One-Week Historical and Nature Exploration in Austria by Car from Brussels

Day 1: Historic Vienna

Vienna, Austria on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Central

Start your day at the historic Café Central offering classic Viennese coffee and pastries in a beautiful setting with a 19th-century atmosphere.
EUR20, 1h

9:30am

Visit Schönbrunn Palace

Explore this iconic Baroque palace with stunning gardens and panoramic views of Vienna. Open from 8:30am to 5:30pm.
EUR22, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Plachutta Wollzeile

Enjoy traditional Viennese cuisine, famous for its Tafelspitz, in a well-regarded restaurant located centrally.
EUR30, 1.5h

2:00pm

Visit Hofburg Palace and Museumsquartier

Discover the former imperial palace with rich history, and later stroll through Museumsquartier for art and culture. Museums typically open until 6pm.
EUR15, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Figlmüller

Taste the famous Wiener Schnitzel at this iconic and long-standing Viennese restaurant.
EUR35, 1.5h
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Day 2: Vienna to Salzburg

Vienna to Salzburg, Austria on July 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Das Eduard

Enjoy a modern Austrian breakfast with local ingredients before starting your drive.
EUR18, 1h

9:30am

Drive from Vienna to Salzburg

Embark on a scenic approximately 3-hour drive west to Salzburg, enjoying Austrian landscapes along the way.
EUR0, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Gasthaus Zwettler’s

Indulge in traditional Salzburg specialties like Salzburger Nockerl in a cozy local inn.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Hohensalzburg Fortress

Explore one of Europe's largest medieval castles with panoramic views over Salzburg. Open until 7pm.
EUR12, 2h

5:00pm

Stroll through Mirabell Gardens

Enjoy the beautifully landscaped gardens and sculptures with views of the Fortress as the sun sets.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at St. Peter Stiftskeller

Dine in one of Europe’s oldest restaurants, experiencing historic surroundings and refined Austrian cuisine.
EUR40, 1.5h
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Day 3: Salzburg Nature & History

Salzburg, Austria on July 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Tomaselli

Savor a traditional coffeehouse breakfast at Salzburg’s oldest café, open from 7:30am.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Visit Salzburg Cathedral and St. Peter’s Abbey

Explore these historic religious sites with magnificent baroque architecture founded in the 7th century.
EUR10, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Bärenwirt

Enjoy authentic Austrian dishes in a traditional setting, perfect before heading out for nature.
EUR25, 1h

1:30pm

Nature hike on Untersberg Mountain

Take the cable car (open 8am–6pm) and then hike on trails offering stunning panoramic views of Austria and Germany.
EUR30, 3h

5:30pm

Relax at the Salzach River promenade

Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the river with views of the old town and hills.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Triangel

Taste modern Austrian cuisine with locally sourced seasonal ingredients in a cozy atmosphere.
EUR35, 1.5h
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Day 4: Hallstatt Visit

Hallstatt, Austria on July 4, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at your hotel in Salzburg

Quick breakfast before leaving for the scenic drive to Hallstatt.
EUR12, 0.5h

7:30am

Drive Salzburg to Hallstatt

Approximately 1.5-hour scenic drive to the picturesque village of Hallstatt by the lake.
EUR0, 1.5h

9:00am

Explore Hallstatt village and lakeside

Wander the UNESCO World Heritage Site village with charming streets, lake views, and historic buildings.
Free, 2h

11:00am

Visit Hallstatt Salt Mine

Take a guided tour inside one of the world’s oldest salt mines. Open 9am–5pm.
EUR30, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Gasthof Zauner

Enjoy lakeside dining with traditional Austrian dishes and fresh fish specialties.
EUR30, 1.5h

3:00pm

Hike to Hallstatt Skywalk

Short hike up to the viewing platform providing breathtaking views over Hallstatt and the lake.
Free, 1.5h

5:00pm

Drive to Zell am See

Begin ~2.5 hour drive toward Zell am See to position yourself for the Grossglockner road tomorrow.
EUR0, 2.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at a local Zell am See restaurant (Hotel dining or Gasthof Steinerwirt)

Relax and enjoy regional Austrian dishes with fresh mountain ingredients.
EUR30, 1.5h
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Day 5: Grossglockner Alpine Road

Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria on July 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Zell am See

Energize with a hearty Austrian breakfast before your alpine adventure.
EUR15, 1h

8:00am

Drive the Grossglockner High Alpine Road

Drive through this spectacular mountain road reaching viewpoints of Austria’s highest peak, stopping at visitor centers and hiking short trails. Road open 24h, toll charge applies.
EUR40, 5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant Fuscher Törl

Enjoy mountain flavors at this scenic restaurant on the alpine pass during your drive.
EUR25, 1h

3:00pm

Hike near Pasterze Glacier

Short, easy walk to viewpoints of the largest glacier in Austria, offering majestic nature views.
Free, 2h

5:30pm

Drive to Innsbruck

Head to Innsbruck (~1.5 hour drive) for an overnight stay in a charming alpine city.
EUR0, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Stiftskeller

Dine with traditional Tyrolean cuisine in a historic cellar setting in Innsbruck old town.
EUR35, 1.5h
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Day 6: Innsbruck Highlights

Innsbruck, Austria on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Munding

Begin your day with a classic Austrian breakfast and fresh pastries in this renowned café established in 1848.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Visit Golden Roof and Old Town

Walk through Innsbruck’s medieval old town and admire the famous Golden Roof, a symbol of the city’s history.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Visit Ambras Castle

Tour this Renaissance castle with fine art, historical collections, and stunning gardens. Open 9am–5pm.
EUR12, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Gasthof Weisses Rossl

Savor Tyrolean specialties in a cozy local setting near Old Town.
EUR25, 1h

3:00pm

Cable Car ride to Nordkette Mountain

Take the Hungerburgbahn and cable car to Nordkette for magnificent views over Innsbruck and the Alps. Last ride returns around 6pm.
EUR35, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at a local Innsbruck restaurant (e.g., Die Wilderin)

End the day with modern Alpine cuisine focusing on local and sustainable ingredients.
EUR40, 1.5h
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Day 7: Return to Brussels

Innsbruck, Austria to Brussels, Belgium on July 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Innsbruck

Enjoy an early breakfast before your long drive back.
EUR15, 1h

8:00am

Drive Innsbruck to Brussels

Start your approximately 9-10 hour drive back to Brussels, with possible stops for rest and meals on the way.
EUR0, 10h

1:00pm

Lunch stop en route

Make a stop at a highway restaurant or town for a quick meal to refresh.
EUR20, 1h

7:00pm

Arrive in Brussels

Conclude your journey, enjoying memories of Austria’s historical sites and scenic nature.
EUR0, 0h
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