19-Day Ultimate Family Adventure: An Epic Journey Through Austria
Austria is a dream destination for families seeking a blend of cultural richness and outdoor splendor. This 19-day epic journey is meticulously designed to provide a relaxed pace that respects the needs of younger travelers while ensuring parents experience the full majesty of the Austrian landscape and history.
We focus on accessible transit, stroller-friendly paths in the Alps, and interactive museums that keep every generation engaged. By utilizing Austria's world-class rail network and regional discount cards, you can enjoy an affordable yet high-quality vacation that balances the grandeur of Vienna with the rustic charm of the Salzkammergut lakes.
Day 1: Vienna, Austria - Welcome to the Imperial City
Arrival at Vienna International Airport
Touch down and pick up your pre-ordered transport pass. The City Airport Train (CAT) is the fastest way to the center, but the S7 S-Bahn is more budget-friendly and perfectly accessible for strollers.
Check-in at Hotel Novotel Wien Hauptbahnhof
This family-centric hotel is located right next to the main station, making your future intercity travel incredibly easy. They offer great play areas for kids.
Relaxed Stroll through Stadtpark
Stretch your legs in one of Vienna's oldest parks. Kids can enjoy the large playground while you admire the famous golden Johann Strauss monument.
Dinner at a Traditional Beisl
Enjoy a gentle introduction to Austrian cuisine. Many local 'Beisls' are welcoming to children and offer half-portions of Schnitzel.
Day 2: Vienna, Austria - Palaces and Playgrounds
Schönbrunn Palace Gardens
Skip the long palace interior tours with toddlers and head straight for the massive gardens. The paths are wide, flat, and entirely stroller-friendly.
Schönbrunn Children's Museum
Located within the palace grounds, this interactive museum allows kids to dress up as imperial princes and princesses while learning about history through play.
Tiergarten Schönbrunn (Zoo)
The world's oldest zoo is remarkably modern. It is almost entirely paved, making it easy to navigate with a stroller while seeing giant pandas and elephants.
Strudel Show at Court Bakery
Watch a live apple strudel demonstration. It's short enough to hold a child's attention and ends with a delicious warm tasting.
Day 3: Vienna, Austria - Music and Museums
Haus der Musik
An interactive sound museum. Kids can 'conduct' the Vienna Philharmonic and see how sounds are created in a high-tech, fun environment.
Lunch at Naschmarkt
Explore Vienna's most famous open-air market. It’s a sensory delight for kids, and you can pick up fresh fruit, cheese, and falafel for a quick meal.
Upper Belvedere Gardens
While the art is world-class, the tiered gardens are the real highlight for families. The gravel paths are well-packed and manageable for most strollers.
Casual Dinner near Karlsplatz
Enjoy the evening atmosphere near the stunning St. Charles Church, where kids can run safely in the large pedestrian plaza.
Day 4: Vienna, Austria - Prater Fun
The Wurstelprater Amusement Park
Entry to the park is free; you only pay for rides. It’s home to the iconic Riesenrad (Giant Ferris Wheel), which is slow-moving and safe for all ages.
Donaupark (Danube Park)
Take the U-Bahn to this massive green space. The 'Donauparkbahn' is a miniature train that loops through the park—a huge hit with young children.
Donauturm (Danube Tower)
Get a 360-degree view of Vienna. The elevator is fast and stroller-accessible, and there is a rotating café at the top for a scenic snack.
Farewell Vienna Dinner
Try Figlmüller for the famous oversized Schnitzel (be sure to book weeks in advance) or a more relaxed local tavern.
Day 5: Vienna to Salzburg - Scenic Rail Journey
OBB Railjet to Salzburg
Travel in style on Austria’s high-speed trains. These trains feature dedicated 'Family Zones' with a small cinema for kids and extra space for strollers.
Arrival and Hotel Check-in
Drop your bags at a hotel near the Mirabell Gardens, a central and flat area perfect for families.
Mirabell Gardens Exploration
The setting for many 'Sound of Music' scenes. The Pegasus Fountain and the Dwarf Garden are whimsical spots for kids to explore.
Salzach River Walk
A paved, car-free path along the river that offers stunning views of the fortress and is ideal for an evening stroller push.
Day 6: Salzburg, Austria - Fortresses and Fountains
Hohensalzburg Fortress
Take the funicular up to avoid the steep climb. The castle has a dedicated 'Marionette Museum' that children find fascinating.
Lunch in the Altstadt (Old Town)
Explore the narrow, pedestrian-only streets. Stop at a bakery for a 'Salzburger Nockerl', a famous local sweet soufflé.
Hellbrunn Palace & Trick Fountains
A short bus ride from the center. This is the ultimate kid-friendly activity where hidden fountains surprise guests with water. Expect to get a little wet!
Monchsberg Lift
Take the elevator up for a panoramic view of the city. There is a flat walking path at the top that leads back toward the fortress.
Day 7: Salzburg, Austria - Musical Heritage
Mozart’s Residence
The larger of the two Mozart museums is more spacious and easier to navigate with a stroller than the Birthplace on Getreidegasse.
St. Peter's Cemetery & Catacombs
A peaceful and beautiful historic site. The catacombs are carved into the rock (note: some stairs here, so carry smaller children).
Spielzeugmuseum (Toy Museum)
Located in the heart of Salzburg, this museum is entirely dedicated to play. It's a perfect 'reset' day for children after sightseeing.
Dinner at Augustiner Bräu
A massive beer hall that is surprisingly family-friendly. It has large outdoor gardens and many stalls selling food like pretzels and roasted chicken.
Day 8: Salzburg to St. Gilgen - The Lake District
Postbus to Wolfgangsee
A short, scenic bus ride takes you into the heart of the Salzkammergut region. St. Gilgen is a charming, quiet village on the lake.
Lakeside Lunch
Enjoy fresh lake trout at a waterfront cafe while the children watch the swans and boats.
St. Gilgen Promenade Walk
The lakeside path is flat and offers incredible Alpine views without the need for a strenuous hike.
Zwölferhorn Cable Car
The modern cabins are large enough for a stroller. At the top, there is a short, easy loop trail that is accessible for all.
Day 9: St. Gilgen, Austria - Cog Railways and Cruises
Boat Trip to St. Wolfgang
Take the ferry across Lake Wolfgang. It’s a relaxing 30-minute ride that provides a different perspective of the mountains.
SchafbergBahn Cog Railway
Austria’s steepest steam cog railway. It’s a thrill for kids and leads to the Schafberg summit with views over 13 lakes.
Explore St. Wolfgang Village
Visit the famous White Horse Inn and the beautiful parish church. The village is mostly pedestrianized and easy for walking.
Return Ferry to St. Gilgen
Head back to your base in St. Gilgen for a quiet evening by the water.
Day 10: St. Gilgen to Hallstatt - Fairy-tale Village
Regional Train/Bus to Hallstatt
The journey involves a train and then a ferry across the lake to the village—the ferry ride is a highlight for kids.
Check-in and Lakefront Exploration
Hallstatt is small and best explored on foot. Note: some side streets have stairs, but the main lakeside road is flat.
Hallstatt Skywalk
Take the funicular up to the 'World Heritage View' platform. It's safe, fenced, and offers breathtaking views from 350 meters above the town.
Swan Pedalo Rental
Rent a swan-shaped paddle boat for 30 minutes. It’s a fun, gentle activity that children will remember for years.
Day 11: Hallstatt, Austria - Salt and Subterranean Wonders
Hallstatt Salt Mine (Salzwelten)
This is the oldest salt mine in the world. Older kids will love the long wooden slides (note: minimum age is usually 4 years old).
Lunch in the Market Square
The colorful houses of the Marktplatz make for a perfect photo backdrop while you enjoy a quick meal.
Dachstein Ice Caves (Nearby Obertraun)
A short bus ride away. The ice sculptures are magical for kids, though you should bring warm jackets even in summer.
Lakeside Picnic
Grab supplies from the local supermarket and enjoy a quiet picnic at the Hallstatt bathing island which has a playground.
Day 12: Hallstatt to Innsbruck - Into the Heart of the Alps
Train Journey to Innsbruck
A longer but incredibly scenic ride through the Enns Valley. Make sure to have snacks and tablets ready for the kids.
Check-in near Maria-Theresien-Straße
Staying in the city center allows you easy access to both the mountains and the historic Old Town.
The Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl)
Innsbruck's most famous landmark. The small museum inside is good, but just seeing the 2,657 gilded copper tiles from the square is enough for kids.
Dinner at Stiftskeller
A traditional Tyrolean restaurant with a large garden and plenty of high chairs for younger travelers.
Day 13: Innsbruck, Austria - Peaks and Panoramas
Nordkette Cable Car
The station is right in the city center. You go from the city to 2,256 meters in just 20 minutes. The intermediate stations are great for kids to play in the snow/grass.
Lunch at Seegrube Restaurant
Enjoy a meal with a view of the entire Inn Valley. The outdoor deck is accessible and safe.
Alpenzoo (Alpine Zoo)
Located on the side of the mountain. It specializes in Alpine animals like bears, wolves, and eagles. Parts are steep, but the main routes are stroller-friendly.
Evening Walk by the Inn River
The colorful houses of Maria-Theresien-Straße and the riverbank provide a relaxing atmosphere for the end of the day.
Day 14: Innsbruck, Austria - Crystals and Castles
Swarovski Crystal Worlds (Wattens)
A shuttle bus takes you to this surreal art space. The 'Playtower' and the outdoor labyrinth are designed specifically for children.
Ambras Castle Gardens
A beautiful Renaissance castle on a hill. The surrounding park is full of peacocks which children always find exciting.
Bergisel Ski Jump
Take the elevator to the top of this Olympic venue. There is a café with great views and it’s a thrill for kids to see how high the jumpers start.
Relaxed Pizza Night
Innsbruck has excellent Italian food due to its proximity to the border. Perfect for picky young eaters!
Day 15: Innsbruck to Zell am See - Lake and Glacier
Train to Zell am See
A direct, comfortable ride through the heart of the Tyrol. The views are some of the best in the country.
Hotel Check-in and Lake Cruise
Zell am See is a compact, beautiful town. Start with a relaxing boat tour on the crystal-clear Zeller See.
Schmittenhöhe Mountain
Take the cable car up for 'Schmidolin’s Adventure World', which features hiking paths designed for kids with puzzles and games.
Dinner at a Lakeside Terrace
Watch the sunset over the water while enjoying local delicacies like Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancakes).
Day 16: Zell am See to Graz - The Garden City
Scenic Drive or Train to Graz
This is your longest travel day, heading southeast. If driving, stop at the Admont Abbey Library—the world's largest monastic library.
Check-in and Graz Old Town
Graz is much warmer and more Mediterranean in feel than the Alps. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and very walkable.
The Schlossberg Funicular
Ascend the hill to see the Uhrturm (Clock Tower). For a fun descent, there is a giant indoor slide (The Graz Schlossberg Slide) for kids over 1.3m tall.
Dinner at a Styrian Buschenschank
Styria is known for its pumpkin seed oil and wine. Enjoy a cold platter (Brettljause) in a relaxed garden setting.
Day 17: Graz, Austria - Art and Armory
Landeszeughaus (Styrian Armoury)
The world's largest historic armory. Kids will be amazed by the rows of shining armor and helmets.
The Murinsel (Mur Island)
A floating platform in the river that looks like a giant shell. It has a café and a playground that kids love.
Kunsthaus Graz (Friendly Alien)
Even if you don’t go inside, the bizarre architecture of this modern art museum is a must-see for families.
Farewell Graz Dinner
Try the local fried chicken (Backhendl), which is a Graz specialty and very kid-friendly.
Day 18: Graz to Vienna - Completing the Loop
Train back to Vienna
The Semmering Railway portion of this trip is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its engineering and beauty.
Final Souvenir Shopping
Head to Kärntner Straße in Vienna for high-quality Austrian toys, chocolates (Manner wafers), and clothing.
Coffee House Culture
Visit Cafe Central or Cafe Sacher for one last fancy cake. Many have smaller 'Junior' portions of their famous desserts.
Celebratory Farewell Dinner
Choose a cozy courtyard restaurant in the Spittelberg district to toast to a successful 19-day adventure.
Day 19: Vienna, Austria - Departure
Leisurely Breakfast
Enjoy a final Austrian breakfast with fresh bread, cold cuts, and local jams.
Check-out and Transport to Airport
Allow plenty of time for the airport transit. The Vienna Airport has excellent family lounges with play areas.
Airport Duty-Free and Play Area
Pick up some last-minute Mozartkugeln (Mozart balls) and let the kids burn off energy in the 'Family Fun Gate'.
Departure
Safe travels home with a lifetime of Austrian family memories!
Best Time to Visit Austria
For families, the best time to visit is from June to early September. The weather is warm enough for lake swimming in the Salzkammergut, and all mountain cable cars and kid-focused attractions like Hellbrunn are open. If you prefer winter magic, December offers world-famous Christmas markets, but be prepared for cold temperatures and shorter days which can be harder with strollers.
Currency & Money
Austria uses the Euro (€). While credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are widely accepted in cities and hotels, many smaller Alpine guesthouses, cafes, and mountain huts still prefer cash. Tipping is standard but modest—rounding up the bill by 5-10% is the typical way to show appreciation in restaurants.
Getting Around Austria
The OBB (Austrian Federal Railways) is the backbone of travel in Austria and is world-class. Trains are punctual, clean, and offer excellent family facilities. For intercity travel, the Railjet is your best friend. Within cities like Vienna, the U-Bahn is extremely stroller-accessible with elevators at almost every station. For more remote parts of the Lake District, a rental car for a few days can offer more flexibility with young children.
