Austria road trip: Vienna to Hallstatt via the Grossglockner

A 1904 km route through Austria that connects Vienna to Hallstatt, crossing the Alps via the Grossglockner road. The route includes the Salzkammergut, Salzburg, Innsbruck and the Krimml Waterfalls, showcasing the diversity of mountain landscapes, glacial lakes and historic cities in the country.

Mode
Places
Start
Austria: Land of Mountains and Crystal Lakes
End
Krimml Waterfalls (Cascadas de Krimml)
Stops
15
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Austria: Land of Mountains and Crystal Lakes — Central European alpine nation where snow-capped peaks and glacial lakes create dreamlike landscapes that define its natural identity.
  2. Vienna to Hallstatt: Lakes and Glaciers — Route that connects the Austrian capital with lake villages surrounded by glaciers and dolomitic cliffs of incomparable beauty.
  3. Tirol and Burgenland: Wine and Mountains — Contrasting regions where warm vineyards from the east meet alpine peaks from the west, offering unique cultural diversity.
  4. Grossglockner: Austria's Highest Peak (3,798 m) — Highest mountain in Austria whose summit offers panoramic views of the Alps from the Italian border.
  5. Hallstatt: UNESCO Cultural Landscape — A world heritage lake village nestled between cliffs, famous for its medieval architecture and prehistoric salt mines.
  6. Salzburg: Music in the Silence — Cradle of Mozart and the Salzburg Festival, a city where classical music and baroque architecture are intertwined.
  7. Salzburg Old Town & Salzach River — Historic center surrounded by Alpine river, dominated by Hohensalzburg fortress and baroque churches with golden facades.
  8. Historic Streets of Salzburg (Getreidegasse) — Medieval shopping street with traditional shops and flowery balconies where Mozart was born and tourism converges.
  9. Tirol: Where Mountains Define Everything — Mountainous region that hugs the Alps, home to alpine traditions, world-class skiing, and picturesque Tyrolean villages.
  10. Schönbrunn Palace and Historic Landmarks — Vienna's Baroque imperial palace with 1,441 rooms, formal gardens, and fountains reflecting Habsburg power.
  11. Innsbruck: Alps at the City Edge — Tyrolean capital located in an alpine valley, surrounded by snow-capped peaks that descend to its medieval streets.
  12. Zell am See: Lake, Mountains & Glacier — Alpine spa next to crystal clear lake dominated by Kitzsteinhorn glacier, hiking and water sports destination.
  13. Salzkammergut Lakes District — Alpine lakes region; geographic area mentioned in description as key destination
  14. Grossglockner High Alpine Road — Mountain pass route showcasing the Alps from multiple viewpoints; highest peak of Austria (3,798 m)
  15. Krimml Waterfalls (Cascadas de Krimml) — Spectacular multi-tiered waterfalls descending the mountain, appearing to divide the mountain in two

Useful for your trip

Transport
Austria's cities are connected by train. Roads run through tunnels and mountain passes, even the most remote valleys have good infrastructure.
Timing
The Grossglockner Alpine Road is closed during the winter. In spring it clears again and comes back to life.
Timing
In Hallstatt, in the morning fog usually covers the water. In the afternoon, the mountains hide the sun ahead of time.
Timing
In Tyrol, during the winter it becomes one of the main ski resorts in Europe. In summer, alpine meadows appear and routes are opened.
Timing
In Hallstatt, in spring the slopes are filled with green. In summer the lake takes on a turquoise hue and in autumn the village is lost in golden vegetation.
Tip
The silhouette of Hallstatt is best seen from the water. From here you can see how the village stands on a narrow strip of land.
Tip
The highest point of the Grossglockner road exceeds 2500 m. Here the air becomes colder, the vegetation disappears and snow can remain even during the summer.
Tip
In Salzburg, the Mirabel Gardens offer one of the classic views of the fortress. The city is closely related to the movie The Sound of Music.
Tip
Innsbruck is in the valley of the Inn River with high mountain ranges on both sides. Cable cars depart practically from urban districts.
Tip
There are more than 70 lakes in the Salzkammergut region. Each one has its own color, shape, and character. Roads, railways, and hiking trails pass between the lakes.
Food
Café culture in Austria is almost as important as museums. People can spend hours sitting at a table reading the newspaper without being in a hurry to leave.

Video on this route

Wonders of Austria | The Most Beautiful Places in Austria | 4K Travel Guide

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