17-Day Ultimate Family Epic Journey through Austria
Austria is a playground for families, offering a seamless blend of imperial elegance, musical heritage, and jaw-dropping Alpine scenery. This 17-day route is designed for those traveling with children, prioritizing comfort, accessibility, and a manageable pace that allows you to soak in the culture without the stress of constant rushing.
From the giant Ferris wheel in Vienna to the trick fountains of Salzburg and the sparkling crystals of Innsbruck, every stop is curated to be stroller-friendly and engaging for all ages. With a world-class train system (ÖBB) connecting our stops, you'll enjoy a scenic and relaxing journey through the heart of Europe.
Day 1: Vienna, Austria - Arrival & The Historic Prater
Arrival at Vienna International Airport
Touch down in the imperial capital. The City Airport Train (CAT) is the fastest way to the center, but the S7 S-Bahn is more budget-friendly and just as easy with luggage.
Hotel Check-in & Light Lunch
Check into a family-oriented hotel near the Praterstern area for easy access to parks and transport.
The Wurstelprater Amusement Park
Enjoy a gentle walk through the world's oldest amusement park. It is completely stroller-accessible and free to enter (you pay per ride).
Wiener Riesenrad (Giant Ferris Wheel)
Take a slow, iconic ride on the Ferris wheel to see the city skyline. The cabins are spacious enough for a stroller.
Day 2: Vienna, Austria - Imperial Grandeur at Schönbrunn
Schönbrunn Palace Tour
Opt for the 'Imperial Tour' for a shorter, kid-friendly duration. The palace features ramps and elevators for strollers.
Schönbrunn Children's Museum
Located within the palace, kids can dress up as princes and princesses and learn about imperial life through play.
Palace Gardens & Maze
Let the little ones run free in the vast gardens. The maze and Labyrinth are highlights for school-aged children.
Strudel Show at Court Bakery
Watch a live apple strudel demonstration and enjoy a fresh slice in the palace's historic bakery area.
Day 3: Vienna, Austria - Parks and Music
Haus der Musik (House of Music)
An interactive museum where kids can 'conduct' the Vienna Philharmonic and play with giant instruments.
Stadtpark Picnic
Grab some local snacks at a Billa supermarket and have a picnic by the Johann Strauss golden statue.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Visit the heart of the city. The square is pedestrian-only, making it very safe for children to walk around.
Traditional Heuriger Dinner
Head to the outskirts (Grinzing) for a family-friendly atmosphere in a traditional wine tavern with garden seating.
Day 4: Vienna, Austria - Wildlife and Leisure
Tiergarten Schönbrunn (Vienna Zoo)
Visit the world's oldest zoo, famous for its giant pandas and beautiful baroque architecture. It is exceptionally stroller-friendly.
Lunch at Gasthaus Tirolergarten
Located inside the zoo grounds, this rustic restaurant offers hearty Austrian fare and a playground.
Palm House (Palmenhaus)
A stunning glass greenhouse filled with exotic plants and butterflies, providing a warm escape if the weather is chilly.
Evening Walk along the Danube Canal
Watch the colorful street art and enjoy the relaxed evening vibe at the water's edge.
Day 5: Vienna to Salzburg - Across the Heartland
ÖBB Railjet to Salzburg
Enjoy a comfortable 2.5-hour train ride. Railjet trains have dedicated family zones with a small cinema for kids.
Arrival and Hotel Check-in
Choose a hotel near the Mirabell Gardens for central access and flat walking paths.
Mirabell Gardens
The famous 'Do-Re-Mi' filming location. The gardens are flat, paved, and perfect for strollers.
Salzburg Old Town Walk
Explore the Getreidegasse, Salzburg's famous shopping street, and see Mozart’s Birthplace (from the outside for a quick look).
Day 6: Salzburg, Austria - Fortresses and Fun
Hohensalzburg Fortress
Take the funicular up to the castle. It’s a thrilling ride for kids, and the fortress offers panoramic views.
Lunch at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium
One of the oldest restaurants in Europe, offering a majestic setting and a surprisingly welcoming atmosphere for families.
Salzburg Toy Museum
A must-visit for kids. It’s an interactive space where children are encouraged to touch and play with everything.
Salzacher Riverside Walk
A gentle stroll along the river as the sun sets, perfect for burning off any remaining energy before dinner.
Day 7: Salzburg, Austria - Puppets and Parks
Salzburg Marionette Theatre
Watch a shortened afternoon performance of 'The Sound of Music' or 'The Magic Flute' featuring world-class puppetry.
Leopoldskroner Weiher Park
A quiet park away from the crowds with a beautiful pond and plenty of space for a stroller walk.
Mönchsberg Lift
Take the elevator through the mountain to the Museum of Modern Art terrace for a stunning viewpoint.
Augustiner Bräu Food Court
A huge beer hall that is very family-friendly in the early evening, with many stalls selling local snacks like pretzels and fish.
Day 8: Salzburg, Austria - Trick Fountains at Hellbrunn
Hellbrunn Palace & Trick Fountains
The highlight for children. Be prepared to get a little wet as hidden fountains surprise visitors during the guided tour.
Hellbrunn Playground
Right next to the palace is one of the best and largest playgrounds in the Salzburg region.
Salzburg Zoo
Located right next to Hellbrunn, this zoo is built into the side of a cliff and features a petting zoo area.
Bus Back to City Center
The bus line 25 connects Hellbrunn and the zoo directly back to the city center and is low-floor for strollers.
Day 9: Salzburg to Hallstatt - The Fairy-Tale Village
Train & Ferry to Hallstatt
Take the train to Hallstatt station, then the small 'Stefanie' ferry across the lake. It's a magical way to arrive.
Check-in & Lakeside Lunch
Settle into your accommodation. Note: Hallstatt has many stairs; try to book a hotel on the main waterfront level.
Hallstatt Heritage Walk
A slow walk through the village. The main road is paved and stroller-friendly, though the side alleys are steep.
Bathing Island & Playground
A short walk from the center is a small island with a great playground and shallow water for kids to splash in.
Day 10: Hallstatt, Austria - Salt Mines & Skywalk
Salzwelten (Salt Mine) Tour
Take the funicular up. Children must be at least 4 years old for the mine tour, which includes fun wooden slides.
Hallstatt Skywalk
Located near the salt mine entrance, this viewing platform offers a breathtaking look at the lake from 350m above.
Electric Boat Rental
Rent a small electric boat to drive yourself around the lake. It's quiet, safe, and kids love 'driving' the boat.
Dinner with a View
Enjoy fresh lake trout at one of the village's waterfront terraces.
Day 11: Hallstatt to Zell am See - Alpine Retreat
Scenic Train Journey
Depart Hallstatt for Zell am See. The route through the mountains is incredibly scenic and takes about 2 hours.
Hotel Check-in & Lake Walk
Zell am See is very flat around the lake, making it ideal for strollers and easy walks.
Elisabeth Park
Visit this beautiful park by the water with fountains and statues dedicated to Empress Sisi.
Leisurely Boat Cruise
Take a larger cruise ship around Lake Zell for a relaxed view of the surrounding peaks.
Day 12: Zell am See, Austria - Mountain Heights
Schmittenhöhe Cable Car
Take the cable car designed by Porsche Design. At the top, there are easy paths and Schmidolin’s Baptism of Fire trail for kids.
Mountain Lunch
Eat at a mountain hut with incredible views of over 30 peaks that are higher than 3,000 meters.
Schmidolin’s Adventure World
An adventure playground at the mid-station of the cable car that keeps kids entertained for hours.
Zell Summer Night Festival
If visiting in summer, enjoy the music and light shows held near the lake on select evenings.
Day 13: Zell am See, Austria - Kaprun High Reservoirs
Kaprun High Mountain Reservoirs
Take a shuttle bus and the Lärchwand inclined elevator (Europe's largest) up to two turquoise alpine lakes.
Mooserboden Dam Walk
The top dam wall is wide and flat, perfect for a stroller walk while surrounded by glaciers.
Sigmund Thun Gorge
A spectacular walk on wooden walkways over a rushing river. (Note: Not stroller-friendly, use a baby carrier for this part).
Relax at Tauern Spa
Visit this massive spa complex which has a dedicated 'Kidstein' area with slides and pools for children.
Day 14: Zell am See to Innsbruck - The Capital of the Alps
Direct Train to Innsbruck
A 2-hour journey through the heart of the Tyrol region. Watch the mountains get taller as you approach Innsbruck.
Old Town (Altstadt) Exploration
Visit the Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl). The old town is paved but has smooth strips for easier stroller rolling.
Hofgarten Park
The former royal gardens have a great playground and large lawns for a relaxed afternoon.
Stadtturm (City Tower)
Climb the tower for a bird's eye view of the medieval streets and the surrounding Nordkette mountains.
Day 15: Innsbruck, Austria - Alpine Zoo & Nordkette
Hungerburgbahn Funicular
The funicular station is a work of modern art. It takes you up to the Alpine Zoo station.
Alpenzoo Innsbruck
The highest zoo in Europe, specializing in Alpine animals like lynx, eagles, and ibex. It is steep, so a sturdy stroller is needed.
Nordkette Cable Car to Seegrube
Continue further up the mountain. In summer, you might see clouds floating below you.
Return to City Center
Head back down for some Tyrolean ice cream in the Maria-Theresien-Straße pedestrian zone.
Day 16: Innsbruck, Austria - Swarovski Crystal Worlds
Swarovski Crystal Worlds Shuttle
Take the dedicated shuttle bus from the city center to nearby Wattens.
The Giant & Chambers of Wonder
An artistic wonderland that is visually stunning for all ages. Kids love the sparkling light displays.
The Playtower
A massive, four-story indoor play area and outdoor playground that is among the best in Austria.
Garden Walk
Explore the 'Crystal Cloud' and mirror pool before heading back to Innsbruck.
Day 17: Innsbruck, Austria - Final Memories & Departure
Innsbruck Market Hall
Visit the local market for some last-minute Austrian cheese or chocolates as souvenirs.
Wilten Basilica
A short tram ride away, this stunning baroque church is much quieter than the central cathedral.
Final Tyrolean Lunch
Enjoy a plate of 'Tiroler Gröstl' (potato and meat fry-up) at a local tavern before heading to the airport or station.
Departure from Innsbruck Airport
Innsbruck Airport is small and efficient, located just 15 minutes from the city center by bus or taxi.
Best Time to Visit Austria
The best time to visit Austria for families is during the shoulder seasons of late May to June and September to early October. During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant for walking with a stroller, and the major attractions are less crowded than in July and August. If you enjoy winter magic, December is beautiful for Christmas markets, but be prepared for cold temperatures and snow which can make stroller navigation slightly more challenging.
Currency & Money
Austria uses the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities, hotels, and major shops. However, it is essential to carry some cash for smaller cafes, public restrooms (which often cost €0.50), and smaller mountain huts. Tipping is customary but modest; rounding up the bill or adding 5-10% for good service in restaurants is standard practice.
Getting Around Austria
The most efficient and family-friendly way to travel between Austrian cities is via the ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways). Their Railjet trains are modern, fast, and feature excellent amenities for families, including dedicated play areas and pram storage. For inner-city travel, Vienna and Salzburg have superb public transport systems with low-floor trams and buses. Renting a car is only recommended if you plan to explore very remote valleys, as the train network covers all major scenic spots with ease.
