This one week Austria itinerary starts and ends in Salzburg. International travelers may want to start in Munich, Bavaria.
In seven days, you’ll sample some of the most impressive destinations in Salzburg, Styria, East Tyrol, Carinthia, and Tyrol. This is the perfect introduction to the Austrian Alps and its many valleys and mountain ranges, including the Tennen Mountains, Schladminger Tauern, Hochkönig Mountains, Hohe Tauern Mountains, Zillertal Alps, and the Karwendel Mountains.
Our lovingly-created 7-day Austria itinerary links together our favorite day hikes, alpine pasture huts, mountain huts, and hotels between Salzburg and Innsbruck.
To see how you can extend this route, check out our 2-week Austria road trip and our Salzkammergut Itinerary. We also recently created this fun 10-day Bavarian Alps and Tyrolean Alps itinerary, starting in Munich.
- Day 1: Hohenwerfen Castle, Tennen Mountains
- Day 2: Giglach Lakes, Schladminger Tauern
- Day 3: Mühlbach High Trail, Hochkönig
- Day 4: Grossglockner High Alpine Road
- Day 5: Innergschlöss Glacier Trail
- Day 6: Zillertal Alps, Mayrhofen
- Day 7: Innsbruck and Salzburg
- 2 Nights in Schladming, Styria
- 1 Night in the Hochkönig Region, Salzburg
- 1 Night in Matrei in Osttirol, East Tyrol
- 2 Nights in Mayrhofen, Tyrol
- Optional: 1-2 Nights in Salzburg (City)
7-Day Austria Road Trip Route Map
DESTINATIONS
Salzburg
SalzburgerLand Attractions
Hochkönig Region
Matrei in Osttirol
Tips for Road Tripping in Austria
Vignette
If you’re driving into Austria from a neighboring country, make sure to purchase a vignette (toll sticker). The digital toll sticker is compulsory on Austria’s motorways and expressways.
Here’s more info about pricing and your options.
Car Rental
We recommend using the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals in Austria. This easy-to-use booking platform compares car rental deals from 500+ trusted providers, so that you can choose the best option for your trip.
Tip: If you can only drive automatic transmission cars, as opposed to manual transmission cars (stick shift), book your car rental as early as possible.
Cash
It’s essential to carry EUR cash with you. Many establishments (e.g. restaurants, mountain huts, taverns, etc…) only accept payment in cash.
How to Book this 7-Day Austria Itinerary
Book 2 Nights in Schladming in Styria | TUI BLUE Schladming (budget), Thalers Mariandl (midrange), or Stadthotel Brunner (luxury)
Book 1 Night in the Hochkönig Region in Salzburg | Eder – Lifestyle Hotel (luxury), or Jufenalm BOHO Hotel & Restaurant (luxury), The Peak Hochkönig (midrange), or Hotel-Gasthof Salzburger Hof (midrange)
Book 1 Night in Matrei in Osttirol in East Tyrol | Matreier Tauernhaus (budget), AlpenParks Montana Matrei (midrange), or Natur- und Wanderhotel Outside (luxury)
Book 2 Nights in Mayrhofen in Zillertal in Tyrol | Landhotel Rauchenwalderhof (budget), Der Siegeler B&B (budget-midrange), ElisabethHotel – Adults only (luxury), or ZillergrundRock (luxury)
Optional Night in Innsbruck in Tyrol | Read Where to Stay in Innsbruck
Optional Night in Salzburg City in Salzburg | B&B Flöckner (budget), Hotel zum Hirschen (midrange), Imlauer Hotel Pitter Salzburg (midrange), or Hotel Sacher Salzburg (luxury)
Day 1: Hohenwerfen Castle and the Tennen Mountains
As soon as you pick up your rental car, start your Austria itinerary by driving south to Hohenwerfen Castle in Werfen.
After visiting Hohenwerfen castle, eat lunch at Wengerau Alm, and visit the Liechtenstein Gorge. You can also visit the Eisriesenwelt cave system, the ice caves of Werfen, in the Tennen Mountains.
An alternative itinerary for today is to drive to Kleinarl Valley and hike to Lake Tappenkarsee, one of the highest lakes in the Eastern Alps.
Visit the Hohenwerfen Castle
Cradled by the Berchtesgaden Alps and the Tennengebirge (Tennen Mountains), the 900-year-old Hohenwerfen fortress stands proud atop a steep rock overlooking the Salzach Valley.
The fortified medieval castle was constructed in 1077 under Archbishop Gebhard during the investiture conflict.
Gebhard was an ally to Pope Gregory VII who was in continuous conflict with King Henry IV of Germany (Holy Roman Emperor).
The building of this castle along with Hohensalzburg and Petersberg Castle was meant to secure the route across the Eastern Alps against the forces of the Holy Roman Emperor.
When to Visit Hohenwerfen Castle | Early April to early November. Check opening times.
Hohenwerfen Castle Entrance Ticket | Get your Online-Ticket
Sound of Music Filming Location: Do Re Mi Meadow
Do you remember the Do Re Mi musical scene in the Sound of Music, where Maria and the children learn how to sing on an alpine meadow? Watch the clip again, and take note of the castle in the background.
That’s Hohenwerfen Castle with the Tennengebirge forming the mountainous backdrop. You can access this special filming location from the town of Werfen.
Head to Gschwandtanger Meadow via Schartenbergstraße. The filming location is marked with an enclosed viewing area.
Exact Location | Google Maps
Eat Lunch at Wengerau Alm
Our favorite place in the Tennen Mountains is Wengerau in Werfenweng. From this hidden valley, you can hike to the mountain hut Werfener Hütte (1969 m), which overlooks the Salzach Valley.
You can also revel in the alpine scenery whilst eating a delicious meal at Wengerau Alm without embarking on a hike. This alpine pasture hut is a mere 2-minute walk from the parking lot. The food and the views don’t disappoint.
Wengerau Car Park | Weng 76, Werfenweng 5453, Austria | Google Maps
Visit the Liechtenstein Gorge
Liechtensteinklamm is a deep and narrow gorge a few kilometers south of St. Johann im Pongau in Salzburg. In fact, it’s one of the deepest gorges in the Alps.
It was created by the eroding force of the Grossarler Ache mountain stream over the course of thousands of years.
A safe trail leads through Liechtenstein Gorge, running through illuminated tunnels and galleries, over bridges, and along secured walkways.
It takes only 1 – 1:30 hours to walk the gorge out-and-back.
Eat Dinner in Schladming
There are several outstanding restaurants in Schladming.
We recommend eating at Stadthotel Brunner, or Die Tischerei.
Die Tischlerei serves innovative and cooked-to-perfection Styrian cuisine with international influences. Guests can choose between three set menus (Vegetarian, Fish, or Meat), or order from the à la carte menu. The service is impeccable. The atmosphere is fine without being too stiff.
Do make a reservation in advance.
Stay in Schladming
After visiting the gorge, continue your drive to Schladming in Styria. Either stay directly in the town center of Schladming, or in Rohrmoos, the village above Schladming.
If you want easy access to lots of restaurants and shops, stay in Schladming. If you want more solitude and countryside vibes, stay in Rohrmoos.
Budget | TUI BLUE Schladming is an all-around excellent accommodation in Schladming offering guests a bountiful breakfast (included), spa facilities (saunas), and a great location (located across from the Planai-Hochwurzen Cable Car).
Midrange | Thalers Mariandl in Rohrmoos is an alpine modern B&B featuring bright, beautifully designed rooms, a lovely wellness area, and a quiet location. In the evenings, you can order drinks and snacks from their bar menu. However, if you have an appetite, we recommend eating a hearty Styrian dinner at Die Landalm in Untertal village (Address: Bachweg 120, 8971 Schladming).
Luxury | Stadthotel Brunner is a dazzling modern and barrier-free hotel situated in the heart of Schladming. If you appreciate clean, yet creative interior design, you’ll love staying here. Moreover, Stadthotel Brunner is the perfect retreat for anyone who wants to integrate wellness, yoga, and Ayurvedic cuisine into their vacation. Their on-site restaurant is excellent. Definitely eat dinner here (reservation needed) if you stay.
Luxury | JOHANN Schladming is a newly renovated luxury hotel in the town center of Schladming, a 4-minute walk to the Planai gondola valley station. This standout hotel has a bar, à la carte restaurant, wellness area (3 saunas), rooftop swimming pool, gym, and private parking.
Look for accommodation in Schladming.
Day 2: Giglach Lakes and the Schladminger Tauern Mountains
Day 2 of your Austria Itinerary takes you to the hidden Giglachsee Lakes in the Schladminger Tauern mountain range.
Take Bus 972 to Ursprungalm
Ursprungalm (1610 m) is a managed mountain pasture in Preuneggtal valley. If you’re visiting in high season (late June to mid-September), take the hiking bus to Ursprungalm (Bus line 972). The bus ride takes about 45 minutes.
If you stay at Stadthotel Brunner in Schladming or Thalers Mariandl in Rohrmoos, or any other Sommercard-partner accommodations you’ll receive a complimentary Schladming-Dachstein Summer Card, which gives you free rides on regional hiking buses and cableways
If you’re visiting during shoulder seasons (early summer and fall), buses to Ursprungalm are limited to twice a week. If your schedule aligns with the bus timetable, great.
Otherwise, you’ll need to pay a toll fee to drive up to Ursprungalm. Depending on the weather and snow conditions, this toll road is usually open between May and mid-October. Find more information about this toll road here.
From Ursprungalm, you can embark on a number of day hikes, including Giglach Lakes (easy) and the Styrian Kalkspitze (difficult). Learn more: visiting Ursprungalm.
Hike around the Giglach Lakes
From Ursprungalm (1610 m), it takes about one hour to reach Oberere Giglachsee (Upper Giglach Lake) along a wide and level path. You’ll first arrive at the mountain hut Giglachseehütte (1950 m).
Continue following the trail to Ignaz – Mattis Hütte (1986 m), another hut perched above the Unterer Giglachsee. With its lakeside views, this is an ideal place for lunch on a sunny day.
After lunch, continue following the trail around the lake. It takes about 1 hour to complete the circuit. Follow the same trail back to Ursprungalm.
Trail Stats
Trailhead | Ursprungalm
Distance | 8.2 km lollipop circuit
Time Needed | 3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss | 415 meters
Difficulty | Easy
More Things to Do around Schladming
There are many other hikes you can do around Schladming, including:
- Wild Waters Theme Trail – Riesachfall to Schladming
- Preintalerhütte Mountain Hut Trail
- Alpinsteig durch die Höll Trail
- Duisitzkarsee – Neualm Circuit Trail
We’ve summarized these day hikes in our Schladming Hiking Guide.
If you extend your stay in Schladming, drive to Ramsau am Dachstein to hike the 5 Huts Trail (moderate), or the Bachlalm to Neustadtalm Circuit Hike (easy-moderate). Or, drive to the exceedingly lovely Filzmoos in order to hike the Hofpürgl Hut to Sulzenalm Circuit Hike (moderately difficult), or the Rötelstein Peak Hike (difficult).
Stay a Second Night in Schladming, or Rohrmoos
Budget | TUI BLUE Schladming in Schladming
Midrange | Thalers Mariandl in Rohrmoos
Luxury | Stadthotel Brunner in Schladming
Luxury | JOHANN Schladming in Schladming
Look for accommodation in Schladming.
Day 3: Mühlbach High Trail, Hochkönig Region
Drive to Erichhütte Car Park in Dienten am Hochkönig
After breakfast, drive 55 minutes to Erichhütte car park along the Hochkönigstrasse road in Dienten am Hochkönig.
Erichhütte Car Park Location | Google Maps
The most direct route follows the Ennstal Strasse. However, if you have time to expand this itinerary, you may want to visit Ramsau am Dachstein and Filzmoos, before heading to the Hochkönig Region.
Hike the Mühlbach High Trail
The Mühlbach High Trail (Mühlbacher Höhenweg in German) runs along the foot of the Hochkönig mountains between Arthurhaus and Erichhütte. It’s also stage 2 of the Salzburg Almenweg long-distance trail.
The trail traverses mountain pastures and pockets of forest, passing several Almhütten (alpine pasture huts) along the way, including the “Vier Hütten” (Four Huts).
You can start the hike at either Arthurhaus (paid car park/bus stop) high above Mühlbach am Hochkönig, or at the Erichhütte car park (free car park/bus stop) along the Hochkönigstraße road in Dienten am Hochkönig.
We parked at the Erichhütte car park and took Bus 593 to Arthurhaus and then hiked back to our car. The bus takes 40 minutes and costs a few Euros per person. You can pay the bus driver directly with either cash or card. Use Routenplaner Salzburg-Verkehr.
It’s possible to extend this hike by hiking to the Hochkeil summit from Arthurhaus, or to the Taghaube Peak from Erichhütte.
Trail Stats
Starting Point | Arthurhaus
Ending Point | Erichhütte / Erichhütte Parkplatz
Time Needed | 3:30 hours
Elevation Gain | 226 meters
Elevation Loss | 377 meters
Difficulty | Easy
Stay in Maria Alm am Steinernen Meer
Luxury | We stayed at the Eder – Lifestyle Hotel, which is located directly in the village center of Maria Alm. We loved the hotel’s atmosphere, innovative cuisine, and creative design. Here’s our Hotel Eder Review.
Luxury | Jufenalm BOHO Hotel & Restaurant is a stylish hotel with a “boho meets alpine” design concept. Stay here for the interior design, dreamy mountain setting, views of Steinernes Meer, and natural bathing pond and spa. Breakfast is included and you can dine in the hotel’s à la carte restaurant.
Look for accommodation in Maria Alm.
Or, Stay in Dienten am Hochkönig
Midrange-luxury Apartments | The Peak Hochkönig is an aparthotel in the town center of Dienten. All apartments are decorated in an alpine-modern style and have fully-equipped kitchens, dining areas, seating areas, and washing machines. Some apartments have saunas. Extra perk: underground parking.
Midrange All-Inclusive | Hotel-Gasthof Salzburger Hof is an all-inclusive, family-friendly hotel in Dienten. Stay here for the excellent food, friendly staff, and children’s facilities and programs (e.g. kid-friendly dinner, supervised summer program for kids ages 4+, play area, library, etc…).
Look for accommodation in Dienten am Hochkönig.
Day 4: Grossglockner High Alpine Road
On day 4 of your 1 week Austria itinerary, drive the impressive Grossglockner High Alpine Road (Großglockner Hochalpenstraße).
This toll road is typically open from early-mid May until end of October, weather permitting.
Drive the Grossglockner High Alpine Road
The 48-km Grossglockner High Alpine Road is a paved serpentine road that steers you into the heart of Hohe Tauern National Park and directly to the base of the Grossglockner (3,798 m), Austria’s highest mountain.
The alpine road stretches between Fusch an der Großglocknerstraße in Salzburg and Heiligenblut am Großglockner in Carinthia.
There are few notable lookout points and hikes along the route, which you can learn about in our Grossglockner High Alpine Road.
We recommend hiking the 3-hour Lake Sandersee circuit trail, starting at Glocknerhaus (Google Maps).
Pricing and Opening Times | Current pricing and opening hours
Drive to Matrei in Osttirol
The Grossglockner High Alpine road ends in Heiligenblut am Großglockner. You can stay here, but we recommend continuing your journey to the town Matrei in Osttirol, so that you’re well-positioned for tomorrow’s hike.
From Heiligenblut, continue the drive to Matrei in East Tyrol (1 hour).
Stay in Matrei in Osttirol
We recommend staying in the town of Matrei in East Tyrol, or in Matreier Tauernhaus, a traditional guesthouse and restaurant located at the entrance of Gschlösstal valley.
Budget | Zedlacherhof is a lovely and authentic place to stay when you’re on a budget. Located in Zedlach village, 4.5 km from the town center of Matrei in Osttirol, this family-run guesthouse is advantageously surrounded by mountains. The hosts are extremely welcoming and helpful.
Midrange | AlpenParks Montana Matrei is located directly in Matrei and offers both double rooms and family studios. The breakfast is excellent and the alpine views are superb.
Luxury | Natur- und Wanderhotel Outside combines alpine charm with modern sensibilities. Located in the center of Matrei, this 4-star hotel checks all the boxes: spa and wellness, regional sourcing of ingredients, gourmet food, and fresh design.
Look for accommodation in Matrei in Osttirol.
Day 5: Innergschlöss Glacier Trail
Hike the Innergschlöss Glacier Trail
From Matrei in Osttirol, drive north to Gschlöss Valley and park at the car park at Matreier Tauernhaus.
Matreier Tauernhaus Paid Car Park | Google Maps
From the car park, take the Venediger Taxi (5 EUR one-way) to the small alpine hamlet of Innergschlöss, which is the starting point of the Glacier Trail.
The Innergschlöss Glacier Loop Trail (Gletscherweg in German) is a day hike in Hohe Tauern National Park that combines fairy-tale-like scenes of wooden cottages with imposing landscapes of ice and moraine.
Trail Stats
Trailhead | Innergschlöss
Distance | 9.1 km circuit
Time Needed | 4-5 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss | 680 meters
Difficulty | Moderate
Drive to Mayrhofen
After experiencing the dramatic landscapes of Hohe Tauern National Park, it’s time to journey further west to the town of Mayrhofen in Zillertal Valley.
From Matreier Tauernhaus, continue driving on 108 (north) in the direction of Südportal Felbertauerntunnel. There is a toll fee to drive through the tunnel.
The drive takes about 2 hours.
Stay in Mayrhofen
Budget | Landhotel Rauchenwalderhof is a cozy and traditional guesthouse in Mayrhofen with an attractive price point. Guests love the location, outdoor swimming pool, and hospitality. Breakfast is included.
Top Choice – Budget-Midrange | Der Siegeler B&B – this lifestylehotel rocks is a newly-renovated bed and breakfast in Mayrhofen, just minutes away from the train/bus station. Enlivened by a pub-style sports bar, this beloved accommodation promises a harmonious blend of comfort and conviviality.
Midrange | We stayed in the 4-star Alpenhotel Kramerwirt, a family-run hotel in the center of Mayrhofen. This traditional Austrian hotel exhibits a high standard of hospitality, food, and comfort. We loved the spaciousness, light, bedding, and design of our sun-kissed “Superior Room.” In the evening, local bands and ensembles perform on the outdoor patio.
Luxury | With a rich heritage tracing back to the 17th century, Hotel Neue Post stands as a distinguished gem in the heart of Mayrhofen. This 4-star-superior establishment seamlessly marries tradition with innovation, boasting unrivaled facilities including a rooftop pool, sauna complex, gym, and an esteemed on-site restaurant. Book half board.
Adults-Only Luxury | ElisabethHotel Premium Private Retreat- Adults only is a luxurious hotel in Mayrhofen featuring beautiful spa facilities, outstanding cuisine, and alpine-modern furnishings. This is the best place to stay in Mayrhofen for a relaxing and rejuvenating getaway.
Full Board Luxury | Standing on the bank of the Ziller River, ZillergrundRock Luxury Mountain Resort is a beacon of hospitality, captivating travelers with its seamless blend of timeless charm and modern sophistication. This Tyrolean retreat offers an exquisite full-board experience and access to two extensive spa areas. ZillergrundRock is a 5-minute drive away from Mayrhofen.
Look for accommodation in Mayrhofen.
Day 6: Mayrhofen and the Zillertal Alps
Mayrhofen is a quintessential alpine town in Tyrol. This lively and charming town is the perfect base for exploring the dramatic Zillertal Alps.
And when you’re not hiking, there are plenty of restaurants, cafés, and shops to keep you busy. Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Mayrhofen in summer.
Hike to Olpererhütte in the Zillertal Alps
With one full day in Zillertal, we recommend hiking to Olpererhütte, located on the multi-day Berlin High Trail.
There are a few ways to ascend to this picture-perfect mountain hut and its much-photographed suspension bridge, but we’ve outlined our favorite route in this Olpererhütte trail guide.
Stay a Second Night in Mayrhofen
Budget-Midrange | Landhotel Rauchenwalderhof, or Der Siegeler B&B – this lifestylehotel rocks
Midrange | Alpenhotel Kramerwirt
Luxury | ElisabethHotel Premium Private Retreat- Adults only, or Hotel Neue Post
Full-Board Luxury | ZillergrundRock Luxury Mountain Resort
Look for accommodation in Mayrhofen im Zillertal.
Day 7: Innsbruck and Salzburg
Your 7-day Austria itinerary concludes with a visit to Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol, and the drive back to Salzburg.
If you’re ending your trip in Munich, we highly recommend visiting Garmisch-Partenkichen on your return journey.
Visit Innsbruck
Located at the base of the Nordkette, Innsbruck is Austria’s most dramtically-situated city. Small and extremely walkable, the Altstadt (old town) encompasses Innsbruck’s most beautiful buildings and restaurants.
In a few hours, you can visit the Hofburg (Imperial Palace), check out the Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof) and Helblinghaus, and visit the City Museum.
For authentic Tyrolean cuisine, eat in the Weisses Rössl restaurant (also a hotel).
While in the area, we recommend visiting the pretty Wolfsklamm gorge in Stans. If you decide to extend your visit, read our Innsbruck Hiking Guide, which summarizes our favorite trails including Nockspitze and Hundskopf.
STAGE 12 – Hotel by Penz (midrange-luxury) and The PENZL Hotel (luxury) both offer on-site parking and air-conditioned rooms. Altstadthotel Weisses Kreuz (read our Altstadthotel review), Hotel Innsbruck, Boutiquehotel Weisses Rössl, and Marketbar Studios all have AC and are walking distance to public parking garages.
Read Where to Stay in Innsbruck to learn about the best areas to stay in and around the city.
Return to Salzburg City
The fastest way to Salzburg City cut through Bavaria, Germany. The autobahn bypasses Berchtesgaden National Park and Lake Königssee. Please check with your car rental company whether you can drive through Germany. You may need to pay an extra fee.
Otherwise, you can drive back to Salzburg through Austria; it’s just a bit longer.
Stay in Salzburg
Budget | B&B Flöckner is an excellent bed and breakfast in Salzburg. Located within walking distance to the historic center, this quiet, clean, and comfortable accommodation is perfect for a weekend getaway.
Midrange | Imlauer Hotel Pitter Salzburg boasts outstanding views of the Hohensalzburg Castle from the dining terrace, an excellent breakfast (accommodating all dietary needs), and newly renovated rooms.
Midrange | Hotel zum Hirschen is a historic hotel and café dating back to 1500, which has recently undergone a full renovation. This family-run hotel is located near the train station, walking distance to the city center (20 minutes). You will love the thoughtfully-designed rooms, the garden, and breakfast (extra charge).
Luxury | Hotel Sacher Salzburg is a grand and historic hotel dating back to the 19th century. Located on the banks of the Salzach River, this fine Salzburg hotel offers marvelous city views, luxuriously-furnished rooms, and superior customer service. The breakfast is excellent.
Look for accommodation in Salzburg.
More Austria Travel Guides
Austrian Travel Destinations:
Seasonal Guides:
Hiking:
- Best Day Hikes in Austria
- Best Treks in Austria
- Salzburg Hiking Guide
- Lech am Arlberg Hiking Guide
- Vorarlberg Hiking Guide
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