Vienna, Salzburg, and alpine lakes
Duration : 8 days
Route : Vienna (3 nights) → train Salzburg (2 nights) → Hallstatt and Salzkammergut (2 nights) → return Salzburg/Vienna (1 night)
Custom travel to Austria
Austria is one of Europe's most harmonious countries — 600 years of Habsburg empire left an exceptional cultural and architectural heritage: Vienna and its palaces (Schönbrunn, Belvedere, Hofburg), Mozart's birthplace Salzburg UNESCO-listed, Innsbruck capital of Tyrol, Wachau Valley, Salzkammergut alpine lakes (Hallstatt, one of the world's most photographed). From Vienna's Konzert zur Glücklichen Stunde at the Opera to Salzburg's Sound of Music, from Viennese strudel to Café Sacher's Sachertorte, from legendary ski resorts (Kitzbühel, St. Anton) to Hohe Tauern hikes, Austria combines imperial grandeur, sweetness of life, and spectacular alpine nature.
Highlights
- Vienna: Schönbrunn, Belvedere, Opera, Hofburg
- Salzburg (UNESCO): Mozart's birthplace
- Hallstatt and Salzkammergut: iconic alpine lakes
- Tyrol and Innsbruck: eastern Alps and skiing
- Wachau Valley (UNESCO): abbeys and vineyards
- Vienna and Salzburg Christmas markets
Sample itineraries
Tyrol, Innsbruck, and Alps
Duration : 10 days
Route : Innsbruck (3 nights) → Kitzbühel (2 nights) → Salzburg (2 nights) → Hallstatt (2 nights) → return flight
Grand tour: Vienna, Wachau, Tyrol
Duration : 14 days
Route : Vienna (4 nights) → Wachau Valley (Krems, Dürnstein, Melk, 2 nights) → Salzburg (3 nights) → Hallstatt (2 nights) → Innsbruck (2 nights) → return Vienna (1 night)
When to go
Austria can be visited almost year-round depending on your goal. May-June: mild spring (15-22 °C), terraces, fewer crowds. July-August: high season (20-28 °C), Salzburg Festival, alpine hiking. September-October: flamboyant autumn, Wachau harvests. December: Christmas markets (until December 23, sublime Vienna and Salzburg). January-March: skiing in Tyrol and Salzburg. April: transition.
- Spring (April – June) — Vienna, Salzburg, Wachau
- Summer (July – August) — Salzburg Festival, alpine hiking, lakes
- Autumn (September – October) — Wachau, Salzkammergut, Tyrol
- Winter (November – March) — Vienna/Salzburg Christmas markets, Kitzbühel/St. Anton skiing
Practical information
Austria is one of the world's safest countries. No visa for French citizens (Schengen). Cards accepted everywhere. Excellent tap water (Vienna's water is among the world's best, captured in the Alps). Customary tipping: 5-10% in restaurants. Shops closed on Sundays (except stations). Strict Austrian punctuality. At the opera, tuxedo or cocktail dress recommended.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for an Austria trip?
May-September for Vienna, Salzburg, and hiking. December for Christmas markets. January-March for Tyrol skiing.
How long for an Austria trip?
Minimum 8 days for Vienna + Salzburg + Hallstatt. 12 days to add Tyrol or Wachau. 14 days for the grand tour.
What budget for an Austria trip?
As a guideline, €1,600-€2,400 per person for 8-10 days in comfort. For an upscale trip: €3,500-€7,000. Paris-Vienna flights: €150-€300.
Do I need a visa for Austria?
No, Austria is part of the Schengen area — French ID card is sufficient.
How to get around Austria?
Excellent Railjet ÖBB train between cities (Vienna-Salzburg 2 h 30). Rental car for Salzkammergut, Tyrol, Wachau. Vienna U-Bahn efficient.
How to book the Vienna Opera?
Book 2-3 months in advance for best seats. €80-€250 prices depending on program. Tuxedo or cocktail dress recommended. Last-minute standing places (€5, queue from 5 pm).
Which Austrian wines to taste?
Grüner Veltliner (emblematic varietal, 70% of production), Wachau Riesling (among the world's best), Styrian Sauvignon Blanc, Blaufränkisch (Burgenland red).
Is Austria suitable for a family trip?
Absolutely. Total safety, honed infrastructure, parks (Prater in Vienna with historic carousels), Sound of Music tour, dream-inspiring castles (Schönbrunn, Hohensalzburg).
Is skiing good in Austria?
Excellent — Tyrol (Kitzbühel, St. Anton, Sölden), Salzburg (Saalbach, Schladming), Vorarlberg (Lech, Zürs). Very extensive areas, ski-in/ski-out infrastructure, living traditions.
Should I plan for tips?
Yes, 5-10% in restaurants (rounding up to the next euro). Less systematic than in the US but appreciated.