Zoe Lodge

Explore this detailed guide to a week-long road trip in Austria.

White stone buildings in Vienna in the rain. — Rainy view from the Albertina Museum in Vienna. Zoe Lodge

I spent about a week tucked in the back of a Volvo SUV while road tripping across Austria with my family, and after driving across the entire country, I would say I have a pretty good feel for the Austrian travel experience. From the ornate palaces in Vienna to the laid-back outdoorsiness of Innsbruck, I have recommendations and suggestions for each stop along the way.

First Stop: Vienna

Our road trip began in Austria’s most famous city: Vienna. We stayed in the city center near the Hofburg Palace and the Albertina to maximize our time and let ourselves explore some of the most famous sites on foot.

We spent two nights in the city to fit the rest of the trip reasonably. However, I recommend three to four nights to fully take in the experience and avoid feeling rushed through monuments and attractions.

5 Must-See Attractions:

The Albertina Museum - One of the largest and most historically significant art museums in Central Europe, the Albertina is home to works from Monet to Picasso, as well as pristine royal state rooms.
The Austrian National Library - Located on the side of Hofburg Palace, the National Library boasts a massive collection of historical books and documents, as well as magnificent murals splayed across the walls and ceilings.
Volksgarten - The first public park in Vienna is known for its exquisite collection of roses and tranquil paths leading through flowers and fountains, a breath of fresh air in the middle of the city.
Hotel Sacher - A historic hotel facing the Vienna State Opera, its restaurants and cafes are open to the public, featuring the original Sacher Torte served among historic art and classical music.
Belvedere Palace - A grand estate compared to the grandeur of Versailles and packed with impeccable art and architecture, this palace is an essential visit according to locals.

Restaurant Recommendations:

DO & CO Albertina - An upscale but delightful and unique dining experience inside the museum, this restaurant offers a wide array of dishes, including vegetarian options. They have outdoor seating overlooking the Hofburg Palace, and I highly recommend trying the tiramisu for dessert.

Hotel Sacher Cafe - We visited in the morning shortly after opening, which is one of the only times you can walk in and be seated without a reservation. The breakfast was filling and delicious, the coffee was prepared in traditional Viennese style and we couldn’t leave without trying a slice of the original Sacher Torte, a rich chocolate and apricot cake that originated from the very cafe.

A grassy field circled by a street and crowds of people sitting in it. — The Red Bull Ring. Zoe Lodge.

Second Stop: Spielberg

We left Vienna and made the two-hour drive west to Spielberg, climbing through scenic mountain towns like Bruck an der Mur and Leoben. We only spent the day in Spielberg to attend the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring, so our experience was slightly different than a typical visit might have been.

The town itself was packed with Austrian mountain charm, and we would have loved to have spent more than just one day among the quaint bed and breakfasts, small pubs and restaurants. However, the Austrian Grand Prix was a 10 out of 10 experience and would be enjoyable for many, not just the average Formula 1 fans. Before the race, there was an air show with skydivers, Red Bull’s Flying Bulls Aerobatics Team stunt planes and helicopter acrobatics. During the race, we enjoyed locally made pretzels and beverages, with Formula 1 cars speeding past.

The Road to Salzburg

What was supposed to be a two-to-three-hour evening drive from Spielberg to Salzburg turned into a five-hour scenic tour of the Austrian backcountry, with a detour through dormant ski towns and lively mountain villages. Either we took a wrong turn or Google Maps misled us, an argument that is yet to be resolved, but the picturesque small road route we ended up on made the journey worthwhile.

Some towns that we drove through and would have loved to stop at included Tamsweg, Mauterndorf, Obertauern and Radstadt.

Old white buildings with a fountain. — Salzburg city center. Zoe Lodge.

Third Stop: Salzburg

We spent one night in the home of “The Sound of Music,” and unless you’re a die-hard fan of the Julie Andrews film, one night is a good amount of time to explore the small city. In the morning, we walked through the historic Sigmundstor Tunnel, otherwise known as the Neutor, and the gate to the historic Altstadt, or old town. We stopped at a grab-and-go style cafe called BackWerk for breakfast, and let me tell you, grab-and-go in Austria is far different from grab-and-go in the United States. I’m talking fresh-baked pastries, cups of yogurt with muesli, handmade sandwiches and hot cappuccinos. The Mirabell Palace and Gardens were stunning, but they were a bit overwhelmed by tourists.

5 Must-See Attractions:

Mirabell Palace and Gardens- Located in the historic city center, the baroque palace and gardens are kept in near-perfect conditions, with rows of stunning flowers and architecture.
Zwergerlgarten - A unique collection of dwarf sculptures located just outside of the Mirabell garden, Zwergerlgarten is known as one of the first and only dwarf gardens in Europe.
Mozart’s Birthplace - Just across the street from the Mirabell Gardens, a small museum is located in the residence of the great composer, Mozart, detailing his fascinating life.
Residenzplatz - The center of Salzburg Altstadt, or Old Town, is a grand square surrounded by historic churches and fountains and is home to many of the city’s events.
Monchsberg - A small mountain overlooking the city, it can be accessed via a modern elevator and is home to 15th-century fortress walls and the Museum of Modern Art.

Mountains and a house sitting on a plateau. — View from the Top of Innsbruck trail. Zoe Lodge

Fourth Stop: Innsbruck

We made the two-hour drive from Salzburg to Innsbruck, ducking into Germany before descending to the Austrian capital of Tyrol. We stayed in Innsbruck for two days, which seemed like just the right amount of time, unless travelers are interested in the surrounding hikes. Innsbruck was a fan favorite on the road trip, and while Vienna had some of the most stunning history and architecture that I have ever experienced, there was no denying Innsbruck’s natural beauty and youthful presence. Innsbruck is home to several universities, making it a hub for students and young adults, as well as a surprising number of tourists from the United States. It was hot when we visited, so we opted for a steep morning hike up to Seegrube for stunning views and a cable car trip back down. We then relaxed like locals in the afternoon at Lake Lanser See, just outside the city.

5 Must-See Attractions:

Top of Innsbruck - The Top of Innsbruck experience can be accessed via hiking trail or cable car, providing views of the valley and the surrounding mountains.
Lake Lanser See - A small bathing lake just outside of the city, Lanser See is used for swimming in the summer and ice skating in the winter.
Markthalle - An indoor farmer’s market-style marketplace, it has restaurants and vendors of the world’s finest foods, ingredients and handmade gifts.
Town Square - The old town square has been transformed into a vibrant shopping hub anchored by pillars and statues reminiscent of Austrian victories.
Altstadt - The Old Town of Innsbruck is filled with picturesque cobblestone streets, whimsical architecture and a popular photo spot, the Golden Roof.

Restaurant Recommendations:

The Naked Indigo: As a family of vegetarians, we were delighted to stumble upon this riverside vegetarian restaurant with outdoor seating and breathtaking views

Breakfast Club: This is a traditional brunch spot with patio seating, all-day breakfast, delicious coffee and friendly service. The food was affordable and delicious, with omelets, waffles, oats and platters.

Pizzeria Mamma Mia: A charming and delicious Italian restaurant in the heart of the Old Town, Mamma Mia has friendly service, good cocktails and healthy portions of pizzas and pastas.

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