11-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Austria
Austria is often seen as an expensive playground for the elite, but for the savvy backpacker, it is a land of accessible alpine peaks, vibrant street food, and world-class public transit. By focusing on supermarket picnics from Spar or Billa, utilizing 'Sparschiene' discounted train tickets, and embracing the thriving hostel culture, you can experience the heart of Europe on a shoestring budget.
This 11-day route takes you from the imperial grandeur of Vienna through the musical streets of Salzburg, into the jagged peaks of the Tyrol, and finally to the shores of Lake Constance. Prepare for breathtaking hikes, historic old towns, and plenty of free cultural experiences that don't cost a single Euro.
Day 1: Vienna - Imperial Arrival
Arrive at Vienna International Airport
Touch down and take the S7 suburban train (S-Bahn) instead of the expensive CAT train to reach the city center for a fraction of the price.
Stephansdom (St. Stephen's Cathedral)
Visit the iconic heart of Vienna. While some areas require a fee, the main nave is free to enter and admire the stunning Gothic architecture.
The Ringstrasse Walk
Embark on a self-guided walking tour of the Ring Road to see the Parliament, Rathaus (City Hall), and State Opera from the outside.
Naschmarkt Dinner
Head to Vienna's most famous market. Grab a cheap falafel wrap or 'Käsekrainer' (cheese-filled sausage) from a stand for under €6.
Day 2: Vienna - Gardens & Grachten
Schönbrunn Palace Gardens
While the palace interior is pricey, the massive imperial gardens and the hike up to the Gloriette hill are completely free and offer the best views.
MuseumsQuartier Hangout
Grab a sandwich from a local Billa supermarket and sit on the famous 'Enzi' lounge furniture in the MQ courtyard to soak in the artistic vibes.
Prater Park & Hauptallee
Explore the historic amusement park. Entry to the park is free; you only pay for rides. The green meadows of the Prater are perfect for a budget sunset stroll.
Donaukanal Street Art
Walk along the Danube Canal to see vibrant graffiti and enjoy the city's alternative nightlife scene where people congregate by the water.
Day 3: Vienna to Salzburg - Sound of Music
Westbahn Train to Salzburg
Travel from Vienna Westbahnhof. The private Westbahn often offers cheaper walk-on fares than the national OEBB trains.
Mirabell Gardens
Walk through the beautiful gardens where 'Do-Re-Mi' was filmed. It’s free and offers a stunning view of the Hohensalzburg Fortress.
Getreidegasse Exploration
Window shop along Salzburg's most famous historic street, known for its intricate wrought-iron guild signs and Mozart's birthplace.
Augustiner Bräu Mülln
Visit Austria's largest beer garden. You can bring your own food as long as you buy a drink, making it the ultimate budget dinner spot.
Day 4: Salzburg - Fortress Views & Hikes
Kapuzinerberg Hike
Skip the fortress funicular and hike up the Kapuzinerberg on the opposite side of the river for the most iconic, free panoramic view of Salzburg.
St. Peter's Cemetery
Visit one of the world's oldest and most beautiful cemeteries. The catacombs have a small fee, but the cemetery itself is free.
Salzburg Cathedral (Dom)
Enter the magnificent baroque cathedral. A small donation is encouraged, but it remains one of the city's most accessible landmarks.
Salzach River Sunset
Join the locals on the banks of the Salzach river with a cold beverage for a relaxing end to the day.
Day 5: Hallstatt - The Fairy Tale Day Trip
Bus 150 to Bad Ischl
Start your journey to Hallstatt. Using the public bus and then the train is significantly cheaper than a guided tour.
Hallstatt Lake Crossing
Take the ferry from the train station across the lake. This is the cheapest way to get that 'million dollar' photo of the village from the water.
Müllerstiege Hike
Avoid the Salt Mine tour cost and hike up the stairs toward the Skywalk area for a free view over the Dachstein mountains.
Return to Salzburg
Head back to your Salzburg hostel for the night, as Hallstatt accommodation prices are astronomical.
Day 6: Salzburg to Graz - Trans-Alpine Trek
Scenic Train to Graz
Enjoy one of Austria's most beautiful rail routes through the Ennstal valley. Bring your own snacks for this 3-hour journey.
Schlossberg Hill
In Graz, skip the lift and walk the 260 steps (Kriegersteig) up to the Uhrturm (Clock Tower) for a free view of the red-roofed city.
The Murinsel
Explore the 'Island in the Mur,' a floating steel shell connecting the two riverbanks. It’s free to walk through and a marvel of modern design.
Graz Student District Eats
Head near the University of Graz for 'Bausatzlokale' restaurants where you can build your own pizza or burger for a very low price.
Day 7: Graz - Design & History
Kunsthaus Graz (Exterior)
Admire the 'Friendly Alien' architecture from the outside. The building itself is a landmark of contemporary art.
Old Town Courtyards
Explore the hidden Renaissance courtyards like the Landhaushof. These are free to enter and offer peace away from the main streets.
Eggenberg Palace Gardens
Take the tram to the edge of the city. While the palace rooms cost money, the expansive peacock-filled gardens are very affordable.
Hauptplatz Food Stands
Grab a local 'Styrian' hot dog or a slice of pizza from the stands at the main square for a quick, cheap dinner.
Day 8: Graz to Innsbruck - The Heart of Tyrol
Long-Haul Train to Innsbruck
This is a 5-6 hour journey. It is the perfect time to catch up on journaling or enjoy the dramatic mountain scenery through the window.
Maria-Theresien-Straße
Walk Innsbruck's main street. Admire the Annasäule (column) with the Nordkette mountain range towering directly behind the city buildings.
The Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl)
See Innsbruck's most famous landmark. The museum inside has a fee, but the exterior view is the real highlight and it’s free.
Innsbruck Riverside Chill
Sit by the Inn River in the Mariahilf district. The colorful houses reflected in the water are a photographer's dream.
Day 9: Innsbruck - Alpine Peaks
Hike to Hungerburg
Save €15+ by hiking from the city center up to Hungerburg instead of taking the funicular. The trail is well-marked and takes about 45 minutes.
Hofgarten Picnic
Return to the city and eat lunch in the Imperial Gardens. It’s a beautifully maintained park perfect for budget travelers.
Bergisel Ski Jump (Exterior)
Walk to the Olympic ski jump. You can see the massive structure and enjoy views of the city from the base without paying for the tower lift.
Tyrolean Dumpling Dinner
Find a small 'Gasthof' away from the main strip and order 'Knödel' (dumplings)—they are filling, traditional, and usually the cheapest hot meal.
Day 10: Innsbruck to Bregenz - Lake Constance
Arlberg Pass Train
Take the train west toward Vorarlberg. This route passes through the famous Arlberg tunnel and some of the highest rail points in the country.
Bregenz Lakeside Promenade
Walk along the shores of Lake Constance (Bodensee). You can see Germany and Switzerland across the water.
Bregenz Festival Stage
Visit the world's largest floating stage. Even when there's no performance, you can usually view the massive, artistic set designs for free.
Sunset at the Molo
Join the locals at the 'Molo' (pier) for one of the best sunsets in Austria as the sun dips behind the lake.
Day 11: Bregenz - Final Vistas & Departure
Pfänder Mountain Hike
Instead of the cable car, take the 1.5-hour hike to the top of the Pfänder for a 360-degree view of 240 Alpine peaks.
Oberstadt (Upper Town)
Explore the quiet, medieval heart of Bregenz. It’s much less touristy than the lakeside and full of historic charm.
Final Souvenir Shopping
Pick up some Manner wafers or pumpkin seed oil from a local SPAR supermarket—it's much cheaper than airport souvenir shops.
Departure
Take the direct Railjet train back to Vienna Airport or cross the border into Germany/Switzerland to continue your journey.
Best Time to Visit Austria
For budget travelers, the shoulder seasons of May-June and September-October offer the best balance of manageable prices and great hiking weather. Winter (December-March) is magical but expensive due to ski season, while July and August see the highest crowds and accommodation rates. Late November is a hidden gem for budget travelers wanting to see the world-famous Christmas markets before the peak holiday prices kick in.
Currency & Money
Austria uses the Euro (€). While credit cards are widely accepted in shops and hotels, Austria remains a surprisingly cash-heavy society. Small bakeries, mountain huts, and some traditional 'Gasthäuser' may only accept cash. Tipping is customary but modest; rounding up to the nearest Euro or adding 5-10% for good service is standard. Use bank-affiliated ATMs (Bankomat) to avoid high fees from tourist-centric machines like Euronet.
Getting Around Austria
The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) is your best friend. For the lowest prices, always book 'Sparschiene' tickets in advance via the ÖBB app. If you are under 26, look into the 'ÖBB Vorteilscard Jugend' which offers 50% off all standard fares. For city travel, avoid single tickets and opt for 24, 48, or 72-hour passes which cover all buses, trams, and subways. Regional buses (Postbus) are excellent for reaching hiking trailheads and smaller villages like Hallstatt.
