13-Day Ultimate Family Travel Guides Route in Austria
Austria is a playground for families, offering a seamless blend of fairy-tale history and breathtaking natural beauty. This 13-day itinerary focuses on a relaxed pace, ensuring that parents can enjoy world-class museums and coffee culture while children are entertained by interactive exhibits, giant Ferris wheels, and mountain-top playgrounds.
Traveling through Austria with kids is remarkably easy thanks to the efficient ÖBB train network and stroller-accessible infrastructure in every major city. From the imperial grandeur of Vienna to the crystalline lakes of the Salzkammergut, this classic route ensures a stress-free experience for travelers of all ages.
Day 1: Vienna, Austria - Arrival & Imperial Gardens
Arrival at Vienna International Airport
Landing in Vienna, take the City Airport Train (CAT) for a quick 16-minute ride to the city center. The station is fully elevator-accessible for strollers.
Schönbrunn Palace Gardens
Explore the vast gardens of the Habsburgs' summer residence. The gravel paths are well-maintained and stroller-friendly, leading to the world's oldest zoo.
Tiergarten Schönbrunn
Visit the Vienna Zoo, home to giant pandas. It features wide paths and plenty of rest areas, making it perfect for a relaxed first afternoon.
Welcome Dinner at Plachutta
Try the traditional Tafelspitz in a family-friendly atmosphere where children are warmly welcomed with high chairs and kid-sized portions.
Day 2: Vienna, Austria - Music & Markets
Haus der Musik
An interactive sound museum where kids can "conduct" the Vienna Philharmonic. It is highly engaging and mostly accessible via elevators.
Naschmarkt Lunch
Stroll through Vienna's most famous open-air market. Grab some local cheese, fruit, or a falafel wrap for a quick and easy family lunch.
St. Stephen's Cathedral
Marvel at the tiled roof of the Steffl. The main nave is accessible, and the surrounding plaza is car-free, allowing kids to roam safely.
Kärntner Straße Walk
Enjoy a slow walk through the pedestrian shopping zone, stopping for a Sachertorte at a traditional coffee house.
Day 3: Vienna, Austria - Play & Prater
ZOOM Children's Museum
Located in the MuseumsQuartier, this museum offers hands-on exhibitions specifically tailored to different age groups from toddlers to teens.
Lunch at Museumsquartier
Eat outdoors in the large courtyard while children play on the famous 'Enzi' lounge furniture.
Prater Amusement Park
Head to the historic Prater. Admission is free; you only pay for the rides you choose to take.
Wiener Riesenrad
Take a ride on the iconic 19th-century Giant Ferris Wheel for panoramic views of the city at a gentle, kid-safe pace.
Day 4: Vienna to Salzburg, Austria - The Wachau Valley
Train to Melk
Board a comfortable Railjet train heading west. The journey offers spacious family compartments with tables for games.
Melk Abbey
Visit the stunning yellow Benedictine abbey overlooking the Danube. The terrace offers great views and the interior is breathtaking.
Continue to Salzburg
Hop back on the train for the scenic final leg to Salzburg, the city of Mozart.
Salzburg Old Town Check-in
Settle into your hotel and take a short walk to Getreidegasse to see the famous wrought-iron shop signs.
Day 5: Salzburg, Austria - Fortress & Fountains
Hohensalzburg Fortress
Take the funicular up to the fortress. Kids love the Marionette Museum located inside the castle walls.
St. Peter’s Stiftskulinarium
Enjoy lunch at one of Europe's oldest restaurants, which features a charming, quiet courtyard perfect for families.
Hellbrunn Palace
Take a short bus ride to Hellbrunn to experience the 'Trick Fountains.' Expect to get a little wet—it's a highlight for children!
Salzburg Toy Museum
A paradise for children featuring multi-story slides, marble runs, and countless toys to play with.
Day 6: Salzburg, Austria - Mirabell & Marionettes
Mirabell Gardens
Recreate the 'Do-Re-Mi' scene from The Sound of Music. The gardens are flat, paved, and very easy to navigate with a stroller.
Salzbach River Walk
Walk along the riverbanks. There are several modern playgrounds located along the gravel paths.
Salzburg Marionette Theatre
Watch a shortened, afternoon performance of 'The Sound of Music' or 'The Magic Flute' performed by intricate puppets.
Dinner at Augustiner Bräu
A huge beer hall with a large outdoor garden where families gather. They have plenty of food stalls with pretzels and roasted chicken.
Day 7: Hallstatt, Austria - Salt & Scenery
Day Trip to Hallstatt
Take the train and then a scenic ferry across the lake to Hallstatt. This is one of the most photographed villages in the world.
Salzwelten Hallstatt
Take the funicular up to the world's oldest salt mine. Note: Children must be 4 years or older to enter the mine itself.
Hallstatt Skywalk
Enjoy a breathtaking view 350 meters above the roofs of Hallstatt from the 'World Heritage View' platform.
Village Exploration
Wander the narrow streets. While some areas have stairs, the main waterfront road is flat and easy for strollers.
Day 8: Salzburg to Zell am See, Austria - Lake Life
Train to Zell am See
A short, 1.5-hour train ride takes you deep into the Alps. The tracks run right alongside the river for beautiful views.
Lake Esplanade Stroll
After checking in, walk along the crystal-clear Lake Zell. There are many benches and spots for kids to feed the ducks.
Boat Trip on Lake Zell
Enjoy a 45-minute cruise on the MS Schmittenhöhe to see the surrounding peaks from the water.
Zell am See Center
Explore the car-free town center with its charming boutique shops and ice cream parlors.
Day 9: Zell am See, Austria - Mountain Magic
Schmittenhöhe Cable Car
Ascend to 2,000 meters. The 'Schmidolin’s Baptism of Fire' trail is an adventure path designed specifically for kids.
Panorama Restaurant Lunch
Eat at the summit while enjoying a 360-degree view of over thirty 3,000-meter peaks.
Elisabeth Chapel
A short, easy walk from the cable car station leads to a charming chapel dedicated to Empress Sisi.
Hotel Spa Time
Many hotels in Zell am See offer family-friendly indoor pools to relax in after a day on the mountain.
Day 10: Kaprun, Austria - Gorges & Glaciers
Sigmund Thun Gorge
Walk across wooden walkways over a rushing glacial river. It is a thrilling but safe experience for older children (not stroller accessible).
Kaprun High Mountain Reservoirs
Take a bus and a giant open-air lift to reach these turquoise alpine lakes nestled between massive glaciers.
Maisiflitzer Alpine Coaster
A year-round toboggan run in Kaprun that allows parents and children to slide down the mountain together safely.
Dinner in Kaprun
Enjoy a hearty Austrian meal of Schnitzel or Käsespätzle at a local Gasthof.
Day 11: Zell am See to Innsbruck, Austria - Tyrolean Charm
Train to Innsbruck
Travel through the heart of the Tyrol region. This route is exceptionally scenic with views of the Wilder Kaiser mountains.
Altstadt (Old Town) Walk
Visit the Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl). The historic center is mostly flat and pedestrian-only, ideal for strollers.
Hofburg Imperial Palace
Explore the Tyrolean residence of the Habsburgs. The giant ballroom is sure to impress little 'princes and princesses'.
Maria-Theresien-Straße
The main boulevard offers plenty of space for walking, with the Nordkette mountains providing a stunning backdrop.
Day 12: Innsbruck, Austria - Animals & Crystals
Alpenzoo Innsbruck
Europe’s highest-altitude zoo. Reach it via the Nordkette funicular. It specializes in alpine animals like ibex and bears.
Hungerburg Lunch
Eat at the Hungerburg station for amazing views over the Inn Valley before heading back down to the city.
Swarovski Crystal Worlds
Take the shuttle bus to nearby Wattens. The 'Giant' entrance and the outdoor play tower make this a favorite for families.
Farewell Dinner
Celebrate your final night in Austria with some traditional Tyrolean dumplings and apple strudel.
Day 13: Innsbruck, Austria - Departure
Souvenir Shopping
Pick up some local pumpkin seed oil or Tyrolean speck to take a taste of Austria home with you.
Innsbruck Airport Transfer
The airport is only 15 minutes from the city center by bus, making for a very stress-free departure with kids.
Final Coffee & Pastry
Enjoy one last Austrian Melange and a pastry at the airport cafe before your flight home.
Departure
Board your flight, marking the end of an unforgettable 13-day Austrian family adventure.
Best Time to Visit Austria
The best time for a family trip to Austria is during late Spring (May to June) or early Autumn (September). During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant for walking, the mountain cable cars are operational, and the major tourist sites are less crowded than in the peak of summer. July and August are also beautiful but can be warmer and busier. If you enjoy Christmas markets, December is magical, though you will need to pack much heavier winter gear for the kids.
Currency & Money
Austria uses the Euro (€). While major credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and larger restaurants, it is essential to carry some cash for smaller bakeries, mountain huts, and small ticket kiosks. Tipping is customary but modest; rounding up the bill by 5-10% in restaurants is standard practice if the service was good.
Getting Around Austria
Austria boasts one of the best public transport systems in Europe. The ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) is the most efficient way to travel between cities like Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck. Trains are modern, clean, and offer dedicated family zones with extra space for strollers. For regional exploration in the mountains, the local bus network is reliable, though renting a car for a day or two in the Salzkammergut region can offer extra flexibility for families with very young children.
