6-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Austria
Austria might have a reputation for luxury, but for the savvy backpacker, it offers a wealth of world-class experiences that don't cost a cent. By utilizing the incredible rail network, staying in social hostels, and fueling up on legendary street sausages and supermarket delicacies, you can experience the heart of Europe without breaking the bank.
This route takes you from the imperial grandiosity of Vienna through the baroque streets of Salzburg, ending in the dramatic mountain scenery of Innsbruck. Get ready for a high-value, low-cost journey through the Austrian Alps.
Day 1: Vienna, Austria - Imperial Arrivals
Arrival at Vienna International Airport
Land in the capital and bypass the expensive express trains. Take the S-Bahn S7 line for a fraction of the cost to reach the city center.
St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom)
Explore the iconic landmark of Vienna. Entrance to the main nave is free, allowing you to admire the Gothic architecture and the stunning tiled roof without spending a Euro.
Ringstrasse Self-Guided Walk
Walk the grand circular boulevard that surrounds the inner city. You will pass the State Opera, Parliament, and City Hall—all of which are stunning from the outside and free to photograph.
Street Food Dinner at Bitzinger
Join the locals at Bitzinger Würstelstand near the Albertina. Grab a Käsekrainer (cheese-filled sausage) for a few Euros for an authentic and cheap Viennese dinner.
Day 2: Vienna, Austria - Palaces and Parks
Schönbrunn Palace Gardens
Skip the expensive interior tour and spend your morning wandering the massive, UNESCO-listed gardens for free. Hike up to the Gloriette for the best panoramic view of the city.
Naschmarkt Exploration
Visit Vienna's most famous market. While some stalls are pricey, many offer free falafel samples, and you can assemble a cheap picnic of fresh bread, olives, and cheese.
The Prater and Giant Ferris Wheel
Entry to the Prater amusement park is free. While rides cost money, the atmosphere is electric and walking through the 'Green Prater' woods is a great way to relax.
Wombat's City Hostel Social Hour
Head back to the Naschmarkt area. Hostels like Wombat's offer cheap happy hours and a great place to meet fellow travelers before a night out.
Day 3: Salzburg, Austria - The City of Music
Railjet to Salzburg
Board a high-speed train from Wien Westbahnhof. Use the private Westbahn service for often cheaper fares than the national carrier if booked online.
Mirabell Gardens
Start your Salzburg stay where 'The Sound of Music' was filmed. These baroque gardens are free to enter and offer a spectacular view of the Hohensalzburg Fortress.
Getreidegasse & Old Town
Window shop along Salzburg's most famous street. Look up to see the intricate iron guild signs and visit the courtyard of Mozart's Birthplace.
Augustiner Bräu Mülln
Visit Austria's largest beer garden. You can bring your own food (buy it at a local Spar supermarket) and just pay for a stone mug of beer to keep costs ultra-low.
Day 4: Salzburg, Austria - Fortress Views & Hikes
Mönchsberg Hike
Instead of the expensive funicular, walk up the path to the top of Mönchsberg. The trail provides incredible bird's-eye views of the spires of the Old Town for free.
Salzburg Cathedral (Dom)
Visit the heart of the religious district. The interior of this cathedral is a masterpiece of early Baroque art and only requires a small voluntary donation.
Kapitelplatz & Giant Chess
Watch locals play giant chess in the square under the fortress. It is a perfect spot to people-watch and enjoy the mountain air without spending a cent.
Hostel Chillout
Check into one of the budget-friendly stays near the station to save on tomorrow's transit time.
Day 5: Innsbruck, Austria - Into the Alps
Train to Innsbruck
Take the scenic 2-hour train ride through the Tyrolean Alps. Keep your camera ready as the tracks wind through stunning mountain valleys.
The Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl)
Innsbruck's most famous landmark is located in the heart of the Old Town. Admire the 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles from the square below.
Inn River Promenade
Walk along the river to see the famous row of colorful houses against the backdrop of the jagged Nordkette mountain range.
Markthalle Innsbruck
Eat like a local at the market hall. You can find Tyrolean specialties like Speckknödel (bacon dumplings) at reasonable prices in the food stalls.
Day 6: Innsbruck, Austria - Peaks and Departures
Hofgarten Park
Enjoy a final morning walk in the imperial gardens. It is a peaceful green oasis located right on the edge of the historic center.
Maria-Theresien-Straße
Walk Innsbruck's main shopping street for some last-minute window shopping and a view of the St. Anne’s Column with the mountains framed behind it.
Bergisel Ski Jump (Exterior)
Take a short bus ride to see this modern architectural marvel. While entering the tower costs money, seeing it from the base is free and impressive.
Final Departure
Head to Innsbruck Airport or the main train station for your onward journey, using the city's efficient bus network.
Best Time to Visit Austria
For the budget traveler, the shoulder seasons of May-June and September-October are ideal. You will avoid the high prices of the summer peak and the winter ski season, while still enjoying mild weather perfect for hiking and city walking. If you enjoy Christmas markets, late November is magical and can be affordable if you book hostels well in advance.
Currency & Money
Austria uses the Euro (€). While credit cards are widely accepted in shops and hotels, Austria remains a cash-heavy society, especially for small purchases at bakeries, sausage stands, and mountain huts. Tipping is common 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 the private Westbahn. Booking "Sparschiene" tickets in advance can save you up to 70% on long-distance fares. Within cities, public transport is excellent; always check for 24-hour or 48-hour passes, which often include discounts on local attractions.
