10-Day Austria Itinerary: Innsbruck, Alpbach, Salzburg and Vienna

Arrival & Check-In

After arriving at Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof, walk or take a short taxi ride to your central hotel. Most Old Town hotels are roughly 10–15 minutes on foot from the station; a taxi is usually about €10–15 if you have luggage. Settle in and take a little time to recover from the journey—Innsbruck is compact, and the centre is best enjoyed slowly on your first evening.

First Stroll

Head along Maria-Theresien-Straße, the city’s elegant main boulevard, for an easy introduction to Innsbruck. Allow around 45 minutes to admire the historic façades, browse the shops, and pause near the Anna Column with the mountains rising dramatically at the end of the street. The pedestrianised centre is straightforward to explore, and this is a pleasant time to see the street beginning to glow in the early evening light.

Dinner in the Old Town

Continue north into the Old Town for dinner at Stiftskeller, a traditional Tyrolean restaurant in a historic setting. Expect regional dishes such as schnitzel, käsespätzle, or hearty alpine specialities; budget approximately €25–45 per person, excluding drinks. Booking is sensible in August, particularly for an earlier dinner around 18:30–19:00. Afterward, walk a few minutes to the Golden Roof to see Innsbruck’s most recognisable landmark illuminated after dark. The square is free to visit and especially atmospheric once the daytime crowds have thinned; allow about 20 minutes before returning to your hotel.

Morning

Start at the Triumphal Arch on the southern end of Maria-Theresien-Straße, ideally around 09:00. Built to commemorate Empress Maria Theresa’s family celebrations, it makes a striking entrance to the city centre and is a quiet spot for photographs before the shopping street becomes busy. From here, stroll north along Maria-Theresien-Straße, taking time to admire the St. Anne’s Column, Baroque façades, and the mountain views framed between the buildings. Allow about an hour; most shops open around 09:00–10:00, while the street itself is accessible at any time.

Continue into the Old Town for the Golden Roof. Visit the museum inside the landmark for the story of Emperor Maximilian I and Innsbruck’s medieval court life; opening times are commonly around 10:00–17:00, though check the official schedule before setting out. The museum costs roughly €6–8, and the compact Old Town streets are best explored on foot. A few minutes away, climb the Innsbruck City Tower for rooftop views across the historic centre and toward the Nordkette; expect about €5–6 and 45 minutes, with more than 100 steps to the viewing platform.

Afternoon

Take a relaxed coffee-and-cake break at Café Sacher Innsbruck, a convenient choice near the Old Town and a pleasant place to slow down after the tower. Set aside about an hour and budget approximately €10–20 per person; a classic Sachertorte with coffee is the obvious order, although the café can be busy during the mid-afternoon period. Afterward, walk to Hofkirche, where the elaborate bronze statues surrounding Emperor Maximilian I’s cenotaph are the main attraction. Allow around 45 minutes, and check the day’s opening hours—church access can occasionally be affected by services. Everything on today’s route is within a comfortable 5–10-minute walk of the next stop, so there is no need for public transport; comfortable shoes will be more useful than a tightly timed schedule.

Morning

Head to the Hungerburgbahn station in the Congress district around 09:00, ideally using the short walk from the Old Town or a local bus if your hotel is farther south. The funicular takes roughly 8 minutes from Congress to Hungerburg, with departures generally every 15 minutes; a combined Nordkette ticket to Seegrube is approximately €45–55 return for an adult, while the exact fare depends on the ticket type and any discounts. Check the day’s first and last services before leaving, as mountain weather can affect operations. At Hungerburg, allow about 45 minutes for the viewing platforms and quiet lanes around the station—this is one of the best places to look back across Innsbruck and the Inn Valley without committing to a hike.

Late Morning & Lunch

Continue upward on the cable car to Seegrube, where the landscape changes quickly from city roofs to pale limestone peaks. Allow around 1½ hours for the viewpoints and short, clearly marked walks near the station; wear sturdy shoes and bring a light layer, since it can be considerably cooler and windier than in town. Have lunch at Restaurant Seegrube, where a main dish and drink usually come to about €20–35 per person. Indoor seating is useful in unsettled weather, but the terrace is the place to linger when visibility is good. Before descending, check the return cable-car timetable so you are not caught by the final service.

Afternoon & Evening

Return to the valley and take a short bus ride or walk east along the Inn toward Alpenzoo Innsbruck in the Weiherburg area. The zoo is built into the hillside, so expect some slopes; allow about two hours to see its Alpine wildlife collection, including marmots, ibex and birds of prey. Admission is typically around €15–18 for adults, with seasonal opening hours usually extending into the early evening—confirm same-day hours before setting off. Finish at Markthalle Innsbruck on the riverfront, roughly 15–20 minutes away on foot or a short local-bus ride. Browse the regional produce stalls and settle in for casual evening bites; €10–25 per person is realistic, though individual vendors’ hours vary, so arrive in the late afternoon rather than too late at night.

Morning

Leave Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof at around 09:00 for Brixlegg, then continue by bus 620 to Alpbach; the full trip usually takes about 1½–2 hours. Check the connection on the ÖBB app before leaving, as the bus departure may not wait long for a delayed train. Once in Alpbach, arrange a luggage drop at your guesthouse or hotel—the village is compact, but its slopes make wheeling bags less pleasant than it first appears. Begin at Alpbach Village Square, where flower-boxed wooden chalets, painted balconies, and mountain backdrops give the village its postcard character. Allow about 45 minutes to wander without rushing and take photographs from the quieter lanes just beyond the main square.

A few minutes on foot brings you to Pfarrkirche St. Oswald, an attractive village church with a peaceful cemetery and traditional Tyrolean details. Spend around half an hour here, keeping your voice low if services or local visitors are present. Continue into the centre to Congress Centrum Alpbach, whose modern timber buildings are a thoughtful contrast to the historic chalets. The architecture is best appreciated from outside, and 30 minutes is enough to look around before settling into the slower rhythm of the village. Most of these stops are walkable within 5–10 minutes of one another; comfortable shoes are useful because some paths rise gently.

Evening

After checking in and taking a relaxed afternoon, have dinner at Gasthof Jakober, a traditional choice in central Alpbach. Expect hearty Tyrolean cooking—such as dumplings, schnitzel, or seasonal mountain dishes—with a typical dinner costing roughly €25–45 per person before drinks. Reserve a table if travelling on a Friday or Saturday, and check the restaurant’s current opening hours before setting out, as village kitchens can close between services or change schedules seasonally. After dinner, take a short stroll through the softly lit centre; Alpbach is especially beautiful after the day visitors have left and the surrounding mountains become silhouettes.

Morning

Begin with the Alpbachtal walking trail to Inneralpbach, setting out around 09:00 from Alpbach. The route follows quiet lanes, meadow paths, and mountain scenery through the valley, taking about 2½ hours at an easy pace. Wear proper walking shoes, bring water, and pack a light rain layer—the weather can change quickly in the mountains. Local buses connect the village with Inneralpbach if you prefer to shorten the walk, but check the VVT timetable before leaving; services are less frequent outside peak hours.

Lunch

Return to the centre of Alpbach for lunch at Gasthaus Jakober, a relaxed choice for regional cooking and a welcoming village atmosphere. Allow about an hour and budget approximately €15–30 per person. It is sensible to arrive before the main lunch rush, particularly on a summer Saturday, and carry some cash as smaller Austrian restaurants may have minimum card payments. After lunch, take a short breather in the village before continuing downhill towards the lake.

Afternoon

Travel by local bus or taxi to Reither See in Reith im Alpbachtal, roughly 10–15 minutes from Alpbach by road. Spend around 1½ hours enjoying the peaceful lakeside setting and swimming-area views; in warm weather, the designated bathing area is a pleasant place to cool off, while the surrounding paths are ideal for a gentle stroll. Entry fees for the bathing facilities, when charged, are generally around €3–6, and opening times can vary with weather and season. From Reith im Alpbachtal, continue by bus or taxi to Rattenberg, allowing roughly 15–20 minutes.

Late Afternoon & Evening

Visit the Augustinermuseum Rattenberg, a compact museum housed in the former Augustinian monastery. Its collection focuses on medieval and religious art, and an hour is enough to see it without rushing. Check the seasonal opening hours before travelling—summer hours are commonly in the afternoon—and expect an entry fee of roughly €5–8. Afterwards, wander through Rattenberg Old Town, Austria’s smallest town, where narrow medieval streets lead past glass workshops and traditional storefronts. Watch the glassmakers at work where demonstrations are running, then return to Alpbach by bus or taxi; pre-check the final connection, as evening services are limited.

Morning

After leaving Alpbach early, arrive at Salzburg Hauptbahnhof in the late morning and make your way to Mirabell Gardens—about a 10-minute walk from the station. Allow roughly an hour here to wander through the formal parterres, fountains, and clipped hedges, with a classic view towards Hohensalzburg Fortress. The gardens are free and generally open from early morning until around dusk, though the palace grounds can have seasonal access restrictions. From there, cross the river via Makartsteg to Mozart Residence on Makartplatz, where an engaging audio-guided visit covers Mozart’s family life and Salzburg years; allow about 1½ hours. Admission is usually around €13–15, with opening times commonly from 09:00 to 17:30 or 18:00—check the official schedule for the day.

Lunch & Afternoon

For lunch, settle into Café Bazar on Schwarzstraße, a traditional coffeehouse overlooking the river. It is a good place to slow the pace after the train and museum, with simple Austrian dishes, cakes, and excellent coffee; budget approximately €12–25 per person. After lunch, walk across the river and continue to the Salzburg Museum on Mozartplatz, housed in the Neue Residenz. Its compact, well-organised galleries give useful context on the city’s rulers, art, music, and everyday life, making it a sensible first introduction before exploring more deeply tomorrow. Allow about 1½ hours; admission is typically around €10–13, and the museum is usually open Tuesday–Sunday from late morning into the afternoon or early evening.

Evening

Finish with an unhurried stroll through Salzburg Old Town, following the lanes around Getreidegasse, Universitätsplatz, and the Alter Markt as the day-trippers begin to thin out. This is the moment to enjoy the city rather than chase another attraction: pause in a quiet square, look into the arcades, and take photographs as the façades soften in the evening light. Your hotel area is easily reached on foot from here; otherwise, local buses from the central stops are frequent, with a short taxi ride generally costing about €10–15.

Morning

Begin around 09:00 in Getreidegasse, when the lane is still pleasantly quiet and the ornate wrought-iron guild signs catch the soft morning light. This is Salzburg’s most atmospheric shopping street, with passageways leading into small courtyards and independent boutiques. Allow about an hour to wander at an unhurried pace; the lane itself is free, while cafés and shops generally open between 09:00 and 10:00. From the eastern end, it is only a few minutes on foot through the Old Town to the Salzburg Cathedral.

Spend roughly 45 minutes inside Salzburg Cathedral, entering through the main portal on Domplatz. Its vast white-and-grey Baroque interior is best appreciated before the larger tour groups arrive; admission is usually around €5–7, although opening times can vary around services and special events. Continue next door to St. Peter’s Abbey, where you can explore the historic monastery complex, church, cemetery, and catacombs. Set aside about an hour and check the day’s access arrangements at the entrance, as some areas may close during religious services. The cathedral quarter is compact, so there is no need for public transport between these stops.

Afternoon & Evening

Take a relaxed break after the abbey rather than adding another major sight—Universitätsplatz and the lanes around Franziskanergasse are good for a coffee or light lunch. Later, make your way to the Mönchsberg viewpoint for sunset. The easiest route is the MönchsbergAufzug from Gstättengasse, near the river; the lift takes only a few minutes and costs roughly €4–5 one way, with combined tickets sometimes available for the Museum der Moderne. Aim to arrive 30–45 minutes before sunset so you can walk a little along the ridge and find an unobstructed view over the Old Town. In late August, sunset is around 20:00, but confirm the exact time on the day and bring a light layer—the hill can feel cooler than the streets below.

Finish with dinner at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, one of Salzburg’s most atmospheric historic dining rooms. Reserve ahead, especially for an evening table, and expect approximately €35–60 per person before drinks. The setting is formal but not excessively stiff; a smart-casual outfit works well. After dinner, the short walk back through the illuminated Cathedral Quarter is one of the nicest ways to end the day.

Morning

Start around 09:00 at Mozart’s Birthplace on Getreidegasse, allowing about an hour for the exhibition. The rooms are compact and can feel busy, so arriving early makes the visit much more comfortable; admission is usually around €13–15 for adults, with opening times commonly from 09:00 to 17:30 or 18:00. From there, walk for roughly 10 minutes toward the edge of the Old Town to Haus der Natur, an excellent rainy-day option even in summer, with hands-on science displays, aquariums, reptiles, and natural-history galleries. Plan about two hours and check the current ticket price online—adult entry is typically around €15–18.

Afternoon

Walk back through the Old Town to Café Tomaselli on Alter Markt for coffee and cake, allowing a relaxed hour rather than treating it as a quick stop. It is one of Salzburg’s classic institutions, and the terrace is ideal for watching the square’s everyday rhythm; expect approximately €10–20 per person. Afterwards, take bus 25 from the city centre toward Hellbrunn Palace—the ride takes about 25 minutes, and the stop is close to the entrance. Spend around two hours exploring the gardens and famously mischievous trick fountains; palace and fountain tickets are generally in the €15–18 range, with seasonal opening hours often extending into the early evening. Wear shoes suitable for wet paths, as the fountains are designed to surprise you.

Evening

Return by bus 25 and finish in Mülln at Augustiner Bräu Mülln, where the large beer hall and self-service food stalls make dinner pleasantly informal. Buy a stein, then browse the stalls for traditional dishes such as sausages, roast meats, pretzels, and seasonal salads; budget roughly €15–30 per person. The hall is busiest from about 18:00, so arriving slightly earlier gives you a better chance of finding a table. Bring cash for some vendors, and remember that the beer is poured at the counter after you rinse and collect your stone mug.

Morning

Take the direct Railjet from Salzburg Hauptbahnhof around 08:00, arriving at Wien Hauptbahnhof before 11:00. A reserved seat is worthwhile, especially with luggage. From the station, take the U1 two stops to Südtiroler Platz–Hauptbahnhof, then continue to Karlsplatz, or use a taxi if you prefer a door-to-door arrival; allow roughly 15–25 minutes depending on connections. Leave your bags at the hotel or luggage storage before heading to Belvedere Palace in Landstraße. The Upper Belvedere is the priority for Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss, while the gardens are ideal for a relaxed first look at Vienna. Allow about two hours; timed admission is recommended, with tickets commonly around €18–20 and opening hours generally from 09:00 to 18:00.

Afternoon

From Belvedere Palace, walk approximately 20 minutes toward Karlsplatz, passing through the elegant streets of Wieden, or take the tram for a quicker transfer. Spend around 45 minutes at Karlskirche, one of Vienna’s most dramatic Baroque landmarks; the interior is usually open from late morning into the evening, with admission generally around €9–10. Continue on foot for another 10 minutes to Naschmarkt, where the atmosphere shifts from imperial grandeur to lively food stalls, small restaurants, and produce counters. Settle in for a casual late lunch—allow €15–30 per person—and browse the adjoining Kettenbrückengasse area afterward. Most stalls trade through the afternoon, though individual vendors vary and the market is quieter toward closing time.

Evening

Make your way from Naschmarkt to Motto am Fluss by U-Bahn or taxi, allowing about 15–20 minutes. The restaurant sits beside the Danube Canal, making it a pleasant place to slow down after your travel day; request a waterside table when booking, although the best seats are not guaranteed. Dinner typically comes to around €30–55 per person before drinks. Afterward, take a gentle walk along the canal toward Schwedenplatz, where Vienna’s evening lights and riverside bars provide an easy finale without adding another major sightseeing stop.

Morning

Start around 09:00 at Hofburg Imperial Palace, entering via the Sisi Museum for the imperial apartments and an intimate look at court life. Allow about two hours; the combined Imperial Tour ticket is generally around €20–22, and opening hours are commonly from 09:00 to 17:30 or 18:00. From your hotel, the U3 to Herrengasse is the easiest option, followed by a short walk. The palace complex is sprawling, so follow signs carefully and allow extra time for the silver collection if it is included in your ticket.

Continue on foot through Michaelerplatz and Josefsplatz to the Austrian National Library State Hall, one of Vienna’s most atmospheric interiors. The vaulted hall, monumental globes, and rows of historic books make this a wonderfully compact visit after the palace; allow about 45 minutes. Admission is usually around €10, with opening generally from 10:00 to 18:00 on most days, though hours can vary by weekday and special exhibitions.

Lunch & Afternoon

Walk a few minutes along Kohlmarkt to Demel, Vienna’s classic confectioner. Take a table for coffee and a pastry—try the house apple strudel or a beautifully presented cream cake—and expect roughly €12–25 per person. It can be busy, but the queue often moves steadily; the shop and takeaway counter are useful if you prefer not to wait. Afterward, stroll via Heldenplatz and Burggarten toward Maria-Theresien-Platz, where the Kunsthistorisches Museum makes a rewarding final cultural stop. Spend around two hours with works by Bruegel, Velázquez, Rubens, and Caravaggio; standard admission is usually about €21, with typical opening hours from 10:00 to 18:00 and a later closing on some evenings. The grand café inside is also a good place for a short rest.

Evening

Finish at the Vienna State Opera on Opernring, a comfortable 10-minute walk from the museum. Even without a ticket, admire the illuminated façade and grand entrance before wandering along Kärntner Straße toward Stephansplatz. If you would like to attend a performance, check the programme and book ahead; evening performances commonly last 1½–3 hours, while standing-room tickets may be available shortly before curtain time at a much lower price. For the relaxed version of the evening, simply enjoy the exterior after dark and have dinner nearby, keeping in mind that many central kitchens wind down around 22:00.