I love traveling in Austria. From cities to mountains, I’ve experienced a lot of great trips over the years. Which is why I’m excited to have partnered with the Austrian National Tourist Office to travel to the country and bring you the perfect Austria itinerary for 10 days.
Austria Itinerary for 10 Days
I was in Vienna over the summer, so my current itinerary focuses on other parts of the country. I’m starting in Innsbruck, then taking the train to Salzburg and Graz before flying back to London from Vienna.
My trip is focused on the best the three cities have to offer. Innsbruck is known for its proximity to the mountains, Salzburg for its culture and The Sound of Music connections, and Graz for its food and design.
Austria Itinerary Day 1: Innsbruck
My Austria itinerary for 10 days begins with a flight to Innsbruck. Called the Capital of the Alps, this city is worth a visit for its historic imperial connections and stunning mountain backdrop.
Hotel in Innsbruck
When I arrive, I check into my room at Adlers Hotel. It’s conveniently located near the main train station. My room has design-led decor and great views over the city. Best of all, the mountains are so close I can see every tree.
Dinner in Innsbruck
I’ve arrived in time for dinner, so I walk from my hotel to the old town and stumble upon a restaurant called Die Wilderin.
It focuses on local, seasonal ingredients and nose-to-tail cuisine. A meal of cabbage strudel and freshwater fish en papillote starts my trip on a delicious note.
Austria Itinerary Day 2: Innsbruck
The following morning I head out to see the city. The tourism board has compiled self-guided walks for visitors, and I do parts of the “From Ski Jump to the Sill Gorge” one today.
I start by walking past the historic Grassmayr Bell Foundry, Wilten Basilica, and Wilten Abbey to get to the ski jump, Bergisel.
Bergisel
Designed by Zaha Hadid, the Bergisel ski jump is a stunning feature of Innsbruck’s architectural landscape. It can be seen from all over the city.
I ride to the top and have a slice of Bergisel torte, the ski jump’s signature cake, at the cafe.
It’s made of topfen, a yogurt-like product Austrians use to cure everything from sprains to sunburns. The cake is shaped like the ski jump, colors and all.
The views of the city from the cafe are stunning, and I even get lucky enough to see someone brave the ski jump while I’m eating.
Sill Gorge
Bergisel is close to a hiking trail with views over the Sill Gorge canyon.
I walk to the Drachenfelsen observation deck, and along the way I take in the forest paths and dramatic scenery. It’s hard to believe the city center is in walking distance.
Lunch at Bierstindl
After the hike, I head back into Innsbruck for lunch at Bierstindl. This traditional restaurant serves all the classics, and I settle in for a hearty lunch.
I try Almdudler, an Austrian soda made with herbs, and tuck into a plate of moreish seasonal chanterelle mushrooms with cream and brezenknodel dumplings made from pretzel dough.
Innsbruck Historic Attractions
After lunch I use my Innsbruck Card to take the hop-on, hop-off bus to the old town. There are a lot of Austrian imperial highlights and charming historic streets here.
I start at the Triumphal Arch, which was commissioned by Empress Maria Theresa in the 18th century. One side commemorates her son’s wedding, which took place at the Imperial Palace in Innsbruck in 1765.
The other side commemorates the death of her husband, which took place during the same wedding celebrations.
From the arch it’s a short walk to the City Tower. I climb to the top for panoramic views over Innsbruck. I can see everything from the famous Golden Roof to the cathedral and Imperial Palace from here.
Back on the ground, I take in the buildings I saw from above. The Golden Roof in Innsbruck was built by Emperor Maximilian I around 1500. A symbol of the city, it’s known for the gilded copper shingles that give the building its name.
After seeing the Golden Roof, I make quick visits to the Imperial Palace, cathedral, and Court Church.
The palace is famous for the Giants’ Hall, a grand room with 18th-century portraits of Empress Maria Teresa’s children and grandchildren.
The Cathedral of St James is known for its baroque ceiling frescoes and stucco work. There’s also a painting of the Madonna and child by Lukas Cranach the Elder.
The Court Church is important for being the site of the grave of Emperor Maximilian I. It has beautiful bronze statues surrounding it, and the details on them are amazing to see up close.
Dinner at Ottoburg in Innsbruck
When I’m done exploring the city center, I head to dinner at Ottoburg. This historic restaurant is set in one of the city’s oldest buildings.
The interior is full of small rooms with dark wood paneling, and I revel in a dinner of prawns and Schlutzkrapfen dumplings, which are similar to ravioli.
Austria Itinerary Day 3: Innsbruck
The next day my Austria itinerary for 10 days continues with a trip to the city’s Markthalle.
Innsbruck Markthalle
This indoor market is the perfect place to spend a morning. There are all kinds of vendors selling produce from Austria and abroad, and restaurants dotted around the perimeter.
Before noon, local farmers sell their produce in the back of the Markthalle, so there’s always something Tyrolean to try.
I go from stall to stall sampling everything from mountain cheese at Peter Lieb to homemade pumpkin cake at Verena’s Cookies and Cakes.
I also stop at a stand where a local man sells dried herbs he collects himself in the mountains.
After grazing, I settle in for lunch at La Piccola, a pizza restaurant in the Markthalle. The food is as good as it looks, and it’s a great place to soak up the atmosphere.
Back outside, I come across a pop-up market called Das Dorf der Alpen. More local and regional producers sell everything from honey to meat here.
There’s even a mobile bread oven turning out freshly baked loaves. Live music adds a nice touch, too.
Whalterpark and Hotting
After exploring the market, I head across the river to see a more local side of Innsbruck. Not many visitors make it to this part of the city, but it’s only a few minutes’ walk from the Golden Roof.
I take another of the tourism board’s self-guided walks here. It’s called “Authentic Innsbruck”, and it’s a good one for getting away from the busy areas of Innsbruck.
I start by walking through the Whalterpark, where locals go for picnics in the summer months. It’s lined with colorful historic buildings on one side and the river on the other.
From the park I explore Hotting, a local area with heritage houses and murals on the facades. It’s great to see a part of the city away from the main attractions.
Dinner with a View
In the evening, I have dinner at my hotel. The 12th floor of Adlers Hotel has a restaurant and roof terrace bar with great views of Innsbruck and the surrounding mountains.
My tuna is somewhat overcooked, but the scenery goes a long way to make up for it.
Austria Itinerary Day 4: Innsbruck and Salzburg
The following day my Austria itinerary for 10 days continues with a trip to the Top of Innsbruck. My route follows most of the tourism board’s “Alpine and Urban Perspectives” walk.
Top of Innsbruck
I start at the Congress station of the funicular that takes passengers up the mountain. Like the ski jump, the stations were designed by Zaha Hadid.
On the way to the top, I stop at Hungerburg station. There’s a viewpoint, cafe, and small museum here.
After exploring, I take the cable car to the Top of Innsbruck. This peak is a ski area in the winter and is popular for hiking, mountain biking, and fixed rope routes in the summer. It’s amazing how close it is to the city center.
Heading back down, I stop for lunch at Seegrube. This mountain restaurant is the perfect place to take in the views while eating traditional food.
I tuck into a cast iron dish full of cheese spatzle with fried onions and chives. It pairs excellently with the view and a dessert of apple strudel.
Back down at Congress station, I head across the street to soak up the peaceful atmosphere in the Imperial Gardens before leaving Innsbruck.
There are roses and other flowers here, and ponds full of ducks. Old men play on a giant chess set, and it all offers a nice break from the bustle of the city.
Train to Salzburg
Soon my Austria itinerary for 10 days sees me board a train to Salzburg. It takes around 2 hours, and the scenery is full of mountains, dotted with church spires, and punctuated by sunflower fields.
Hotel in Salzburg
When I arrive in Salzburg, I take a taxi to my hotel, the Villa and Hotel Auersperg. An unassuming facade gives way to a stylish lobby with a beautiful secret garden out back.
My room is spacious with modern furnishings, and there’s a pretty little spa with a sauna and steam room down the hall.
Sky Bar in Salzburg
After I get settled, I head to dinner at the Imlauer Sky Bar in Salzburg. As the name implies, the restaurant has great views of the city. A buttery truffle pasta with prawns and lobster foam starts my visit on a high note.
Austria Itinerary Day 5: Salzburg
The next morning my Austria itinerary for 10 days takes me on a tour of Salzburg. Dressed in a traditional dirndl, I head out to explore.
Sebastian Cemetery in Salzburg
My first stop is one of the city’s secret spots. The 400-year-old St Sebastian’s Cemetery in Salzburg is where Mozart’s wife and other relatives are buried.
There’s also a mausoleum that houses the remains of Wolf Dietrich, Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg from 1587 to 1612. It’s open while I’m here, so I duck in and admire the sculptures and tiled walls.
Streets and Bridges
From the cemetery, I walk down Linzergasse, one of the main shopping streets in Salzburg. At the end, I turn onto Steingasse.
This narrow, cobbled alley dates back to Roman times. I’m amazed to see that there are still parts of the Roman road visible beneath the street today.
Not far away, I find myself on the Mozartsteg bridge, one of the filming locations from The Sound of Music.
Residenzplatz
Once I cross it, I come to another filming location: Residenzplatz. This big square and its fountain featured in the film.
It’s also the city’s main plaza and part of the UNESCO World Heritage old town. Some of Salzburg’s most important buildings surround it, including the Residenz.
The Residenz palace was home to the prince-archbishops who ruled Salzburg until it became part of the Habsburg Empire.
I tour the state rooms, taking in the Baroque and Neoclassical interiors with their tapestries, chandeliers, ceramic furnaces, and ceiling paintings of Alexander the Great.
From the Residenz, I go next door to Salzburg Cathedral. Mozart was baptized in this Baroque church, and the interiors are as impressive as his music.
And speaking of Mozart, Furst, the shop where the famous Mozartkugel chocolates were first made in 1890, is right around the corner. I can’t help going in to try one of their signature treats.
More food awaits at the nearby Green Market in Salzburg. This place has outdoor stalls selling everything from local produce to jams, flowers, cheeses, sausages, schnapps, and gingerbread cookies shaped like violins.
Open every day but Sunday, it’s a great place to get into the city’s food scene.
I indulge in a heart-shaped gingerbread cookie, then walk back to the Residenzplatz for a carriage ride through the historic city center. It’s a unique way to see the sights and get a feel for how things are connected.
My last stop in the area is Mozart’s Birthplace, a museum in the home where the famous composer was born. I don’t have time to go in on this trip, but I toured it on my last two visits and enjoyed learning about Mozart’s life.
Hohensalzburg Fortress
My Austria itinerary for 10 days continues with a trip up to the hulking Hohensalzburg Fortress.
I use my Salzburg Card to ride the funicular to the top, where I find stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside. I can even see the mountain the von Trapp family crossed at the end of The Sound of Music.
I spend some time walking around the fortress complex, taking in the layers of history and popping into the Marionette Museum.
St Peter’s Cemetery and Around
Afterwards I ride the funicular back down into the city and walk over to St Peter’s Cemetery.
This pretty place is surrounded by the towers and domes of the old town. It served as inspiration for one of the final scenes in The Sound of Music, when the family hides in a graveyard.
Leaving St Peter’s, I walk by Stiftsbackerei St Peter, the oldest bakery in Salzburg. It has a historic waterwheel out front and great views of the fortress above.
From the bakery I go through St Peter’s Abbey, which is home to one of the oldest restaurants in Europe.
Augustiner Brewery in Salzburg
Eventually my walk leads me to the Augustiner Brewery in Salzburg. This place uses historic brewing methods to make its famous beers, and I get a behind-the-scenes tour with the master brewer himself.
Afterwards I’m shown around the restaurant, which has huge rooms full of tables where locals and visitors come to enjoy the beer and food.
Dinner at Die Weisse
And speaking of breweries, in the evening I have dinner at Die Weisse. This lively restaurant has a traditional beer hall feel, and I dig into Karntner Kasnudeln, a ravioli-like dish with cheese filling, for dinner.
Austria Itinerary Day 6: Salzburg
My Austria itinerary for 10 days continues with a trip to the Mirabell Palace and Gardens.
Mirabell Palace and Gardens
Dressed like Maria from The Sound of Music, I visit the Marble Hall and traipse around the paths among the flowers. The von Trapp children sang “Do Re Mi” here, and I can hear the song in my head the whole time.
The Sound of Music Filming Locations
After visiting the gardens, I hop in a taxi to see more filming locations from the movie.
My first stop is Schloss Leopoldskron, a villa that was used as the back of the main house. It’s right on the water, and the scene where Maria falls out of the boat was filmed here as well.
From Schloss Leopoldskron, it’s a short drive to Frohnburg Palace, the house that was used as the front of the von Trapp family home. Scenes where Maria skips down a tree-lined path were shot here, too.
Hellbrunn Palace
Another quick drive brings me to Hellbrunn Palace, a 400-year-old Italianate pleasure palace near Salzburg.
This Baroque pile is known for its elaborate trick fountains, which Prince-Archbishop Markus Sittikus designed to entertain (and soak) his guests.
It’s also where the gazebo from The Sound of Music is located. Built for the film, it now sits in a corner of the gardens of Hellbrunn Palace. I can’t help humming a few lines from “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” as I take it in.
Cooking Class in Salzburg
Back in Salzburg, I learn to make the city’s iconic Salzburger Nockerl dessert at the Edelweiss Cooking School.
Set in a cave carved into the cliffs, this unique space was once a customs office. It’s a fun place to learn to cook a classic dish. Lucky for me, it’s an easy one to make.
Salzburger Nockerl is a souffle dessert with three peaks that represent the three mountains surrounding the city.
It’s mostly eggs and sugar, and the majority of the work consists of beating egg whites (I like to think it helps me burn the calories I’m about to consume).
It bakes for 10 minutes, and when it’s done it’s light, sweet, and great with coffee.
Dinner at M32
After class, it’s a few steps to the elevator that goes up a hill to the Museum of Modern Art. I head there to enjoy the sunset with a view over the city.
Afterwards I have dinner at the museum’s restaurant, M32. I love the artistic interior and neon signs in the dining room.
The food is good, but my starter and main end up consisting of nearly the same ingredients, something I wish my server had warned me about when I ordered.
Austria Itinerary Day 7: Salzburg and Graz
The next morning my Austria itinerary for 10 days transports me to Graz. The train ride from Salzburg to Graz is one of the most beautiful rail journeys I’ve ever taken.
Misty mountains, blue rivers, and hilltop castles ensure my nose is pressed to the glass for the duration of the trip. By the time I get to Graz, I’m convinced Austria has the most beautiful scenery in Europe.
Hotel in Graz
A quick tram ride from the main train station takes me to my hotel in Graz, Hotel Weitzer. My room is big and newly decorated, and I like the style of it.
The only downside is that the WiFi isn’t fast or reliable during my stay, which makes working difficult.
Dinner at Salon Marie in Graz
So it’s a good thing I spend most of my time eating and exploring. Graz is the Capital of Culinary Delights, and as soon as I taste the food at Salon Marie, a stylish restaurant in the city center, I see why.
My grilled pomegranate eggplant dish is delicious with its tahini sauce, and the regional Muskateller wine is so good that I head to the restaurant’s sister shop, Der Steirer, the next day to buy a bottle.
Austria Itinerary Day 8: Graz
My Austria itinerary for 10 days continues with a day of foodie indulgence in Graz.
Farmers’ Market in Kaiser-Josef-Platz
I start at the farmers’ market in Kaiser-Josef-Platz. There are a lot of markets in Graz, and this is the biggest. It’s open every day apart from Sunday, and it’s worth a special trip.
I sample fresh juice from Julia Jeschek, who has a shop specializing in wild herbs and fruits. Next door, I try regional cheeses at Kasalm, a cheese shop with over 1,500 cheeses.
Browsing the stalls, I sample Styria’s famous pumpkin seed oil from Katharina Gsols, who has a farm in Katzelsdorf. She sells everything from eggs to garlic, and it all looks delicious.
It’s amazing that so much of the market’s produce is regional and seasonal, not to mention less expensive than in supermarkets.
Opera House in Graz
Across the street from Kaiser-Josef-Platz is the opera house, which I walk around to see the huge steel skeleton sculpture of the Statue of Liberty holding a sword.
‘s Fachl
My next stop is at a shop called ‘s Fachl. This unique store allows small regional producers to rent boxes to sell their goods.
Everything from pumpkin seed oil (their best seller) to soap can be found here, and it’s a great place to pick up a souvenir or gift.
Lunch at Frankowitsch
Not far from ‘s Fachl, Frankowitsch is an institution in Graz. This place serves a wide range of open-face sandwiches in a historic dining room.
I order at the counter, then settle in for a lunch of smoked salmon, sheep cheese, and lobster sandwiches.
Afterwards I can’t help indulging in Frankowitsch’s delicious pastries. They’re colorful works of art, and they taste as good as they look.
Chocolate Tasting at Linzbichler
My sweet tooth persists after lunch, so it’s a good thing the next stop on my Austria itinerary for 10 days is Linzbichler. This family-run chocolate shop in Graz is famous for its high-quality chocolates, pralines, and other sweet treats.
I sample everything from chocolates with olive oil and salt to ones with fresh chestnut. There’s a focus on high-quality and seasonal products here, and it shows in how good they taste.
Zero Waste at Das Gramm
Around the corner, I pop into Das Gramm. This zero-waste shop and cafe sells everything from fresh produce to bamboo toothbrushes. It also has light prepared fare. I like its ethos, and the food looks delicious.
Vegan Ice Cream at Die Eisperle
Speaking of delicious, my next stop is Die Eisperle, a vegan ice cream shop in Graz. This fun place has unique flavors like pear and parsley, orange and basil, and strawberry and mint.
The ice cream tastes as good as it looks, and soon I’m floating off on a fruit-filled sugar rush.
Tribeka
Down the street, I have coffee at Tribeka, a local shop that roasts its own beans in Graz. With multiple locations in the city, it’s a great place for a coffee and cake.
Stadtpfarrkirche Church
Taking a break from eating, I visit the Stadtpfarrkirche church. It’s not only beautiful, but also unique.
For starters, its stained-glass windows contain an indictment of 20th-century fascism. In the chancel, small figures of Hitler and Mussolini number among the torturers at Christ’s crucifixion.
Dinner at Der Steirer
It’s hard to believe I still have room for dinner after all I’ve eaten, but if there’s one place in Graz that can tempt me to keep eating, it’s Der Steirer.
This restaurant does a Styrian take on tapas, and everything from pumpkin carpaccio to warm polenta shows off the region’s cuisine beautifully.
Austria Itinerary Day 9: Graz
The following morning my Austria itinerary for 10 days continues with sightseeing in Graz.
Contemporary Architecture in Graz
I start at the Friendly Alien, the art museum that was built in 2003 when Graz was European Capital of Culture. This curving glass building stands out among the historic facades that surround it.
It’s not the only work of contemporary architecture in the area, either. Near it is the Murinsel island, which floats in the river and houses a cafe, an outlet of ‘s Fachl, and a small amphitheater.
Schlossberg in Graz
From Murinsel, I take the funicular up to Schlossberg, a hill overlooking Graz. I soak up the views to the sound of live harp music and walk by the historic bell tower and clock tower, which can be seen from all over the city.
Afterwards I take the glass elevator to street level. As I go, I can see the world’s longest underground slide and hear people zooming down it at top speed.
Historic Sites in Graz
My next stop is the History Museum, which has a stunning historic staircase and ceiling paintings tucked away off the main street.
Across the road is the Kastner and Ohler department store. I go to the top, where a terrace offers stunning views over the orange rooftops of Graz’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After cake at the Freiblick cafe in the store, I continue my sightseeing tour with a walk through the historic streets.
Baroque and Art Nouveau facades color my path, and there are plenty of medieval courtyards and cobblestones to keep my camera busy.
Burg in Graz
Soon I find myself at the double spiral staircase in the Burg. This stunning historic construction is beautiful to climb and bends my brain as the steps come together and go apart again in an Escher-like puzzle.
Outside, I explore the Burg Garden. Busts of famous Styirans lead me to an orangery, and the whole place is delightfully peaceful and quiet.
More Historic Attractions in Graz
Not far from the garden, the Graz Cathedral and neighboring Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II are two more of the city’s main attractions.
I go into the latter, which has stunning 17th-century ceiling frescoes and beautiful paintings and sculptures.
Nearby, I duck into the old Jesuit College, where a snowman sculpture stares into a puddle.
It’s near Glockenspielplatz, where an early 20th-century glockenspiel built by an enterprising business owner entertains onlookers three times a day.
Lunch in Graz
I have lunch nearby at a vegan restaurant in Graz called Greenhouse. Tucked away in an arcade by the glockenspiel, it has all kinds of salads and other lunch fare.
I dig into a Greenhouse Bowl and try a local tea drink called Makava with it. I sit upstairs, and it’s buzzing. Comfy chairs provide a relaxed atmosphere, and it’s the perfect place to rest my feet after a morning of sightseeing.
Squares and Courtyards in Graz
After lunch, my Austria itinerary for 10 days continues with more attractions. I walk to the Main Square, which is surrounded by beautiful historic buildings and a 19th-century city hall.
Near it is the Franciscan Cloister, which is secreted away in a monastery. This peaceful courtyard is decorated with Renaissance sgraffito art.
Also in the area is the Styrian parliament building, which has a beautiful courtyard of its own. The Renaissance arcade and Baroque facade are testaments to the city’s evolution and history.
I find a third courtyard at the Joanneumsviertel. It’s surrounded by historic facades but has a subterranean contemporary architectural scene that emerges in various places around the square.
Dinner at Altsteirische Schmankerlstube
I end my day with dinner at a Styrian restaurant in the city center. Altsteirische Schmankerlstube is full of wooden tables and traditional decor.
I tuck into hand-shaped potato noodles with fresh leeks, root vegetables, sheep cheese, and pumpkin sauce. It’s as delicious as it is unique.
For dessert, I have vanilla ice cream with pumpkin seed oil. Everyone I’ve met in Graz has told me to try it, and I can taste why. It’s incredible.
Austria Itinerary Day 10: Graz and London
My Austria itinerary for 10 days continues the next morning with a train ride to Vienna. I take the tram to the main train station and board my service to the capital.
A little under two-and-a-half hours later, I change trains in Vienna for a service to Vienna Airport. I arrive with plenty of time to check in for my flight, and soon I’m soaring over Austria on my way home.
Austria Itinerary for 10 Days
It’s been an amazing trip, and I’ve enjoyed having so much time to get to know Austria. It’s been inspiring to be close to the mountains in Innsbruck, get into The Sound of Music in Salzburg, and experience the food and design in Graz.
And the best part is that it’s not good-bye for long. I’m traveling back next year for supper clubs I’m going to help choose menus for.
I can’t wait to see Austria again, and if you get a chance to visit, I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
This is an advertising feature with the Austrian National Tourist Office.
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