Historic grand café near the Innere Stadt; try the Viennese breakfast and pastries to start your day in imperial style. Typical opening hours around 8:00am–10:00pm but confirm current times.
Iconic Gothic cathedral in the city centre; admire the tiled roof and cathedral interior, and (optional) climb the tower for panoramic views. Cathedral open early morning to late evening; tower has separate opening hours (usually 9:00am–5:30pm).
Famous for its giant Wiener schnitzel near the cathedral — a hearty local lunch. Restaurant hours commonly from 12:00pm; reservations recommended at peak times.
The former imperial residence with museums covering the Habsburgs and Empress Sisi; excellent for history and royal apartments. Typical opening 9:00am–5:00pm; check seasonal hours.
Stroll the grand boulevard to view monumental buildings and the opera house; consider booking an evening performance in advance. Guided tours of the opera run during daytime (approx 9:00am–5:00pm).
Classic Viennese cuisine known for boiled beef (Tafelspitz); excellent for a refined dinner. Typically open for dinner from 6:00pm; reservations recommended.
Start with a market breakfast among local stalls and cafés; great variety and lively atmosphere. Market hours typically from early morning until early evening; individual stalls vary.
Imperial summer palace with gardens and the Gloriette; a must-see for the palace interiors and landscaped grounds. Palace open usually 8:30am–5:30pm; book timed tickets to avoid queues.
Baroque palace-turned-museum featuring Klimt's 'The Kiss' and Austrian art from the Middle Ages to modern day. Museum hours commonly 10:00am–6:00pm; confirm for special exhibitions.
Enjoy a classical concert of Strauss and Mozart or an opera performance; book tickets in advance as shows often start around 7:30–8:00pm. Concert/Opera hours vary — check the program for exact timings.
Catch an early regional train from Vienna to Krems (approx 1h15m) as the base to explore the Wachau UNESCO landscape along the Danube. Trains run frequently; book ÖBB or regional tickets.
Charming riverside village with blue church tower and castle ruins; wander the lanes and (optional) hike to the castle ruins for views. Boat schedules vary seasonally; trains run regularly along the Danube.
Taste Wachau wines and regional dishes (cheese, cold cuts, fresh bread) at a traditional family-run wine tavern. Many Heurigers open midday and into evening; check the specific tavern hours.
Choose a short wine-tasting at a local vineyard or a scenic Danube boat ride to relax before returning to Vienna. Boat cruises usually run April–October; wine tastings available year-round by appointment or walk-in.
Back in Vienna, enjoy a relaxed dinner — try a neighbourhood heuriger for regional wine and simple dishes or a city restaurant for a full meal. Open times vary; many restaurants serve until 10:00pm+.
Direct Railjet trains take about 2h30–3h; travel west across Austria with comfortable service. Book early for best fares; typical price range given below.
Walk or funicular up to one of Europe's largest medieval castles for sweeping views across Salzburg and the Alps. Fortress and museum open commonly 9:00am–5:00pm; funicular runs frequently.
Dine in one of Salzburg's historic restaurants offering traditional Austrian specialties in atmospheric settings. Dinner service usually begins around 6:00pm; reservations recommended.
Scenic rail journey to the UNESCO lakeside village; total travel time about 2.5–3 hours from Salzburg including short ferry/transfer. Check train connections and ferry timetables for Hallstatt station transfer.
Picture-postcard lakeside town with narrow streets, perfect for photos, a leisurely walk and boat views. The village is open all day; best mornings are less crowded.
Take the funicular up to the Skywalk for panoramic views; if time allows, visit the salt mine and historic ossuary museum. Skywalk and mines have specific opening hours (commonly 9:00am–5:00pm); check seasonal schedules.
Enjoy fresh local trout or Austrian fare right by the lake in a cosy, authentic setting. Restaurants typically open midday; check for seasonal closures.
Depart Hallstatt for Innsbruck; this transfer is longer (approx 3–4 hours) and may involve changes — plan for a relaxed afternoon/evening arrival. Book seats when possible for comfort.
Settled into Tyrol's capital, try hearty Tyrolean specialities in the atmospheric Old Town near the Golden Roof. Many restaurants open from 6:00pm; reservations helpful on weekends.
Dramatic alpine ride directly from the city up into the Karwendel range with hiking viewpoints and panoramic terraces. Cable car hours vary by season (often from early morning to late afternoon); check day-specific schedules.
Casual alpine lunch with views; try Tyrolean dumplings or soups to replenish after the climbs. Restaurants on the mountain usually open by mid-morning through afternoon.
Return to the medieval core to see the famous gilded roof, colorful facades and lively squares — short walking tour to learn local history. Open-air sights are accessible all day; museums nearby typically open 9:00am–5:00pm.
Choose a palace visit: Hofburg downtown for baroque interiors or Ambras for Renaissance collections and gardens. Palace hours usually 9:00am–5:00pm; verify current opening times for Ambras which can vary.
Enjoy hearty regional dishes such as schnitzel, knödel and game specialties — a warm evening in Innsbruck. Dinner service typically from 6:00pm onwards.
Short scenic rail ride (approx 1.5–2h) to the lakeside resort town; arrive early to maximise lake time. Regional schedules vary; check ÖBB for exact times.
Ride up for sweeping views of Lake Zell and the Hohe Tauern range; great for short walks and photos. Cable car typically runs 8:30am–4:30pm/5:00pm depending on season.
Relax with lake views and seasonal mountain cuisine; fresh fish or salads are good choices on a warm day. Many lakeside cafés open from late morning through evening.
Leisurely walk along the promenade or take a short boat/cruise on the lake to soak up the alpine scenery before the return trip. Boat schedules vary seasonally; confirm times locally.
Return to Vienna by intercity rail (approx 4–4.5 hours) — a comfortable end to your loop across Austria. Book an early evening connection to arrive in Vienna in time for dinner.
Celebrate your trip with a relaxed final meal — try a favourite spot from earlier days or a new restaurant in the city centre. Most restaurants open for dinner from 6:00pm to 10:00pm+; reserve if needed.