Start with an easy train ride from Munich into Salzburg, then follow a relaxed eastbound route through the lake district, Linz and Vienna. The plan keeps each day’s stops close together, with a mix of historic sights, beautiful scenery and classic Austrian food.
Budget
About €650–€1,050 per person, excluding accommodation; includes intercity and local transport, sightseeing, and meals at the suggested stops.
Best time to visit
May to June or September for pleasant walking weather and fewer peak-summer crowds; lake railways and boat services are most reliable in the warmer months.
Salzburg Old Town
Arrive by train and explore Salzburg’s compact historic centre on foot, finishing with dinner nearby.
Morning
Train from Munich to Salzburg
Take a direct train from München Hbf to Salzburg Hbf; the journey is usually about 1 hour 30 minutes. From Salzburg Hbf, allow around 15 minutes by bus or taxi to reach the Old Town.
About €20–€40Afternoon
Wander Getreidegasse and visit Mozart’s Birthplace
Explore the Old Town’s famous shopping lane and Mozart’s preserved family home. The station is about 15 minutes away by bus or taxi; allow roughly 5 minutes on foot between Getreidegasse and the museum entrance.
About €15Afternoon
Visit
Continue through the nearby lanes to the cathedral, around 5 minutes’ walk from Mozart’s Birthplace. Its grand interior and square make a lovely first look at Salzburg.
About €5Evening
Dinner at
Stay in the Old Town for an atmospheric meal in one of Salzburg’s historic dining rooms; it is about a 5-minute walk from the cathedral.
About €30–€55
Salzburg’s fortress and gardens
Pair Salzburg’s hilltop fortress with its elegant gardens and nearby cafés, all within a short walk or funicular ride.
Morning
Explore
Take the funicular from the Old Town up to the fortress for sweeping views and historic rooms. The lower station is about 10 minutes’ walk from .
About €14Afternoon
Stroll through
Return to the centre and cross the river to these formal gardens, about 15 minutes on foot from the fortress funicular’s lower station. Allow time to enjoy the flower beds and city views.
Afternoon
Coffee and cake at
Head back across the river to Salzburg’s traditional café quarter; it is about a 12-minute walk from . Try a slice of cake with a coffee in the historic rooms or on the terrace.
About €10–€18Evening
Dinner at
Take a taxi or local bus for about 10 minutes to this well-known Salzburg inn, or walk in roughly 20 minutes from . It is a welcoming choice for Austrian comfort food.
About €20–€35
Wolfgangsee and the Salzkammergut
Make a scenic day trip from Salzburg to St. Wolfgang, combining a lakeside village with mountain views and a gentle waterfront stroll.
Morning
Travel to St. Wolfgang
Take a bus from Salzburg to the area, usually around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes depending on the connection. Check the return timetable before setting out, especially outside the summer season.
About €15–€30Afternoon
Ride the
From the village, walk about 10 minutes to the valley station and ride the historic cog railway up Schafberg for panoramic lake and mountain scenery. Train operations and fares vary by season, so reserve ahead when possible.
About €40–€55Afternoon
Walk the St. Wolfgang lakeside
Back in the village, stroll along the waterfront and browse the old lanes; the lakefront is about 10 minutes’ walk from the valley station. Leave time for a relaxed lunch or lakeside drink.
Evening
Return to Salzburg for dinner
Take the bus back to Salzburg, around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, then dine close to your accommodation. This keeps the evening simple after a full day outdoors.
About €15–€30
Linz: riverside culture and the old town
Travel east to Linz and spend the day between its historic central square, riverside museums and celebrated local food.
Morning
Train from Salzburg to Linz
Take a direct train from Salzburg Hbf to Linz Hbf; the ride is about 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. From the station, use a tram or taxi for roughly 10 minutes to reach the central square.
About €15–€35Afternoon
See Hauptplatz and the Old Town
Explore Linz’s broad main square and the lanes around it. Allow about 10 minutes by tram or taxi from Linz Hbf, or around 25 minutes on foot.
Afternoon
Visit the
Cross the Nibelungen Bridge to this hands-on museum of technology and art; it is about a 10-minute walk from Hauptplatz. Check current exhibitions and opening hours before visiting.
About €12–€18Evening
Try a Linzer Torte at Café Jindrak
Head back toward the centre by tram or taxi in about 10 minutes, or walk in around 20 minutes. Café Jindrak is a classic stop for Linzer Torte and a light supper.
About €10–€25
Vienna’s historic centre
Continue by train to Vienna and explore the first district’s imperial landmarks, cathedral and traditional coffeehouse culture.
Morning
Train from Linz to Vienna
Take a direct train from Linz Hbf to Wien Hbf; the trip is usually about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. From Wien Hbf, allow around 15 minutes by U-Bahn or taxi to reach the historic centre.
About €15–€35Afternoon
Tour the
Visit the former imperial palace complex and its museums in the Innere Stadt. It is around 15 minutes by U-Bahn or taxi from Wien Hbf, and about 10 minutes’ walk from Stephansplatz.
About €18–€25Afternoon
See St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Walk about 10 minutes through the historic centre to this landmark cathedral. If you want a tower or catacombs visit, check which sections are open and buy the relevant ticket.
About €0–€20Evening
Dinner at
Walk about 5 minutes from the cathedral to this popular restaurant, known for its schnitzel. Booking ahead is a good idea, and portions are generous.
About €25–€40
Vienna: Belvedere and Naschmarkt
Finish with art and gardens at Belvedere, then head to the lively for a leisurely final meal.
Morning
Visit
See the palace galleries and gardens, including the famous collection of Austrian art. From central Vienna, allow about 15 minutes by tram or taxi, or around 25 minutes on foot.
About €17–€22Afternoon
Browse
Take a tram or taxi for roughly 15 minutes from Belvedere, or walk in about 25 minutes, to Vienna’s best-known market. Browse food stalls and choose a relaxed lunch.
About €15–€30Afternoon
Explore the
Walk about 10 minutes from to this lively cultural complex, with museums, courtyards and cafés. Pick a museum if time allows, or simply enjoy the atmosphere.
About €0–€20Evening
Have a final Viennese dinner at
Stay in the area for a relaxed last meal; is about a 5-minute walk away. Reserve ahead for a table in the garden when the weather is warm.
About €25–€45
Good to know
Rail travel
Compare ÖBB and Westbahn fares and book longer train journeys early for better prices. Leave a little flexibility in Salzburg if your Munich train is delayed.
Salzkammergut day trip
The outing depends on seasonal bus and schedules. Check operating dates and the final return bus before committing to the day.
Vienna transport
A 24-hour or multi-day Wiener Linien ticket can be good value if you use the U-Bahn and trams several times.
Reservations
Book popular restaurants and timed museum or palace entries ahead, especially in summer and on weekends.