Austria may be the prettiest country in Europe, and it is certainly among my favorites. While small in size, it’s packed with stunning alpine scenery, world-class cultural treasures, charming towns, and hearty cuisine. A week-long tour gives you enough time to experience its highlights—Vienna’s imperial grandeur, Salzburg’s musical magic, the alpine beauty of Tyrol, and the lakeside serenity of the Salzkammergut. Here’s how to spend seven days making the most of this Central European gem.

***Fair warning. Austria is one of my favorite places, so I took LOTS of pictures!

Day 1–2: Vienna – Imperial Elegance and Culture

Begin your journey in Vienna, Austria’s capital, famous for its Habsburg palaces, coffeehouse culture, and music heritage. It rivals Paris for most beautiful capital in Europe.

• Schönbrunn Palace: Explore the former summer residence of the Habsburgs, with its opulent rooms and expansive gardens.

• Belvedere Palace: Home to Gustav Klimt’s iconic The Kiss, this baroque complex combines art and history.

• St. Stephen’s Cathedral: A Gothic masterpiece in the city center.

• Coffeehouses & Sachertorte: Sit at Café Central or Demel to soak up Viennese café tradition.

• Evening concert: Vienna is the city of music—attend a performance at the Musikverein or a smaller church venue for an unforgettable evening.

Tip: If you enjoy wandering, the Ringstrasse boulevard offers a loop of grand architecture, from the State Opera to the Parliament. Seriously, you can walk for hours and be astonished by it all. Vienna was largely spared the worst of WWII bombing so much of its original architecture is still in place.

Day 3: Wachau Valley – Castles, Wine, and the Danube

Just an hour from Vienna, the Wachau Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site along the Danube. Rent a car or take a day tour.

• Melk Abbey: A stunning baroque monastery perched high above the river.

• Dürnstein: A charming village where Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned.

• Wine tasting: Do you like wine? You’re in luck! Sample Austria’s crisp Grüner Veltliner wines at local vineyards. Hire a driver, and make a day of it!

• Danube boat ride: Cruise between Melk and Krems to take in terraced vineyards and castle ruins.
• Return to Vienna or continue west to Salzburg for the night.

Day 4–5: Salzburg & the Salzkammergut – Music and Mountains

Next, head to Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and backdrop for The Sound of Music. The city is compact and ideal for walking.

• Hohensalzburg Fortress: Towering over the city with panoramic views.

• Mirabell Gardens: Famous for their role in The Sound of Music.

• Mozart’s Birthplace: A must for music lovers. Such humble beginnings!

• Old Town (Altstadt): Baroque churches, squares, and shops make this UNESCO site a delight.

On Day 5, escape to the Salzkammergut Lake District nearby. Visit Hallstatt, often called the most beautiful lakeside village in the world, or take a boat ride on Lake Wolfgangsee. The mix of alpine scenery, turquoise lakes, and cozy towns makes this one of Austria’s highlights.

Day 6: Innsbruck – Alpine Adventure

Continue west to Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol, nestled in the Alps. It’s both a cultural city and a mountain sports hub.

• Golden Roof: The city’s landmark in the Old Town.

• Nordkette Cable Car: Ride from the city center up to 7,400 feet for incredible alpine views.

• Swarovski Crystal Worlds: Just outside Innsbruck, a unique art-meets-design attraction.

• Tyrolean cuisine: Try käsespätzle (cheese dumplings) or speck (cured ham).
• If you enjoy hiking or skiing (depending on season), Innsbruck is a perfect base.

Day 7: Return via Salzburg or Vienna

For your final day, either:

• Return to Vienna by train (about 4 hours from Innsbruck) for last-minute shopping and a farewell dinner, or
• Stay in Salzburg, enjoying a slower-paced final day with lakeside relaxation or a Sound of Music tour. I did a concert at Mirabell. It was fantastic.

Tips for a Smooth Austrian Tour

• Transportation: Austria’s trains are efficient, clean, and scenic. A Rail Pass is ideal if you don’t want to drive.
• Pace: If you prefer a slower trip, spend more time in either Vienna or Salzburg and make fewer transfers.
• Seasons: Spring and summer bring lush lakes and outdoor concerts; winter is magical with Christmas markets and alpine skiing.
• Food & drink: Don’t miss Wiener schnitzel, apple strudel, and Austria’s excellent regional wines.

Final Thoughts

A week in Austria is enough to sample imperial grandeur, Mozart’s melodies, alpine beauty, and lakeside serenity. Whether you’re drawn by history, music, or mountain landscapes, Austria offers a travel experience as rich and harmonious as a symphony.

If you know, you know. ;) (Hint: are you 16 or 17?)