17-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Austria
Austria is often perceived as a luxury destination, but for the savvy backpacker, it is a playground of alpine vistas and historic charm that can be explored on a lean budget. By utilizing the extensive ÖBB rail network, staying in legendary hostels, and feasting on local street eats like Käsekrainer and Schnitzel semmel, you can experience the best of Central Europe without the high price tag.
This 17-day journey takes you from the imperial grandeur of Vienna through the southern charm of Graz, into the heart of the Salzkammergut lake district, and finally deep into the Tyrolean Alps. We focus on free walking tours, mountain hikes, and public transport hacks to keep your daily spending around the $39 mark.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Vienna, Austria - Arrival & The Ringstraße
Arrival at Vienna International Airport
Touch down and take the S7 suburban train to the city center for just a few euros, avoiding the expensive CAT train.
St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom)
Enter the nave of this Gothic masterpiece for free and admire the iconic zig-zag tiled roof from the outside.
Ringstraße Self-Guided Walk
Walk the grand circular boulevard to see the State Opera, Parliament, and City Hall without spending a cent.
Dinner at Bitzinger Würstelstand
Grab a legendary Bosna or Käsekrainer sausage from this famous stand for a filling, budget-friendly first meal.
Day 2: Vienna, Austria - Palaces & Gardens
Schönbrunn Palace Gardens
While the palace interior costs money, the massive, manicured gardens and the hike up to the Gloriette are completely free.
Naschmarkt Exploration
Browse the stalls of Vienna's most famous market; look for free falafel samples and cheap takeaway snacks.
Belvedere Gardens
Stroll through the tiered fountains and baroque sculptures of the Upper and Lower Belvedere gardens for free.
Evening at Prater Park
Entrance to the park is free. Enjoy the atmosphere of the historic amusement park and see the Giant Ferris Wheel.
Day 3: Vienna, Austria - Art & Culture
MuseumsQuartier Chill
Relax on the famous 'Enzi' lounge furniture in this massive courtyard, a prime spot for people-watching and budget picnics.
Hundertwasserhaus
Visit this eccentric, colorful apartment block designed by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser—a free architectural highlight.
Stadtpark & Strauss Monument
Find the golden statue of Johann Strauss and enjoy the greenery of one of Vienna's oldest municipal parks.
Standing Room Opera Tickets
Queue up 80 minutes before a performance at the State Opera to snag standing room tickets for as little as €10.
Day 4: Vienna, Austria - Hidden Gems
Central Cemetery (Zentralfriedhof)
Visit the final resting places of Beethoven, Brahms, and Strauss in this hauntingly beautiful and free-to-enter site.
Donauinsel (Danube Island)
Rent a cheap bike or walk along this 21km long island, a favorite local spot for swimming and relaxing by the river.
Kahlenberg Hike
Take bus 38A to the top for the best panoramic view over Vienna and the Danube river.
Heuriger Visit in Grinzing
Visit a traditional wine tavern for a glass of local 'Gemischter Satz' and cheap buffet-style Austrian side dishes.
Day 5: Vienna to Graz, Austria - Southern Charm
Rail Journey to Graz
Travel over the Semmering Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage route, via the ÖBB Railjet.
Hauptplatz & City Hall
Arrive in Graz and explore the medieval town center, one of the best-preserved in Central Europe.
Schlossberg Hike
Skip the funicular and walk the stairs up to the Uhrturm (Clock Tower) for a stunning view of the red-roofed city.
Murinsel (Island in the Mur)
Walk across this futuristic floating platform designed by Vito Acconci, which glows brilliantly at night.
Day 6: Graz, Austria - Styrian Exploration
Kunsthaus Graz (The Friendly Alien)
Admire the bizarre architecture of this contemporary art museum from the outside for free.
Eggenberg Palace Park
Take the tram to the edge of the city to roam the extensive palace grounds and see the resident peacocks.
Double Spiral Staircase
Visit the Burg (Castle) to find the 'Staircase of Reconciliation,' a unique 15th-century architectural marvel.
Bermuda Triangle Nightlife
Explore the area around Mehlplatz and Prokopigasse for affordable bars and student-priced bites.
Day 7: Graz to Obertraun, Austria - Gateway to Hallstatt
Train to the Lake District
Take a scenic train ride through the Enns Valley toward the Hallstättersee region.
Arrival in Obertraun
Check into a hostel in Obertraun, which is much cheaper and quieter than staying in Hallstatt across the lake.
Lakeside Walk to Hallstatt
Take the flat, beautiful 78km East Shore hiking trail that offers incredible views of the Dachstein mountains.
Ferry Crossing
Take the small 'Stefanie' ferry from the train station to Hallstatt village for a few euros—the best way to see the skyline.
Day 8: Hallstatt, Austria - Alpine Postcard
Early Morning Photography
Beat the tour buses at the 'Classic Village View' point to get that iconic photo without the crowds.
Hallstatt Beinhaus (Bone House)
Visit the small, unique ossuary in St. Michael’s Chapel, featuring painted skulls from the 12th century.
Skywalk World Heritage View
Hike up the Salzberg (Salt Mountain) instead of taking the cable car to save money and reach the viewpoint.
Lake Swimming
In summer, head to the Obertraun Lido for a free, refreshing swim in the crystal-clear alpine waters.
Day 9: Obertraun to Salzburg, Austria - City of Music
Train to Salzburg
Enjoy another scenic rail journey. Switch at Attnang-Puchheim for the high-speed line to Salzburg.
Mirabell Gardens
Dance through the gardens where 'Do-Re-Mi' was filmed. Entry is free and the flower displays are world-class.
Getreidegasse Walk
Stroll through Salzburg's most famous shopping street, known for its intricate wrought-iron guild signs.
Augustiner Bräu Kloster Mülln
The best budget secret in Salzburg: drink beer from stone mugs in a monastery and bring your own food for a picnic.
Day 10: Salzburg, Austria - Baroque Wonders
Salzburg Cathedral (Dom)
Marvel at the massive dome and the baptismal font where Mozart was baptized for a small conservation fee.
Kapuzinerberg Hike
Climb the hill opposite the fortress for the absolute best (and free) view of the Old Town skyline.
St. Peter's Cemetery
Visit one of the world's oldest and most beautiful cemeteries, tucked against the base of the Monchsberg mountain.
Salzburg Street Food
Grab a 'Bosna' (spiced sausage) at the Balkan Grill, a tiny hole-in-the-wall that's a local institution.
Day 11: Salzburg, Austria - Fortress & Film
Hohensalzburg Fortress Grounds
Walk up the steep hill to the fortress; while the museums cost money, the outer courtyards and views are accessible with a basic ticket.
Nonnberg Abbey
Visit the real-life abbey from 'The Sound of Music' located just below the fortress.
Mönchsberg Walk
Follow the ridge of the mountain from the fortress toward the Museum of Modern Art for stunning valley views.
Europark for Groceries
Head to the Interspar at this mall to stock up on affordable Austrian chocolate and snacks for the next leg.
Day 12: Salzburg to Zell am See, Austria - Lake & Peaks
Regional Train to Zell am See
A short 1.5-hour journey takes you deep into the mountains of the Pinzgau region.
Lake Promenade Stroll
Walk the paved path around the Zeller See, offering views of the Schmittenhöhe mountain and the Kitzsteinhorn glacier.
Thumersbach Park
Take the local ferry or bus to the sunny side of the lake for a relaxed afternoon at the public park.
Zell am See Magic Lake Show
Enjoy a free water, light, and music show held on the lakefront during summer evenings.
Day 13: Zell am See to Innsbruck, Austria - Tyrolean Capital
Bus/Train to Innsbruck
Travel through the heart of the Alps toward the capital of Tyrol.
The Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl)
Admire the 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles of Innsbruck's most famous landmark in the medieval Old Town.
Hofgarten Exploration
Relax in the imperial gardens, a perfect green oasis near the Hofburg palace.
Innsbruck Market Hall
Find affordable local produce, Tyrolean cheese, and speck (smoked ham) for a budget dinner.
Day 14: Innsbruck, Austria - Peaks & Perspectives
Nordkette Mountain Range
Take the Hungerburgbahn funicular (designed by Zaha Hadid) to reach the trailhead for spectacular alpine hikes.
Maria-Theresien-Straße
Walk Innsbruck's main shopping street and see the Annasäule (St. Anne's Column) with the Alps as a backdrop.
Bergisel Ski Jump
Visit the Olympic ski jump site; you can view the impressive structure from the surrounding trails for free.
Student District Bites
Head to the Innrain area near the university for cheap pizza, kebabs, and lively bars.
Day 15: Innsbruck, Austria - Alpine Villages
Igls Village Visit
Take local bus J to the plateau village of Igls for a taste of traditional Tyrolean village life and easy forest walks.
Wilten Basilica
Explore this stunning rococo church, one of the most beautiful in the region, free of charge.
Inn River Walk
Walk along the colorful houses of the Mariahilf district, reflected perfectly in the green waters of the Inn river.
Nightcap at a Tyrolean Pub
Try a local Schnaps at a traditional 'Gasthof' to end your stay in the mountains.
Day 16: Innsbruck to Bregenz, Austria - Lake Constance
Arlberg Pass Train Journey
One of the most beautiful train rides in Europe, crossing the Arlberg pass into Vorarlberg.
Bregenz Lakefront
Walk along the shores of Lake Constance (Bodensee), where Austria, Germany, and Switzerland meet.
Bregenz Festival Stage
Visit the world's largest floating stage (Seebühne) for free when no performances are taking place.
Pfänder Hike
Hike up the Pfänder mountain for a panoramic view of the lake and 240 Alpine peaks.
Day 17: Bregenz to Vienna, Austria - The Final Stretch
Trans-Austria Railjet
Begin the 7-hour high-speed journey back across the entire country to Vienna.
Last Minute Souvenirs
Visit the Spar Gourmet at Wien Hauptbahnhof for high-quality Austrian pumpkin seed oil or Manner wafers.
Farewell Dinner at 7 Stern Bräu
Celebrate the end of the trip with house-brewed beer and a massive, affordable Schnitzel.
Departure Preparation
Head to the airport via the S-Bahn for your flight home, concluding an epic budget journey.
Best Time to Visit Austria
The best time for budget travelers is the shoulder seasons of May-June and September-October. During these months, the weather is mild enough for hiking, the crowds are thinner, and hostel prices are more competitive. Winter (December-March) is ideal for skiers but significantly more expensive, while July and August see peak prices and high heat in the cities.
Currency & Money
Austria uses the Euro (€). While credit cards are widely accepted in cities and larger supermarkets, many smaller cafes, traditional gasthofs, and mountain huts are strictly 'Cash Only.' Tipping is customary but modest; rounding up the bill by 5-10% is standard in restaurants. For budget travelers, shopping at supermarkets like Hofer, Lidl, and Billa will save you a fortune compared to eating out.
Getting Around Austria
The national rail operator, ÖBB, is the most efficient way to travel between cities. To stay on budget, you MUST book 'Sparschiene' tickets weeks in advance. For more flexibility at a lower price, consider Westbahn on the Vienna-Salzburg route. Within cities, public transport is excellent; always check for 24, 48, or 72-hour transport passes, which often include discounts for museums and attractions.
