20-Day Epic Austria Budget Backpacking Itinerary
Austria is often perceived as an expensive destination, but with a bit of savvy planning, it is a backpacker's paradise. By utilizing the extensive OEBB train network, staying in social hostels, and fueling up on supermarket snacks and street-side Käsekrainer, you can witness the best of Central Europe without draining your savings.
This journey takes you from the coffee-house culture of Vienna through the student vibes of Graz, the fairytale lakes of the Salzkammergut, and finally deep into the dramatic mountains of Tyrol. Get ready for breathtaking hikes, historic old towns, and the ultimate epic journey across the Austrian landscape.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Vienna, Austria - Arrival & Imperial Basics
Arrival at Vienna International Airport
Touch down and take the S-Bahn S7 (the budget alternative to the City Airport Train) into the city center for a fraction of the cost.
Stephansdom (St. Stephen's Cathedral)
Marvel at the iconic tiled roof of Vienna's centerpiece. Entry to the main nave is free, offering a glimpse of Gothic grandeur.
The Ringstrasse Walk
Take a self-guided walking tour around the grand circular boulevard, passing the State Opera, Parliament, and City Hall without spending a cent.
Naschmarkt Dinner
Browse the stalls of Vienna's most famous market. Look for falafel stands or the 'Billa' supermarket for affordable local cheese and bread.
Day 2: Vienna, Austria - Gardens and Grandeur
Schönbrunn Palace Gardens
While the palace interior costs money, the massive, UNESCO-listed gardens and the hike up to the Gloriette are completely free.
Hundertwasserhaus
Visit this quirky, colorful apartment block designed by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser for a unique photo op.
St. Marx Cemetery
A peaceful, free-to-visit historical site where Mozart was originally buried in a common grave; it's especially beautiful when the lilac bushes bloom.
Prater Park & the Giant Ferris Wheel
Entrance to the Prater park is free. You can enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere and see the Riesenrad from below without paying for a ride.
Day 3: Vienna, Austria - Art and Islands
MuseumsQuartier Chilling
Hang out on the famous 'Enzi' lounge furniture in the courtyard of the MQ. It’s a great spot for people-watching and a budget picnic.
Donauinsel (Danube Island)
Take the U-Bahn to the Danube Island for a swim or a walk along the 21km of car-free trails, a local favorite for summer budget fun.
Rathausplatz (City Hall Square)
Depending on the season, you'll find free film festivals, food stalls, or the famous Christkindlmarkt in front of the neo-Gothic City Hall.
Bitzinger Würstelstand
Grab a late-night Käsekrainer (cheese-filled sausage) near the Albertina. It is the quintessential, affordable Viennese street food experience.
Day 4: Vienna to Graz, Austria - Transit & Clock Towers
Train to Graz
Take an OEBB Railjet from Wien Hauptbahnhof. Book a 'Sparschiene' ticket early to get the lowest possible fare for the 2.5-hour journey.
Schlossberg Hike
Skip the funicular and walk up the 260 steps to the Uhrturm (Clock Tower) for the best free panoramic views of Graz's red roofs.
Murinsel (Island in the Mur)
Walk across the futuristic steel platform floating in the middle of the river, designed by Vito Acconci for Graz's year as Capital of Culture.
Graz Altstadt Exploration
Wander through the UNESCO-listed old town, making sure to check out the 'Landhaushof' courtyard with its stunning Renaissance arches.
Day 5: Graz, Austria - Creative Culture
Kunsthaus Graz (Exterior)
Admire the 'Friendly Alien' architecture from the outside. The building itself is an artistic statement in the middle of a traditional neighborhood.
Eggenberg Palace Gardens
Take the tram to the edge of the city. While the palace has a fee, the extensive gardens and peacock-filled park are very cheap to enter.
Graz Cathedral & Mausoleum
Visit the quiet, majestic Graz Cathedral, a fine example of Gothic architecture with free entry to the main prayer areas.
Bermuda Triangle Nightlife
The area around Mehlplatz and Prokopigasse is known as the 'Bermuda Triangle' because you can get lost in the many affordable student bars.
Day 6: Graz to Hallstatt, Austria - The Lake District
Scenic Train to Hallstatt
This is one of Austria's most beautiful rail routes. You will likely change in Steinach-Irdning. Watch the mountains rise as you enter the Salzkammergut.
Hallstatt Ferry Crossing
The train station is across the lake from the town. The small ferry ride offers the iconic postcard view of Hallstatt as you approach.
Classic Viewpoint Hike
Walk through the village and up toward the 'World Heritage View' point. It costs nothing to walk the winding stairs and snap the famous photo.
Market Square Dinner
Find a bakery for 'Laugensemmel' (pretzel rolls) and enjoy them by the lake as the day-trippers depart and the town gets quiet.
Day 7: Hallstatt & Obertraun, Austria - Peaks and Pines
Walk to Obertraun
Enjoy a flat, scenic walk along the lake shore from Hallstatt to Obertraun, avoiding the expensive bus and taking in the fresh mountain air.
Koppenbrüller Cave Trail
Follow the trail along the Traun river. The hiking trails in this area are well-marked and free, offering great forest immersion.
Lake Swimming (Summer)
Jump into the crystal-clear (and very cold!) water at the Obertraun lido, which is free to access and has great mountain views.
Back to Hallstatt
Catch the local bus back or walk back during the 'Golden Hour' for spectacular lighting on the Dachstein Massif.
Day 8: Hallstatt to Salzburg, Austria - Salt and Sound
Postbus to Bad Ischl
Take the scenic Bus 542/543. It's cheaper than the train and takes you through the heart of the Salzkammergut region.
Bad Ischl Quick Stop
Stretch your legs in the town where Emperor Franz Joseph had his summer residence. Walk the Esplanade along the river Traun.
Bus 150 to Salzburg
This legendary bus route takes you past Lake Wolfgangsee and Lake Fuschl directly into Salzburg for a few Euros.
Mirabell Gardens
Walk through the free 'Sound of Music' filming location, famous for its Pegasus Fountain and the Rose Garden.
Day 9: Salzburg, Austria - Altstadt Wonders
Getreidegasse
Window shop on Salzburg's most famous street, known for its elaborate wrought-iron guild signs and Mozart's Birthplace (exterior).
Salzburg Cathedral (Dom)
Step inside this baroque masterpiece. Note: There is now a small entry fee for tourists, but it is worth the couple of Euros for the interior art.
Kapuzinerberg Hike
Climb the stairs from Linzer Gasse for an incredible free view of the Hohensalzburg Fortress and the city skyline.
Salzach River Walk
Join the locals for a sunset stroll along the river, crossing the Makartsteg (Love Lock Bridge).
Day 10: Salzburg, Austria - Fortress and Monks
Mönchsberg Walk
Take the path up from the Festival District and walk along the ridge of the mountain for multiple perspectives of the city below.
Hohensalzburg Fortress (Exterior)
While the interior tour is pricey, you can walk around the massive walls and enjoy the courtyard atmosphere for a reduced 'grounds-only' fee.
St. Peter's Cemetery
Explore one of the oldest and most beautiful cemeteries in the world, carved into the rock of the Festungsberg.
Budget Schnitzel
Find a 'Gasthof' slightly outside the tourist center for a more authentic and cheaper Wiener Schnitzel experience.
Day 11: Salzburg to Zell am See, Austria - To the Alps
Train to Zell am See
The 1.5-hour train ride winds through the Salzach valley. It’s a spectacular introduction to the high mountains of the Hohe Tauern.
Lake Promenade Walk
Stroll around the Zeller See. The path is flat, well-paved, and offers stunning views of the surrounding glaciers.
Old Town Exploration
Zell am See is compact and charming. Visit the St. Hippolyte's Church with its beautiful Gothic and Romanesque elements.
Picnic by the Lake
Grab supplies from the Spar supermarket and watch the evening light hit the Kitzsteinhorn glacier from the lakeside park.
Day 12: Zell am See, Austria - Alpine Hiking
Schmittenhöhe Hike
Instead of the expensive cable car, take one of the well-marked trails up the mountain. You’ll save money and earn the incredible views.
Mountain Hut Lunch
Stop at a 'Hütte' for a bowl of Kaspressknödelsuppe (cheese dumpling soup) - the perfect, hearty budget meal for hikers.
Thumersbach Side
Take the local ferry or walk to the Thumersbach side of the lake for a quieter perspective and a public swimming area.
Evening Magic Lake Show
In summer, enjoy the free water, light, and music show held at the Elizabeth Park three times a week.
Day 13: Zell am See & Kaprun, Austria - Gorge and Glaciers
Sigmund Thun Gorge
Take a short bus ride to Kaprun to walk through this dramatic narrow gorge with wooden walkways over rushing water.
Kaprun Castle (Burg Kaprun)
Visit the exterior of this 12th-century fortress, which often hosts free local events or medieval festivals.
Klammsee Lake
Just above the gorge, this turquoise lake offers a beautiful circular walk that is much less crowded than the main Zell am See lake.
Traditional Alpine Dinner
Look for 'Tiroler Gröstl' (a potato and meat fry-up) at a local tavern for a filling, high-calorie, low-cost meal.
Day 14: Zell am See to Innsbruck, Austria - Heart of Tyrol
Train to Innsbruck
Enjoy the ride through the Inn Valley. Innsbruck is nestled directly between massive limestone peaks.
The Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl)
Visit Innsbruck's most famous landmark in the Altstadt, adorned with 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles.
Stadtturm (City Tower)
For a small fee, climb the tower for a 360-degree view of the medieval streets and the surrounding Nordkette mountains.
Inn River Banks
Join the university students with a drink on the river banks near the colorful houses of Mariahilf.
Day 15: Innsbruck, Austria - Peaks and Parks
Hungerburg Hike
Walk from the city center up to Hungerburg. It’s a steep but rewarding 45-minute trek that saves you the cost of the funicular.
Hofgarten Park
Relax in the imperial gardens, located just outside the Hofburg palace. It's a peaceful spot with ancient trees and flower beds.
Maria-Theresien-Straße
Walk the main pedestrian street of Innsbruck, perfect for window shopping and seeing the Annasäule (St. Anne's Column).
Cheap Eats at Markthalle
Visit the market hall before it closes for fresh produce or find one of the many affordable Italian spots (due to proximity to the border).
Day 16: Innsbruck, Austria - Olympic Heritage
Bergisel Ski Jump (Exterior)
Take the tram to see the Olympic ski jump designed by Zaha Hadid. The walk around the stadium grounds offers great views of the city.
Wilten Basilica
Visit this stunning rococo church, one of the most beautiful in Austria, with free entry and incredible ceiling frescoes.
Ambras Castle Gardens
The castle grounds and the surrounding park are free and offer a lovely escape with woods and small waterfalls.
Madritsch Bakery
Pick up some fresh Tyrolean pastries or 'Vinschgerl' bread for a very cheap and authentic local dinner.
Day 17: Innsbruck to Bregenz, Austria - The Vorarlberg Leg
Arlberg Railway Journey
The train from Innsbruck to Bregenz is one of the world's most scenic, crossing the Arlberg Pass. Use your Sparschiene ticket here.
Lake Constance (Bodensee)
Arrive in Bregenz and head straight to the lake promenade. This massive lake borders Austria, Germany, and Switzerland.
Bregenz Festival Stage
See the famous floating opera stage (Seebühne) on the lake. Even when no show is on, the massive sets are incredible to see from the shore.
Oberstadt (Upper Town)
Explore the quiet, medieval upper town of Bregenz, which is much less touristy than the lakefront area.
Day 18: Bregenz & Pfänder, Austria - Three Country View
Pfänder Hike
Avoid the cable car and hike the well-trodden paths to the top of Mount Pfänder for views across Lake Constance into three countries.
Alpine Wildlife Park
At the top of the Pfänder, there is a small wildlife park featuring alpine animals like ibex and marmots that is free to enter.
Vorarlberg Museum (Exterior)
Admire the unique facade made of 16,000 concrete 'petals' (which are actually the bottoms of PET bottles).
Sunset at the Molo
Join the locals on the jetty for the best sunset in Vorarlberg, usually accompanied by street performers in the summer.
Day 19: Bregenz to Vienna, Austria - The Long Return
Trans-Austria Railjet
Prepare for a 6-hour journey across the entire country. Pack a lunch from a local bakery to avoid expensive dining car prices.
Vienna Re-arrival
Check back into your hostel and head to the Danube Canal for some street art viewing and urban vibes.
Zentralfriedhof (Central Cemetery)
Visit one of the world's largest cemeteries to see the graves of Beethoven, Brahms, and Strauss. It's a beautiful, park-like space.
Farewell Heuriger
Head to the outskirts (like Grinzing or Ottakring) to a 'Heuriger' (wine tavern) for a glass of local Gemischter Satz and a buffet plate.
Day 20: Vienna, Austria - Souvenirs & Departure
Brunnenmarkt Breakfast
Visit Vienna's longest street market in the 16th district for cheap olives, hummus, and fresh bread for a final budget feast.
Karlsplatz & Karlskirche
View the stunning baroque church from the outside and enjoy the fountain area, a popular hangout for local students.
Last Minute Shopping
Grab some Manner wafers or Mozartkugeln from a regular supermarket (Hofer or Billa) rather than souvenir shops to save 50%.
Departure
Head to Vienna International Airport for your flight home, concluding your 20-day epic journey.
Best Time to Visit Austria
For budget travelers, the shoulder seasons of May-June and September-October are ideal. You'll avoid the high prices of the summer peak and the winter ski season, while still enjoying weather suitable for hiking and city walking. Winter (December) is magical for Christmas markets but requires a higher budget for accommodation and warm gear.
Currency & Money
Austria uses the Euro (€). While credit cards are widely accepted in cities and larger stores, Austria remains a surprisingly cash-heavy society. Always carry cash for small bakeries, mountain huts, and some guesthouses. Tipping is common but modest; rounding up to the nearest Euro or adding 5-10% is standard in restaurants.
Getting Around Austria
The best way to travel between cities is via the OEBB (Austrian Federal Railways) or Westbahn (a private competitor on the Vienna-Salzburg line). Booking 'Sparschiene' tickets weeks in advance can save you up to 70%. For regional travel, the Postbus network is incredibly efficient and reaches even the smallest mountain villages. Avoid domestic flights, as the train is faster and more scenic.
