Curator’s statement
Austria is a wonderful destination that could be implemented year-round, but having just returned from a visit during the holiday season, I think it could be even more special for a trip planned to see the Christkindl markets for all your holiday goodies. Austria is a beautiful country with gorgeous architecture, castles and scenery. On this 10-day trip, I visited Vienna, Salzburg and Hallstatt and all were wonderful, easy to navigate, with tons of activities.
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Day 1: Fly from your home airport to Vienna, Austria.
Day 2: Arrival in Vienna for a one-night stay. Check in to the Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere – a Concept by Hyatt.
You’ll be walking distance from the Wien Hbf main train station, which will allow for easy exploration and accessibility for your transfer to Salzburg on the following day. You can walk up to the Belvedere Palace or the Belvedere-Schlossgarten to explore the art museum, beautiful gardens and surrounding area. Enjoy a relaxing evening meal at Eugen21.
Day 3: Travel by train from Vienna to Salzburg, Austria for a three-night stay.
Check-in to Hotel Stein, Hotel Sacher Salzburg, or Hotel Goldgasse for your stay in Salzburg. Spend the day exploring at your own pace and grab dinner at Johanneskeller, an authentic Austrian restaurant with a cozy atmosphere.
Day 4: On your second day in Salzburg, head to the Fortress Hohensalzburg.
This is a huge 11th century fortress with some of the best views of the city. You’ll ride the fortress railway and access the castle area, courtyards, fortress museum, bastions and chapel. This one is a must-do and bring your walking shoes! For lunch or dinner make a stop at Restaurant Zum Mohren. We really enjoyed this spot offering Austrian, Italian and Indian Specialties, perfect if you are traveling with children.
Day 5: Choose between a Salt-Mines and Bavarian Mountains Tour
from Salzburg, a Palace Concert at the Marble Hall of Mirabell Palace, or an Austrian Apple Strudel Cooking Class including lunch in Salzburg. Spend the day exploring and doing some shopping in Salzburg. This is a great city to wander!
Day 6: Travel by train from Salzburg to Hallstatt, Austria for a two-night stay.
You’ll take a short boat ride over to Hallstatt after you exit the train. Check-in to the Seehotel Gruner Baum, a boutique property with beautiful lake views in the heart of Hallstatt. Grab a lunch at their restaurant ‘Zum Salzbaron’ for some freshly-caught fish and beautiful lake views. Spend the day wandering around Hallstatt at your own pace and stop in some of the boutique shops.
Day 7: Start the day with a coffee and pastry from Taglich Frisch Gebacken.
Depending on when you visit Hallstatt, you may choose to do the Panoramic Viewpoint – Hallstatt Skywalk, an observation deck with phenomenal views. You can also visit Salzwelten Hallstatt, which is the oldest salt mine in the world. Hallstatt is the perfect spot to just relax and enjoy nature.
Day 8: Travel by train back to Vienna from Hallstatt, Austria for a two-night stay.
For your final accommodation, I would recommend the Park Hyatt Vienna, Rosewood Vienna, or Hotel Sacher Wien Vienna for more of a Central Vienna location. Head to The Bank Brasserie & Bar for a classic European dinner.
Day 9: Grab lunch at Café Central, a gorgeous venue with Viennese cuisine.
Afterward, take a carriage ride of the city. The architecture is truly breath-taking and this is a great way to see the highlights and make the most of your time in Vienna. You may also choose to explore St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Schonbrunn Palace, or partake in an Austrian Wine Tasting.
Day 10: Departure from Vienna, Austria to your home airport.
Need to know
Austria is a fabulous destination to travel year round. Reach out to me for help planning your Austrian getaway!
This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Austria. In need of further inspiration? Check out Alexandra Murphy’s guide, Things to Do in Innsbruck in Winter: Your Ultimate Guide to Austria’s Alpine Gem.
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Katie Anderson
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