Scenic Road Trip from Vienna to Salzburg, Hallstatt, and Graz with Cultural Highlights

Day 1: Vienna to Salzburg

Salzburg, Austria on April 17, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Café Central Vienna

Enjoy a traditional Viennese breakfast with coffee and pastries at this historic café before departure.
EUR15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive from Vienna to Salzburg

Embark on the 3-hour drive (~300 km) westward from Vienna to Salzburg, enjoying scenic Austrian countryside.
EUR20 (fuel approx.), 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, Salzburg

Dine at one of Europe's oldest restaurants located within Salzburg's old town, serving refined Austrian cuisine.
EUR35, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Hohensalzburg Fortress

Explore the iconic medieval fortress offering panoramic views over Salzburg and exhibitions on its history.
EUR16, 2 hours

4:30PM

Stroll through Mirabell Gardens

Relax in the beautifully landscaped Mirabell Gardens, famous for its floral designs and sculptures.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Gasthaus Zwettler’s

Enjoy traditional Austrian dishes such as wiener schnitzel and local beers in a cozy setting near the river.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

Day 2: Salzburg to Graz via Hallstatt

Hallstatt & Graz, Austria on April 18, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Café Bazar, Salzburg

Start your day with coffee and fresh pastries overlooking the Salzach River.
EUR12, 1 hour

8:45AM

Drive from Salzburg to Hallstatt

Take a picturesque 1-hour 15-minute drive to Hallstatt, famed for its alpine lakeside village charm.
EUR10 (fuel approx.), 1h 15m

10:00AM

Explore Hallstatt Village

Wander through the UNESCO World Heritage site with historic salt mines, unique architecture, and stunning lake views.
Free (salt mine tour extra EUR20), 2 hours

12:15PM

Lunch at Gasthof Zauner

Sample hearty Austrian fare beside the lake with excellent views of Hallstatt’s waterfront.
EUR25, 1 hour

1:30PM

Drive from Hallstatt to Graz

Embark on a longer 3.5-hour scenic drive southeast to Graz, admiring the Austrian countryside and mountains.
EUR25 (fuel approx.), 3h 30m

5:15PM

Check in and relax at hotel in Graz

Settle into your Graz accommodation and unwind after your drive.
Varies, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Der Steirer

Enjoy Styrian specialty dishes made from local ingredients in this highly rated Graz restaurant.
EUR35, 1.5 hours

Day 3: Explore Graz

Graz, Austria on April 19, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Sacher Graz

Enjoy a classic Austrian breakfast and their famous Sachertorte dessert in the historic city center.
EUR15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Schlossberg and Clock Tower

Climb or take the funicular up the Schlossberg hill to see Graz’s iconic clock tower and enjoy city panoramic views.
EUR2 (funicular), 2 hours

11:45AM

Tour Kunsthaus Graz

Explore the 'Friendly Alien', a contemporary art museum with innovative exhibits and striking architecture.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Aiola Upstairs

Dine with rooftop views of Graz cathedral while enjoying modern Austrian cuisine.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Walk through the Old Town (Altstadt)

Discover the UNESCO-listed old town with its narrow streets, Renaissance and Baroque buildings, and boutiques.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Glöckl Bräu

Relax with homemade Styrian specialties and locally brewed beers in this traditional tavern.
EUR28, 1.5 hours

Day 4: Early Departure

Graz to Vienna Airport, Austria on April 20, 2025

2:00AM

Drive from Graz to Vienna Airport

Begin your 2h 30min overnight drive (approx. 200 km) to Vienna International Airport for early flights.
EUR20 (fuel approx.), 2h 30m