13-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Austria
Austria is often perceived as a high-end luxury destination, but for the savvy backpacker, it offers an incredible network of affordable hostels, efficient public transport, and world-class free attractions. This 13-day itinerary takes you from the bustling street markets of Vienna to the serene alpine lakes of the Salzkammergut, all while maintaining an ultra-lean budget.
By leveraging regional rail passes, supermarket meals (like the classic Leberkäsesemmel), and focusing on the country's stunning natural landscapes and historic city centers, you can experience the best of Central Europe for under $40 a day. Get ready to hike, explore, and soak in the culture of one of Europe's most beautiful nations.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Vienna, Austria - Arrival & Imperial Strolls
Arrival at Vienna International Airport
Touch down and take the OBB Railjet or S-Bahn S7 to the city center for just a few Euros, avoiding the expensive City Airport Train (CAT).
Stephansplatz & St. Stephen's Cathedral
Visit the heart of Vienna. While the catacombs cost extra, the main nave of this Gothic masterpiece is free to enter and admire.
Naschmarkt Exploration
Walk through Vienna's most famous market. Browse the stalls and grab a cheap falafel wrap or local cheese for a budget-friendly lunch.
Prater Public Park
Walk through the historic amusement park. Entry to the park grounds is free, allowing you to see the iconic Riesenrad ferris wheel without spending a cent.
Day 2: Vienna, Austria - Ringstrasse & Culture
Ringstrasse Self-Guided Tour
Walk or take the local tram around the Ringstrasse to see the Parliament, City Hall (Rathaus), and the State Opera house from the outside.
MuseumsQuartier Chilling
Hang out in the courtyards of the MuseumsQuartier. It is a prime spot for people-watching and enjoying a grocery-store picnic on the famous 'Enzi' lounge chairs.
Heldenplatz & Hofburg
Explore the massive courtyards of the former imperial palace. It is completely free to walk through these historic grounds where emperors once resided.
Danube Canal Street Art
Walk along the Donaukanal to see impressive legal graffiti and soak in the youthful, alternative vibe of Vienna's waterfront bars.
Day 3: Vienna, Austria - Palaces & Panoramas
Schönbrunn Palace Gardens
While the palace interior is pricey, the massive gardens, the Neptune Fountain, and the hike up to the Gloriette hill are entirely free.
Belvedere Gardens
Stroll through the manicured Baroque gardens of the Upper and Lower Belvedere. The views of the city skyline from here are iconic.
Zentralfriedhof (Central Cemetery)
Visit the final resting places of Beethoven, Brahms, and Strauss. It sounds macabre, but it's a beautiful, park-like setting and free to enter.
Hostel Social Hour
Head back to your base to meet fellow travelers and save money by cooking in the communal kitchen.
Day 4: Vienna to Graz, Austria - The Styrian Capital
OBB Railjet to Graz
Enjoy a scenic 2.5-hour train ride through the Semmering Pass, a UNESCO World Heritage railway route.
Hauptplatz & Old Town
Check into your hostel and head to the main square to admire the painted facades and the stunning Town Hall.
Murinsel (Island in the Mur)
Walk across the futuristic floating platform in the middle of the river Mur, designed by artist Vito Acconci.
Graz Cathedral & Mausoleum
Explore the spiritual heart of the city and the nearby 'Grazer Burg' with its unique double-spiral staircase.
Day 5: Graz, Austria - Views & Valleys
Schlossberg Hike
Skip the funicular and hike up the stairs to the Uhrturm (Clock Tower) for the best panoramic view of Graz’s red-tiled roofs.
Eggenberg Palace Grounds
Take a short tram ride to the edge of the city to roam the extensive peacock-filled gardens of this Baroque palace for a small fee.
Stadtpark Graz
Relax in the city's largest green space, a popular spot for local students to gather and play music.
Bermuda Triangle Nightlife
Explore the area around Mehlplatz and Prokopigasse, known for its dense concentration of affordable student bars.
Day 6: Graz to Hallstatt, Austria - Into the Salzkammergut
Train to Hallstatt
A longer travel day (approx 3.5 hours) with transfers, but the views of the Austrian mountains as you approach are breathtaking.
Hallstatt Ferry Crossing
Arrive at the Hallstatt train station (located across the lake) and take the boat across for the most photogenic approach to the village.
Hallstatt Skywalk (Hiking Path)
Instead of the expensive salt mine tour, hike the steep path up toward the Rudolfsturm for incredible views over the Hallstätter See.
Lakeside Evening Walk
Wait for the day-trippers to leave and enjoy the quiet, mystical atmosphere of the village at dusk.
Day 7: Hallstatt to Salzburg, Austria - The Lake District
Bus 542 and 150 Journey
Take the regional bus network through the scenic Lake District toward Salzburg, passing through the beautiful town of Bad Ischl.
Mirabell Gardens
Arrive in Salzburg and head straight to these free gardens, famous for the 'Do-Re-Mi' scene in The Sound of Music.
Getreidegasse Stroll
Window shop along Salzburg's most famous street, known for its wrought-iron signs and being the birthplace of Mozart.
Salzach River Banks
Join the locals for a sunset drink on the grassy banks of the Salzach river, overlooking the Hohensalzburg Fortress.
Day 8: Salzburg, Austria - Fortresses & Fountains
Hohensalzburg Fortress Hike
Save money by hiking up the hill rather than taking the funicular. Explore the exterior courtyards and bastion views for free.
Salzburg Cathedral (Dom)
Enter this stunning Baroque cathedral (small entry fee) where Mozart was baptized.
St. Peter's Cemetery
Visit one of the oldest and most beautiful cemeteries in the world, tucked at the base of the Monchsberg mountain.
Monchsberg Hike
Walk the ridge of the Monchsberg from the fortress toward the Museum of Modern Art for the classic postcard view of the city.
Day 9: Salzburg, Austria - Palaces & Monasteries
Hellbrunn Palace Gardens
Take a bus to the edge of the city to explore the vast gardens and see the gazebo from The Sound of Music (exterior is free).
Nonnberg Abbey
Visit the oldest nunnery in the German-speaking world, perched above the city with a serene atmosphere.
Augustiner Bräustübl
Visit the brewery at Mülln. While the beer costs money, the atmosphere in the massive stone halls is free, and you can bring your own food.
Kapuzinerberg Sunset
Hike up the opposite side of the river for a different perspective of the city as the lights come on.
Day 10: Salzburg to Innsbruck, Austria - Tyrolean Heights
Scenic Train to Innsbruck
Board the train heading west. Try to sit on the right side for the best views of the Alps as you enter the Tyrol region.
The Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl)
Explore Innsbruck's Old Town and see the famous 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles of the Emperor's balcony.
Inn River Walk
Walk along the river to see the iconic colorful houses of the Mariahilf district against the backdrop of the Nordkette mountains.
Maria-Theresien-Strasse
Stroll the main pedestrian shopping street and admire the Annasäule (Anne’s Column) and the Triumphal Arch.
Day 11: Innsbruck, Austria - Alpine Adventures
Nordkette Hungerburg Hike
Instead of the expensive cable car, hike up to the Hungerburg station for a great mid-level view of the Inn Valley.
Hofgarten Park
Relax in the imperial gardens, a perfect spot for a cheap grocery-store lunch in the center of the city.
St. James Cathedral
Visit this high Baroque cathedral in the old town, featuring a famous painting by Lucas Cranach the Elder.
Bergisel Ski Jump (Exterior)
Walk toward the Bergisel hill to see the stunning modern architecture of the Olympic ski jump from below.
Day 12: Innsbruck, Austria - Hidden Gems
Wilten Basilica
Visit this stunning Rococo church on the outskirts of the city, often considered one of the most beautiful in Austria.
Schloss Ambras Gardens
Take the local tram to Ambras Castle and explore the massive English landscape gardens for free.
Sill Gorge (Sillschlucht)
Enjoy a short hike through this dramatic river gorge located just a 20-minute walk from the city center.
Farewell Tyrolean Dinner
Find a local 'Gasthof' away from the main tourist strip for a reasonably priced plate of Kaspressknödel (cheese dumplings).
Day 13: Innsbruck, Austria - Departure
Final Alpine Breakfast
Grab a pastry from a local MPREIS supermarket bakery and enjoy it by the river for a final mountain view.
Souvenir Shopping
Pick up some affordable Manner wafers or pumpkin seed oil from a local grocery store to take home.
Transfer to Innsbruck Airport
Take the Bus Line F from the city center directly to the airport for the price of a standard local ticket.
Departure
Fly out of Innsbruck or take a FlixBus/OBB train to Munich or Vienna for your international connection.
Best Time to Visit Austria
The best time for budget backpackers to visit Austria is during the shoulder seasons: late spring (May and June) or early autumn (September and October). During these months, the weather is mild enough for hiking and city exploration, but the heavy crowds and peak prices of July and August are avoided. Winter (December to February) is magical for Christmas markets, but prices in Alpine regions like Innsbruck skyrocket due to ski season.
Currency & Money
Austria uses the Euro (€). While credit and debit cards are widely accepted in supermarkets, hotels, and larger restaurants, Austria remains a surprisingly cash-heavy society. Smaller cafes, bakeries, and mountain huts may only accept cash. Tipping is customary but modest; rounding up the bill or adding 5-10% for good service in sit-down restaurants is standard.
Getting Around Austria
Austria has one of the best public transport systems in the world. The national rail provider, ÖBB, offers 'Sparschiene' tickets which are significantly cheaper if booked weeks in advance. For those on an ultra-lean budget, FlixBus operates routes between major cities like Vienna, Graz, and Salzburg at a fraction of the cost of last-minute train tickets. Within cities, the local transport networks (trams and buses) are efficient and offer affordable 24-hour or 72-hour passes.
