7-Day Shoestring Budget Rail Trip Through Austria and Switzerland

Day 1: Explore Vienna

Vienna, Austria

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Central

Start your day with a traditional Viennese breakfast at the historic Café Central, famous for its pastries and coffee.
Located in the Innere Stadt, easy to reach by foot.
EUR8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Schönbrunn Palace

Take a stroll through the gardens of Schönbrunn Palace, an iconic Baroque palace with vast grounds.
Take the U4 subway to Schönbrunn station.
EUR16, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Naschmarkt

Enjoy a budget-friendly lunch at Naschmarkt, where you can find various international dishes.
Walk from Schönbrunn to Naschmarkt.
EUR10, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore the Historic Centre

Wander around the Historic Centre, visit St. Stephen's Cathedral and enjoy the architecture.
Walk to the Cathedral from Naschmarkt.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Coffee at Café Sperl

Rejuvenate with coffee and a slice of Sachertorte at another historic café, perfect for people-watching.
Short walk from St. Stephen's Cathedral.
EUR6, 1 hour

5:30PM

Evening stroll along the Danube

Take a peaceful walk along the Danube, soaking in the city’s beauty as evening settles in.
Take public transport or walk to the riverside.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Gasthaus Pöschl

Enjoy a delicious and affordable traditional Austrian dinner at a local Gasthaus.
Easy access from the Danube by tram.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Scenic Salzburg

Salzburg, Austria

7:00AM

Breakfast at Fingerlos

Grab a quick breakfast at this bakery renowned for its fresh bread and pastries.
Short walk from the hotel.
EUR5, 30 min

8:00AM

Train to Salzburg

Catch an early train to Salzburg, famous for its baroque architecture and connection to Mozart.
Train from Vienna to Salzburg leaving at 8:00 AM.
EUR22, 2.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Hohensalzburg Fortress

Explore the top of Salzburg and get stunning views from the Hohensalzburg Fortress.
Take the funicular from the old town.
EUR12, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Augustiner Bräu

Try a traditional Austrian beer and hearty lunch at this historic brewery.
Walk from fortress to the brewery.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Stroll through Mirabell Gardens

Take a picturesque walk through Mirabell Gardens, known for its beautiful landscaping and flowers.
Easy access from the brewery.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Mozart’s Birthplace Museum

Visit the birthplace of Mozart, exploring his life and legacy in an affordable museum.
Walk to Getreidegasse.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Coffee at Café Tomaselli

Savour a coffee at one of Salzburg's oldest coffeehouses while planning your evening activities.
Short walk from the museum.
EUR5, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at K+K Restaurant

Indulge in a budget-friendly, local meal at K+K, offering traditional Austrian dishes.
Easy public transport access.
EUR12, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Charming Innsbruck

Innsbruck, Austria

7:00AM

Breakfast at Kaffeeküche

Experience an artisanal breakfast at this charming café known for its quality coffee and baked goods.
Easy access from the hotel.
EUR7, 1 hour

8:30AM

Train to Innsbruck

Catch a train to Innsbruck and enjoy the beautiful Alpine scenery along the way.
Train from Salzburg to Innsbruck at 8:30 AM.
EUR20, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit the Golden Roof

Admire the historical Golden Roof in the Old Town of Innsbruck, a famous landmark.
Walking distance from the train station.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Restaurant Lichtblick

Enjoy lunch with a view at Restaurant Lichtblick, affordably priced and scenic.
Short walk from the Golden Roof.
EUR10, 1 hour

1:30PM

Take a walk in the Nordkette Mountains

Spend the afternoon hiking in the scenic Nordkette mountains, just a short cable car ride away.
Take the Nordkettenbahnen from downtown.
EUR18, 3 hours

5:00PM

Coffee at Café-Patisserie Munding

Relax and enjoy a delicious pastry in Innsbruck’s oldest café.
Take a public bus back to the city centre.
EUR6, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Gasthof Altpradl

Satisfy your hunger with a local dish at a traditional Gastof offering hearty meals.
Short tram or bus ride from the café.
EUR14, 1 hour
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Day 4: Majestic Lucerne

Lucerne, Switzerland

7:00AM

Breakfast at Café de Ville

Start with a lovely breakfast at this café known for its fresh pastries and local charm.
Short walk from hotel.
CHF8, 1 hour

8:30AM

Train to Lucerne

Travel to Lucerne, enjoying the picturesque Swiss landscapes on your journey.
Train from Innsbruck to Lucerne, departing 8:30 AM.
CHF30, 4 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Wirtshaus Taube

Indulge in traditional Swiss fare, featuring local cheeses and sausages.
A short walk from the train station.
CHF15, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Lake Lucerne Boat Trip

Take a scenic boat trip on Lake Lucerne, enjoying stunning mountain vistas.
Easy access from the restaurant.
CHF25, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Chapel Bridge

Stroll across the historic Chapel Bridge, a beautiful wooden bridge adorned with paintings.
Short walk from the boat dock.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Coffee at Café des Alpes

Take a break with a coffee and pastry, soaking in the beautiful views of the lake.
Walking distance from Chapel Bridge.
CHF6, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Pilatus-Kulm

Finish the day with a breathtaking view and a delightful dinner at this restaurant atop a mountain.
Take the cogwheel train from Lucerne.
CHF35, 2 hours
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Day 5: Adventurous Interlaken

Interlaken, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bäckerei-Konditorei Dürst

Fuel up with a hearty Swiss breakfast at this local bakery and café.
Walk from your accommodation.
CHF8, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Interlaken

Take the scenic train ride to Interlaken, renowned for its outdoor activities and stunning scenery.
Train from Lucerne to Interlaken leaving at 9 AM.
CHF25, 2 hours

11:00AM

Hiking in the Alps

Spend the day hiking in the surrounding mountains, capturing sweeping views and fresh air.
Use local transport to reach hiking trails.
Free, 4 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Restaurant Taverne

Refuel with a traditional meal at this hidden gem offering local specialties.
Accessible near the hiking area.
CHF12, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Visit Harder Kulm

Take a cable car to visit Harder Kulm, where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views.
Return to Interlaken and take the funicular up.
CHF38, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Restaurant Laterne

Enjoy a cozy dinner with a selection of Swiss dishes.
Easy transport from the funicular station.
CHF15, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Historical Bern

Bern, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kaffee in der Botschaft

Start your day with a locally sourced breakfast at this cozy café.
Short walk from the accommodation.
CHF10, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Bern

Travel to the historic capital of Bern, known for its well-preserved medieval city centre.
Catch the train from Interlaken to Bern.
CHF15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Zytglogge Clock Tower

Visit the iconic Zytglogge, a fascinating astronomical clock with guided tours available.
Located in the city centre.
CHF6, 1 hour

11:30AM

Lunch at Restaurant Rosengarten

Enjoy a stunning view of Bern with lunch at this lovely spot in the Rose Garden.
Short tram ride to the Rose Garden.
CHF15, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Explore the Bear Park

Visit the Bear Park and learn about the bears and their habitat in this scenic setting.
Walk from the Rose Garden.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Coffee at Kaffeekommune

Relax with a coffee at this trendy café known for its artisanal brews.
Short walk from Bear Park.
CHF5, 1 hour

4:30PM

Visit the Federal Palace

Discover Swiss politics and the impressive architecture of the Federal Palace.
Short walk from the café.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Gütsch

Savour local Swiss dishes at this charming eatery in the Old Town.
Short public transport ride to Gütsch.
CHF20, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Vibrant Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bäckerei Läderach

Enjoy fresh baked goods and coffee at this well-known bakery chain.
Walk from your accommodation.
CHF10, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Zurich

Ride the train to Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city and financial hub.
Train from Bern to Zurich.
CHF15, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Old Town

Visit Zurich's Old Town, marvel at its medieval buildings and quirky shops.
Walking distance from the train station.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Zeughauskeller

Dine at this lively restaurant famous for its Swiss specialties and warm atmosphere.
Short walk from Old Town.
CHF20, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Lake Zurich Walk

End your trip with a scenic walk along Lake Zurich, breathing in the fresh air.
Easy access from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Coffee at Café Schober

Enjoy a stylish coffee break in the enchanting Café Schober, known for its ambiance.
Short walk from the lake.
CHF7, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Raclette-Stube

Celebrate your last night with delicious Swiss cheese fondue or raclette in a warm atmosphere.
Short walk from the café.
CHF25, 2 hours
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