12-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Austria
Austria is often perceived as a playground for the wealthy, but for the savvy backpacker, it is a treasure trove of affordable culture and free natural beauty. This 12-day route takes you through the heart of Central Europe, utilizing a world-class public transport network and a thriving hostel scene to keep costs low while maximizing the experience.
You will navigate from the imperial grandeur of Vienna to the hidden gem of Graz, through the musical streets of Salzburg, and finally into the dramatic peaks of Innsbruck. By focusing on street food like Käsekrainer, utilizing supermarket picnics, and taking advantage of free walking tours, you can experience the best of Austria for a fraction of the typical tourist price.
Day 1: Vienna, Austria - Imperial Arrivals
Arriving at Vienna International Airport
Touch down and head straight for the City Airport Train or the much cheaper S-Bahn (S7) to reach the city center. Grab a 72-hour transport pass immediately to save on individual tickets.
St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom)
Visit the iconic heart of Vienna. While some areas require a fee, the main nave of this Gothic masterpiece is free to enter and explore.
Exploring the Graben and Kohlmarkt
Window shop along Vienna's most luxurious streets. It costs nothing to admire the architecture and the vibrant energy of the Golden Quarter.
Dinner at Naschmarkt
Head to the city's most famous market. Towards closing time, many stalls offer discounts on prepared foods, or you can grab a cheap falafel wrap for just a few Euros.
Day 2: Vienna, Austria - Art and Palaces
Schönbrunn Palace Gardens
While the palace interior is pricey, the massive, UNESCO-listed gardens are completely free. Hike up to the Gloriette for a stunning panoramic view of the city.
The Hundertwasserhaus
Visit this eccentric, colorful apartment building designed by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. It’s one of Vienna’s most photographed spots and free to view from the street.
Prater Park and the Ferris Wheel
Entry to the Prater amusement park is free. You can walk through the nostalgic grounds and see the Riesenrad (Giant Ferris Wheel) without spending a cent on rides.
State Opera Standing Tickets
Join the line 80-90 minutes before a performance to snag standing room tickets for as little as €10—a world-class experience on a backpacker budget.
Day 3: Vienna, Austria - Culture and Parks
Rathausplatz and Parliament
Take a self-guided walking tour of the Ringstrasse. The City Hall (Rathaus) and the Austrian Parliament Building are architectural marvels that look incredible from the outside.
Volksgarten Rose Gardens
Relax among thousands of rose bushes in this pristine park. It's the perfect spot for a supermarket picnic of Austrian bread, cheese, and ham.
MuseumsQuartier Hangout
Join the local youth at the MQ. Sit on the famous 'Enzi' lounge furniture, soak in the creative atmosphere, and enjoy the free outdoor art installations.
Vienna Street Food: Bitzinger Würstelstand
Finish your Vienna stay with a classic Käsekrainer (cheese-filled sausage) from a famous street stall near the Albertina.
Day 4: Graz, Austria - Student Vibes
Train to Graz
Board a scenic 2.5-hour train south through the Semmering Pass, a UNESCO World Heritage railway route. Watch the landscape transition to rolling hills.
Graz Old Town Exploration
Check into your hostel and head to the Hauptplatz. Graz is a university city, meaning cheaper food and a more relaxed, youthful atmosphere than Vienna.
The Murinsel
Visit the artificial floating island in the middle of the Mur River. This steel shell contains an amphitheater and a cafe, and walking across it is free.
Dinner at a 'Bausatz' Restaurant
Graz is famous for 'Bausatz' eateries where you can customize your pizza, pasta, or burger for a very low fixed price. Perfect for backpackers!
Day 5: Graz, Austria - Clock Towers and Castles
Schlossberg Hike
Skip the funicular and hike up the stairs to the Uhrturm (Clock Tower). You'll get the best views of the red-roofed city for free.
Landhaushof Renaissance Courtyard
Duck into the courtyard of the Landhaus. It is one of the most important Renaissance buildings in Austria and free to enter.
The Graz Cathedral
Visit the Dom zu Graz, a quiet and stunning example of Gothic architecture located just off the main tourist path.
Lendplatz Nightlife
Head to the Lend district. This up-and-coming area has many budget-friendly bars and small eateries frequented by local students.
Day 6: Salzburg, Austria - The Sound of Music
Train to Salzburg
A 4-hour journey through the mountains brings you to Salzburg. The scenery out the window is worth the ticket price alone.
Mirabell Gardens
Walk through the beautiful gardens where 'Do-Re-Mi' was filmed. Entry is free, and the view of the Hohensalzburg Fortress from here is iconic.
Getreidegasse Stroll
Walk down Salzburg's most famous shopping street. Look up at the wrought-iron signs and pass by Mozart's Birthplace (photo op from the outside).
Augustiner Bräu Mülln
Visit Austria's largest beer garden. You can bring your own food (picnic style) and just buy a wooden mug of beer—a very affordable way to spend an evening.
Day 7: Salzburg, Austria - Peaks and Views
Kapuzinerberg Hike
For a free alternative to the fortress, hike up the Kapuzinerberg hill on the opposite side of the river for incredible views of the Old Town.
Salzburg Cathedral (Dom)
Enter the magnificent baroque cathedral where Mozart was baptized. While a small donation is encouraged, it remains one of the most accessible major sites.
St. Peter's Cemetery
Visit one of the world's oldest and most beautiful cemeteries. It’s free to walk through the grounds and admire the flower-adorned graves.
Riverbank Picnic
Grab some snacks from a 'Spar' supermarket and sit by the Salzach River as the sun sets over the fortress.
Day 8: Hallstatt, Austria - Alpine Fairy Tale
Day Trip to Hallstatt
Take the bus or train from Salzburg (approx. 2.5 hours). The train includes a scenic ferry ride across the lake to reach the village.
Classic Viewpoint Photo
Walk to the northern end of the village for the 'postcard' shot. It costs nothing to wander the narrow lanes and admire the flower-decked balconies.
The Beinhaus (Bone House)
For a small fee (approx. €2), visit the unique painted skulls in St. Michael's Chapel—a fascinating and affordable local tradition.
Return to Salzburg
Head back to your hostel in Salzburg to save on the extremely high accommodation prices found in Hallstatt.
Day 9: Innsbruck, Austria - Heart of the Alps
Railjet to Innsbruck
Take the high-speed train west into the Tyrol region. The 2-hour ride offers breathtaking views of the passing Alps.
The Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl)
Walk through the medieval Altstadt to see Innsbruck’s most famous landmark, adorned with 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles.
Maria-Theresien-Straße
Stroll down the main boulevard, take a photo of St. Anne's Column, and enjoy the backdrop of the Nordkette mountains looming over the city.
Dinner at Markthalle Innsbruck
The market hall offers various local specialties and international stalls that are much cheaper than the sit-down restaurants in the Old Town.
Day 10: Innsbruck, Austria - Mountain Highs
Hiking the Nordkette
Instead of the expensive cable car, use your legs! There are well-marked trails starting from the city that lead to mountain huts with incredible views.
Picnic at Seegrube
Enjoy your packed lunch while overlooking the Inn Valley from 1,905 meters above sea level.
Hofgarten Park
Cool off in the imperial gardens. It's a great place to relax and people-watch after a morning of hiking.
Innsbruck Night Walk
Walk along the Inn River to see the famous colorful houses of Mariahilf reflected in the water—completely free and beautiful at night.
Day 11: Innsbruck, Austria - Olympic Legacy
Bergisel Ski Jump
Walk to the base of this Olympic landmark. While entering the tower costs money, the hike around the stadium and the views from the hill are free.
Wilten Basilica
Visit this stunning rococo church on the outskirts of the city. It is often cited as one of the most beautiful in the region and is free to enter.
Sillpark Shopping Center
If you need affordable essentials or a cheap food court meal, this is where the locals go to avoid tourist prices.
Farewell Tyrolean Dinner
Find a local 'Gasthof' away from the center for a reasonably priced portion of Tiroler Gröstl (potato and meat fry-up).
Day 12: Vienna, Austria - Journey's End
Return Train to Vienna
Enjoy your final 4.5-hour cross-country train ride back to the capital, catching any mountain views you might have missed.
Belvedere Palace Gardens
Spend your last afternoon wandering the free gardens of the Upper and Lower Belvedere. The tiered fountains and sculptures are magnificent.
Last Minute Souvenirs at Manner Shop
Grab some famous hazelnut wafers at the Stephansplatz shop—they are a delicious and cheap piece of Austria to take home.
Departure from Vienna Airport
Take the S-Bahn back to the airport for your flight home, concluding an epic budget journey through the heart of Europe.
Best Time to Visit Austria
For budget travelers, the shoulder seasons of May-June and September-October are ideal. You'll avoid the sky-high prices of the July/August peak and the expensive ski season in winter. During these months, the weather is perfect for hiking and city walking, and hostels are much easier to book at lower rates.
Currency & Money
Austria uses the Euro (€). While credit cards are widely accepted in cities and supermarkets, 'Cash is King' still applies to many small cafes, mountain huts, and some hostels. Tipping is customary but modest; rounding up the bill by 5-10% is standard practice in restaurants. Always carry a few coins for public restrooms.
Getting Around Austria
The most efficient way to travel between cities is the OEBB Railjet train system. If you book 'Sparschiene' tickets weeks in advance, you can travel across the country for as little as €19. For even tighter budgets, FlixBus operates routes between Vienna, Graz, and Salzburg. Within cities, use 24-hour or 72-hour transport passes to save money on trams and buses.
