Austria itinerary 5 days is the perfect way to combine grand imperial cities with postcard-perfect Alpine lakes. Start in Vienna for Habsburg palaces, cafés and museums, continue to Salzburg for Mozart and baroque streets, then finish in a peaceful mountain or lakeside retreat in the Salzkammergut region (Hallstatt, Wolfgangsee, or similar)
This page gives you a detailed 5-day Austria itinerary plus a shorter 3-day version, all starting from Vienna and designed to work without a car.
Austria Itinerary 5 Days (Vienna, Salzburg & the Alps)
Day 1 – Classic Vienna: Old Town & Imperial Vienna
- Morning
- Arrive in Vienna and check in near the historic center (Innere Stadt or close to Ringstrasse).
- Start at St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) for views over the rooftops if you climb the tower. Discover the most beautiful sights in Vienna.
- Afternoon
- Walk the historic core: Graben, Kohlmarkt and around the Hofburg Palace complex (Imperial Apartments, Sisi Museum, Spanish Riding School).
- Coffee break in a traditional café for Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel.
- Evening
- Dinner around the old town or in the MuseumsQuartier area.
- Optional: evening concert (classical or opera) or a relaxed walk along the Ringstrasse.
- Recommended Tours:
- Guided walking tour of Vienna’s historic center.
- Evening classical concert (church or palace setting).
Day 2 – Palaces & Green Vienna
- Morning
- Visit Schönbrunn Palace: imperial rooms, gardens, Gloriette viewpoint and maybe the zoo if you have more time. It’s Austria’s most visited attraction and a must for first-timers.
- Afternoon
- Head to Belvedere Palace for art (Klimt’s The Kiss) and landscaped gardens or the MuseumQuartier for art museums.
- Alternative family-friendly option: Prater park and the historic Giant Ferris Wheel.
- Evening
- Naschmarkt area for dinner (lots of international and Austrian options).
- Optional wine-tavern (Heuriger) visit in the Vienna Woods/Wachau region on an organized tour.
The Hofburg (The Winter Palace) – This was the main winter residence and the seat of government. It is where the Emperor worked and lived during the colder months. If you are walking around St. Stephen's Cathedral and the main shopping streets, you are near the Hofburg.
Schönbrunn Palace (The Summer Palace) – This was the summer vacation home. The imperial family would move here during warmer months to escape the city heat. If you have to take the subway (U4 line) to get there and see big gardens, you are at Schönbrunn.
Day 3 – Vienna → Salzburg & Baroque Salzburg Old Town
- Morning
- Take a direct train Vienna → Salzburg (approx. 2.5–3 hours, frequent Railjet / Westbahn trains).
- Check into accommodation near the historic center / along the Salzach River.
- Afternoon
- Explore Salzburg Altstadt: Residenzplatz, Domplatz, Mozartplatz and the elegant baroque streets.
- Visit Mozart’s Birthplace or Residence, depending on your interest in music.
- Evening
- Enjoy dinner in a traditional beer hall or riverside restaurant.
- Optional: classical concert or “Sound of Music” themed evening activity.
- Recommended Tours:
- Salzburg walking tour (history + Mozart + Sound of Music highlights).
- Evening Mozart concert at a castle or church.
Day 4 – Salzburg Highlights & Alpine Viewpoints
- Morning
- Ride the funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress for panoramic views over the city and Alps and to explore the historic complex. Buy your entrace ticket in advance.
- Afternoon
- Stroll through Mirabell Palace & Gardens and along the Salzach river promenades.
- Free time for Getreidegasse shopping.
- Evening
- Early night in Salzburg or late train transfer to your Alpine/lakeside base if you prefer to wake up by the water on Day 5.
- In the evening, take a direct train from Salzburg towards the Salzkammergut lake district (Hallstatt / Wolfgangsee area) and overnight in your chosen lakeside village.
- Better solution is to join a guided day trip from Salzburg to Hallstatt and the Salzkammergut lake district.
Day 5 – Hallstatt & the Salzkammergut Lakes
- Today you join a guided day trip from Salzburg to Hallstatt and the Salzkammergut lake district. The bus ride takes about 1.5 hours each way, and you’ll have a few hours of free time in Hallstatt to wander along the lakeside, climb to the church viewpoint, or take a short boat trip before returning to Salzburg in the late afternoon.
Book a Hallstatt Day Trip from Salzburg
Secure your spot on a small-group day trip to Hallstatt and the Salzkammergut lakes, with easy transport from central Salzburg and free time to explore the village.
See prices & availability3-Day Austria Itinerary (Vienna & Salzburg Focus)
For visitors who only have a long weekend, instead of 5-day Austria itinerary, I suggest this 3 days Austria itinerary, as an alternative option:
Day 1 – Vienna Highlights in One Day
- Morning:
- St. Stephen’s Cathedral and short walk through the old town and Hofburg area.
- Afternoon:
- Schönbrunn Palace & gardens (focus on exteriors + a quick interior tour to save time).
- Evening:
- Dinner in the center and optional short concert or evening stroll.
Day 2 – Train to Salzburg & Old Town Essentials
- Morning:
- Early direct train Vienna → Salzburg.
- Drop luggage and start exploring the Altstadt: cathedral, Residenzplatz, riverside views.
- Afternoon:
- Funicular to Hohensalzburg Fortress + Mirabell Gardens on the way back.
- Evening:
- Dinner & possible “Sound of Music”–themed activity or relaxed baroque-city stroll.
Day 3 – Quick Alpine Fix: Hallstatt / Lakes
- Option A – Guided Tour:
- Join a half-day or full-day tour from Salzburg to Hallstatt and Salzkammergut lakes, which combines scenic viewpoints, village time and lake cruising.
- Option B – DIY by train/bus (if well organized):
- Early start to Hallstatt, a few hours in the village and around the lake, then back to Salzburg.
- Evening:
- Collect luggage and depart (train/flight) or add 1 more night in Salzburg if needed.
Where to Stay: Vienna, Salzburg & the Lakes
Vienna (2–3 nights)
Perfect if you want to walk everywhere and take easy day trips.
- Central hotel near St. Stephen’s / Graben (great for first-timers).
- Stylish hotel around MuseumsQuartier or Naschmarkt (ideal for café and nightlife lovers).
Salzburg (1–2 nights)
Compact base with baroque charm.
- Traditional guesthouse in the Altstadt (romantic, atmospheric).
- Modern hotel along the Salzach with fortress views.
Alpine Lakes (1 night or day trip)
- Lakeside inn in Hallstatt or on Wolfgangsee for a real “Alps retreat” feeling.
- Wellness hotel with spa overlooking a lake or mountains.
FAQs about Planning Austria itinerary 5 Days
How many days do you need for Austria?
With 3-day Austria itinerary, you can see the highlights of Vienna and Salzburg at a fairly busy pace. With 5-day Austria itinerary, you can cover both cities and add at least one Alpine or lakeside day trip (Hallstatt or the Salzkammergut), which is what this itinerary is built around.
Is this itinerary doable without a car?
Yes. The whole plan is designed to work by train and local transport. Vienna and Salzburg are compact and walkable, and trains between them are frequent. For the Alpine / lakeside day, you can either join an organized day tour or use a combination of train + bus + boat.
Where should I base myself: Vienna, Salzburg, or the Alps?
For 3 days, it’s easiest to split between Vienna and Salzburg only.
For 5 days, many travelers like:
2 nights in Vienna
2 nights in Salzburg
1 night in a lakeside village (Hallstatt / Wolfgangsee) or a full-day trip from Salzburg.
This way you avoid too much hotel-hopping but still get an Alpine feel.
What’s the best time of year to follow Austria itinerary 5 days?
For a mix of cities + lakes + light hiking, the best months are usually May–June and September–early October. You’ll get longer days and milder temperatures, and most mountain/lake services are running. July–August are beautiful but busier and hotter, while winter is better if you want Christmas markets or skiing more than lake time.
Do I need to speak German to travel around Austria?
No. In Vienna and Salzburg, and on main train routes, English is widely spoken, especially in hotels, restaurants, and tourist services. Knowing a few basic German phrases (hello, please, thank you) is appreciated but not essential for this itinerary.
Is Austria expensive for a 3–5 day trip?
Austria is mid-to-high in price by European standards. Vienna is usually the most expensive stop, Salzburg and smaller towns slightly less. You can keep costs under control by:
Staying in mid-range hotels or guesthouses.
Using bakeries and simple cafés for some meals.
Booking train tickets and key tours in advance, when possible.
Can this Austria itinerary 5 days work with kids?
Yes, it’s very family-friendly. Vienna has palaces, parks and the Prater funfair; Salzburg has the fortress and easy walks; the lakes offer boats, short hikes and swimming areas in summer. If you travel with younger kids, consider fewer hotel changes and longer stays in just two bases (for example, Vienna + Salzburg or Vienna + one lakeside town).
Can I extend this itinerary beyond 5 days?
Absolutely. Good add-ons include:
An extra day in Vienna for museums or a Wachau Valley side trip.
A full two days in the lakes for hiking, boating or spa time.
Continuing onwards to Munich or Budapest by train.