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7-Day Shoestring Budget Rail Trip Through Austria and Switzerland

Viewed by 407 travelers

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
Find Hotels in Vienna

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
Find Hotels in Salzburg

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
Find Hotels in Innsbruck

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
Find Hotels in Lucerne

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
Find Hotels in Interlaken

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
Find Hotels in Bern

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
Find Hotels in Zurich
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