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Vienna is a must-visit city in Central Europe, and it’s the perfect “home base” for exploring more of the region. So I’ve rounded up the top weekend trips from Vienna, Austria.
The Ultimate Vienna Travel Guide
To plan the rest of your trip, check out my Vienna City Guide, the best Vienna hotels, and the top vacation rentals in Vienna.
Here are the best weekend trips from Vienna, Austria!
Salzburg, Austria
Known For: music festivals, cathedrals, filming locations for The Sound of Music, and being the home of Mozart.
Distance From Vienna: 3 hours by car, 2 hours 45 minutes by train.
Top Activity Recommendations: do a walking tour of the Old Town, ride the Festungsbahn funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress, visit The Sound of Music filming sites with Fräulein Maria’s Bicycle Tours, see Mozart’s residence and birthplace, and tour the Stiegel brewery.
Best Accommodations: Hotel Sacher Salzburg (historical), Schloss Monchstein Hotel (converted Palais), Hotel Goldener Hirsch (a luxury Marriott hotel), Hotel & Villa Auersperg (boutique).
Innsbruck, Austria
Innsbruck, Austria
Known For: winter sports, Imperial architecture, water activities, and iconic colorful buildings.
Distance From Vienna: 5 hours by car, 4 hours by train.
Top Activity Recommendations: ride the Nordkette funicular, go hiking or skiing (depending on the season), cruise on the river, do a walking tour of the Old Town, visit Ambras Castle, see the Swarovski Kristallwelten, and shop on the Maria-Theresien Strasse.
Best Accommodations: The Penz (design hotel), Hotel Schwarzer Adler (historical), Hotel Nala (boutique), Stage 12 Hotel by Penz (mid-range).
Hallstatt, Austria
Known For: being an iconic Alpine village, water activities, traditional homes, being one of the most popular day trips in Austria.
Distance From Vienna: 3 hours and 30 minutes by car, 3 hours and 45 minutes by train.
Top Activity Recommendations: walk the entire length of Old Town, shop at the Central Square Marktplatz, stroll through the Hallstatt Ossuary, take a boat out on the lake, go up to the Hallstatt Skywalk “Welterbeblick,” and ride the Salzwelten Hallstatt.
Best Accommodations: Hallstatt Hideaway (adults-only), Heritage Hotel Hallstatt (historic), Chalet am Sonnenhang (countryside cottage).
Wachau Valley, Austria
Known For: vineyards, churches, fortresses, rolling hills, and the Danube River.
Distance From Vienna: 1 hour by car, 1 hour and 30 minutes by train.
Top Activity Recommendations: explore Krems and Dürnstein, ride an e-bike along the Danube River, taste wine at local vineyards, visit the Gottweig Abbey, and hike to the Burgruine Dürnstein.
Best Accommodations: Relais & Châteaux Hotel Schloss Dürnstein (gorgeous views), Weinresidenz Sonnleitner (adults-only), Gästehaus Turm Wachau (historical).
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Bratislava, Slovakia
Bratislava, Slovakia
Known For: its pedestrian-only Old Town, food and art scenes, vineyards, and the Little Carpathian mountains.
Distance From Vienna: 1 hour by car, 1 hour and 30 minutes by train, 1 hour and 15 minutes by speedboat.
Top Activity Recommendations: do a walking tour of the Old Town, see Maximilian’s Fountain, eat on St. Michael’s Street, visit St Martin’s Cathedral, taste wines at local vineyards, tour Bratislava Castle, visit Devin Castle, and go to the top of the Kamzík TV Tower.
Best Accommodations: Marrol’s Boutique Hotel (historical), Grand Hotel River Park (gorgeous views), Sheraton Bratislava Hotel (a Marriott hotel, so you can earn and redeem points).
Budapest, Hungary
Known For: its food and art scenes, underground caves, stunning architecture, and for being the Spa Capital of the World.
Distance From Vienna: 2 hours and 30 minutes by car, 2 hours and 30 minutes by train.
Top Activity Recommendations: see the Parliament Building, pamper yourself at the Gellért Baths, visit Heroes’ Square, explore Margaret Island, walk along the Danube Promenade, visit St. Stephen’s Basilica, and tour the Hungarian State Opera House.
Best Accommodations: Aria Hotel (boutique), Corinthia Hotel (spa retreat), Four Seasons Gresham Palace (luxury), Palazzo Zichy (modern).
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Is there anything you’d add to this post about weekend trips from Vienna, Austria? Let us know in the comments!
For Planning The Rest Of Your Trip
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Weekend Trips from Vienna, Austria
Recommended Tours in Vienna
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I go on a weekend in Vienna?
The Best Weekend Getaways from Vienna:
SalzburgTop Activity Recommendations: do a walking tour of the Old Town, ride the Festungsbahn funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress, visit The Sound of Music filming sites with Fräulein Maria’s Bicycle Tours, see Mozart’s residence and birthplace, and tour the Stiegel brewery.
InnsbruckTop Activity Recommendations: ride the Nordkette funicular, go hiking or skiing (depending on the season), cruise on the river, do a walking tour of the Old Town, visit Ambras Castle, see the Swarovski Kristallwelten, and shop on the Maria-Theresien Strasse.
HallstattTop Activity Recommendations: walk the entire length of Old Town, shop at the Central Square Marktplatz, stroll through the Hallstatt Ossuary, take a boat out on the lake, go up to the Hallstatt Skywalk “Welterbeblick,” and ride the Salzwelten Hallstatt.
Wachau ValleyTop Activity Recommendations: explore Krems and Dürnstein, ride an e-bike along the Danube River, taste wine at local vineyards, visit the Gottweig Abbey, and hike to the Burgruine Dürnstein.
BratislavaTop Activity Recommendations: do a walking tour of the Old Town, see Maximilian’s Fountain, eat on St. Michael’s Street, visit St Martin’s Cathedral, taste wines at local vineyards, tour Bratislava Castle, visit Devin Castle, and go to the top of the Kamzík TV Tower.
BudapestTop Activity Recommendations: see the Parliament Building, pamper yourself at the Gellért Baths, visit Heroes’ Square, explore Margaret Island, walk along the Danube Promenade, visit St. Stephen’s Basilica, and tour the Hungarian State Opera House.
Where can I go by train from Vienna?
The Best Weekend Getaways from Vienna:
SalzburgTop Activity Recommendations: do a walking tour of the Old Town, ride the Festungsbahn funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress, visit The Sound of Music filming sites with Fräulein Maria’s Bicycle Tours, see Mozart’s residence and birthplace, and tour the Stiegel brewery.
InnsbruckTop Activity Recommendations: ride the Nordkette funicular, go hiking or skiing (depending on the season), cruise on the river, do a walking tour of the Old Town, visit Ambras Castle, see the Swarovski Kristallwelten, and shop on the Maria-Theresien Strasse.
HallstattTop Activity Recommendations: walk the entire length of Old Town, shop at the Central Square Marktplatz, stroll through the Hallstatt Ossuary, take a boat out on the lake, go up to the Hallstatt Skywalk “Welterbeblick,” and ride the Salzwelten Hallstatt.
Wachau ValleyTop Activity Recommendations: explore Krems and Dürnstein, ride an e-bike along the Danube River, taste wine at local vineyards, visit the Gottweig Abbey, and hike to the Burgruine Dürnstein.
BratislavaTop Activity Recommendations: do a walking tour of the Old Town, see Maximilian’s Fountain, eat on St. Michael’s Street, visit St Martin’s Cathedral, taste wines at local vineyards, tour Bratislava Castle, visit Devin Castle, and go to the top of the Kamzík TV Tower.
BudapestTop Activity Recommendations: see the Parliament Building, pamper yourself at the Gellért Baths, visit Heroes’ Square, explore Margaret Island, walk along the Danube Promenade, visit St. Stephen’s Basilica, and tour the Hungarian State Opera House.
What is the best day trip from Vienna?
The Best Day Trips from Vienna:
Hallstatt. This picturesque lake town is just a short drive or train ride from Vienna. Hallstatt is a small town that can be very crowded during summer. So if you’re visiting in June, July, or August, arrive as early as possible or stay as late as possible to avoid some of the crowds.
The Wachau Valley. This region is known for its rolling hills, vineyards, churches, and fortresses. Located just a short train ride from Vienna, the best way to explore this area along the Danube River is by e-bike (in the Spring, Summer, and Fall) and by car in the winter.
Bratislava. You can take a short speed boat ride to this beautiful city over the border in Slovakia. Make sure you explore Bratislava’s Old Town and check out St. Michael’s Street for some of the city’s best restaurants and cafes.
Melk Abbey. Built atop a rocky mountainside with views across the Danube Valley, Melk Abbey is a majestic Baroque-style building that’s home to famous works of art and stunning gardens.
Is Salzburg worth a day trip from Vienna?
I highly recommend spending at least three days in Salburg – two days to explore the city and one day for a day trip. But if you can only visit Salzburg on a day trip, leave as early as possible and stay as late as possible to maximize your time.
The Best Things To Do in Salzburg:
Do a walking tour of Salzburg’s Old Town.Ride the Festungsbahn funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress.See Mozart’s residence and birthplace.Walk along the MönchsbergVisit Hangar 7.Go to a concert.Tour the Stiegel brewery
Is the train from Vienna to Prague scenic?
Yes, the scenic train ride from Vienna to Prague is beautiful.
The Best Time To Visit Vienna:
June to August is the peak travel season, so be prepared for high prices and crowds. Book your accommodation and tours as early as possible to save money and ensure availability. Summer has warm daytime temperatures in the 80s, but rain is always possible, so bring rain gear.
December is also a peak travel month because of the holidays, Christmas markets, and festivities. So if you plan to visit this month, bundle up, and book early.
September and October are shoulder months. Temperatures will be pleasant during the day and cool in the mornings and evenings. Vienna is significantly less crowded during these months, so accommodation rates will drop, and you can get pictures at the famous spots without competing with crowds. These are also the harvest months for nearby vineyards in the Wachau Valley.
November and January – March is the off-season when you can have Vienna practically to yourself. Snow is expected from November – March, so bring your warmest layers and sturdiest boots. Many tour companies and restaurants will be closed or have limited hours, so you’ll need to research any activities you want to do in advance. You can also score great accommodation deals during these months.
April and May are shoulder months when wildflowers and the city’s gardens start attracting visitors again. Daytime temperatures will be in the 40s – 60s, and you’ll want layers for the cold mornings and evenings. Rain is common during these months, so always have a rain jacket.
Is there a direct train from Vienna to Prague?
Yes, there are 11 direct train rides from Vienna to Prague every day.
SalzburgTop Activity Recommendations: do a walking tour of the Old Town, ride the Festungsbahn funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress, visit The Sound of Music filming sites with Fräulein Maria’s Bicycle Tours, see Mozart’s residence and birthplace, and tour the Stiegel brewery.
InnsbruckTop Activity Recommendations: ride the Nordkette funicular, go hiking or skiing (depending on the season), cruise on the river, do a walking tour of the Old Town, visit Ambras Castle, see the Swarovski Kristallwelten, and shop on the Maria-Theresien Strasse.
HallstattTop Activity Recommendations: walk the entire length of Old Town, shop at the Central Square Marktplatz, stroll through the Hallstatt Ossuary, take a boat out on the lake, go up to the Hallstatt Skywalk “Welterbeblick,” and ride the Salzwelten Hallstatt.
Wachau ValleyTop Activity Recommendations: explore Krems and Dürnstein, ride an e-bike along the Danube River, taste wine at local vineyards, visit the Gottweig Abbey, and hike to the Burgruine Dürnstein.
BratislavaTop Activity Recommendations: do a walking tour of the Old Town, see Maximilian’s Fountain, eat on St. Michael’s Street, visit St Martin’s Cathedral, taste wines at local vineyards, tour Bratislava Castle, visit Devin Castle, and go to the top of the Kamzík TV Tower.
BudapestTop Activity Recommendations: see the Parliament Building, pamper yourself at the Gellért Baths, visit Heroes’ Square, explore Margaret Island, walk along the Danube Promenade, visit St. Stephen’s Basilica, and tour the Hungarian State Opera House.
How far is Vienna to Switzerland by train?
There are multiple daily train rides from Vienna to Zurich every day.
The Best Time To Visit Austria:
June to August is the peak travel season, so be prepared for high prices and crowds. Book your accommodation and tours as early as possible to save money and ensure availability. Summer has warm daytime temperatures in the 80s, but rain is always possible, so bring rain gear.
December is also a peak travel month because of the holidays, Christmas markets, and festivities. So if you plan to visit this month, bundle up, and book early.
September and October are shoulder months. Temperatures will be pleasant during the day and cool in the mornings and evenings. Vienna is significantly less crowded during these months, so accommodation rates will drop, and you can get pictures at the famous spots without competing with crowds. These are also the harvest months for nearby vineyards in the Wachau Valley.
November and January – March is the off-season when you can have Vienna practically to yourself. Snow is expected from November – March, so bring your warmest layers and sturdiest boots. Many tour companies and restaurants will be closed or have limited hours, so you’ll need to research any activities you want to do in advance. You can also score great accommodation deals during these months.
April and May are shoulder months when wildflowers and the city’s gardens start attracting visitors again. Daytime temperatures will be in the 40s – 60s, and you’ll want layers for the cold mornings and evenings. Rain is common during these months, so always have a rain jacket.
Is Vienna or Salzburg better?
Vienna and Salzburg are both incredible destinations, and they will give you very different scenery and experiences. I highly recommend visiting both of these incredible cities for at least three days each!
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This post about weekend trips from Vienna, Austria, is not a sponsored post, and, as always, the thoughts and opinions expressed in this post about weekend trips from Vienna, Austria, are entirely my own. Some of the links in this post about weekend trips from Vienna, Austria, are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission from this post about weekend trips from Vienna, Austria.
