Are you planning a round trip around Austria in winter? Do you want an easy trip with a connection from one city to another city by train? And still, enjoy the nature and the beautiful scenery the country has to offer? So you are in the right place to read this post and plan your ideal trip.
Austria is an enclosed country in Central Europe bordered by the Czech Republic and Germany to the North, Slovakia and Hungary to the East, Slovenia and Italy to the South and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the West.
Vienna, which is the capital and Austrian largest city offers an abundance of beautiful scenery to explore, from tall mountain peaks along with the Danube river valley.
The official and the majority of the population in Austria speak German. The euro is the official currency used in Austria.
This article will help you plan your one-week round trip in Austria in winter with trains and boat trips to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the country.
Austria 7-Day Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN VIENNA
Everyone mostly flies to Vienna Airport, so this is where your journey begins.
Vienna has much to offer. On arrival day, I recommend making it a light day. As this is a round trip, exploring Vienna in depth will be at the end of your journey. Check-in at the accommodation for one night. Relax by enjoying a walk around the city of Vienna and exploring the area. Later in the evening, you can enjoy the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel.
DAY 2: TRAVEL TO HALLSTATT
This is where the excitement begins!!
Make sure to eat well and have a good breakfast before you start your travelling journey!
From the train station depart Vienna with around a 3 hour and a half travel time by train to Hallstatt. On the trip, you have to make train changes at the train station, depending on your train ticket. I recommend that you choose the one-change ticket and make the transfer to Attnang-Puchheim.
When arriving at Hallstatt train station, make your way to your accommodation to settle and enjoy the rest of the day in Hallstatt.
DAY 3: A DAY IN HALLSTATT
Here you can plan any activity that there are several to do in Hallstatt. For example, hiking, snow-shoeing, view from the top of the mountain, etc.
For instance, there is also a boat to cross the lake. You can purchase a ticket to cross the lake at Hallstatt Boat Station.
DAY 4: TRAVEL TO SALZBURG
Check out and make your way to travel back to Hallstatt Train station. This time make your way to another city, Salzburg. During this train trip, you will have to change trains and make a transfer at Attnang-Puchheim. The travel time is around 2 hours 45 minutes. (check the departure time of the train ticket booked before)
When arriving in Salzburg, make your way by foot to settle in the hotel. Leave your backpack and head out to discover the beautiful city.
Discover the old town of Salzburg (Altstadt), where you can walk along the street and wander through the colourful buildings, charming clock towers and pastel colours. In this beautiful place, you can find a coffee shop where you can stop and have a sip of hot chocolate at “Cafe Tomaselli” while being in a corner of Mozart’s favourite cafe.
DAY 5: TRAVEL TO INNSBRUCK
Another day of travelling by train!
Travel to another city… Innsbruck… Travel time is around 1 hour and 50 minutes. (check the departure time of the train ticket booked)
Arriving in Innsbruck, leave your backpack in the accommodation. Then head back to the station where to get a shuttle bus to visit Kristal Swarovski. (purchase the ticket for a scheduled bus and the attraction from before)
Visit Kristal Swarovski. (around 4-hour visit)
Catch the return shuttle bus to the centre of Innsbruck (check for the time slot booked)
In the evening, go around in Innsbruck.
DAY 6: TRAVEL BACK TO VIENNA
The trip is coming to an end!
Leave Innsbruck with a train and head back to the capital city of Austria, Vienna. A 4-hour and a half travel time with one transfer at St.Pölten Hbf. Arrive in Vienna and make your way to check into the accommodation for 2 nights.
The afternoon is all yours to rest, especially after that long train-hours trip.
DAY 7: A DAY AT SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE AND THE ZOO
On this day you can spend your time at the Schönbrunn Palace and the zoo. Visit the state rooms and private apartments of the imperial couple and also see the precious 18th-century interiors from the time of Maria Theresia. The museum offers an audio guide to visit the rooms.
With the ticket that is purchased, you can visit 4 attractions.
- Grand Tour of Schönbrunn Palace with an audio guide
- Zoo: admission to the world’s oldest zoo
- Desert Experience House: meet the masters in the art of survival
- Palm House: fascinating jungle flora in an architectural masterpiece
After spending your day at the most attractive attraction museum / palace in Vienna, you can have your night to pack your belongings and prepare yourself for the departure to your country the following day.
DAY 8: DEPARTURE AUSTRIA
Above all, an amazing 7-day Round trip around Austria in winter with trains came to an end. The departure from Austria can be from Vienna Airport.
Travel Tips during this 7-day round trip in Austria
- Enjoy the scenery during the train trips
- Pack light. Have only a backpack or a small carry-on hand luggage
- Book accommodations within walkable distance to the Train Stations
- Book trains and attraction tickets before
- Plan ahead of time for the train station according to the train ticket booked
- Pack packed lunch with you for the journey on the trains
- Eat well during the day of your trips from breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Relax and rest well
Planning your round trip to Austria
Are you planning a round trip to Austria and need more guidance on booking? Get in touch with me to assist you. I am always happy to help.
