Austria road trip: Bad Gastein to Vienna, 7 places
Explore Austria's 915 km route covering the country's most celebrated destinations, from the Alpine spa town of Bad Gastein to the imperial capital Vienna. This comprehensive tour spans scenic mountain roads, historic cities, and cultural landmarks that define Austria's appeal as both a natural and cultural destination.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Wachau
- End
- Dürnstein
- Stops
- 7
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Wachau — UNESCO valley along the Danube River featuring historic towns Dürnstein and Melk with its Benedictine abbey, renowned for wines and apricots with over 500 historic monuments.
- Zell am See — Resort town in Salzburg state famous for mountains and lakes, hosting international skiing competitions, featuring Romanesque St. Hippolyte's Church and gateway to Grossglockner…
- Bad Gastein
- Wörthersee
- Graz — Austria's second-largest city with six universities, one of central Europe's best-preserved old towns blending Balkan and Italian culture, renowned for museums and culinary…
- Grossglockner Alpine Road
- Dürnstein — Historic town in Wachau Valley where Duke Leopold V imprisoned British King Richard the Lion-Hearted in the late 12th century, featuring riverside charm and medieval architecture.
Useful for your trip
- Timing
- Grossglockner Alpine Road is normally open from the beginning of May to the end of October only. Check road conditions before visiting.
- Tip
- Bad Gastein is located at 3,000 feet above sea level in Hohe Tauern National Park, known for fog-free air and hot springs.
- Tip
- Visit Griffen Stalactite Cave near Wörthersee, considered Austria's most colorful cave.
- Tip
- The Wachau Valley has more than 500 historic monuments, so plan accordingly and prioritize your must-see sites.
- Food
- Buy pumpkin seed oil at summer farmer's markets in Graz, a local product specialty.
- Tip
- Zell am See is a good starting point for driving the Grossglockner Alpine Road for panoramic high alpine scenery.
- Tip
- Salzkammergut region and Salzburg were filming locations for The Sound of Music movie.
- Tip
- Vienna holds more than 200 balls each year, offering opportunities to experience elegant waltzes.
- Where to stay
- The von Trapp family home in Salzburg is now a hotel for those seeking to relive The Sound of Music scenes.
Video on this route
10 Best Places to Visit in Austria - Travel Video