
Buckle up and plan your tour of AUSTRIA you might even bump into a yodeling goat !
Carve your own Austrian escape
Ever dreamed of a trip filled with fairy-tale castles, breathtaking mountain vistas, and even a yodeling goat? 🐐✨
Our latest adventure through Austria might just inspire your next family getaway! From exploring Vienna’s stunning Gothic architecture and indulging in delicious schnitzel, to humming ‘Do-Re-Mi’ in Salzburg’s iconic spots, and marveling at the panoramic views from the Bavarian Alps — this journey has it all.
🌟 Key takeaways:
Discover Vienna’s rich history and vibrant city life, with stops at St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Schönbrunn Palace.
Experience the magic of Salzburg, the Sound of Music locations, and the scenic Eagle’s Nest.
Explore the enchanting town of Hallstatt and the adventurous Nordkette mountain range in Innsbruck.
Vienna and its Royal fairytales


This year, we’re setting our sights on Austria – land of breathtaking landscapes, yodeling, and, of course, schnitzel!
Our adventure kicks off with a flight from Delhi, landing in Vienna at 6:30 pm. We’ll spend the first night in Vienna, not just to rest, but to recover from the jet lag and the inevitable chaos of traveling with a kid who thinks every airport is a playground.
Day two marks the beginning of our exploration. We headed straight to the heart of Vienna city centre. My son, who is the biggest fan of McDonald’s, was thrilled to discover the biggest McDonald’s there. We had a wonderful breakfast, which was also pocket friendly. Then we moved towards St. Stephen’s Cathedral. This stunning example of Gothic architecture left us in awe, and Sandy was convinced it was the perfect spot for an experimental photo session with Dad’s camera. Meanwhile, Piyalee became a little bored as we kept her as our model, standing in front of the cathedral and marketplace for endless photo.
To keep the adventure rolling, we decided to hop on a hop-on-hop-off bus right in front of the marketplace. This magical bus lets you explore the city’s attractions at your own pace, with unlimited rides and stops at major landmarks. Our next stop was the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, the former imperial summer residence. We explored the place and its beautifully landscaped gardens in a buggy tour.
In the evening, we kept it simple and had dinner at the hotel, gearing up for our next day’s journey to Salzburg. We remember to try a classic Viennese schnitzel, apple strudel, and Sacher cake – known for its layers of chocolate sponge cake. Yum!
Salzburg where ‘The Sound of Music’ was filmed


The next morning, we started our journey early it was drizzling, boarded the train from Vienna HBF station. These trains are fast, zipping along at speeds up to 230 km/h. It took around 2 hours and 40 minutes to reach Salzburg. Our hotel in Salzburg was conveniently located right in front of the station, so we dropped off our luggage and headed straight to Mirabell garden, just a 10-minute walk away.
There are plenty of Asian and Indian restaurants here, perfect for a delicious lunch. After filling our bellies, we took a bus trip from the opposite side of Mirabell garden. We embarked on a Sound of Music tour, visiting iconic filming locations and humming “Do-Re-Mi” all the way.
Evening was the perfect time to stretch our legs and explore the lock bridge, Old Town, and visit Mozart’s Birthplace and Residence.
In this walk we lost ourselves in the narrow, winding streets of the Old Town. Shops mostly close by 7, but fear not, food outlets stay open till late, because even Mozart knew the importance of a good snack after a long day of composing!
Bavarian Alps and its Stunning Natural Landscapes


Next day we took a half day tour to visit the Eagle’s Nest which is a blend of history and adventure. It is an iconic mountaintop retreat built for Adolf Hitler located in the Bavarian Alps! The scenic journey from Salzburg to Berchtesgaden, followed by the special bus ride up the mountain, sets the stage perfectly. The brass-clad elevator ride to the summit was really amazing! Once at the top, you’ll have panoramic views that are sure to make your friends jealous. Exploring the historic building and enjoying a meal at the restaurant with such breathtaking surroundings sounds amazing. Just be careful not to drop your fork—retrieving it might require another elevator ride!
Afternoon we spent in Salzburg’s market area, which was charming and full of life. Riding the funicular to the fortress Hohensalzburg will add a touch of excitement to our day. Plus, the views from the top are stunning—definitely a great spot for some memorable photos.
Picturesque town Hallstatt


Next day was our plan to visit Hallstatt which was like a dream destination! Surrounded by majestic mountains and a serene lake, it’s no wonder it’s considered one of Austria’s most beautiful towns. The world’s oldest salt mine and UNESCO World Heritage status add to its charm. Exploring the salt mines feels like stepping back in time, and the picturesque village is perfect for leisurely strolls and stunning photos. Sandy took his drawing book to sketch the mountains and lake while I played paparazzi with my Nikon full-frame camera.
Remember not to stay overnight in Hallstatt. Shops close by 5:30 pm, so unless you enjoy drawing by candlelight, take the last train back to Salzburg. Plus, Innsbruck awaits! Just remember, there’s no direct train from Hallstatt to Innsbruck, so back to Salzburg is the best option!
Vibrant City Innsbruck


Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol, is like a postcard come to life! Nestled in the heart of the Alps, it’s a winter sports paradise and a hiker’s dream. The journey from Salzburg to Innsbruck took 2 hours, but who’s counting when you’re surrounded by such jaw-dropping scenery. First stop: the Golden Roof in the Innsbruck city centre area a perfect backdrop for your next selfie. But the real star of the show was Nordkette mountain range. Hop on the cable car via the Hungerburg funicular for views that will make our jaw drop faster than the Wi-Fi connection in those mountains. Once at the top, we have explored hiking trails , after reaching to the topmost point gave us a feel like reaching top of mount Everest. And don’t miss Europe’s highest-altitude zoo—because who doesn’t want to see animals living their best mountain life?
We managed to reach the top of Innsbruck and snapped the most Instagram-worthy photo. There are tons of things to explore, and we loved every minute of our 2-day stay. If you’re in the market for a cuckoo clock, the Innsbruck city centre is the place to find an authentic one.
On the 8th day, with heavy hearts, we boarded the direct train from Innsbruck to Vienna Airport, a scenic 4-hour journey. As we took our evening flight back to Delhi, the memories of our wonderful journey played like a highlight reel in our minds.
Even before we landed, Sandy and Piyalee were already plotting our next adventure. Meanwhile, I was having a quiet moment of panic, wondering how to tame the beast that is my credit card bill. Travel may be priceless, but those bills sure aren’t!
Plan Your Trip
Category | Website to book | Price |
---|---|---|
Intercity travel within Austria by train | https://www.omio.com/ | 2000-4500 Per Adult |
Vienna Stay -Hilton waterfront Danube | https://www.makemytrip.com/ | INR 12000 per NIGHT |
Salzburg Stay- Cocoon Salzburg | https://www.booking.com/ | INR 9000 per NIGHT |
Hallstatt Stay -Heritage Hotel Hallstatt | https://www.makemytrip.com/ | INR 14000 per NIGHT |
Innsbruck Stay- Mondschein Innsbruck | https://www.booking.com/ | INR 16000 per NIGHT |
Day trip – Explore Sound of Music | Salzburg: Original Sound of Music Tour | GetYourGuide | INR 9000 per adult |
Day trip – Salzburg to Hallstatt | From Salzburg: Half-Day Tour to Hallstatt | GetYourGuide | IINR 7500 per adult |
Day trip – Eagle’s Nest | Eagle’s Nest and Berchtesgaden Tour from Salzburg | GetYourGuide | INR 9000 per adult |
Sightseeing Vienna | Vienna: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour | GetYourGuide | INR 3900 per adult |
Roundtrip Cable Car Ticket Innsbruck | Top of Innsbruck: Roundtrip Cable Car Ticket | GetYourGuide | INR 5200 per adult |
Swarovski Crystal Worlds Ticket and Transfer | Innsbruck Swarovski Crystal Worlds Ticket and Transfer | GetYourGuide | INR 3600 per adult |
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are some scenic and adventurous activities to do in Austria?
Experience the breathtaking natural landscapes by taking a cable car ride in Innsbruck to Nordkette mountain range, visiting the Eagle’s Nest in the Bavarian Alps, and exploring the stunning scenery of the Bavarian Alps and Hallstatt. For adventure, try hiking trails, scenic train rides from Salzburg to Innsbruck, and mountain excursions that offer panoramic views and memorable photo opportunities.
How can I enjoy local cuisines and cultural experiences in Austria?
Savor local dishes like Viennese schnitzel, apple strudel, and Sacher cake at traditional cafés and restaurants. Engage in cultural activities such as attending classical music concerts in Salzburg or exploring historic sites and local markets in Innsbruck. Participating in guided tours like the Sound of Music tour or brewery visits can also deepen your cultural understanding.
What are the must-visit cities and attractions in Austria?
The essential cities to visit include Vienna, Salzburg, Hallstatt, and Innsbruck, each offering unique attractions like Vienna’s historic sites and vibrant city life, Salzburg’s filming locations from ‘The Sound of Music,’ the picturesque town of Hallstatt, and the mountain adventures in Innsbruck through the Nordkette cable car, hiking trails, and the Nordic Alps.
How should I allocate my budget for an Austria trip?
A good approach is to budget for transportation, accommodation, and sightseeing activities separately. For instance, budget around INR 12,000 per night for Vienna stay at Hilton, INR 9,000 for Salzburg, and INR 14,000 for Hallstatt. Allocate funds for day trips like the Sound of Music tour at INR 9,000, and plan your travel expenses accordingly, including train tickets and guided tours, which are available online for prices around INR 7,500 to INR 9,000 per activity.
What are some planning tips for a trip to Austria?
To plan your trip to Austria, consider booking intercity travel through websites like Omio, reserving accommodations in advance such as Hilton waterfront Danube in Vienna or Cocoon Salzburg, and scheduling popular day trips like the Salzburg Sound of Music tour or visiting Hallstatt. Use transportation options like hop-on-hop-off buses for city exploration and consider guided tours for specific attractions to enrich your experience.