7 Day AUSTRIA Trip Itinerary on a Friendly Budget

Are you planning a 7-day trip to Austria on a budget? Look no further! Our 7-day Austria itinerary is designed to help you explore the best of Austria without breaking the bank. With this one-week Austria itinerary, you’ll experience the country’s stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture.

From the picturesque Austrian Lake District to the breathtaking mountain peaks of the Austrian Alps, our 7-day Austria trip itinerary takes you on a journey through the country’s most iconic destinations. Visit Vienna, the capital city, and explore its grand palaces, museums, and opera houses. Stop by Hallstatt, a charming town famous for its traditional houses and stunning lake views. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Kaprun, and take in the majestic views of the Grossglockner, Austria’s highest peak.

Our 7-day Austria itinerary on a budget includes:

• Day 1: Vienna
• Day 2: Austrian Lake District
• Day 3: Hallstatt
• Day 4: Salzburg
• Day 5: Innsbruck, Schlegeisspeicher
• Day 6: Kaprun, Grossglockner
• Day 7: Return to Vienna

With this itinerary, you’ll get to experience the best of Austria without overspending. We’ve included budget-friendly accommodation options, transportation tips, and recommendations for affordable dining and activities. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to explore the beauty of Austria on a budget!

Spending a Full Day in Vienna: A 15-Hour Itinerary

Vienna, the capital city of Austria, is a treasure trove of history, culture, and beauty. With a full day to explore, you can experience the best of Vienna’s iconic landmarks, museums, and neighborhoods. Here’s a suggested 15-hour itinerary to help you make the most of your day in Vienna:

Morning

• Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens: Start your day with a visit to Schönbrunn Palace, a former imperial summer residence. Explore the opulent state rooms, and stroll through the beautiful gardens.
• Breakfast at a Traditional Viennese Café: Take a break and indulge in a traditional Viennese breakfast at Café Central or Café Sperl. Try a classic Wiener Melange coffee and a delicious pastry.

Midday

• St. Stephen’s Cathedral: Visit the iconic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture. Take a guided tour or climb the south tower for breathtaking views.
• Lunch at a Traditional Viennese Restaurant: Enjoy a hearty lunch at a traditional Viennese restaurant like Griechenbeisl or Zum Schwarzen Kameel. Try classic dishes like Wiener Schnitzel or Tafelspitz.

Afternoon

• Hofburg Palace and the Spanish Riding School: Explore the grand Hofburg Palace, the former principal imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty. Visit the Spanish Riding School to watch the famous Lipizzaner horses perform.
• MuseumsQugyartier: Visit the MuseumsQuartier, a cultural complex housing several museums, including the Museum of Modern Art (MUMOK) and the Leopold Museum.

Evening

• Ringstrasse and the Opera House: Take a leisurely stroll along the Ringstrasse, a grand boulevard lined with iconic buildings like the State Opera House, Parliament, and City Hall.
• Dinner at a Heurigen: Experience traditional Viennese wine culture at a Heurigen, like Heurigen Wolff or Heurigen Sirbu. Enjoy a delicious dinner and sample some of Austria’s finest wines.
• End the Day with a Concert or Show: Vienna is famous for its music and performance arts. Catch a concert, opera, or musical performance at the State Opera House, Musikverein, or Volksoper.

The Austrian Lake District, also known as the Salzkammergut region, is a stunning area of lakes, mountains, and picturesque villages. Located about 2-3 hours from Vienna, it’s an ideal day trip or overnight excursion. Here’s a suggested 12-15 hour itinerary to help you explore the best of the Austrian Lake District:

Morning

• Take the Train from Vienna to Attersee: Catch a train from Vienna’s Hauptbahnhof to Attersee Bahnhof. The journey takes around 2 hours.
• Attersee Lake and Village: Start your day with a scenic walk around Attersee Lake, the largest lake in the Salzkammergut region. Visit the charming village of Attersee, with its colorful houses and quaint shops.
• Boat Tour on Attersee Lake: Take a leisurely boat tour on Attersee Lake to enjoy the stunning surroundings and picturesque villages.

Lunchtime

• Lunch at a Traditional Restaurant: Enjoy a delicious lunch at a traditional restaurant in Attersee or nearby St. Gilgen. Try local specialties like fish from the lake or traditional Austrian dishes.

Afternoon

• St. Gilgen and IWolfgangsee Lake: Visit the charming village of St. Gilgen, with its picturesque streets and historic buildings. Take a stroll around Wolfgangsee Lake, one of the most popular lakes in the region.
• Schafberg Mountain and the Schafbergbahn: Take a ride on the historic Schafbergbahn, a steam train that climbs Schafberg Mountain. Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding lakes and mountains from the top.

Evening

• Hallstatt Village: Visit the famous Hallstatt village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the traditional houses, charming streets, and stunning lake views.

you also like:

Discovering Hallstatt:

Hallstatt, a picturesque village in the Austrian Lake District, is a must-visit destination. With its stunning lakefront, charming streets, and rich history, Hallstatt is an ideal place to spend a full day. Here’s a suggested 15-18 hour itinerary to help you explore the best of Hallstatt:

Morning

• The Lake Hallstatt Stroll: Start your day with a leisurely stroll along the lakefront, taking in the breathtaking views of Hallstatt Lake and the surrounding mountains.
• Visit the Bone House: Explore the unique Bone House, a fascinating ossuary containing over 1,200 skulls and other human remains.
• Hallstatt Market Square: Visit the charming Market Square, surrounded by traditional houses, cafes, and shops. Admire the beautiful parish church and the historic village center.

Lunchtime

• Lunch at a Traditional Restaurant: Enjoy a delicious lunch at a traditional restaurant in Hallstatt, trying local specialties like fish from the lake or Austrian dishes.

Afternoon

• Cruise Across Lake Hallstatt: Take a relaxing boat tour on Lake Hallstatt, enjoying the stunning scenery and picturesque villages.
• Salt Mines anbyd the Ice Caves: Visit the historic salt mines, which played a significant role in Hallstatt’s prosperity. Explore the fascinating Ice Caves at Dachstein Krippenstein, a unique natural wonder.
• Hiking in the Surrounding Mountains: Take a leisurely hike in the surrounding mountains, enjoying the breathtaking views of Hallstatt Lake and the village.

Evening

• Dinner at a Local Restaurant: Enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, trying traditional Austrian cuisine and drinks.
• Relaxation and Leisure Time: Take some time to relax and unwind, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of Hallstatt. You can take a stroll around the village, visit a local cafe, or simply sit back and enjoy the views.

Discovering Salzburg:

Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, is a stunning city in western Austria, surrounded by picturesque mountains and rivers. With its rich history, cultural heritage, and breathtaking scenery, Salzburg is an ideal place to spend a full day. Here’s a suggested 15-18 hour itinerary to help you explore the best of Salzburg:

Morning

• Mirabell Palace and Gardens: Start your day with a visit to the beautiful Mirabell Palace and Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through the gardens and admire the stunning architecture.
• Getreidegasse Shopping Street: Walk along the famous Getreidegasse shopping street, lined with colorful buildings, shops, and cafes. Look for the iconic sign “Geburtshaus Mozart” marking the birthplace of Mozart.
• Salzburg Cathedral: Visit the stunning Salzburg Cathedral, a beautiful example of Baroque architecture. Take a moment to admire the intricate details and ornate decorations.

Lunchtime

• Lunch at a Traditional Restaurant (12:00 PM – 1:30 PM) Enjoy a delicious lunch at a traditional Salzburg restaurant, trying local specialties like Salzburger Nockerl or Mozartkugel.

Afternoon

• Hohensalzburg Fortress: Take a funicular ride to the top of the Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of the largest medieval castles in Europe. Enjoy breathtaking views of Salzburg and explore the castle’s museums and gardens.
• St. Stephen’s Cemetery: Visit the historic St. Stephen’s Cemetery, where Mozart’s family is buried. Take a moment to reflect on the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.
• River Salzach Promenade: Take a leisurely stroll along the River Salzach Promenade, enjoying the scenic views of the city and the surrounding mountains.

Evening

• Dinner at a Local Restaurant: Enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, trying traditional Austrian cuisine and drinks.
• Mozart Concert or Show: Experience the city’s rich musical heritage by attending a Mozart concert or show. Choose from a variety of performances, including opera, classical music, or musicals.

Discovering Innsbruck and Schlegeisspeicher:

Innsbruck, the capital of the Austrian Tyrol, is a stunning city surrounded by the Nordkette mountains. Schlegeisspeicher, a picturesque reservoir, is a must-visit destination in the nearby Stubai Valley. Here’s a suggested 12-15 hour itinerary to help you explore the best of Innsbruck and Schlegeisspeicher:

Morning

• Innsbruck Old Town: Start your day by exploring Innsbruck’s historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the colorful buildings, visit the Golden Roof, and stroll along the cobblestone streets.
• Hofburg Innsbruck: Visit the Hofburg Innsbruck, a former imperial palace that now serves as a museum. Learn about the history of the Habsburgs and the Tyrolean region.
• Maria-Theresien-Strasse: Walk along the lively Maria-Theresien-Strasse, lined with cafes, shops, and restaurants. Take a break and enjoy a traditional Tyrolean coffee or snack.

Lunchtime

• Lunch at a Traditional Restaurant: Enjoy a delicious lunch at a traditional Innsbruck restaurant, trying local specialties like Tiroler Gröstl or Kaiserschmarrn.

Afternoon

• Nordkette Cable Car: Take the Nordkette Cable Car to the top of the Nordkette mountains, offering breathtaking views of Innsbruck and the surrounding landscape.
• Schlegeisspeicher Reservoir: Drive to the Schlegeisspeicher Reservoir (approximately 1 hour) and enjoy the stunning scenery. Take a leisurely walk around the reservoir, and don’t forget your camera!
• Stubai Valley: Explore the picturesque Stubai Valley, known for its traditional villages, hiking trails, and stunning mountain scenery.

Evening

• Dinner at a Local Restaurant: Enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, trying traditional Austrian cuisine and drinks.
• Innsbruck’s Evening Atmosphere: End your day by strolling through Innsbruck’s Old Town, enjoying the evening atmosphere, and taking in the sights and sounds of this beautiful city.

Discovering Kaprun and Grossglockner:

Kaprun, a charming Austrian town, and Grossglockner, the highest peak in Austria, offer a perfect combination of natural beauty, adventure, and scenic drives. Here’s a suggested 12-15 hour itinerary to help you explore the best of Kaprun and Grossglockner:

Morning

• Kaprun Town: Start your day by exploring Kaprun’s picturesque town center, with its traditional Austrian architecture, charming cafes, and local shops.
• Kitzsteinhorn Glacier: Take a cable car ride to the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Enjoy a scenic hike or simply take in the stunning scenery.
• Grossglockner High Alpine Road: Drive to the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, one of the most scenic roads in the Alps. Stop at the various viewpoints and take in the stunning vistas.

Lunchtime

• Lunch at a Mountain Hut: Enjoy a traditional Austrian lunch at a mountain hut, such as the Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Höhe or the Hochtor Hut.

Afternoon

• Grossglockner High Alpine Road: Continue driving along the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, stopping at the various viewpoints and taking in the stunning scenery.
• Franz-Josef-Höhe: Visit the Franz-Josef-Höhe, a scenic viewpoint offering breathtaking views of the Grossglockner and the surrounding mountains.
• Heiligenblut: Drive to the charming town of Heiligenblut, known for its picturesque church and stunning mountain scenery.

Evening

• Dinner at a Local Restaurant: Enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, trying traditional Austrian cuisine and drinks.
• Kaprun’s Evening Atmosphere: End your day by strolling through Kaprun’s town center, enjoying the evening atmosphere, and taking in the sights and sounds of this charming town.

Returning to Vienna from Kaprun, Grossglockner

After an amazing day exploring Kaprun and Grossglockner, it’s time to head back to Vienna, the capital city of Austria. Here are some recommended options to get back to Vienna:

Option 1: Train

• From Kaprun, take the train to Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (approximately 2 hours)
• From Salzburg, take the train to Vienna Hauptbahnhof (approximately 2.5 hours)
• Total travel time: around 4.5 hours
• Cost: around €40-€60 (depending on the type of train and class)

Option 2: Bus

• From Kaprun, take the bus to Salzburg (approximately 2.5 hours)
• From Salzburg, take the bus to Vienna (approximately 3.5 hours)
• Total travel time: around 6 hours
• Cost: around €30-€50 (depending on the bus operator and class)

Option 3: Drive

• From Kaprun, drive to Vienna via the A10 and A1 highways (approximately 3.5 hours)
• Total travel time: around 3.5 hours
• Cost: around €20-€30 (depending on fuel costs and tolls)

Option 4: Flight

• From Kaprun, drive to Salzburg Airport (approximately 1 hour)
• From Salzburg Airport, take a flight to Vienna International Airport (approximately 1 hour)
• Total travel time: around 2 hours
• Cost: around €100-€200 (depending on the airline and class)

Tips and Recommendations

• Book your tickets or flights in advance to ensure availability and get the best prices.
• Consider the time of day and traffic conditions when planning your return journey.
• If you’re driving, check the road conditions and tolls before you leave.
• If you’re taking the train or bus, you can enjoy the scenic views of the Austrian countryside.