the perfect gift or keepsake to remind you of your wonderful trip to Austria.
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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