Begin your exploration of Austria by visiting Vienna, the country's capital. Start your day with a guided tour of the iconic Schönbrunn Palace, where you and your family can learn about the famous Habsburg dynasty who once lived there. Next, head to the Vienna Prater, where you can take a ride on the historical Ferris wheel and play some carnival games. End your day by visiting the Kunsthistorisches Museum, one of the world's premier art museums.
Travel to the beautiful city of Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart. Visit the Mirabell Palace and Gardens, which offer a beautiful view of the city and plenty of space for kids to run around. Next, head to Hohensalzburg Fortress to get a taste of medieval life and take in beautiful panoramic views of the city. End your day with a visit to the Salzburg Zoo, home to over 1,200 animals from 140 different species.
Visit the breathtaking city of Innsbruck, located in the heart of the Austrian Alps. Start your day by taking a ride on the Nordkette Cable Car, which offers stunning panoramic views of the Alps. Next, head to the Imperial Palace to learn about the city's history and the interactions between the Habsburgs and Austrians. End your day with a visit to the Alpenzoo, where you can see and learn about a range of Alpine animals.
Visit the gorgeous city of Klagenfurt, located in the southern region of Austria. Start your day with a visit to the Minimundus park, where you can see miniature replicas of famous landmarks from around the world. Next, head to Lindwurmbrunnen Square, where you can see the Lindwurm statue and learn about the legend surrounding the dragon. End your day with a visit to the Klagenfurt Planetarium, where your family can learn about space and the universe in a fun and engaging way.
Visit the charming city of Graz, located in the southeastern region of Austria. Begin your day by visiting the Graz Clock Tower, an iconic landmark in the city center. Next, head to the Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum, dedicated to the famous Austrian actor and bodybuilder. End your day with a visit to the Children's Museum Fratres, where your kids can engage in hands-on learning and exploration.
Visit the beautiful city of Linz, located in the northern region of Austria. Start your day by visiting the Lentos Art Museum, home to many impressive contemporary artworks from around the world. Next, head to the Ars Electronica Center, where your family can learn about science and technology in a fun, interactive way. End your day with a visit to the Pöstlingbergbahn, a funicular railway that takes you to Pöstlingberg Mountain, which offers stunning views of the city.
End your trip with a visit back to Vienna. Spend your final day in Austria by visiting the Natural History Museum, where you can learn about natural history and explore exhibits on life on Earth. Next, head to St. Stephen's Cathedral, one of Vienna's most iconic landmarks. End your day on a high note by taking a ride on the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel, one of the city's most popular attractions.
During your trip to Austria, it's recommended that you rent a car to travel between different cities and regions. This will give you and your family the flexibility to explore each city on your own terms. The estimated cost of renting a car for a week in Austria ranges between €150-€250 depending on the type of car you rent. However, it's important to note that parking in cities can be limited and expensive, so it's recommended to use public transportation within cities when possible.
If you have more time, consider visiting other cities in Austria such as Zell am See, Hallstatt, or Bregenz. If you have less time, consider reducing your itinerary to focus on just one or two cities. Additionally, be sure to pack comfortable shoes as there will be a lot of walking involved in exploring each city!
The main international airport in Austria is Vienna International Airport (VIE), located 18 km southeast of Vienna's city center. Other airports in Austria include Salzburg W. A. Mozart Airport (SZG), Innsbruck Airport (INN), and Graz Airport (GRZ).