10-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Austria
Austria is often seen as an expensive destination, but with a bit of planning, it is a paradise for budget backpackers. From the grand coffee house culture of Vienna to the jagged mountain peaks of the Tyrol, this itinerary takes you through the country's most iconic spots while keeping costs under $40 a day by utilizing world-class public transport and local supermarkets.
This route balances the imperial elegance of the cities with the breathtaking natural beauty of the lakeside villages. You will stay in social hostels, eat iconic street food like Käsekrainer, and explore the vast network of free hiking trails and palace gardens that make Austria truly spectacular for those on a lean budget.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Vienna, Austria - Arrival & Imperial Basics
Arrival at Vienna International Airport
Touch down and take the S-Bahn (S7) into the city center—it's much cheaper than the City Airport Train (CAT) and uses the same tracks.
Stephansdom (St. Stephen's Cathedral)
Visit the heart of Vienna. While some areas require a fee, the main nave is free to enter and offers a stunning look at Gothic architecture.
Rathausplatz & City Hall
Walk around the massive neo-Gothic City Hall. Depending on the season, there is often a free film festival or market in the square with affordable food stalls.
Donaukanal Street Art Walk
Spend your evening walking along the Danube Canal. It's the hub of Vienna's youth culture, filled with graffiti and spots to sit with a budget-friendly supermarket beer.
Day 2: Vienna, Austria - Palaces & Local Markets
Schönbrunn Palace Gardens
Skip the expensive interior tour and explore the vast palace gardens and the climb to the Gloriette for free, offering the best panoramic view of the city.
Naschmarkt Exploration
Wander through Vienna's most famous market. Visit the stands for free samples and grab a cheap Falafel wrap for a few Euros for lunch.
Maria-Theresien-Platz
Admire the twin museums (Natural History and Art History) from the outside in this grand square, a perfect spot for photography without the entry fees.
Wurstelprater Amusement Park
Entrance to the park grounds is free. You can enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere and see the iconic Riesenrad without spending a cent.
Day 3: Vienna to Salzburg, Austria - Heading West
Train to Salzburg
Board a train for the 2.5-hour journey. Use the budget-friendly private rail for significantly lower prices than the state carrier.
Mirabell Palace & Gardens
Famous for 'The Sound of Music,' these gardens are free to the public and offer the iconic view of Hohensalzburg Fortress framed by flowers.
Getreidegasse Walk
Window shop along Salzburg's most famous historic street, known for its intricate wrought-iron guild signs and the birthplace of Mozart.
Salzach River Sunset
Grab a snack from a local SPAR supermarket and sit by the river banks to watch the sun go down over the Old Town.
Day 4: Salzburg, Austria - Fortress Views & Hills
Kapuzinerberg Hike
Skip the fortress funicular fee and hike up the Kapuzinerberg on the opposite side of the river for the most breathtaking (and free) view of the castle.
St. Peter's Cemetery & Catacombs
Explore one of the oldest and most beautiful cemeteries in the world. The courtyard is free and steeped in mystical history.
Salzburg Cathedral (Dom)
Visit the massive Baroque cathedral. While a small donation is encouraged, it is a budget-friendly way to see world-class religious art.
Augustiner Bräu Beer Garden
Visit Austria's largest beer garden. You can bring your own food here as long as you buy a drink, making it a great budget dinner spot.
Day 5: Salzburg to Hallstatt, Austria - Lakeside Beauty
Regional Transport to Hallstatt
Take the local bus 150 to Bad Ischl and then a train to Hallstatt station. It’s a scenic and affordable way to reach the UNESCO site.
Hallstatt Ferry Crossing
The ferry from the train station to the village is a cheap way to get a classic 'from the water' photo of the famous village.
Skywalk Overlook Path
Instead of the Salt Mine tour, hike the steep zigzag path toward the Skywalk for incredible views of the Dachstein mountains.
Check-in at Obertraun
Accommodation in Hallstatt is pricey; stay in the nearby village of Obertraun for much lower hostel rates and a quieter vibe.
Day 6: Hallstatt to Innsbruck, Austria - Into the Tyrol
Scenic Train Ride to Innsbruck
This 3.5-hour journey takes you through the heart of the Austrian Alps. Keep your camera ready for the mountain passes.
Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl)
Visit Innsbruck's most famous landmark in the Altstadt. The exterior, adorned with 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles, is free to admire.
Maria-Theresien-Straße
Stroll the main pedestrian street of Innsbruck for a perfect view of the Nordkette mountains looming directly over the city buildings.
Inn River Banks
Join the local students and backpackers at the colorful houses of Mariahilf along the river for a budget evening hang-out.
Day 7: Innsbruck, Austria - Alpine Peaks
Innsbruck Hofgarten
Relax in the Imperial Gardens, a beautifully maintained public park that offers a peaceful escape from the tourist crowds.
Bergisel Ski Jump (Lower Path)
Walk toward the Olympic ski jump. While the tower has a fee, the surrounding forest trails offer great views of the structure and the city.
St. James Cathedral
Step inside this Baroque masterpiece. It is one of the most significant ecclesiastical buildings in the Tyrol and free to enter.
Tyrolean Street Food Dinner
Find a local 'Imbiss' stand and try a Kiachl (fried dough with sauerkraut or jam) for a filling and cheap local dinner.
Day 8: Innsbruck to Graz, Austria - The Styrian Capital
Trans-Alpine Train to Graz
This is a longer 6-hour journey, but it is one of the most beautiful train rides in Europe, crossing through several mountain ranges.
Graz Old Town (Altstadt)
Explore the UNESCO-listed city center. Graz is known for its red-roofed buildings and Renaissance courtyards that are free to enter.
Landhaus Courtyard
Step into the courtyard of the regional parliament to see stunning 16th-century arcades that look like a movie set.
Murinsel (Island in the Mur)
Walk across the futuristic floating island in the middle of the river Mur, which glows blue at night and is free to visit.
Day 9: Graz to Vienna, Austria - Clock Towers & Art
Schlossberg Hill & Clock Tower
Hike up the 260 steps to the Uhrturm (Clock Tower). It’s the symbol of Graz and offers the best panoramic view of the city for free.
Kaiser-Josef-Platz Market
Grab a cheap lunch of Styrian delicacies, specifically anything with pumpkin seed oil, at this traditional farmers' market.
Train back to Vienna
Take the 2.5-hour Railjet back to the capital for your final night in Austria.
Hundertwasserhaus Visit
See the quirky, colorful, and uneven apartment house designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser. It’s an outdoor architectural marvel.
Day 10: Vienna, Austria - Final Farewell
Naschmarkt Breakfast
Enjoy one last stroll through the market to pick up affordable Austrian snacks and souvenirs like Mannerschnitten wafers.
Stadtpark & Strauss Statue
Take a relaxing walk through the City Park to see the famous golden statue of Johann Strauss II before heading to the station.
Last-Minute Supermarket Souvenirs
Head to a SPAR or Billa to buy Mozartkugeln chocolate at half the price of the tourist gift shops.
Departure from Vienna International
Take the S7 train back to the airport, concluding your 10-day Austrian budget adventure.
Best Time to Visit Austria
The best time for budget travelers is the shoulder seasons: May to June or September to October. During these months, the weather is perfect for hiking and city walking, but the massive summer crowds (and high hostel prices) haven't peaked. Winter is magical for Christmas markets but can be expensive in ski hubs like Innsbruck. If you want the lowest prices, late October offers crisp air and significant discounts on accommodation.
Currency & Money
Austria uses the Euro (€). While major shops and restaurants in Vienna accept cards, Austria remains a surprisingly cash-heavy society, especially in smaller bakeries, mountain huts, and local 'Imbiss' stands. Always carry at least €20 in cash. Tipping is common but modest; rounding up to the nearest Euro or adding 5-10% for good service in a sit-down cafe is the standard practice.
Getting Around Austria
Public transport in Austria is legendary. For long distances, the ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) is efficient, but budget-conscious travelers should look at Westbahn for the Vienna-Salzburg route or FlixBus for cheaper intercity connections. Within cities, Vienna has one of the world's best subway systems, while Salzburg and Innsbruck are easily navigated on foot or via their extensive bus and tram networks. Always validate your ticket before boarding to avoid heavy fines.
