14-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Austria
Austria might have a reputation for being an expensive Alpine playground, but for the savvy backpacker, it is a treasure trove of affordable culture and breathtaking scenery. By leveraging the country's efficient train network and sticking to the wealth of free historical sites, you can experience the heart of Europe on a shoestring budget.
This 14-day journey takes you from the imperial grandeur of Vienna through the musical streets of Salzburg and deep into the dramatic peaks of the Tyrol. We focus on local 'Würstelstands' for meals, supermarket picnics with mountain views, and the incredible network of high-quality hostels that make budget travel in Austria not only possible but incredibly comfortable.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Vienna
Stephansplatz & St. Stephen's Cathedral
Start at the heart of Vienna. While the catacombs cost money, entering the main nave of this Gothic masterpiece is free. Marvel at the tiled roof and the intricate stone carvings.
Lunch at a Würstelstand
Grab a Käsekrainer (cheese-filled sausage) at a local street stand for a few Euros. It is the quintessential Viennese budget lunch.
Stadtpark Exploration
Walk through Vienna's first public park. Find the famous golden statue of Johann Strauss II and relax by the lake.
Naschmarkt Evening
Browse the stalls of Vienna's most famous market. Towards closing time, many vendors offer samples or discounts on produce and snacks.
Day 2: Vienna - Imperial Gardens & History
Schönbrunn Palace Gardens
While the palace interior requires a ticket, the massive formal gardens and the walk up to the Gloriette hill are free. Enjoy the best view of the city from the top.
Rathausplatz & City Hall
Visit the impressive Neo-Gothic City Hall. Depending on the season, the square in front hosts free film festivals or Christmas markets.
Ringstraße Walk
Walk the circular grand boulevard of Vienna. You'll pass the Parliament, the State Opera, and the University—all stunning architectural landmarks viewable for free from the sidewalk.
Donauinsel (Danube Island)
Take the U-Bahn to this massive recreation area. It's a popular spot for locals to hang out by the water with a supermarket beer and enjoy the sunset.
Day 3: Vienna - Art & Modern Vibes
MuseumsQuartier (MQ)
Hang out in the courtyards of the MQ. The iconic Enzi lounge chairs are free to use and provide a great atmosphere for people-watching in the art district.
Hundertwasserhaus
Visit this eccentric, colorful apartment block designed by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. It’s a photographer’s dream and completely free to view from the outside.
Prater Park
Entrance to the historic amusement park is free. While rides cost money, walking through the 'Wurstelprater' and the adjacent green parklands costs nothing.
Belvedere Gardens
Stroll through the manicured gardens of the Upper and Lower Belvedere. The Baroque landscaping is some of the finest in Europe.
Day 4: Travel to Linz - Industrial Art
Train to Linz
Take a budget-friendly Westbahn or ÖBB Sparschiene train from Vienna Westbahnhof. The journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Linz Main Square (Hauptplatz)
Explore one of the largest enclosed squares in Europe, featuring the impressive Trinity Column.
Pöstlingberg Hike
Instead of taking the expensive tram, hike up the hill to the pilgrimage church. You'll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the Danube river.
Mural Harbor (Outdoor Gallery)
Walk through the harbor area to see massive pieces of graffiti and street art on industrial buildings—it’s one of the world's largest outdoor galleries.
Day 5: Salzburg - Music & Mirabell
Arrival in Salzburg
Catch the train from Linz to Salzburg (approx. 1 hour). Drop your bags at the hostel and head straight to the Altstadt (Old Town).
Mirabell Gardens
Relive the 'Do-Re-Mi' scene from The Sound of Music. These beautiful gardens are free and offer a perfect view of the Hohensalzburg Fortress.
Getreidegasse & Mozart's Birthplace
Walk through the famous shopping street with its traditional wrought-iron signs. You can view the exterior of the house where Mozart was born.
Salzburg Cathedral (Dom)
A masterpiece of Baroque architecture. While there is a small entry fee for the museum, the main cathedral space is often accessible for a small donation.
Day 6: Salzburg - Monks & Mountains
Kapuzinerberg Hike
Hike up the opposite side of the river for the best sunset and city views. It is much quieter and entirely free compared to the fortress side.
St. Peter’s Cemetery
Visit one of the world's oldest and most beautiful cemeteries. The wrought iron crosses and flower-filled graves are incredibly atmospheric.
Kapitelplatz & Chess
Watch locals play giant chess in the square and take a photo with the 'Sphaera' (the man on the golden ball) sculpture.
Augustiner Bräustübl
Visit this historic brewery. You can bring your own food as long as you buy a drink, making it a great budget dinner spot in a massive beer hall.
Day 7: Hallstatt - Alpine Day Trip
Bus 150 to Bad Ischl
Start your day trip to Hallstatt by taking the public bus. It's cheaper than a guided tour and offers stunning lake views.
Hallstatt Village Walk
Explore the most photographed village in the world. Avoid the expensive salt mines and simply walk the lakeside paths for incredible views.
Lakeside Picnic
Avoid the lakeside restaurants which are very pricey. Grab a sandwich from the local supermarket and sit by the pier.
Return to Salzburg
Take the ferry across the lake to the train station for the most scenic exit, then catch the train back to Salzburg.
Day 8: Innsbruck - Into the Alps
Train to Innsbruck
Enjoy one of the most scenic train rides in Austria as you head into the Tyrol region (approx. 2 hours).
The Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl)
Visit the symbol of Innsbruck in the heart of the Old Town. The 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles are a sight to behold.
Inn River Walk
Walk along the bright green Inn River and take photos of the famous colorful houses of the Mariahilf district against the mountain backdrop.
Check-in & Chill
Head to your hostel and meet other hikers. Budget travelers often share tips on the best free trails here.
Day 9: Innsbruck - Peaks & Panoramas
Nordkette Nature Hike
Instead of the expensive cable car, hike to the Hungerburg station. The trail is well-marked and offers stunning views of the valley below.
Lunch at a Mountain Hut
Stop at a 'Hütte' and order a 'Tiroler Gröstl' (potato and meat fry). It's filling, relatively cheap, and authentic Alpine fuel.
Bergisel Ski Jump
Walk to the base of this Olympic landmark. The architecture is striking, and the surrounding park offers great views of the stadium.
Maria-Theresien-Straße
Stroll the main pedestrian street of Innsbruck at twilight when the mountain peaks are still glowing but the city lights are on.
Day 10: Innsbruck - Culture & Cloisters
Hofgarten Park
Enjoy the peaceful imperial gardens. It's a great spot for a morning coffee or to read a book surrounded by Alpine peaks.
Wilten Abbey
Visit this beautiful Baroque church on the edge of the city. The interior is stunning and it’s much quieter than the central tourist spots.
Triumphal Arch
Walk to the end of Maria-Theresien-Straße to see the Roman-style arch built to commemorate an imperial wedding and a death.
Supermarket Dinner
Save money by visiting a 'Spar' or 'Billa' for local cheese and speck, then head to the riverbank for a sunset picnic.
Day 11: Graz - The Student City
Long Train to Graz
This is a longer travel day (approx. 4 hours). Use the time to catch up on journaling or planning your next stops.
Schlossberg Hill
Skip the elevator and walk the 260 zig-zag stairs to the top. You'll reach the Uhrturm (Clock Tower), the symbol of Graz.
Graz Old Town (Altstadt)
Explore the winding alleys of this UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s significantly cheaper than Vienna or Salzburg.
Bermuda Triangle
Graz has a huge student population. Head to the 'Bermuda Dreieck' area for affordable bars and cheap late-night eats.
Day 12: Graz - Modern Art & Courtyards
Landhaushof Courtyard
Visit one of the most important Renaissance courtyards in Austria. The arched walkways are incredibly photogenic and free to enter.
Murinsel (Island in the Mur)
Walk across this futuristic floating island made of steel and glass in the middle of the river Mur. It also houses a cafe.
Kunsthaus Graz (Exterior)
Known as the 'Friendly Alien,' this modern art museum is worth seeing just for its bizarre blue exterior architecture.
Eggenberg Palace Gardens
Take the tram to the edge of the city. While the palace has an entry fee, the extensive parklands are a cheap and peaceful escape.
Day 13: Return to Vienna - Final Sights
Train back to Vienna
The final leg of the journey takes about 2.5 hours. Spend your afternoon at the Brunnenmarkt for a more local, non-touristy market experience.
Karlskirche (St. Charles Church)
Admire the massive Baroque dome from the outside. The park in front is a great place to sit and relax among students.
Donaukanal Street Art
Walk along the Danube Canal. It’s a legal graffiti zone and the walls are constantly changing. It’s the coolest spot for an evening walk.
Farewell Dinner
Find a 'Heuriger' (wine tavern) in the suburbs like Grinzing for a final authentic meal that won't break the bank.
Day 14: Vienna - Departure
Souvenir Shopping
Hit the local supermarkets for Manner wafers or Mozartkugeln chocolate—it’s much cheaper than the souvenir shops at the airport.
Zentralfriedhof (Central Cemetery)
Visit the final resting places of Beethoven, Brahms, and Schubert. It's more like a park and a very peaceful way to end the trip.
Airport Transfer
Take the S-Bahn (S7) to the airport instead of the expensive City Airport Train (CAT). It takes 10 minutes longer but costs a fraction of the price.
Departure
Bid farewell to Austria and begin the journey home.
Best Time to Visit Austria
For budget travelers, the shoulder seasons of May-June and September-October are ideal. The weather is perfect for hiking, the crowds are thinner, and hostel prices are more competitive. Winter is beautiful but can be expensive due to the ski season, while July and August see peak prices and high temperatures in the cities.
Currency & Money
Austria uses the Euro (€). While credit cards are widely accepted in shops and hotels, Austria remains a surprisingly cash-heavy society. Smaller bakeries, Würstelstands, and mountain huts may only accept cash. Tipping is customary but modest; rounding up the bill by 5-10% is standard practice in cafes and restaurants.
Getting Around Austria
The best way to travel between cities is via the ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) or Westbahn. Booking 'Sparschiene' (discounted) tickets well in advance is the key to staying on budget. For travel within cities, Austria has world-class public transport; always check for 24-hour or 48-hour passes which offer better value than single tickets. For the cheapest intercity travel, FlixBus is a reliable and frequently cheaper alternative to the train.
