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Gringo Inca’s Austria Guide: Adventuring in Elegant Central Europe

pine trees with snow capped mountains and blue sky behind

Explore emerald landscapes accentuated by imposing snowcaps. Or take a peak at the lives of Europe’s old rulers in showy palaces and formidable fortresses. Then, enjoy a local wine or cafe Viennese as you decide on your next destination. This easy-to-navigate country offers an exciting range of options, from history and culture to outdoor adventure. In our Austria guide we provide the basic essential information (language, weather, transportation, when and where to go, etc.). But of course we have our typical angles, emphasizing novel cultural experiences and the outdoors… always the outdoors :)

How to get around

handsome man and pretty lady in a train compartment

Transportation is wonderfully efficient in Austria. We’re talking about multiple trains a day connecting major (and not so major) cities, from coach to sleeper class. And once in town, you’ll find the local transportation systems easy to use. Buses connect smaller cities and even quiet villages with the rest of the country. We used multiple modes of transportation and found them to be clean and safe.

If for some odd reason you enjoy driving while on vacation, you can rent a car to traverse the magical Austrian topography on the autobahns. The minimum age to rent a car is 18. You’ll need an EU-issued or international driver’s license.

Languages

German is the official language of Austria, and most Austrians (8.3 million) speak the Austro-Baviarian dialect. Swiss German, a dialect that most other German speakers find difficult to understand, is the first language for 300,000 Austrians.

The majority of people speak English, especially youth and people in the cities. You’ll likely encounter other foreign languages, such as Italian, French, and Spanish.

What to Pack

As with any place, you should pack clothes for the climate and time of year. Most of Austria has a temperate climate, although western Austria has a wetter Atlantic climate.

In other words, summer afternoons are warm but not sweltering hot. And the beautifully snow winters are an outdoors-lover’s dream. So dress according to the season. Our strategy for clothes was to use layers, because springtime Vienna (and definitely Innsbruck) has chilly mornings and comfortable afternoons.

Packing for gear is much more itinerary-specific. Someone planning on visiting museums and = doing a couple of day hikes won’t need the same equipment as someone hiking the Lynx Trail.

Our 8-day trip included day hikes, and every night we slept in a hotel. This was our packing list:

Sneakers (wore on the plane)
Socks, underwear
Two pairs of easy walking pants
Shirts for layering: two short-sleeved, two long-sleeved, one thermal
Sweater
Rain jacket
Sunglasses
Hat
Neck pillow
Eye shades (these were the only reason I could sleep on the overnight coach seat from Vienna to Innsbruck!)
GoPro and charger
Phone and charger
Noise-cancelling headphones
Book
Notebook
Wallet with credit card and plenty of Euros
Passport!

How Many Days do I Need?

historic Vienna; yellow restaurant and white buildings including church spire with clock — Scene from Vienna’s Historic Center

Honestly, this really depends on how much time you have/want to spend. We were here for 8 days and would have liked to stay longer. There are simply too many elegant towns, exciting hikes, and world-class cultural experiences to get bored.

Cost

Votive church in Sigmund Freud Park, Vienna

There’s no one-size-fits-all budget for visiting Austria. As with anywhere else, factors such as the time of year, preferred activities, and plane ticket make individual budgets widely vary. So it’s no surprise that a Google search for “cost to travel Austria” provides a range from $50 to $200 a day!

We’re not going to tell you a fixed amount to visit Austria. But we will provide tips for keeping the overall price down:

First, make sure to decide on your MUST-do’s. If it’s a seasonal sport, then obviously that’ll limit your options. Plan with this “must-do” as the centerpiece of your budget, as it’s the least flexible part of your itinerary.
Remember that flights and hotel stays are more expensive during the more popular months (December-February/March and July-August).
Consider staying in hostels or pensions instead of hotels. Austria also has plenty of prime camping areas, providing a wonderfully inexpensive way to enjoy the magic of Central Europe!
Set lunch menus, called Mittagsmenü, are easy to find and cheaper than ordering a la carte.
Set a price alert on whatever flight search app or site you use.

When to Visit

innsbruck; river with multicolored houses and snowcapped mountains behind — Typical sight while walking on the riverside in Innsbruck.

The most popular times to visit Austria are winter and summertime. These seasons are excellent for enjoying the Alps, historic castles and classical music. But naturally, these are the most expensive times to visit Austria.

If you’re flexible time and activity-wise, consider a “shoulder season” trip such as in May or September. The weather is still good for hiking and mountain biking, and the large tourist attractions are appreciatively not as crowded.

Where to Go and What to do in Austria

sunset over Victorian style buildings in Vienna — Sunset in Vienna

Innsbruck

Also read our full article on Innsbruck :)

Bergisel Ski Jump for extreme sport watching and beautiful views of the Tyrol region.
Castle Ambras: The world’s oldest museum is right next to Innsbruck and a great short hike from/too Lanser-see.
Hiking: Innsbruck is surrounded by epic hiking spots. Check out Karwendel Nature Park for perhaps the country’s best trekking (and biking).
Italian food: After all, Italy’s right next door!
Mierders alpine coaster: This coaster is open in the warmer months and goes as fast as gravity (and your braking instincts) allow.
Town of Innsbruck: Take a couple of days to enjoy Maria-Theresien-Strass and some museums, including the Tirol Panorama.

view through a castle window to snowcapped mountains — View of the Tyrolean landscape from inside Castle Ambras

Just outside of innsbruck

Landeck: A cosy Tirolean town near the Venet Skiing Area and with magical hikes along the “Mystic Canyon of Tyrol”.

Pfunds: This village is where Italian, Swiss and Austrian cultures combine for a unique Tyrolean experience. Medieval farmhouses and two ski areas (Kaunertal Glacier and Silvretta Arena) are the main attractions.

Salzberg

Augustiner Braustubl: Like Naples and its pizzerias, Austria is chock-full of great drinking spots. But this specific beer garden stands out among them all for its size, suds, aura, and age (the brewery is from 1621).
Festung Hohensalzburg: This is one of Europe’s largest medieval castles, and it sits on a hill overlooking the rest of Salzburg.
Hiking: Several spectacular hikes combine natural beauty and history. Lake Hallstatt to Rudolf’s Tower is one of Austria’s most picturesque hikes.
Mirabell Palace: Built in 1606, the palace in Salzburg’s Historic Center is an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mozart: Arguable the world’s most famous composer, he was born and spent the first part of his life here. Salzberg offers all the Mozart, from visiting his birthplace to attending a concert.

Vienna

Check out our full article on Vienna for more information!

Food: The capital has a solid international presence, but don’t skip out on schnitzel, goulash, spatzle, or strudel.
Museumsquartier: A 90,000-square meter plaza that’s home to museums, art shops, and cafes.
Opera House: At least take a tour (if not go to a show) at one of the world’s most famous opera houses!
Schonbrunn Palace: Imagine life inside the Hapsburg’s summer retreat or just stroll around acres of royal gardens.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral: The historic center seems to rotate around this iconic religious and historic symbol.
Vienna City Hiking Trail (Stadtwanderweg 1): There are plenty of urban and day hikes in the area. This one in the beautiful Beethovengang neighborhood is a tranquil stroll over hills where you can rest and imbibe at the local wineries.

Austria Guide: Conclusion

yellow home with triangle wooden roof and red windows — Streets of Innsbruck

In Austria one can sample the elegant life of past nobility or chill in classy cafes for hours. And the very next day, you might hike through villages and breezy Alpine forests, all under a clear cerulean sky.

Austria is small enough to make visiting multiple locations in a short trip very realistic. Its quick, punctual public transportation system helps, too. But most importantly for us, the trail systems throughout the Austrian Alps are safe, seemingly infinite, and fantastically breathtaking.

Our Travel Guide to Innsbruck

Colorful, narrow buildings guide your eyes upwards towards snowcapped mountains, backdropping the turquoise-green River Inn, and you feel adventure beckoning. The aromas of espresso drinks and trattorias add to the moment. Maybe you came to Innsbruck for the adventure sports and nature. But you’ll want to stay for the Tyrollean twist on Austrian culture. Read on for our travel guide to Innsbruck.

Big To-Dos

Culture

We didn’t spend enough time in Innsbruck to visit many museums and galleries. Two that I regret not visiting are the Tyrollean Folk Art Museum and Hasegg Castle.

Regardless, we recommend purchasing the Innsbruck Card if you’re in town for two or three days. The card includes access to 22 locations, such as museums, galleries, and cable cars.

Castle Ambras

One of the region’s most famous destinations is technically located outside Innsbruck, but is literally next door. In fact, we walked to this 16th-century castle from our hotel.

Castle Ambras consists of an upper and a lower section. The views from the upper castle are stunning. Meanwhile, the lower castle hosts one of the world’s oldest museums and a Medieval armory collection that will take your imagination for a gory ride. It takes a couple of hours to see everything.

The Golden Roof (Goldenes Dalchl)

Like the town’s busiest restaurant that doesn’t serve the best food but benefits from superb location, the building with the golden roof is somehow Innsbruck’s tourism epicenter. Constructed in 1500 under Emperor Maximilian, the roof is indeed real gold. We honestly found it pretty but underwhelming, overshadowed by the commotion of vendors selling trinkets and masses of tourists walking by.

The Roof is close to museums (plus has one of its own), the Inn River, and Maria-Theresien-Strasse.

Maria-Theresien-Strasse

We spent a lot of time wandering downtown and by the river. This main avenue is named for Maria Theresa, the powerful Hapsburg ruler who reined for four decades in the 18th century. At one end souvenir shops cram together, each selling the same trinkets.

But if you look around, you’ll notice the shops are inside well-preserved 16th-century buildings. You’re surrounded by captivating Alpine architecture. And once you make it to the wider plaza, Maria-Theresien-Strasse turns into a chill place for a drink and window shopping.

The Outdoor Stuff

The adventure sports are what truly make Innsbruck stand out. You can’t miss the juxtaposition of a well-dressed couple lazying away with afternoon espressos as cyclists in tight clothing and thick mountain bikes caked in mud pass by. Both groups are in their own moments, which couldn’t be more different.

Hiking

There are so many hikes in and around Innsbruck of all levels of difficulty and accessibility. But the great thing is, each one is beautiful. Check out AllTrails to filter down to a handful that you’d like to trek. The AllTrails offline location mapping worked beautifully for us when we didn’t have internet or cell phone service, too.

Castle Ambras to Lanser-See

On that note, if you visit Castle Ambras, try the walk from there to Lake Lans (Lanser-See). The hike is only one mile long but it’s steep; it took us an hour! Use a mapping app to avoid getting lost, as various trails criss-cross the area.

Once you leave the castle grounds, you immediately hear the Alpine winds bending the skinny pines, and the creaking sounds as the thick canopy swished back and forth alarmed us. The wind is constant here; a local assuaged our concern by explaining it’s “magical”. The occasional honking of the tram cuts through the chirping of birds and crickets. You’ll pass picturesque villages and views of snowcaps. It smells clear and piney, like a scented candle without the stuffiness.

Once you arrive at the lake, take a dip or continue to the villages. We walked to Igls, where we found a relaxing spot for a coffee and snack. Apparently both Arnold Schwarzeneggar and Barack Obama dined there, among many other famous people.

You can walk downhill from the villages back towards Ambras or take the Tram 6. Nicknamed “The Forest Tram”, it leaves every half-hour and passes through the same beautiful Apline forest.

Riverside Biking

You don’t even have to leave town for this one. Rent a cruiser and take a relaxing, beautiful ride next to the River Inn. Paths wind through city parks and the most popular tourist zones.

Of course, you can rent a mountain bike and explore the trails outside of town, too. Being an adventure sport town, Innsbruck has multiple quality bike rental locations.

Skiing

Innsbruck and surrounding towns are hugely popular for their prime locations near world-class ski resorts. Consider the town of Landeck and the picturesque village of Pfunds for more intimate options.

For world-class ski jump viewing and views of the city, go to the tower of Bergisel ski jump. Some spots in town have views of the jump, too.

Essential Information

How to Arrive

Innsbruck has an international airport, but direct flights from outside Europe aren’t common. Trains come and go for other cities in Austria and all over the continent.

We booked a compartment for an overnighter to Austria and slept fine; like a futon, the “beds” are a thin pad separating you from the hard surface. But we were given breakfast and a wake-up call, which we didn’t have in the coach car going to Innsbruck. That train arrived early, and we almost slept through towards Zurich!

When to Visit Innsbruck

Like Vienna,there’s no bad time to visit Innsbruck. Come in winter for an Alpine Christmas or skiing; visit the rest of the year for world-class hiking and mountain biking! July-August and December are particularly busy (and pricey).

Where to Stay

Innsbruck isn’t a large city, so anywhere you stay will be close to something worth visiting. You can’t go wrong lodging near Maria-Theresien-Strasse.

But we stayed in the more residential Bichlweg neighborhood. Bichlweg is a short tram ride (or 20-30 minute walk) to city center, and next door is Castle Ambras. Because there are only homes and small lodgings, the views of the mountains are better here.

Food

Innsbruck is full of traditional Austrian and Tyrolean restaurants, and there are solid international spots, too. The proximity to Italy means there are a multiple amazing pizzerias near the Golden Roof. Just beware that this is a sleepy town; late nights aren’t its specialty!

Travel Guide to Innsbruck: Conclusion

We found Innsbruck to be a microcosm of the entire country of Austria. There is no bad time to visit, and there are more outdoor options than one can handle in a short visit. So despite Innsbruck being Austria’s 5th largest city, you’ll need to dedicate plenty of time to fully appreciate this Tyrollean treasure.

The Best Vienna Travel Guide (Gringo Inca Style)

Austria’s clean, well-organized capital pulls off being sophisticated without being snobby. The city has a whole section called the “Museum’s Quarter”, and the well-dressed citizens are quietly friendly. Naturally, most articles titled “The Best Vienna Travel Guide” will include very detailed information on museums, composers’ homes, and Vienna’s famous Ball schedule.

But hiking and exploring are our thing, so of course that was our angle when visiting Vienna. We were pleasantly surprised. First, Vienna is an excellent spot for wandering around neighborhoods and beautiful plazas. And it turns out, the city is the spot of or very close to several of Austria’s best hikes.

Big To-Dos

sidewalk with people walking and eating in cafe with bike in front.

Museumsquartier

Cafes, museums and cultural curiosities comprise this 90,000-square meter plaza. The Leopold and Mumok museums are the biggest attractions, focusing on classical and modern art, respectively. Leopold’s collections include work by Gustav Klimt.

We actually didn’t go to the museums but simply walked around the huge plaza.

Tip: take the elevator to the roof of Leopold Museum. The views of the city were stunning and there is a bar with shaded seating. Highly recommend!

Vienna State Opera

This is one of the busiest and most famous opera houses in the world. But if you aren’t into opera (like us), there are other shows, and a tour of the Neo-Renaissance-style building is a popular choice.

Tip: Standing-room only tickets are sold 80 minutes before performances and only cost EUR 10.

Schonbrunn Palace

The Hapsburg’s opulent, borderline ostentatious summer palace demands at least a half-day’s visit. The rooms are so uniquely ornamented that I found a striking resemblance to cake icing. You can spend hours exploring (at no charge) the gardens and fountains.

Buy tickets to see the baroque architecture or an opera at Schonbrunn ahead of time. We didn’t do this, and our options were limited to the smallest tour, the State Apartments.

Tip: Try the cafe or restaurant! We arrived on a rainy morning and snagged the cafe’s one open table before our tour. The Mozart cake and quiche were especially good.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral

As a general guide, the more concentrated the streets are with tourists, the closer you are to St. Stephen’s. Crowds mingle, take photos and dance around vendors and classy-looking (but normal-scented) horse-drawn carriages. The Cathedral itself is quieter but not less crowded.

You can spend hours marveling at the towers, glass-stained windows, altars, and catacombs. Construction for the Cathedral started in 1137, but didn’t finish for over four centuries. So each section is from a different era, providing its own history lesson.

Entrance is free. You have to pay to go upstairs (this is Vienna’s tallest building) or to see the catacombs.

Also Check Out

Beethovengang

This tranquil, tree-lined neighborhood is full of streets with a truly Medieval feel. Go here for breather from the packed historic center and check out Beethoven’s house, too!

The neighborhood is at or near the end of multiple tram lines. It’s also where Vienna City Hiking Trail 1 (see below) begins.

Vienna City Hiking Trail 1

green hill with brown building and tree; vineyards of Vienna

Vienna’s metamorphosis from busy city to forested trail is so quick it’s almost unbelievable.

The 6.8-mile hike is a loop, heading to the hilltop wineries before sloping back to town. Butterflies, traditional Austrian homes, and apiaries surround you during the walk uphill. The chirping of insects and birds provides a pleasant melody as you walk aside a forest with a low-flowing creek. The descent will give you splendid views of Vienna and the river.

Bring water and cash, and of course wear comfy shoes.

Find out more about hiking in Austria in our article “The Best 8 Hikes in the Austrian Alps“.

Wander

Vienna is a safe, walkable city full of classical curiosities. So take time to wander in the historic center. While doing so, we came across the Judenplatz (Jewish Plaza) and its very moving monument to the victims of the Holocaust.

What to Eat

Vienna is a crash course in Austrian food. It’s tough to find international options (unless you count Italian), but not impossible. In fact, we found both a Thai and a Syrian spot close to our hotel. Vegetarian food isn’t the city’s strength, but hey, it’s Central Europe. They do meat and potatoes, and they do it spectacularly well.

Coffee! First and foremost, this is a coffee city. People drink coffee all day. And I REALLY mean all day. Try a Viennese coffee for the local (better?) version of a caffe mocha.

You’re always close to a cafe, but one we returned to was Cafe Pruekel. This is an elegant location with lots of outdoor seating.

Goulash: The beef soup is light years better than the name sounds.

Italian food: Austria shares a border, and culinary influence, with Italy. Our personal recommendation is Pizzeria Riva. Riva has two locations; one is on the riverfront and only opens in warmer months.

Pork Schnitzel: In Vienna, Schnitzel is advertised more than Mozart. If you’re a meat eater, here’s the OG meat-and-potatoes dish. Do it with a beer.

Radler: Especially after a hike or for the heat! Light Austrian beer is topped off with homemade lemonade for a refreshing buzz.

Spatzle: An Austrian comfort food made of egg noodles and cheese.

Spritz: Aka Aperol Spritz. The perfect pre-dinner cocktail is available almost everywhere.

Strudel: The people of Vienna love their desserts. We found the strudels to be not too heavy or too sweet and excellent with a black coffee.

Prices of Food in Vienna

You can spend a lot more on a fancy dinner. But we paid these prices for basic street food, lunches, and drinks:

Bratwurst: EUR 4.50

Pork Schnitzel: EUR 18.00

Radler Beer: EUR 4.50

Shwarma: EUR 6.00

Viennese Coffee: EUR 4.00

*A 5-10% tip is expected in restaurants and cafes*

Essential Information

Getting Around

Depending on your point of origin, you’ll get to Vienna by plane or train. Once in the city, walking can be your main mode of transportation. You’ll likely use the efficient public transportation system, too; probably the tram (trolley) and U-bahn (subway).

You can buy one-trip (EUR 2.40) or multiday tickets in subway stations and on the tram. A 24-hour ticket costs EUR 8.00. The Flexible Weekly Ticket is the best deal at EUR 17.10. They are only available online.

Train tickets to other parts of the country vary by price according to level of service. It’s also best to purchase ahead of time for sleeper trains or longer routes (ie, to Innsbruck).

When to Visit Vienna

There’s no bad time to visit Vienna. Particularly popular months are December (Vienna’s majestic during Christmastime!) and July/August. Those are also the priciest months to visit. Vienna’s Ball season starts on November 11 and ends in February.

Where to Stay

steeple of church in Rooseveltplatz, Vienna

Again, there is no real “dangerous” neighborhood in Vienna. The closer you are to St. Stephens Cathedral or the Museumsquartier, the closer you are to the action. For a quieter spot try a neighborhood further out, like Beethovengang.

We stayed at Roosevelplatz (Roosevelt Plaza). The plaza has a park and church (see photo above) and is a nice walk from the Historic Center.

Pensions vs Hotels

Pensions and hotels are the main types of lodging in Vienna. Pensions are usually smaller, family-run guesthouses. They tend to be cheaper and sometimes more basic but can be an excellent bargain!

The Best Vienna Travel Guide: Conclusion

Vienna is a great getaway not just for culture and classical music lovers but for anyone who appreciates a beautiful city. There are enough museums, cafes, and composers’ home to keep one busy for weeks. Actually, Vienna’s streets and architecture are art museums in themselves. Each plaza holds a unique story or something of cultural importance.

Vienna is a well-balanced city, too. As we discovered on the Vienna City Hiking Trail, there is even something for people who enjoy being outdoors! So check out the Austrian capital for both the culture and the opportunities to just wander.

8 Day Itinerary for Austria

Because castles, cafes, mountains, and Mozart. That’s right; we’re off to Austria! We’ll be taking a stroll in Tyrol during our first trip to this landlocked country. But first we’ll be in the elegant Vienna, the cultural and political capital. And as always, we’ll balance everything out with a hike or two. This is what our 8-day itinerary for Austria looks like:

Our 8-Day Itinerary for Austria

Day 1-4: Vienna

We’ll start off in the epicurean epicenter of Vienna, where Mozart lived and the cool kids still attend black-tie balls. Here are a few highlights we’re looking forward to enjoying:

Strolling around the Historic Center, including checking out St. Stephen’s cathedral
Choosing which attractions to visit in the Museumsquartier section
Spend a half day on one of the city’s official urban hikes

We’re going to stay in an over-century-old hotel just outside the Historic Center. On the final night we’ll hope to catch some sleep on the Nightjet train to Innsbruck, a 7-ish hour ride.

Day 5, 6: Innsbruck

Next is the Tyrollean city of Innsbruck, a focal point of fun in the Austrian Alps. We only have two days and so won’t be able to do everything, but a few things that caught our attention are:

Neuschwanstein castle. Because it looks friggin’ fantastic, and being from the Americas, castles are the ultimate novelty for us.
Mierders alpine coaster, or any mountain coaster. Because adrenaline.
Hiking. It’s spring in the Alps- what else would we do?!

There a lots of cool-looking breweries, museums and tours in the actual city of Innsbruck. So we’ll have our hands full deciding what to do.

Day 7: Towns of Tyrol

Day seven is going to be a bit loco. We are going sightseeing in a couple of picturesque towns near Innsbruck. We’re especially excited for waterfalls, castles, and to explore the medieval downtown in the village of Pfunds!

We splurged for a compartment on the Nightjet train back to Vienna to ensure we’re well rested after all this exploring :)

Day 8: Vienna

Our last day will be where we started! We’re staying in the middle of Vienna’s historic center in a fancy hotel. We justified the cost by booking the night train for two evenings earlier in the trip.

Packing List

Our goal is to travel without checked luggage, but that will be a challenge with an 18lb weight limit for carry-ons. Temperatures in both Vienna and Innsbruck will range from 40-70F (4.4-21.1C), and it will likely rain some days. So we’ll have to pack versatile clothes that layer well. And we’ll have to balance that with hiking clothes and our camera.

Right now my packing list looks like this:

Hiking shoes or boots
Socks, underwear
Two pairs of easy walking pants
Shirts for layering: two short-sleeved, two long-sleeved, one thermal
Sweater
Coat or rain jacket
Sunglasses
GoPro and charger
Phone and charger
Book
Notebook
Sweater
Wallet with credit card and cash
Passport!

Where We’re Staying

This trip is all hotels (except for the two night trains). We didn’t find Austria’s hotel options to be limited or too expensive. And of course the two nights on the train saved us some lodging money.

While we considered a more economical option like a pension or hostel, we decided to go with non-big-chain hotels for a comfortable and real experience (and the included breakfast!).

Why Austria in May

We didn’t specifically choose to go to Austria in May, but this month is a great time to visit if you want to avoid crowds and high prices. Summer visitor numbers peak in July, and prices climb in winter due to Christmas and outdoor sport attractions.

May is spring in Austria, so the weather is warming up and trees and flowers are blooming. Because of that, it’s a spectacular time to go hiking in Austria.

Conclusion

The reason we picked Austria was to connect with Janina’s ancestral history. But we’re also psyched for the adventure and cultural options! Plus it’s our first time in Central Europe.

Be on the look out for our complete guide for visiting Austria, which we will publish soon. We’re also preparing guides for each major city and the best hikes in the country. Stay tuned!