A week in Austria: roadtrip itinerary
Last Updated: July 30th 2024.
In the Summer of 2016 we spent a week in Austria, during a 6 week European road trip. We had such a fun time. We had been to Austria before, however it had always been Austria in the snow, which is magical on its own. Below I give an itinerary for one week in Austria. Austria is a perfect country for road trips.
Where to Start a Week in Austria
We started our week in Austria in Breitenwang. It’s close to the German border and to Füssen, Germany. Füssen is home to the famous Neuschwanstein castle and the Hohenschwangau castle. Both are beautiful and both are among the fairytale castles in Europe, fairytale castles in Germany and fairytale castles in the World. After visiting both these castles, cross the border into Austria and make the short drive to Breitenwang.
Breitenwang
Breitenwang is in the Austrian state of Tyrol, in the district of Reutte. We stayed at campsite Seespitze for one night. The weather was sadly not that great when we camped at Breitenwang, we had a lot of rain. However with better weather the campsite is ideal, it’s right on the Plansee, which has boat tours, fishing, diving and hiking around the lake. Further more with all the forest surrounding the lake there’s ample hiking and exploring opportunities here.
Highline179
From the campsite there are several cool trips to be made. Next to the 2 castles mentioned earlier, in Germany, the Stuiben waterfalls are close by. Other fun things are the Walderlebniszentrum, castle museum Ehrenberg, grünes haus, burgenwelten Ehrenberg, castle Linderhof and Ettal Monastry. We opted to go to Highline179. Highline179 is a suspension bridge, it’s 406 meters (1332 feet) in length and 114.60 meters (374 feet) long. They claim it’s the longest suspension bridge in the world. The bridge is open since November 2014.
Highline179 connects the castle ruins of Ehrenberg with Fort Claudia. The suspension bridge is surrounded by imposing mountain chains with a 360° panorama view, giving wonderful scenery from the bridge. The bridge has a narrow and open design. We had to stop Yuri from running on it, other people found this not so pleasant. He loved walking (running) on it. Paul and I loved the beautiful views. Since December 2014 the rope suspension bridge has a place in the Guinness Book of Records as “longest Tibet-style footbridge”. Their tagline is #view with a thrill. We loved visiting highline179 and it was a highlight of our week in Austria. A perfect break during a road trip with a kid, it’s one of our tips for a road trip with a child.
Going Deeper into Austria
After Highline179 we went deeper into Austria, but still staying in the state of Tyrol. Which is a beautiful state with lots of things to do and gorgeous nature to explore.
Volders
Our second stay was at Schloss campsite Aschach in Volders, close to Innsbruck. We stayed here for 3 nights. On the campsite was a swimming pool, an animation team and lots of friends to play with for Yuri. Luckily the weather had improved a lot since our start in Austria. From this campsite, you’re 15 minutes away from Innsbruck, which has a lot of activities. Further more in the near vicinity are lots of hiking opportunities, ready for you to explore nature.
Alpenzoo
What are the popular excursion destinations in Tyrol’s Crystal Region? Well there’s the Swarovski Crystal Worlds, Hall’s old town, the Mint museum, a Planetarium, Wolfsklamm (gorge), castle of Tratzberg, the upside-downhouse and Ambras castle. We visited the Alpenzoo in Innsbruck, which was 25 minutes by car.
The Alpine Zoo in Innsbruck is one of the largest zoo’s in Europe. They have over 2000 animals, from 150 species. All these animals are or were typical for the Alps. They’re one of a kind, since the Alpenzoo is the only zoo in the world devoted to Alpine wildlife.
From the zoo you have a spectacular view on Innsbruck, another good reason for visiting. The zoo is located on the slopes of a mountain, in line with the Alpine theme and giving perfect views of the surroundings. Seeing all different kinds of animals and in the mean time learning about Alpine nature is a fun way to spend about 2 hours of your day.
Zell am See
From Tyrol we moved to the state of Salzburg, to be precise to the lovely village of Zell am See. We stayed one night at Panoramacamp Zell am See. The campsite is on the south banks of the Zellersee. From here you can go on hikes or bikerides in the mountains surrounding the campsite. A fun place for fans of water sports as well, as alpinists and mountain bike fans.
Hohe Tauern
The campground is in the middle of the Zell am See-Kaprun region which is surrounded by the peaks of the Hohe Tauern range. The Hohe Tauern is a National Park which has a lot to offer, we explored the park for 2 days and loved it. The views are stunning!
Gerlos Alpenstrasse
A toll road which is 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) in length and has beautiful panoramic views. We had such fantastic views driving this panoramic road, and as a bonus from one point you have a good view on the Krimmler waterfalls. The highest point on the road is at 1628 meters (5341 feet), with the Filzsteinalpe. The road has 8 hairpin turns going up the mountain. Views are either on the Salzachtal or the Zillertaler Alps.
Krimmler Waterfalls
The waterfalls can be reached via the Gerlos Alpenstrasse. Close to the village of Krimml and inside the Hohe Tauern N.P. are the Krimmler waterfalls. With 380 meters (1247 feet) it’s the highest fased waterfall in Central Europe. There are 3 waterfalls, two of 140 meters (459 feet) and one of 100 meters (328 feet). A path follows the river and you have platforms to view each waterfall on this. The route is in total 4 kilometers (2.49 miles). The lower waterfall is about 15 minutes walking, to reach the upper waterfall you have to walk approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. We walked until the second waterfall and then Yuri had enough. The middle waterfall is considered the most beautiful of the 3. I love waterfalls so this was a must do in Austria for me.
Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse
This is a panoramic toll road with such stunning views. The road offers the highest view of Austria. It’s 48 kilometers (30 miles) long with 36 hairpin bends. Everyone wants to visit the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe, with 2504 meters (8215 feet) the highest point. From here you can see the Grossglockner, with 3798 meters (12461 feet) the highest mountain of Austria. Further more the Pasterze, a 9 kilometer (5.6 miles) long glacier is visible from here. The largest glacier of the Eastern Alps. We enjoyed driving this road with the amazing views and having lunch on a picnic table at the side of the road. We had beautiful weather, although windy.
National Park Hohe Tauern
The National Park is one of the largest nature areas in Europe, it encompasses the states of Salzburg, Tyrol and Carinthia. There are 266 peaks of 3000 meter (9843 feet) or higher, 342 glaciers and more than 10.000 animal species. The park has many highlights: the Grossglockner, the Pasterze glacier and the Krimmler waterfalls.
In the middle of the park on the Kaiser-Franz-Joseph-Höhe is the visitor center.
The End of a Week in Austria
We ended our time in Austria in the state of Carinthia. Another one of the beautiful , mountainous states of Austria.
Obervellach
From Zell am See we went to Obervellach where we camped one night at Aktiv-Sport-Erlebnis-Camp Pristavec. A campsite made for active people. Most people on the campground had either kayaks or mountain bikes with them. The campsite is a starting point for rafting, canyoneering, kayaking, alpineering and hiking. There was an adventure path at the beginning of the campsite which we did with Yuri and he loved it.
Bunkermuseum
After a week we left Austria via the Wurzenpass. We could have easily spent more time in Austria, but we wanted to see other parts of Europe. We left Austria and drove into Slovenia. But before entering Slovenia we visited the Bunkermuseum Wurzenpass/Kärnten.
Paul loves everything to do with the history of weapons. So this was right up his alley. We had an interesting few hours at this museum. This was a top-secret facility during the Cold War. Austria had a secret network of bunkers, field fortifications and barrages. This small, neutral nation had borders with the Eastern, communist part of Europe.
In 1968 and 1991 the Austrian Armed Forces were on alert and occupied their positions with soldiers. In the museum exhibit more information is shown about the use of the Bunker and the Prague Spring (1968) and Civil War in Yugoslavia (1991) and what it meant for Austria. Further more you can explore the trench system, protected shelters and see the bunkered Centurion tank turrets.
That’s a Wrap on Our Austria Road Trip
Austria is a country with lots of things to do and see, a week isn’t enough to explore the whole country. The mountains are beautiful here and make you go out and explore nature. Another beautiful road trip with mountains and views is a California road trip.
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30 Comments
Taylor
Austria is such a beautiful country! I need to go back and see more, especially in the mountains. 🙂
Cosette
Yes, Austria is indeed a really beautiful country.
Francesca
I love Austria so much! I spend 4 months studying abroad in Salzburg and have gone to Vienna a few times as well as Innsbruck. There is so much more of the country I would like to see. I love this one week itinerary of Austria. I would love to go to National Park Hohe Tauern and Zem Al See
Cosette
Cool that you studied in Salzburg. We’ve been only shortly in Salzburg. There’s indeed lots to see in Austria.
Anukrati
I have been to Austria 5-6 years back. I feel so nostalgic after reading your post. I can’t wait to go back to the beautiful country again.
Sharyn
What beautiful scenery there is in Austria – not sure about walking across the suspension bridge myself – the older I get the less I like heights.
Krista
I like that you’ve focused on areas outside of Vienna and other major cities. I haven’t heard of any of these locations before, but I would love to add them into a road trip itinerary. I love the look of that tall waterfall and the mountain views!
Rachel-Jean Firchau
This is such a beautiful roundup! I’ve only been to Vienna, and very briefly. Definitely want to go to that alpine zoo WOW
Alison
I’ve only been to Austria once on a skiing trip so it was good to read about places away from the more touristy areas. Highline 179 looks terrifying – I’m not sure I could cross it.
Carmina
I’ve only visited Vienna and always wanted to explore more of the Austrian countryside. Innsbruck is definitely on my bucket list. I always wanted to visit it. Thank you for sharing such a comprehensive itinerary. I’ll use it as an inspiration for my next trip to Austria.
Cosette
Vienna is still on my list, we’ve been to Austria numerous times, but never to Vienna. Innsbruck is defintely worth your time.
Megan
Wow this part of Austria looks beautiful! The suspension bridge is awesome, but may be a bit high for me! 😉
Cosette
Yes, Austria is such a beautiful country. We loved the suspension bridge.
Lerato
Spending a week in Austria would be such a dream come true for me. I’ve always wanted to visit l, such a beautiful and fascinating country. This itinerary is so detailed and the pictures are amazing! Bookmarking for future use
Cosette
Hope you get to visit Austria in the future. It’s such a beautiful country. Luckily for us it’s not that far away, we can drive to it in a day.
Melissa
Those views along the Gerlos Alpenstrasse alpenstrasse are beautiful! I would definetly have to visit the Krimmler Waterfall. The Bunkermuseum seems like it woul be a very interesting stop. Great suggestions, I will keep them in mind if I am ever able to visit Austria.
Cosette
Hopefully you get to visit Austria. It’s such a beautiful country. Krimmler waterfalls are worth your time.
Kaitlyn
Wow! What perfect timing! I’m planning on going to Austria this year. Can’t wait to check out all these places.
Megan
That suspension bridge looks amazing! From here at home I would totally want to do it…and hopefully once I faced it I would still want to!
Sarah | Travel for a Living
I love Austria. I’ve visited loads of times for work, which usually resulted in a couple of days driving the length and width of Austria. However, for actual holiday in Austria, I’ve only ever made it to Vienna, so definitely will have to come and explore a little more one day. So thanks for the great recommendations
Shelley
I had no idea about all the green nature in Austria! I’d love to walk the Highline179 (looks scary but exhilirating) & see Krimmler waterfalls when I visit!
simplyjolayne
Sounds as though it would have been a magical trip for your son. The zoo sounds amazing, the suspension bridge, just the beauty of Austria would be lovely.
Ashlee Fechino
What a cool trip to Austria. The mountains there are beautiful. It seems like a week in Austria gives time to explore the National Parks along with local and historical expeditions. Thanks for sharing this guide. We would love to visit someday!
Adriane
Salzburg is easily in the top five most places I have ever been. I can’t wait to get back there. Great post!
Josy A
Squeeee a roadtrip in this part of Austia looks amaaaazing! I would love to spend a bit longer and get plenty of hikes in as well as those views need more than just driving! 😀 Krimmler waterfalls, the Grossglockner, the Pasterzen glacier and Grossglockner alpenstrasse… it’s all stunning!
Sonia
We’ve always enjoyed Austria as a great family destination, whether skiing in winter or biking and hiking in the summers.
Linda
We too had a week in Austria but we saw some differen spots. It means we will certainly have to return to see more lovely places. We certainly would want to walk the Highline 179. We missed the waterfalls so that alone would be worth a return visit.
kmf
I’ve got Austria on my list. This is an epic road trip itinerary to see so many beautiful places!
Melanie
This is a great variety of places and sites on this list. To me, the Bunkermuseum, Pasterze glacier, and Krimmler waterfalls stand out as interesting attractions
Under flowery sky
Austria is marvelous, I would love to explore and stop on many nearby places, perfect for the road trip.
Though so close to Croatia, I still need to discover more especially its lakes. Such a great itinerary…