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In this article, you'll find details of each stage of our road-trip in a visual and numbered format (map below). The aim is to provide you with as much information as possible to help you build your own route according to your own desires.
A few tips to get you started:
- We have tried to limit the number of accommodations, and have therefore defined a radius zone around each accommodation.
- We booked all our accommodations on Airbnb or Booking and had no problems whatsoever.
- Each time, we opted for central accommodation in the heart of each stage, which allowed us to reach the various locations on our itinerary within an hour's drive.
- Prepare your car rental in advance by comparing rates and booking at the best price.
- Accommodations are marked with a black cross (except for Vienna, where we stayed in the capital itself), in each of the stage-specific maps (below).
- In terms of activities, we alternated each day between culture, nature, and city visits in order to diversify the program and not tire the children out too much.
STAGE 1: Upper Austria
1- Visit the beautiful city of Salzburg
Salzburg, one of Austria's most important cities, is also one of its must-sees. Between strolling through the typical streets and visiting the castle, it's well worth a day or afternoon stopover. We didn't have great weather when we went, but we did appreciate the charm of the city where Mozart was born.
2- Red train SchafbergBahn - Wolfgangsee
One of our most beautiful rides. Taking the train up the side of the mountain to one of Austria's most spectacular vistas is an experience that delighted us.
3- Culture day with a visit to Saint Florian Abbey and the former Mathausen concentration camp
Austria is famous for its beautiful abbeys, and in particular for the beauty of the libraries they house. So we decided to visit Saint Florian Abbey, with its magnificent Baroque library. By the way, it was raining that day, and the program was ideally suited to this type of weather. We spent the second half of the day visiting a former concentration camp, the Mathausen Memorial. This place is still gripping with its history and past, and we highly recommend spending some time there if you can.
4- Walk around the Traunsee lake and swim.
After a day full of culture, we wanted to alternate with some outdoor activities, so we set our sights on the lovely Traunsee lake for walks and drives, lunch and a swim.
STAGE 2: On the road to the capital
We head east to the beautiful capital of Vienna. On our way, we follow the Danube and admire the sublime landscapes before us.
5- Dürnstein and the Danube Valley
The Danube valley, on the way to Vienna, offered us a panorama unique in Austria: a gently undulating landscape of pretty vineyards surrounding the banks of the Danube, typical, welcoming villages, fine cuisine and, of course, good wine.
6- Vienna
It's impossible to take a road trip through Austria without visiting Vienna. It's a unique capital, striking in its beauty and culture. We were there for 2.5 days, but we could spend a week here, so varied are the sights.
STAGE 3: Between Nature and Culture
This stopover, where we set down our suitcases south of Salzburg, made it very easy for us to wander around the region and visit a wide variety of places. We could stay for 5 days without getting bored.
The library at Admont Abbey remains one of my cultural highlights of the trip. Absolutely majestic and breathtaking, with a colorful contrast to that of the Abbey of Saint Florian, it's an ideal place to stroll and contemplate.
8- A day in the great outdoors at Wild & Adventure Park Ferleiten
A program typically aimed at children, but one that we also loved because it lets you spend a day in the great outdoors, with the mountains as a backdrop. The Wild & Adventure Park Ferleiten is an animal reserve where you can observe wild animals on a marked trail, combined with a children's playground.
9- Return trip to Germany, to the Berchtesgaden salt mine and a walk on the Königssee lake
A visit to a salt mine was one of the highlights of our stay. There are salt mines in Austria, but we chose the Berchtesgaden salt mine in Germany, as we had seen on their website that the mine was accessible to babies. We took the opportunity to combine this activity with a walk to Lake Königssee, right next to the mine.
10- Beautiful Hallstatt and its surroundings
It's impossible to think of Austria without evoking the picture-postcard view of Hallstatt. Beyond the town's charm, the area around Lake Hallstätter, and in particular the town of Obertraun, are also worth a visit.
11- Everyone to Hohenwerfen Castle!
Hohenwerfen Castle was a big hit with the kids. The guided tour was well organized and not too long, and the open-air show of birds of prey delighted all the family members!
STAGE 4: Tyrol
Tyrol, one of Austria's most emblematic regions, is a land of grandiose landscapes and rich culture. With its picturesque villages and traditional chalets, the region is as beautiful as the rest of Austria.
12- The Grossglockner Panoramic Route
We couldn't wait to set foot on the legendary Alpine Grossglockner route, and we weren't disappointed. Crossing the road, whether in one direction or the other, is a real activity in itself, and one you shouldn't hesitate to devote time to, pausing to take photos or stroll along.
Innsbrück, with its mountain backdrop, is a pleasant place to stop. We discovered pretty little streets, good restaurants and historic architecture, which gave us the chance to wander around for a day.
14- Swimming at Lake Achensee
We loved Austria's lakes, which are numerous and ideal for relaxation. Lake Achensee is the largest lake in Tyrol, and we spent a day swimming in it, but you can also cycle around it or go boating.
STAGE 5: Vorarlberg
This last stage was also our least favorite. Maybe it's because we'd been enjoying it for more than 2 weeks. Or maybe it's because we got tired more quickly at the end of our road-trip. Whatever the case, we took the time to recharge our batteries as a family, to get out and about without any pressure of timing, and this enabled us to end our stay on a high note.
15- Tirolland and St Anton
Tirolland is a children's activity park that combines a dinosaur exhibit and an upside-down house. We spent a morning there before getting back on the road and stopping for lunch in St. Anton, which is also one of Austria's most famous ski resorts.
16- Bregenz and Liechenstein
Bregenz is a town in the far west of Austria, nestling on the shores of Lake Constance. We loved walking around and admiring the panoramic view of the lake. Liechenstein was less appealing to us, perhaps because we'd already had our fill of it in Austria (?). At the very least, we were able to get back on the road to France calmly and in good spirits.
🚗 Renting a car in Austria with children: tips and budget
For a successful road trip in Austria with children, renting a car is often the most practical and flexible solution. We have put together a comprehensive guide with practical advice, detailed steps, tips for avoiding hidden costs, and best practices for booking at the best price.
💡 Our advice:
- Don't hesitate to compare agencies to find the best prices.
- select an agency with a minimum rating of 8/10
- Book in advance if you plan to travel during peak season.
- Choose a car that is suitable for mountain roads, but also suitable for the number of passengers, luggage, strollers, etc.
- Check that insurance is included in the rental.
👉 Discover our comprehensive guide to renting a car in Austria and avoid unpleasant surprises:
👉 Compare car rental prices in Austria and book at the best rate
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