The
Austria Travel Guide
Plan Your Trip Like a Local
Welcome to Austria Wanderlust – your trusted Austria Travel Guide for English-speaking DIY travellers who want to experience Austria like a local.
Whether you’re dreaming of dramatic Alpine peaks, cobblestone streets in Vienna and Salzburg, sparkling lakes, rich culture, or food that’s worth travelling for, this Austria Travel Guide shows you how to turn your trip into a real, memorable experience.
Packed with practical advice, insider tips, and carefully planned Austria travel itineraries, this guide helps you plan your trip to Austria with confidence.
Forget generic lists and cliché tips from an influencer who snapped a few photos, ticked off the highlights and moved on.
Here you’ll find honest Austria travel tips based on local experience.
Meet your local Austria Travel Expert
Hi! I’m Tammy, founder of Austria Wanderlust, and your guide to exploring Austria beyond the typical guidebooks. I live in Austria and travel across the country regularly—from mountain villages and alpine resorts to historic cities, lakes, and hidden gems. I’ve experienced Austria in every season and understand both its breathtaking beauty and the practical side of travelling here.
Planning a trip to Austria can feel overwhelming, but I’m here to make it simpler, clearer, and far more exciting. I genuinely love this country and want you to experience the Austria that locals cherish, not just the postcard-perfect version.👉 Read more about me & my story
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Discover Austria Beyond the Guidebooks
This Austria Travel Guide brings together everything you need to plan an unforgettable trip in one place- without the stress.
I’ve organised all the essential information into easy-to-navigate hubs, covering destinations, itineraries, travel tips, inspiration, and practical planning advice—written by someone who actually lives in Austria and knows how it really works—not recycled lists or influencer snapshots of the highlights.
Austria Wanderlust’s Travel Planning Toolkit
Compare prices, book with trusted travel partners, and plan your Austria trip with confidence.
✈️ Compare Flights to Austria
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📱 Buy an eSIM for Austria
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Austria is famous for its alpine scenery, imperial palaces, and classical music, but there’s so much more to discover.
From fascinating history and regional food to surprising traditions and iconic landmarks, these guides will help you experience a side of Austria that many visitors never see.
Discover, Learn, Taste & Experience Austria Like a Local
Did You Know?
Austria has no kangaroos (despite the souvenirs!), is home to the world’s oldest zoo, and the famous croissant actually has Austrian origins.
You’ll also find Europe’s oldest restaurant and one of the highest waterfall systems on the continent.
➡️ Discover 65+ Fun Facts About Austria
Austria’s Must-See Sights?
Beyond Vienna and Salzburg, Austria is home to incredible landmarks including the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Hofburg Palace, Hohensalzburg Fortress, Semmering Railway, Melk Abbey, and Krimml Waterfalls. These are the places that belong on every Austria bucket list.
Travel Like a Local
Austria is one of the easiest countries in Europe to explore once you understand how things work on the ground.
The train network is fast, reliable, and connects almost every major city, lake, and alpine region, making it one of the best ways to get around the country. If you’re planning your routes, you can learn more in my Austria train travel guide.
Driving is also simple and flexible, especially if you want to explore mountain regions or more remote areas. I’ve put together a driving in Austria guide to help you understand tolls, road rules, and when a car is actually worth it.
Travelling in Austria becomes much easier once you know a few local customs.
- You’ll notice time is always shown in 24-hour clock format
- Cash is king and still preferred in many places over cards
- Shops, including grocery stores, are closed on Sundays.
- It’s also normal to greet people with a friendly “Grüß Gott” (Greetings) when entering local shops or cafés.
You can find more practical Austria travel planning tips to help you feel prepared before your trip.
With a little local insight, travelling in Austria becomes simple, relaxed, and much more enjoyable — leaving you free to focus on the scenery, culture, and experiences.
Taste Austria
From crispy Wiener Schnitzel and Tafelspitz to Kaiserschmarrn, Apfelstrudel, seasonal favourites like Spargel (asparagus), and the much loved Leberkäse Semmel Austrian cuisine is one of the country’s best-kept travel experiences.
➡️ Discover Austrian Cuisine
Experience Austria
Austria isn’t just about what you see — it’s about how you experience it.
From seasonal traditions and café culture to mountains, lakes, and festivals, these are the moments that bring the country to life.
Local Festivals & Traditions: In summer, villages come alive with Dorffeste (village festivals) where music, food, and local traditions take over town squares. In autumn, you’ll find Almabtrieb celebrations, when decorated cattle are brought down from the mountain pastures — one of Austria’s most authentic seasonal events.
➡️ Discover Austria’s Festivals and Events
Vienna Café Culture: One of the most iconic Austrian experiences is simply slowing down in a traditional Viennese café.
Order a coffee, take your time, and watch the world go by — it’s a cultural ritual as much as a break in your day.
Alpine Lakes & Summer Swimming: Austria’s alpine lakes are some of the most beautiful in Europe, with crystal-clear water surrounded by mountains and forests. In summer, swimming in places like the Salzkammergut or Tyrol becomes a highlight of any trip — whether you’re relaxing by the shore or exploring scenic viewpoints above the lakes.➡️ Explore Austria’s Top Lakes Guide
Hiking & Alpine Landscapes: In summer, Austria becomes a paradise for hiking, with thousands of trails ranging from easy lakeside walks to high alpine routes with panoramic views. ➡️ View Austria Top Hiking Destinations
Christmas Markets: From late November, Austrian cities transform into festive wonderlands filled with lights, mulled wine, and traditional wooden stalls. It’s one of the most magical times to visit. ➡️ Discover Austria at Christmas
Winter in Austria: From world-class ski resorts to small alpine villages, winter in Austria is all about mountains, snow, and cosy evenings. Whether you ski or simply enjoy the atmosphere, the Alps offer a truly memorable winter experience. ➡️ Explore Skiing in Austria
Plan Your Austria Trip — Your Way
Start with the Austria Travel Planning Hub. From step‑by‑step travel planning guide to essential travel logistics and insider tips, you’ll find clear, experience‑based guidance to help you travel with confidence.
Start with planning your itinerary, learn the best time to visit, understand entry requirements, and make decisions with ease — all in one central hub.
➡️ Start planning your Austria trip with our Travel Planning Hub
Before you make any decisions, these essential guides will help you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes:
How much does a trip to Austria cost?
Get a realistic breakdown of daily travel budgets, accommodation costs, transport, and activities so you can plan with without and hidden surprises.
➡️ Read: Austria Trip Budget Guide
Visa & travel requirements (Schengen & ETIAS)
Understand entry rules for Austria, including Schengen visa requirements and upcoming ETIAS authorisation for visa-exempt travellers.
➡️ Read: Austria Travel Visas Guide
Where to stay in Austria
From Vienna’s historic centre to alpine villages and lakeside hotels, choose the right base for your trip.
➡️ Explore: Where to Stay in Austria
Discover Austria’s Top Places to Visit
Austria’s diverse regions offer dramatic alpine landscapes, historic cities, serene lakes, and charming villages.
Whether you’re dreaming of Vienna’s imperial grandeur, the romantic streets of Salzburg, or alpine towns nestled in the mountains, our destination guides help you decide where to go and what to see
➡️ Explore Austria’s Destinations
Austria Top 16
Vienna
Salzburg
Graz
Hallstatt
Zell am See
Not sure how to structure your time? Our Austria travel itineraries give you ready‑to‑use day‑by‑day plans for multiple trip lengths and interests — perfect if you want a clear route without the guesswork.
➡️ View Austria Travel Itineraries
Skip the generic advice — get practical, insider tips that make travelling in Austria easier and more enjoyable.
Learn how to save money, navigate local customs, and avoid common travel mistakes from someone who knows Austria firsthand.
➡️ Read Austria Travel Tips
From Christmas markets and winter skiing to autumn forests and summer lakes, find inspiration for every season and style of travel. Explore guides that help you experience Austria’s best seasonal highlights and immersive activities.
➡️ Find Austria Travel Inspiration
Free 14-Days Best of Austria Itinerary
Discover the ultimate Austria adventure with this comprehensive 14-day itinerary.
From Vienna’s historic streets to alpine villages, lakes, and mountain resorts, this step-by-step guide shows you the best sights, hidden gems, and travel tips for a full two-week journey.
Perfect for first-time visitors or repeat travellers looking to explore Austria in depth.
Expert Austria Travel Planning Services
Plan your Austria holiday with confidence through personalised, premium travel planning designed around your travel style and interests.
Whether you’d like a complete personalised travel plan, an expert review of your existing itinerary, or a 1:1 consultation to answer your questions, you’ll receive practical advice based on real local experience—helping you avoid common planning mistakes and make the most of your time in Austria.
Find the perfect Austria Travel Consultation for you
Find the tools and services I personally use and recommend to plan your trip to Austria. From booking platforms and transport options to travel insurance and essential apps, these trusted resources help you organise your trip efficiently and with confidence.
Explore travel products, digital guides, and planning tools that make your Austria itinerary easier to build and execute — from packing lists to printable planners and more.
➡️ Visit the Wanderlustria Austria Travel Guides
Connect with Fellow Travellers
Join our vibrant Austria Travel Planning Facebook Group and newsletter, to get updates, tips, questions answered by fellow Austria lovers, and real travel stories that help you plan smarter.
Hi, I’m Tammy — founder of Wanderlustria and the Austria Travel Planning Facebook group.
I’ve lived in Vienna and now in an Austrian ski resort, travelled across this country, and lived on three continents.
I know how confusing travel planning can be, and I’m here to make it easier for you with local insight and real travel experience.
➡️ Learn more about me
📥 Printable Planner (90+ pages)
Austria Trip Planner
Plan your Austrian adventure with this 90+ page Austria Trip Planner, a printable planning toolkit designed to help you organise every detail of your trip.
It includes customisable templates, planning worksheets, and practical checklists to help you research destinations, compare options, and build your itinerary with confidence.
From travel inspiration to logistics, this downloadable guide helps you plan a smoother and more organised Austria holiday.
Austria Wanderlust
Explore Our Newest Austria Travel Guide & Articles
Planning inspiration is always evolving. The latest Austria travel guides and blog articles appear here, featuring fresh ideas, updated advice, and seasonal inspiration to help travellers stay informed and inspired as plans come together.
Top Things to Do in Graz: Must-See Attractions & Experiences
Discover the best things to do in Graz, Austria, from the iconic Schlossberg and historic Old Town to hidden courtyards, museums, and riverside views. This personal travel guide explores must-see attractions and experiences across the city, blending history, architecture, and local culture.
Austria Asparagus Season: Discover Spargelzeit in Austria
The last traces of winter frost have vanished, the sun is shining, and gardens are starting to burst with spring flowers.That warmer spring air signals one of my favourite Austrian culinary times of the year — Spargelzeit, or Austria’s asparagus season.Many people...
Easter Markets in Vienna
Planning to visit the Easter Markets in Vienna? This guide covers the best markets, dates, locations, and local tips to help you experience Vienna’s colourful spring traditions, handcrafted decorations, and festive food stalls across the city.
Airport and Flying Travel Tips
Prepare for your next trip with our 16 airport and flying travel tips. Ensure your next long-distance flight to Europe is enjoyable and stress-free.
Ultimate Guide on How to Plan your Trip to Austria
Ready to start planning your trip to Austria? But do not know where to start? Read our easy 15-step by step Guide for planning a trip to Austria.
Zell am See Ski Resort Guide: Schmittenhöhe
Explore the Zell am See Ski Resort and Schmittenhöhe, from beginner-friendly slopes to advanced runs, snowparks, après-ski spots, mountain dining, and non-ski winter activities. This complete guide helps you plan the perfect alpine holiday in Austria.
Austrian Ski Tips: 28 Must-Know Essentials for Your Trip
Planning an Austrian ski holiday? These 28 essential tips cover ski hire, lift passes, weather, safety, and local customs to help you ski smarter and enjoy Austria with confidence.
Skiing in Austria: Best Resorts Near Salzburg
Salzburg is the perfect base for skiing in Austria, offering quick access to world-class resorts. From snow-sure glaciers to family-friendly slopes, explore the top ski destinations, insider tips, and practical planning advice for an unforgettable alpine holiday.
Where to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Austria
Discover where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Austria, from Vienna’s elegant balls and public celebrations to alpine fireworks, music-filled towns and magical winter settings.
Austria Ski Destinations- The Austrian Glacier Ski Resorts
Looking for snow-sure skiing in Austria? Explore Austria-Glacier-Ski-Resorts, with seven high-altitude destinations offering epic slopes, panoramic views, and long ski seasons from October to June.