Austria: 13 Places to See, Vienna to Dachstein Glacier
Explore Austria's most iconic destinations across 1,583.6 km, featuring Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace, the Alpine beauty of Salzburg and Innsbruck, and the Danube Valley's UNESCO-listed landscapes. This comprehensive route connects imperial palaces, mountain towns, and scenic railways showcasing Austria's blend of cultural heritage and natural splendor.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Welcome to Austria
- End
- Krems
- Stops
- 13
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Welcome to Austria — Alpine nation in Central Europe renowned for dramatic mountain landscapes, imperial heritage, and world-class skiing destinations attracting millions of visitors annually.
- Wachau Valley
- Semmering Railway — UNESCO-listed 19th-century railway engineering marvel crossing the Eastern Alps with 14 viaducts, showcasing industrial heritage and breathtaking mountain scenery.
- Zell am See and Lake Zell — Picturesque lakeside resort town surrounded by Tyrolean peaks, featuring pristine waters ideal for swimming and water sports against alpine backdrops.
- Krimmler Waterfalls — Europe's tallest waterfall cascading 380 meters in three tiers within Hohe Tauern National Park, surrounded by lush alpine forests with scenic hiking trails.
- Lake Achensee and Pertisau
- Lake Wörther See and Klagenfurt — Warmest alpine lake in Central Europe located in Carinthia, surrounded by meadows and mountains with vibrant waterfront culture and leisure activities.
- Dachstein Glacier — High-altitude ice plateau in the Northern Limestone Alps offering year-round skiing, dramatic glacier views, and access to numerous alpine hiking trails.
- Vienna
- Schönbrunn Palace
- Bad Gastein
- Dürnstein Castle — Historic castle perched above the Danube River in the picturesque Wachau Valley, offering panoramic views and charming riverside village atmosphere.
- Krems — Picturesque medieval town serving as cultural gateway to Wachau Valley, blending medieval charm with vibrant contemporary art scenes and Danube riverfront.
Useful for your trip
- Tip
- Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace has 1,441 rooms and features the world's oldest zoo founded in 1752. Visit the Glorette viewpoint and explore the grand halls where Mozart once performed.
- Timing
- Bad Gastein transforms seasonally: winter offers skiing on powdery slopes, while summer invites hiking on scenic trails like Gastein Valley.
- Tip
- The Semmering Railway, completed in 1854, is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring majestic viaducts and tunnels. The route connects Gloggnitz to Merzuschlag and offers year-round scenic beauty.
- Timing
- Zell am See and Lake Zeller offer summer activities like swimming, sailing, and lakeside cycling, while winter brings skiing and ice skating around the crystal-clear glacial lake.
- Transport
- A ride on the Hungerberg Bahn cable car in Innsbruck reveals panoramic views of the Austrian Alps and the surrounding landscape.
- Food
- Graz is known for pumpkin seed oil delicacies. Enjoy them at bustling farmers markets and cozy cafes throughout the city.
- Tip
- The Krimmler Waterfalls are Europe's tallest, cascading 380 meters in three tiers. They're located in Austria's Hohe Tauern National Park surrounded by lush alpine forests.
- Transport
- The Schafberg Railway is a historic cogwheel railway that rides to the summit of Schafberg Mountain, offering panoramic views of rolling hills and shimmering lakes in the Wolfgang Sea region.
- Tip
- Grossglockner High Alpine Road is the highest paved road in Austria at 48 km, featuring hairpin bends and glacial vistas with views of Austria's tallest mountain (3,798m).
- Tip
- Hallstatt features the world's oldest salt mine and the Bone House in St. Michael's Chapel. Scenic boat rides on Hallstatt Lake offer jaw-dropping alpine views.
- Timing
- Alpine meadows in Gesäuse National Park burst with wildflowers in summer. The region offers hiking, whitewater rafting, and rock climbing opportunities.
- Tip
- Hohenwerfen Castle features thrilling falconry shows and historical exhibits. Located 40 minutes from Salzburg, built in 1077 with panoramic Alps views.
Video on this route
25 Best Places to Visit in Austria in 2025 | TRAVEL VIDEO 4K