Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version
Viewed by 56 travelers

15-Day Nature Exploration in Switzerland and Austria

Tuesday, May 14: Zurich, Switzerland

Start your trip in Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland. In the morning, take a stroll along Lake Zurich and marvel at the stunning views of the Alps. Afterward, visit the Old Town (Altstadt) with its charming cobblestone streets and historic buildings. In the afternoon, explore the Kunsthaus Zurich, a renowned art museum. As the evening sets in, head to Uetliberg, a mountain offering panoramic views of the city.

  • Lake Zurich: Free, 2 hours
  • Old Town (Altstadt): Free, 2 hours
  • Kunsthaus Zurich: $20, 2 hours
  • Uetliberg: $15 (round trip train ticket), 3 hours
Wednesday, May 15: Lucerne, Switzerland

Travel to Lucerne, a picturesque city nestled in the Swiss Alps. In the morning, explore the Chapel Bridge, one of the city's iconic landmarks. Afterward, visit the Swiss Museum of Transport to learn about Switzerland's transportation history. In the afternoon, take a boat trip on Lake Lucerne and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. As the evening approaches, indulge in traditional Swiss cuisine at one of the local restaurants.

  • Chapel Bridge: Free, 1 hour
  • Swiss Museum of Transport: $20, 2 hours
  • Lake Lucerne boat trip: $50, 3 hours
  • Dinner at a local restaurant: $50, 2 hours
Thursday, May 16: Interlaken, Switzerland

Head to Interlaken, a paradise for adventure enthusiasts. In the morning, take a thrilling paragliding flight over the Swiss Alps for an unforgettable experience. Afterward, visit the Trummelbach Falls, a series of impressive waterfalls inside a mountain. In the afternoon, explore the charming town of Grindelwald and enjoy the stunning views. As the evening sets in, relax in one of the local spas.

  • Paragliding flight: $200, 3 hours
  • Trummelbach Falls: $15, 2 hours
  • Exploring Grindelwald: Free, 2 hours
  • Spa session: $100, 2 hours
Friday, May 17: Bern, Switzerland

Visit the capital city of Switzerland, Bern. In the morning, explore the medieval old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its well-preserved architecture and charming streets. Afterward, visit the Zytglogge, an ancient clock tower with an astronomical clock. In the afternoon, enjoy a picnic at the Rosengarten, a beautiful rose garden with panoramic views of the city. As the evening approaches, visit the Federal Palace, the seat of the Swiss government.

  • Bern old town: Free, 2 hours
  • Zytglogge: $10, 1 hour
  • Rosengarten: Free, 1 hour
  • Federal Palace: Free, 1 hour
Saturday, May 18: Innsbruck, Austria

Head to Innsbruck, the capital of the Austrian Alps. In the morning, visit the Golden Roof, a symbol of the city, and explore the charming Altstadt. Afterward, take a cable car ride up to Nordkette for breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon, visit the Swarovski Crystal Worlds and marvel at the stunning crystal creations. As the evening sets in, enjoy a traditional Austrian dinner accompanied by live music.

  • Golden Roof: $10, 1 hour
  • Nordkette cable car: $35, 2 hours
  • Swarovski Crystal Worlds: $25, 2 hours
  • Dinner with live music: $80, 2 hours
Sunday, May 19: Salzburg, Austria

Travel to Salzburg, known for its musical heritage and Baroque architecture. In the morning, explore the UNESCO-listed old town and visit Mozart's Birthplace. Afterward, take a relaxing boat ride on the Salzach River. In the afternoon, visit Hohensalzburg Fortress for panoramic views of the city. As the evening approaches, attend a classical music concert at the Mozarteum.

  • Mozart's Birthplace: $12, 1 hour
  • Salzach River boat ride: $20, 2 hours
  • Hohensalzburg Fortress: $20, 2 hours
  • Classical music concert: $50, 2 hours
Monday, May 20: Hallstatt, Austria

Embark on a day trip to Hallstatt, one of Austria's most picturesque villages. In the morning, explore the village's charming streets and visit the Hallstatt Museum to learn about the region's history. Afterward, take a boat ride on Lake Hallstatt and admire the breathtaking scenery. In the afternoon, hike up to the iconic Skywalk for panoramic views of the village and the mountains. As the evening sets in, savor a traditional Austrian dinner.

  • Hallstatt Museum: $15, 2 hours
  • Lake Hallstatt boat ride: $30, 2 hours
  • Hiking to Skywalk: Free, 2 hours
  • Dinner in Hallstatt: $60, 2 hours
Tuesday, May 21: Vienna, Austria

Travel to Vienna, the capital of Austria. In the morning, visit the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace and explore its vast gardens. Afterward, take a walk along the historic Ringstrasse, admiring the grand architecture. In the afternoon, visit the Belvedere Palace, home to an impressive art collection. As the evening approaches, attend a performance at the Vienna State Opera House.

  • Schönbrunn Palace: $20, 2 hours
  • Ringstrasse walk: Free, 2 hours
  • Belvedere Palace: $15, 2 hours
  • Vienna State Opera House: $100, 3 hours
Wednesday, May 22: Vienna Woods, Austria

Explore the Vienna Woods, a beautiful forested region near Vienna. In the morning, visit the Seegrotte Hinterbrühl, a fascinating underground lake in an old mine. Afterward, take a hike in Lainzer Tiergarten, a nature reserve with diverse wildlife. In the afternoon, visit Mayerling, the former hunting lodge of the Habsburgs. As the evening sets in, enjoy a traditional Heurigen dinner accompanied by local wines.

  • Seegrotte Hinterbrühl: $15, 2 hours
  • Hiking in Lainzer Tiergarten: Free, 3 hours
  • Mayerling visit: $10, 2 hours
  • Heurigen dinner: $80, 2 hours
Thursday, May 23: Wachau Valley, Austria

Embark on a day trip to the scenic Wachau Valley. In the morning, take a boat ride on the Danube River and admire the vineyards and charming villages along the way. Afterward, visit Melk Abbey, a magnificent Benedictine monastery. In the afternoon, explore the town of Dürnstein with its medieval castle ruins. As the evening approaches, indulge in wine tasting at one of the local wineries.

  • Danube River boat ride: $50, 3 hours
  • Melk Abbey: $15, 2 hours
  • Exploring Dürnstein: Free, 2 hours
  • Wine tasting: $50, 2 hours
Friday, May 24: Graz, Austria

Travel to Graz, the second-largest city in Austria and a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the morning, explore the historic old town with its beautiful buildings and narrow streets. Afterward, visit the Schlossberg, a hill with panoramic views of the city. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in art and culture at the Kunsthaus Graz. As the evening sets in, enjoy a traditional Styrian dinner.

  • Graz old town: Free, 2 hours
  • Schlossberg: Free, 2 hours
  • Kunsthaus Graz: $15, 2 hours
  • Styrian dinner: $60, 2 hours
Saturday, May 25: Salzkammergut, Austria

Explore the stunning Salzkammergut region, known for its lakes and mountains. In the morning, visit the beautiful Lake Wolfgang and take a boat ride to the picturesque town of St. Wolfgang. Afterward, explore the charming village of Hallstatt and its salt mines. In the afternoon, take a hike in the Gosau Valley and enjoy the breathtaking alpine scenery. As the evening approaches, relax in one of the region's thermal spas.

  • Lake Wolfgang boat ride: $30, 2 hours
  • Exploring St. Wolfgang: Free, 2 hours
  • Hallstatt and salt mines: $30, 3 hours
  • Hiking in Gosau Valley: Free, 3 hours
  • Thermal spa visit: $80, 2 hours
Sunday, May 26: Vienna, Austria

Return to Vienna for the last day of your trip. In the morning, explore the Naschmarkt, a vibrant food market offering a wide variety of local and international delicacies. Afterward, visit the Museum of Art History to admire its vast collection of artworks. In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk through the Volksgarten, a beautiful park with blooming roses. As the evening sets in, enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Viennese restaurant.

  • Naschmarkt: Free, 2 hours
  • Museum of Art History: $20, 2 hours
  • Volksgarten: Free, 1 hour
  • Farewell dinner: $80, 2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

If you're a nature lover, be sure to explore the Lauterbrunnen Valley in Switzerland. It's a hidden gem with stunning waterfalls, lush green meadows, and dramatic cliffs. Additionally, consider visiting the Krimml Waterfalls in Austria, which are the highest waterfall in the country and offer breathtaking views. Another off the beaten path attraction is the Großglockner High Alpine Road, a scenic road in Austria that takes you through the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park, offering spectacular mountain vistas.

For a truly local experience, head to the Emmental region in Switzerland and visit a traditional Swiss cheese dairy. Learn about the cheese-making process and sample some delicious Emmental cheese. In Austria, explore the Wörthersee region, known for its crystal-clear lake and picturesque villages. Take a boat ride on the lake and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

Remember to check Kayak.com for the best hotel and flight prices for your trip.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version