19-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Austria
Austria is often perceived as an expensive destination, but with a savvy backpacking approach, you can traverse its stunning landscapes and imperial cities without breaking the bank. This 19-day itinerary focuses on the 'Sparschiene' (discounted train tickets), supermarket meals from Billa or Hofer, and the abundant free natural beauty the country offers.
By staying in top-rated hostels and utilizing efficient public transport, you will experience everything from the coffee culture of Vienna to the rugged peaks of the Tyrol. Get ready for an epic journey through the heart of Europe on a shoestring budget.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Vienna, Austria - Arrival & First Impressions
Arrival at Vienna International Airport
Touch down and grab a cheap train ticket into the city center. Avoid the expensive CAT train and take the S7 S-Bahn instead for a fraction of the price.
Check into Wombat’s City Hostel
Drop your bags at the legendary Naschmarkt location, a favorite for budget travelers near the famous food market.
Stephansdom (St. Stephen's Cathedral)
Visit the heart of Vienna. While the catacombs cost money, the main nave of this gothic masterpiece is free to enter and admire.
Naschmarkt Food Crawl
Walk through the stalls. Many vendors offer free samples of falafel or olives, and you can grab a cheap kebab for dinner.
Day 2: Vienna, Austria - Imperial Grandeur on a Budget
Schönbrunn Palace Gardens
The palace interior is pricey, but the massive, manicured gardens and the hike up to the Gloriette hill are completely free and offer the best views.
Lunch at a 'Würstelstand'
Grab a Käsekrainer (cheese-filled sausage) at a local street stand for a classic, filling, and cheap Viennese lunch.
Rathaus & Parliament District
Marvel at the Ringstraße architecture. The City Hall (Rathaus) and the Austrian Parliament building are stunning photo spots.
Prater Amusement Park
Entry to the park is free. You only pay for rides, but the atmosphere and seeing the historic Ferris Wheel lit up is worth the walk.
Day 3: Vienna, Austria - Artistic Vibes & Local Markets
MuseumsQuartier Hangout
Relax on the iconic 'Enzi' benches. This cultural hub is free to enter and is the perfect place to people-watch and soak in the vibe.
Spittelberg District
Wander the narrow cobblestone streets of this historic neighborhood, known for its artisan shops and hidden courtyards.
Hundertwasserhaus
Visit this eccentric, colorful apartment building designed by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser for a unique architectural experience.
State Opera Standing Tickets
Join the line 80 minutes before a show to score standing-room tickets for as little as 10 Euros at the world-famous Vienna State Opera.
Day 4: Vienna to Graz, Austria - Moving Southward
Train to Graz
Board an ÖBB train heading south. The journey through the Semmering Pass is a UNESCO World Heritage site in itself.
Check into A&O Hostel Graz Hauptbahnhof
A reliable budget option located right by the station for easy transit.
Murinsel (Island in the Mur)
Explore the futuristic floating platform in the middle of the river, which serves as a cafe and an amphitheater.
Graz Old Town Walk
Stroll through the UNESCO-listed city center and admire the Landhaus Courtyard and the Painted House.
Day 5: Graz, Austria - Renaissance Streets & Modern Art
Schlossberg Hike
Skip the funicular and walk up the stairs to the Clock Tower (Uhrturm) for a panoramic view of Graz's red roofs.
Lunch at Lendplatz Market
A local favorite for fresh, affordable Styrian produce and small eateries serving seasonal dishes.
Kunsthaus Graz (Exterior)
Marvel at the 'Friendly Alien' architecture. While the gallery costs, the building's exterior is a must-see for design lovers.
Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil Tasting
Head to a local grocery store to buy a small bottle of 'black gold' for a cheap and authentic local snack with bread.
Day 6: Graz, Austria - Hidden Courtyards & Statues
Stadtpark Graz
Relax in the city's largest green space, perfect for a budget picnic before heading further into the Styrian capital.
Double Spiral Staircase
Visit the Burg Graz to see this architectural marvel from 1499. It's free to enter and climb the 'reconciliation' stairs.
Eggenberg Palace Gardens
Take a short tram ride to the edge of the city to roam the peacock-filled gardens of this Baroque palace.
Dinner at a 'Bausatz' Restaurant
Graz is famous for its 'Bausatz' eateries where you can 'build' your own pizza, burger, or pasta for a fixed low price.
Day 7: Graz to Obertraun, Austria - Entering the Lake District
Scenic Train to the Salzkammergut
Take the train towards Obertraun. The change in Stainach-Irdning offers some of the most beautiful mountain views from the window.
Check into Hostel Obertraun
Staying in Obertraun is significantly cheaper than staying in its famous neighbor, Hallstatt, which is just a boat or bus ride away.
Lake Hallstatt Shore Walk
Enjoy a quiet afternoon walking along the lake shore in Obertraun, looking across the water at the high peaks.
Supermarket Dinner
Cook at the hostel to save money; Obertraun has limited budget dining, so use the communal kitchen.
Day 8: Obertraun & Hallstatt, Austria - Alpine Magic
Ferry to Hallstatt
Take the boat from Obertraun to Hallstatt early to beat the massive tour bus crowds that arrive by noon.
Hallstatt Old Town Exploration
Walk through the narrow streets and visit the famous 'Classic Village View' point for that iconic photo.
Beinhaus (Bone House)
A small fee allows you to visit this unique chapel containing over 1,200 painted skulls, a long-standing local tradition.
Hike back to Obertraun
Walk the flat trail along the lake back to your hostel to save on ferry costs and enjoy the sunset over the mountains.
Day 9: Obertraun, Austria - Mountains & Ice Caves
Dachstein Krippenstein
Take the cable car (or hike if you are experienced and fit) to see the 'Five Fingers' viewing platform over the abyss.
Exploring the Ice Caves
Visit the Giant Ice Cave, one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the Alps. It is a splurge, but worth it for the unique experience.
Relax by the Traun River
Find a quiet spot by the river in Obertraun to rest your legs after a day of mountain exploration.
Pizza Night
Grab a reasonably priced pizza at Pizzeria Luna Rossa in Obertraun to fuel up for travel tomorrow.
Day 10: Obertraun to Salzburg, Austria - The City of Music
Train to Salzburg
Enjoy the 2-hour train ride through the lake district. This route is exceptionally scenic, so keep your camera ready.
Check into YoHo International Youth Hostel
The most famous budget stay in Salzburg, offering daily 'Sound of Music' screenings and a central location.
Mirabell Gardens
Walk through the free gardens where the 'Do-Re-Mi' scene was filmed. The views of the fortress from here are incredible.
Salzach River Walk
Stroll along the river as the sun sets, crossing the Makartsteg bridge covered in love locks.
Day 11: Salzburg, Austria - Fortress Views & Old Town
Getreidegasse & Mozart's Birthplace
Window shop along the famous wrought-iron signs of Salzburg’s main street and see the exterior of Mozart's childhood home.
Kapuzinerberg Hike
Instead of paying for the Hohensalzburg funicular, hike up the Kapuzinerberg hill for a free, stunning view of the fortress and the city.
Salzburg Cathedral (Dom)
Enter the magnificent baroque cathedral where Mozart was baptized. It is one of the most beautiful religious buildings in Europe.
Augustiner Bräu Beer Garden
A must for budget travelers. Buy a mug, rinse it yourself, and enjoy cheap, world-class beer. You can even bring your own food.
Day 12: Salzburg, Austria - Fountains & Monasteries
St. Peter's Cemetery & Catacombs
Visit the oldest cemetery in Salzburg. The catacombs carved into the rock face require a small fee but are truly fascinating.
Hellbrunn Palace (Gardens)
Take a bus to Hellbrunn. While the Trick Fountains cost money, the expansive palace park is free for everyone.
Mönchsberg Walk
Stroll along the ridge of the Mönchsberg mountain for different perspectives of the city without any climbing effort.
Budget Schnitzel Dinner
Find a local 'Gasthof' away from the tourist center to enjoy an authentic Wiener Schnitzel at a local price.
Day 13: Salzburg to Zell am See, Austria - Lakeside Serenity
Regional Train to Zell am See
A short journey into the heart of the Alps. This lakeside town is surrounded by massive peaks and glaciers.
Check into Junges Hotel Zell am See
A clean, affordable hostel located right on the lakeshore with its own private beach access.
Lake Zell Loop Walk
Walk part of the 11km trail around the crystal-clear lake, offering views of the Schmittenhöhe mountain.
Zell am See Old Town
Explore the small but charming pedestrian zone and see the Vogtthaturm, a medieval tower.
Day 14: Zell am See, Austria - Nature & Glaciers
Day Trip to Kaprun
Take a short bus ride to Kaprun to see the Sigmund Thun Gorge or view the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier from below.
Picnic at Thumersbach
Cross to the other side of the lake for a picnic with the best view of Zell am See's church and town center.
Swimming in the Lake
In summer, the lake is refreshing and free to access at several public points around the shore.
Hostel BBQ
Many mountain hostels offer evening BBQs or communal dinners which are much cheaper than town restaurants.
Day 15: Zell am See to Innsbruck, Austria - Heart of the Tyrol
Train to Innsbruck
The journey to the Tyrolean capital is one of the most beautiful in the country as you wind through the Inn Valley.
Check into Montagu Hostel
A trendy, budget-friendly hostel in the heart of Innsbruck known for its rooftop bar and social events.
Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl)
Visit the symbol of the city in the Altstadt. The building with 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles is a must-see.
Inn River Banks
Join the local students and sit by the river with a drink to watch the sunset hit the colorful houses of Mariahilf.
Day 16: Innsbruck, Austria - City Peaks
Nordkette Experience
While the cable car is pricey, you can hike up to the Hungerburg station for free to get a massive elevation gain and great views.
Lunch at Markthalle Innsbruck
Sample local cheeses and meats at the indoor market for a fraction of the price of a sit-down restaurant.
Hofgarten Park
Stroll through the former imperial gardens, a peaceful oasis right next to the Hofburg Palace.
Maria-Theresien-Straße
Walk the main shopping street and admire the column of St. Anne (Annasäule) against the backdrop of the mountains.
Day 17: Innsbruck, Austria - Olympic History & Hiking
Bergisel Ski Jump (Exterior)
Walk up to the Olympic ski jump. You can see the structure and the surrounding stadium without paying for the tower entry.
Sill Gorge Hike
Explore the 'Grand Canyon of Innsbruck' just a short walk from the city center, featuring emerald water and rugged trails.
Wiltener Basilica
Visit this stunning rococo church on the edge of the city, known for its incredible interior and free entry.
Try 'Tiroler Gröstl'
End your stay in Innsbruck with this hearty potato and meat fry-up, the ultimate mountain fuel for backpackers.
Day 18: Innsbruck to Vienna, Austria - The Long Return
Cross-Country Train Trip
Board the Railjet back to Vienna. This 4.5-hour journey is the perfect time to organize your photos and relax.
Check into MEININGER Hotel Vienna Downtown Sissi
A reliable budget chain that offers private rooms and dorms at competitive rates.
Donauinsel (Danube Island)
Visit this 21km long island in the middle of the Danube for a bike ride or a swim in the river.
Farewell Dinner at 7 Stern Bräu
A traditional brewery with fair prices and large portions, perfect for a final Austrian feast.
Day 19: Vienna, Austria - Final Souvenirs & Departure
Belvedere Palace Gardens
One last royal garden visit. The upper gardens are free and provide the famous view of the palace reflecting in the pond.
Karlsplatz & Karlskirche
Admire the massive dome of the Karlskirche and the nearby Otto Wagner metro pavilions.
Last Minute Billa Run
Stock up on Mannerschnitten (hazelnut wafers) and Mozartkugeln at the supermarket for cheap souvenirs.
Departure to Vienna Airport
Take the S7 train back to the airport, leaving with a lifetime of memories and a still-intact bank account.
Best Time to Visit Austria
For budget travelers, the shoulder seasons of May-June and September-October are ideal. You will avoid the high prices of the ski season and the summer peak, while still enjoying mild weather perfect for hiking and city walks. December is magical for Christmas markets but can be expensive and very crowded.
Currency & Money
Austria uses the Euro (€). While credit cards are widely accepted in cities, many small cafes, mountain huts, and 'Würstelstands' are strictly cash-only. Tipping is customary but modest; rounding up to the next Euro or adding 5-10% is standard practice in restaurants.
Getting Around Austria
The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) is your best friend. For the lowest prices, always book 'Sparschiene' tickets as early as possible. For shorter distances between cities like Vienna and Salzburg, the private 'Westbahn' train often offers cheaper walk-on fares. Within cities, the public transport networks are world-class; always buy a 24, 48, or 72-hour pass to save money on individual tickets.
