Itinerary

Austria is a stunning country with beautiful lakes, and I’m excited to help you plan a fun-filled, family-friendly, and budget-friendly 3-day itinerary. Let’s dive right in!

## Day 1: Vienna to Lake Neusiedl

Morning:

• Travel to Lake Neusiedl: Start your day early and take a train from Vienna to Neusiedl am See. The journey takes about an hour and is quite scenic. You can grab some pastries and coffee for breakfast at the train station or pack a picnic.

Midday:

• Explore Neusiedl am See: Once you arrive, head to the lakeside promenade. It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll with the kids. There are playgrounds along the way where your 1-year-old can crawl around and your 7-year-old can play.

Lunch:

• Picnic by the Lake: Find a nice spot by the lake and enjoy your packed lunch. If you prefer, there are also budget-friendly cafes nearby where you can grab a bite.

Afternoon:

• Boat Ride: After lunch, consider taking a family-friendly boat ride on Lake Neusiedl. It’s a great way to see the area from the water, and the kids will love it!

Evening:

• Dinner: Head back to Neusiedl am See and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Look for places that offer traditional Austrian dishes that are also kid-friendly, like schnitzel or pasta.

Accommodation: Look for family-friendly guesthouses or budget hotels in Neusiedl am See for a cozy night’s stay.

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## Day 2: Lake Wolfgang

Morning:

• Travel to Lake Wolfgang: After breakfast, take a train or drive to Lake Wolfgang (Wolfgangsee). The journey will take about 1.5 to 2 hours, but the views are absolutely worth it!

Midday:

• Arrive in St. Wolfgang: Once you arrive, explore the charming village of St. Wolfgang. The kids will love the colorful buildings and the lakeside views.

Lunch:

• Lunch in St. Wolfgang: Grab lunch at a family-friendly café. Many places offer outdoor seating with beautiful views of the lake.

Afternoon:

• Schafberg Mountain: Take the cogwheel train up to Schafberg Mountain. The ride is exciting for the kids, and the views from the top are breathtaking! There’s a playground at the top where your 7-year-old can have some fun while you enjoy the scenery.

Evening:

• Dinner: Head back down and enjoy dinner in St. Wolfgang. Look for restaurants that offer local specialties and have a kid-friendly menu.

Accommodation: Stay overnight in St. Wolfgang. There are several family-friendly hotels and guesthouses that won’t break the bank.

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## Day 3: Lake Hallstatt

Morning:

• Travel to Hallstatt: After breakfast, take a scenic drive or train ride to Hallstatt, which is about an hour away. This picturesque village is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is absolutely stunning!

Midday:

• Explore Hallstatt: Spend the morning wandering through the charming streets of Hallstatt. Don’t miss the market square and the beautiful lakeside views. There are also some small shops where you can pick up souvenirs.

Lunch:

• Lunch by the Lake: Find a cozy café with a view of the lake for lunch. Many places offer outdoor seating, which is perfect for families.

Afternoon:

• Visit the Salt Mines: After lunch, take the funicular up to the Hallstatt Salt Mines. The tour is fascinating and kid-friendly, and there’s a slide inside that your 7-year-old will love! Just be sure to check age restrictions for the little one.

Evening:

• Dinner: Head back down to Hallstatt and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Try some traditional Austrian dishes, and don’t forget to indulge in some dessert!

Return to Vienna: After dinner, you can either stay another night in Hallstatt or head back to Vienna. If you choose to return, it’s about a 3-hour journey, so plan accordingly.

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Tips for a Budget-Friendly Trip:

• Pack Snacks: Bring along snacks and drinks for the kids to save on costs.
• Public Transport: Use trains and buses for travel; they’re often cheaper and more scenic than driving.
• Free Activities: Take advantage of parks, playgrounds, and nature walks, which are free and fun for the whole family.

I hope this itinerary helps you create wonderful memories with your family in Austria! Enjoy your lakeside adventure! 🌊🏞️