Road Trip Through Austria: Discover the Land of Mountains & Lakes!

Majestic mountains, breathtaking lakes, picturesque valleys, quaint Alpine villages – all this and much more awaits you on a road trip through Austria. We've put together the perfect route and the best tips for experiencing the country's highlights.

Austria has long been known as one of the most beautiful travel destinations, and for good reason. It's a country full of natural beauty. From mountain landscapes to crystal-clear lakes and delicious Kaiserschmarren – Austria has a lot to offer and is perfect for camping trips.

If you're planning a road trip through Austria in a campervan, our itinerary is a great source of inspiration.

We've compiled information on various campsites, restaurants, and activities in Austria, and we're sharing our insider tips for the ultimate camping experience.

Feeling excited? Great! Pack your bags and head to Austria!

Road Trip Through Austria: Route and Tips

• Carinthia
• Southern Styria
• Vienna
• Wachau
• Salzkammergut
• Salzburg
• Bad Gastein
• Innsbruck
• East Tyrol

Lakes and Mountains in Carinthia

Our road trip starts in Carinthia, specifically in Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, where you can also rent your myvanture campervan.

Beautiful Carinthia is Austria's southernmost federal state and is known for its impressive mountains and lakes. The turquoise Wörthersee is a must-see.

In summer, the lake reaches temperatures of up to 28 degrees Celsius. All kinds of water sports, from wakeboarding to water skiing and the trendy sport of stand-up paddleboarding, can be tried around the lake.

Other lakes that, while smaller than Wörthersee, are definitely worth a visit include Klopeinersee, Forstsee, Faaker See, Weißensee, and Millstättersee.

The numerous mountains and mountain ranges in Carinthia will make any hiker's heart beat faster. Whether it's easy family hikes or adventurous alpine treks, every peak conqueror is welcome in Carinthia.

Sights:

• Tscheppaschlucht Gorge
• Meerauge in Bodental
• Monkey Mountain at Landskron Castle
• Bike Trail in Bad Kleinkirchheim
• Rafting in Mölltal
• Hohe Tauern National Park
• Großglockner
• Carnic High Trail
• and much more

Southern Styria Wine Region

If you want to enjoy delicious wine, you should definitely stop in Southern Styria on your road trip through Austria. The region in the southeast is not called the Tuscany of Austria for nothing.

In Southern Styria, you'll find a beautiful, green landscape with many charming excursion destinations. If you want to relax and learn more about Austrian wine culture, this is the place for you.

Gamlitz, by the way, is the perfect starting point for exploring the region.

Southern Styria is not only a great place for culinary experiences but also has a lot to tell in terms of culture, history, and customs.

From Roman excavation sites, Europe's oldest wine cellar, and the Stainzer Flascherlzug (a historic train) to living Styrian traditions, there's much to discover.

Sights:

• Riegersburg Castle
• Zotter Chocolate Manufactory
• Spielfeld
• Pronnegg Oil Mill
• Deutschlandsberg Castle
• Sulmtal Alpacas
• Toy Museum in St. Stefan ob Stainz
• Stainz Shooting Range
• Bad Gams Climbing Garden
• Aircraft Museum
• and much more

The Capital City of Vienna

Our Austrian road trip continues to the heart of the country – Vienna.

Vienna has a baroque, imperial flair. The small, picturesque alleys and the imposing buildings in the city center look like a film set.

Take enough time to explore the city's numerous sights and familiarize yourself with Vienna's coffee house culture.

Sights:

• Schönbrunn Palace
• St. Stephen's Cathedral
• Prater amusement park
• Albertina Museum
• MuseumsQuartier
• Vienna State Opera
• Belvedere Palace
• and much more

Road Trip Austria: Stop in Wachau

The Danube Valley between Krems and Melk in Lower Austria is part of the Wachau. On the steep, rocky slopes, you'll find castles and fortresses, wine regions, and orchards. This cultural region is ideal for hiking, cycling, and exploring the beautiful towns.

The Wachau is often referred to as a gourmet region because it is home to the original Wachau apricot.

Also, visit the many Buschenschänken (seasonal wine taverns) and Heurigen (traditional wine taverns) and discover the castles and fortresses along the Danube.

Sights:

• The Gateway to Wachau
• Göttweig Abbey
• Ferdinand Warte viewpoint
• Dürnstein Castle Ruins
• Melk Abbey
• and much more.

Salzkammergut

The Salzkammergut in Austria is one of our favorite regions, and it would be a shame to leave it off our itinerary. The landscape here, with its mountain lakes and rugged peaks, is incomparable.

There are many great places to discover in the Salzkammergut, but a good starting point is Lake Traunsee. Other highlights include the Gosauseen lakes and Lake Altaussee.

And last but not least, you'll find Hallstatt – one of Austria's most famous Alpine villages.

The idyllic UNESCO World Heritage site of Hallstatt is a very popular travel destination and therefore a must-see on your road trip through Austria.

A picturesque village with narrow streets and stacked houses attracts countless travelers from all over the world every year.

The village owes its existence to the rich salt deposits. The huge salt chambers were discovered there more than 4,000 years ago. The so-called "white gold" is still mined today in the world's oldest salt mine above Hallstatt.

Sights:

• Hallstatt Salt Worlds
• Wolfgangsee
• Bad Ischl City Museum
• 5fingers viewing platform
• Schafbergbahn cog railway
• Dachstein mountain
• and much more

Road Trip Through Austria: Stop in Salzburg

A stop in Salzburg is a must on any road trip through Austria. The city is simply so beautiful that we are always amazed anew.

When you're in Salzburg, you should definitely visit the majestic Hohensalzburg Fortress and, of course, take a stroll through the picturesque old town and its alleys.

Be sure to try the original Salzburg Mozartkugel – simply delicious.

Sights:

• Getreidegasse
• Hohensalzburg Fortress
• Kapuzinerberg hill
• Mirabell Palace
• Mönchsberg and Museum of Modern Art
• DomQuartier
• Hellbrunn Palace
• Stiegl-Brauwelt brewery museum
• and much more

Hiking Paradise Bad Gastein

Our route now leads from the city to Bad Gastein in the mountains. Although there are many fabulous destinations in the Austrian Alps, we dare to say that none compare to the unique atmosphere of Bad Gastein.

The Belle Époque buildings, the morbid charm, and the rugged peaks of Bad Gastein leave a lasting impression on visitors.

There is no shortage of spectacular hikes in this area, offering breathtaking views of the natural landscape.

Sights:

• Stubnerkogel Suspension Bridge
• Bad Gastein Waterfall
• Gastein High Trail
• Alpentherme Gastein thermal spa
• Felsentherme Bad Gastein thermal spa
• Flying Waters zipline
• and much more.

Road Trip Through Austria: Innsbruck

The Austrian road trip takes you further to Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol. This wonderful city is surrounded by mountains on all sides, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and sports lovers.

Whether you're hiking or skiing in the breathtaking Alpine landscape or simply want to enjoy the local culture and cuisine, Innsbruck has something for everyone.

Stroll through the streets of the old town or embark on a leisurely hike high above the city.

Sights:

• Golden Roof
• Ambras Castle
• Bergisel Ski Jump
• Alpenzoo Innsbruck
• Hofburg Palace & Hofgarten Innsbruck
• Innsbruck Nordkettenbahn cable car
• and much more.

East Tyrol

East Tyrol, with its rocky peaks and pristine mountain lakes, is a breathtaking place – you won't regret visiting this region.

For those who love hiking at altitude, East Tyrol is the perfect place. There are many peaks to explore. We recommend East Tyrol for anyone looking for stunning mountain views, fairytale valleys, and charming huts.

Sights:

• Galitzenklamm Gorge
• Bruck Castle
• Hohe Tauern National Park
• Lienzer Bergbahnen – Osttirodler (alpine coaster)
• Assling Wildlife Park
• Jadhausalm alpine pasture
• Vitalpinum adventure park
• Dolomitenbad Lienz (Dolomite Baths Lienz)
• and much more.

When is the best time for a road trip through Austria?

A road trip through Austria is worthwhile at any time of year. There are plenty of opportunities to discover the country and engage in activities in summer, winter, autumn, and spring.

Austria in Summer

• Beach holidays (at lakes)
• Hikes
• Cycling
• City breaks

Austria in Spring and Autumn

• Hikes
• Cycling
• City breaks
• Thermal spa excursions
• Enjoying "Sturm" (new wine) & chestnuts

Road Trip Through Austria in Winter

• Skiing
• Ski touring
• Cross-country skiing
• Ice skating
• Sledding
• Winter hikes
• Winter grilling

Road Trip Through Austria: Book Your Pitch Right Away!

With the digital pitch guide "Schau aufs Land" (Look at the Countryside), you'll find over 350 idyllic pitches at sustainable farms, wineries, and manufactories in Austria.

Learn more

Rent a camper

Conclusion: Road Trip Through Austria

A road trip through Austria is full of breathtaking landscapes, action-packed activities, and a diverse cultural offering. It doesn't always have to be hours of driving for sea views with seagull sounds. You'll be amazed at how beautiful a road trip in Austria is!