The Austria Travel Guide
Welcome to Austria Wanderlust – your trusted Austria travel guide, created for DIY travellers who want to experience Austria like a local.
If you’re dreaming of dramatic Alpine peaks, cobblestone cities, pristine blue lakes, rich culture and food that’s worth travelling for, you’re in the right place.
This Austria travel guide turns uncertainty into confident, well-planned trips without the fluffy clichés or generic advice you’ve already read elsewhere.
IF planning your dream trip feels overwhelming
IF generic, one-size-fits-all tours don’t match your travel style?
IF you’re craving authentic experiences beyond the tourist trail
You’re in exactly the right place.
Don’t just visit Austria—experience Austria like a local.
You don’t need another encyclopaedia of facts from an influencer who snapped a few photos, ticked off the highlights and moved on.
You need practical, honest insight, not recycled lists you’ve seen a hundred times, from someone who actually lives here and understands how Austria really works.
I share real advice for English-speaking travellers based on everyday life in Austria, years of travelling across the country and a genuine understanding of the details that can make or break your trip.
You’ll find up-to-date information, realistic itineraries and insider tips that help you plan with confidence.
You’ll discover what makes Austria truly special, choose destinations that fit your interests and build a trip that reflects how you like to travel.
We believe unforgettable holidays aren’t created by overseas travel agencies or generic algorithms.
They’re shaped by local knowledge, personal experience, and by someone with a genuine passion for sharing the real Austria.
Meet your local Austria Travel Expert
Hi! I’m Tammy, founder of Austria Wanderlust, and your local guide to exploring Austria beyond the guidebooks.
I live in Austria and spend my time travelling across the country, from mountain villages to historic cities and hidden lakes. I’ve experienced Austria in every season and understand both the beauty and the practical side of travelling here.
I know how overwhelming planning can feel. I’m here to make it simpler, clearer and far more exciting.
I genuinely love this country and I want you to experience the Austria that locals cherish, not just the version shown on postcards.
👉 Read more about me & my story
Skip the cookie-cutter impersonal tours and discover an Austria that few travellers truly get to know.
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Discover Austria Your Way
Welcome to Austria Wanderlust, your trusted Austria travel guide for planning an unforgettable trip — without the stress.
Whether you’re dreaming of alpine scenery, historic cities, cultural treasures, Christmas markets, scenic train journeys, or all of the above, everything you need to plan with clarity and confidence lives right here.
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Getting Started: Plan Your Austria Trip Step by Step
Not sure where to begin? Planning a trip to Austria doesn’t have to be complicated.
This Austria travel guide is structured to walk through the process step by step, making it easy to move from early ideas to a well-organised itinerary.
Every traveller plans differently, which is why flexibility matters.
Your Austria Trip, Your Way — Plan It Yourself or Get Expert Support
Some travellers love diving into research and planning every detail.
Others prefer reassurance and step-by-step guidance from someone who knows Austria inside out.
Both approaches work beautifully — and this Austria travel guide supports them equally.
Austria Wanderlust exists to make planning easier, travel richer, and experiences more meaningful. However the journey takes shape, this Austria travel guide is here to help every step of the way.
DIY Austria Trip Planning – Start Here
For travellers who enjoy planning independently, this Austria travel guide offers clear, practical resources to help plan confidently and efficiently from start to finish.
1️⃣ The best place to begin is the Complete Guide to Planning a Trip to Austria.
It covers timing, logistics, budgeting, visas, and the key decisions that shape a smooth and enjoyable holiday.
2️⃣ Understanding when to visit comes next, as timing can completely change the experience.
Alpine regions shine in spring and summer, while cities such as Vienna and Salzburg feel magical all year.
Seasonal guides explain the best months for scenery, festivals, skiing, Christmas markets, and avoiding crowds.
👉 Unsure whether to visit in summer, winter, or shoulder season? The When to Travel to Austria guide makes it easy to decide when to travel.
3️⃣ Choosing where to go is often the most exciting part.
While Austria’s famous cities are iconic, some of the most memorable moments happen in small towns and mountain valleys.
The Top 16 Places to Visit in Austria guide blends must-see highlights with lesser-known gems, helping create a balanced and rewarding itinerary.
4️⃣ Transport planning ties everything together.
Austria’s rail and road networks are excellent, particularly when planned in advance.
Our Transport Guides explain how to use trains, how easy it is to drive in Austria, and how to get a Vignette (road Toll) pass to help you plan with confidence, making it easy to travel between cities, lakes, and alpine regions.
5️⃣ The Free 14-Day Best of Austria Itinerary
Get your 14-day itinerary for Austria, packed with top destinations, must-see sights, and practical travel tips.
Perfect for first-time visitors or those who want a structured plan without the guesswork, this itinerary helps you experience the very best of Austria in two weeks.
Sign up to receive it instantly and start planning your dream Austrian adventure.
Free 14-Day Austria Itinerary
Planning your trip to Austria yourself?
This section gives you everything you need to plan confidently, from step-by-step travel guides and destination insights to practical tips, inspiration, and ready-to-use itineraries.
Explore each area to build your perfect Austrian adventure at your own pace.
Austria Travel Planning Made Simple
Start with the Austria Travel Planning Hub. From step‑by‑step guides to essential travel logistics and insider tips, you’ll find clear, experience‑based guidance to help you travel with confidence.
Start with planning your itinerary, learn the best time to visit, understand entry requirements, and make decisions with ease — all in one central hub.
➡️ Start planning your Austria trip with our Travel Planning Guide
➡️ Check current flight prices to Austria before you start planning
Discover Austria’s Top Places to Visit
Austria’s diverse regions offer dramatic alpine landscapes, historic cities, serene lakes, and charming villages.
Whether you’re dreaming of Vienna’s imperial grandeur, the romantic streets of Salzburg, or alpine towns nestled in the mountains, our destination guides help you decide where to go and what to see
➡️ Explore Austria’s Destinations
Smart Travel tips for Austria
Skip the generic advice — get practical, insider tips that make travelling in Austria easier and more enjoyable.
Learn how to save money, navigate local customs, and avoid common travel mistakes from someone who knows Austria firsthand.
➡️ Read Austria Travel Tips
Adventure & Seasonal Inspiration
From Christmas markets and winter skiing to autumn forests and summer lakes, find inspiration for every season and style of travel. Explore guides that help you experience Austria’s best seasonal highlights and immersive activities.
➡️ Find Austria Travel Inspiration
Wanderlustria’s Austria Trip Planning Help
For those who want reassurance or personalised support, private trip planning consultations offer expert guidance tailored to individual travel styles, priorities, and comfort levels.
Whether the dream involves summer lakes and alpine hikes, winter scenery and Christmas markets, ski holidays, or Vienna’s cafés, palaces, and culture, consultations help turn ideas into realistic, well-paced itineraries.
Alongside this, free planning resources and templates are available through email sign-up, offering helpful tools and insider tips to support planning at every stage.
Expert advice to help you plan your Austria holiday.
We help you plan your dream Austrian holiday.
Book an Austria Trip Planning Consultation
The Wanderlustria Trip Planning Service provides advice on everything you need to know about planning your holiday to Austria- from hotels to tours, where to get the best tickets, train and road trips and share our favourite places and activities to ensure your Austria holiday is memorable.
Find the perfect Austria Travel Consultation for you
Travel Resources & Guides
Explore travel products, digital guides, and planning tools that make your Austria itinerary easier to build and execute — from packing lists to printable planners and more.
➡️ Visit the Austria Wanderlust Shop
Connect with Fellow Travellers
Join our vibrant Austria Travel Planning Facebook Group and newsletter, to get updates, tips, questions answered by fellow Austria lovers, and real travel stories that help you plan smarter.
Meet your Austria Travel Guide
Hi, I’m Tammy — founder of Wanderlustria and the Austria Travel Planning Facebook group.
I’ve lived in Vienna and now in an Austrian ski resort, travelled across this country, and lived on three continents.
I know how confusing travel planning can be, and I’m here to make it easier for you with local insight and real travel experience.
➡️ Learn more about us
Austria Wanderlust
Explore Our Newest Austria Travel Guide & Articles
Planning inspiration is always evolving. The latest Austria travel guides and blog articles appear here, featuring fresh ideas, updated advice, and seasonal inspiration to help travellers stay informed and inspired as plans come together.
Airport and Flying Travel Tips
Prepare for your next trip with our 16 airport and flying travel tips. Ensure your next long-distance flight to Europe is enjoyable and stress-free.
Ultimate Guide on How to Plan your Trip to Austria
Ready to start planning your trip to Austria? But do not know where to start? Read our easy 15-step by step Guide for planning a trip to Austria.
Zell am See Ski Resort Guide: Schmittenhöhe
Explore the Zell am See Ski Resort and Schmittenhöhe, from beginner-friendly slopes to advanced runs, snowparks, après-ski spots, mountain dining, and non-ski winter activities. This complete guide helps you plan the perfect alpine holiday in Austria.
Austrian Ski Tips: 28 Must-Know Essentials for Your Trip
Planning an Austrian ski holiday? These 28 essential tips cover ski hire, lift passes, weather, safety, and local customs to help you ski smarter and enjoy Austria with confidence.
Skiing in Austria: Best Resorts Near Salzburg
Salzburg is the perfect base for skiing in Austria, offering quick access to world-class resorts. From snow-sure glaciers to family-friendly slopes, explore the top ski destinations, insider tips, and practical planning advice for an unforgettable alpine holiday.
Where to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Austria
Discover where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Austria, from Vienna’s elegant balls and public celebrations to alpine fireworks, music-filled towns and magical winter settings.
Austria Ski Destinations- The Austrian Glacier Ski Resorts
Looking for snow-sure skiing in Austria? Explore Austria-Glacier-Ski-Resorts, with seven high-altitude destinations offering epic slopes, panoramic views, and long ski seasons from October to June.
How to Plan a Ski Trip in Austria
Planning a ski trip to Austria is an exciting step towards world-class slopes, alpine scenery and welcoming mountain culture.When you plan a ski trip here, you are choosing a destination renowned for reliable snow, excellent ski schools and well-organised resorts...
Austria at New Year’s: Magical Traditions
Experience Austria at New Year’s like never before, with dazzling fireworks, traditional music, festive city celebrations, and alpine winter magic for every traveller.
14 Reasons Why You Should Ski in Austria
Austria is one of the most popular Ski destinations in the world. Austria has unparalleled scenery and breathtaking mountain panoramas, excellent snow-sure slopes, first-class infrastructure and great value for money. Here are 14 reasons why you should plan your next ski trip in Austria.