The 7 Best Road Trips in Austria

Austria, found in Central Europe, is one of the most picturesque countries on the continent. With the mighty Alps Mountains running through the countryside, most places in Austria are blessed with incredible views straight out of a painting. In addition, Austria also has some beautiful Alpine villages, which look like they have been plucked straight out of a fairytale and placed in the lush green forests and rolling hills – simply a must-visit when you’re next in Austria.

If you’re looking to explore the sheer natural beauty that Austria has to offer, then there’s no better way to do so than in the comfort of a car. From traversing Alpine mountain roads to lakeside drives, here are the 7 best road trips in Austria.

Unveiling Austria’s 7 Most Stunning Road Trips

1. Großglockner High Alpine Road

Starting off with the Gloßglockner High Alpine Road, this is not just one of the best road trips in Austria but arguably one of the best road trips in the world.

Its short distance of just 55km from Fusch an der Glocknerstraße to Heiligenblut through the mighty Austrian Alps also makes it one of the most scenic routes in Europe, with the winding road darting between magnificent snow-capped mountains and lush green fields.

Because of its short distance, this road trip can be done multiple times during your visit to Austria – and believe us, you’ll want to drive this route time and time again.

Distance: 55km

Route highlights: The Alps, Alpine passes, scenic views for miles

When to do it: Spring or summer to avoid the pass being closed due to snow in the colder months.

2. Salzburg to Vienna 

From west to east across northern Austria, this road trip starts and finishes in two of Austria’s most famous cities. Salzburg, on the Austria-Germany border in the northwest of the country, is steeped in rich history, and the route across to the country’s capital, Vienna, in the northeast of the country, is equally culturally significant.

The route will see you traverse through Alpine roads and follow the route of Europe’s second-longest river, the Danube, as it meanders through the northern Austrian countryside.

Other cities like Linz make for good stop-off points via a short detour, and if you want to drive a little further at the end of your journey, you can reach Bratislava (the capital of Slovakia) in around an hour from Vienna by car, which is around 65km from the Austrian capital.

Distance: 355km

Route highlights: Danube River, Linz, Salzburg, Vienna

When to do it: Any time of the year.

3. Innsbruck to Bregenz

At the other end of the country is this next road trip – a 190km route from Innsbruck in the heart of the Alps to Bregenz, on the shores of Lake Constance.

Innsbruck is an excellent location to start the route from, as it is home to one of Austria’s busiest airports, the perfect place to hire a car from, and the perfect place to drive the smooth journey down to Lake Constance.

Throughout this journey, you will be greeted with the beautiful snowy peaks of the Alps Mountains, followed by the deep green forests as you descend, eventually reaching the shores of Lake Constance, which shares borders with Austria, Switzerland and Germany.

You can also take a slightly more scenic route and drive through the tiny landlocked country of Liechtenstein, as well as take boat trips between the three aforementioned countries once at the lake. This is an ideal route for those who want to visit multiple countries in the space of a day or two.

Distance: 190km

Route highlights: Alps Mountains, Lake Constance, bordering European countries

When to do it: Any time of the year. Be aware of snowy conditions in winter, though.

4. Styria to Schallaburg

If you want to go on a road trip that offers the best of what Austria has to show, then this 155-kilometre route from Styria to Schallaburg is the one for you.

Starting in Styria, southern Austria, this route will take you north, through Apline forests and lakes, and eventually to the town of Schallaburg on the banks of the Danube.

You will drive through some of the most scenic areas of rural Austria, with traditional Alpine villages dotted throughout, offering a warm and welcome respite from the roads – the perfect place to recharge with a coffee and some Apfelstrudel.

You will be greeted by the magnificent Schallaburg Castle at the end of your route, which is definitely worth a visit for any history buffs. The views from here are spectacular, so we highly recommend paying it a visit when you arrive.

Distance: 155km

Route highlights: Danube River, Alpine forests, Schallaburg Castle

When to do it: Any time of the year. However, the scenery in autumn is especially beautiful.

5. Engelhartszell to Hainburg an der Donau (River Danube Route)

Another road trip which makes use of the mighty River Danube is the route from Engelhartszell to Hainburg an der Donau. This route stretches for some 300km along the southern banks of the Danube, from the Austria-Germany border in the northwest to the Austria-Slovakia border in the east of the country.

Not only is the route along the way incredibly scenic thanks to the wildlife and nature that surrounds the banks of the Danube, but it’s also a fantastic route to see lots of big towns and cities in Austria that were built next to the Danube hundreds or even thousands of years ago.

Small towns such as Enns and Haag offer a glimpse into Austrian town life, without the major tourism peaks that cities such as Vienna often experience in the summer months. These local towns are also an excellent way to practice speaking some of the local language and try authentic Austrian food and drink.

Distance: 300km

Route highlights: The River Danube, small Austrian towns and villages, breathtaking scenery stretching for miles

When to do it: Any time of the year.

6. Bielerhöhe to Warth

For mountain enthusiasts, this route is perfect. Taking in the stunning mountainscapes of Tyrol and beyond, you can expect narrow roads, winding Alpine paths and some simply breathtaking views along the way.

While this route is a mere 90km, do not underestimate how long it will take you – particularly when such stunning scenery is available from all sides of the car, and you will need to stop numerous times to take photos.

Starting in Bielerhöhe, on the shores of Lake Silvretta-Stausse, the roads will take you high into the Alps, meandering through mountain passes and passing through the village of Anton am Arlberg – often called the most beautiful Alpine village in the world – before ending your journey in Warth, one of the largest ski areas in Austria. The perfect route for ski enthusiasts.

Distance: 90km

Route highlights: The snowy Alps mountains, Antom al Arlberg, mountain passes and winding roads.

When to do it: Winter for ski enthusiasts, otherwise, wait until the summer.

7. Zell am See to Melk

This journey from the town of Zell am See in central Austria, on the shores of Lake Zell just south of Salzburg, takes you 300km northeast across the country to the city of Melk.

Not only are you treated to the ever-changing landscape of rural Austria along the way, but you actually pass through Germany (and can make a pit-stop at Munich if you like) unless you wish to add an extra 30-40km onto your journey and stay in Austria.

This route is perfect for history lovers, as castles dating back as far as the 11th century are dotted throughout this route. The city of Melk has its own castle at its helm, offering unrivalled views over the city – the perfect place from where to end your Austrian road trip.

Distance: 300km

Route highlights: Austrian castles, Munich, Melk

When to do it: Any time of the year.