10+ Best Day Trips from Vienna, Austria
Last Updated on 26th June 2024 by Sophie Nadeau
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Vienna is the capital of Austria and is best-known for its Christmas markets, not to mention its musical legacy (Mozart and Beethoven both lived in the Austrian city). Vienna also makes for a great base from which to explore the surrounding region of Austria, as well as nearby countries such as Slovakia, Slovenia, and Hungary. Here’s your guide to the best day trips from Vienna.
Located alongside the banks of the Danube River, Vienna is known as the city of Music thanks to its association with a number of famous composers, including Mozart and Bach.
The local language is Viennese German and some of the most famous attractions in the city today are grand cafés, illustrious palaces, and the opera. For more inspiration, be sure to check out our suggestions for one day in Vienna.
Some of these journeys are best undertaken in a car. Though I would not recommend renting a car to get around Vienna itself, you could consider renting a car for the day of your day trip only. Check car rental comparison prices here.
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10+ Best Day Trips from Vienna
Hallstatt
By Joanna of The World in My Pocket
Hallstatt is without a doubt one of the most beautiful villages in Austria. Even if it’s quite far from Vienna, it is definitely doable on a day trip if you wake up early enough. It’s one of those European fairytale towns that you won’t want to miss out on during any trip to Europe and so if this is your only opportunity to visit, it’s well worth the trip.
The train to Hallstatt takes around 3 hours, and you will have to change once at Attnang-Puchheim. If you leave at 6AM, you can be in Hallstatt around 9:30AM. The train station in Hallstatt is on the east side of the lake, which means that you must take a boat to cross over. The price for the boat is 3 euros and the schedule syncs with the arrival and departures of the trains.
There are plenty of things to do in Hallstatt, even if it’s such a small village. Walking around the streets and admiring the Alpine architecture is extremely romantic. Be sure to bring your camera and comfortable walking shoes as the best way to explore this gem is on foot!
Besides the iconic postcard viewpoint, there are plenty of other great places where you can get great photos of the village. The main attraction of Hallstatt is the oldest salt mine in the world, located in the mountains above the village.
You can easily reach it by funicular, which runs every 10 minutes or so. Just outside the funicular station, on top of the mountain, there is a fantastic viewing platform from where you can enjoy great panoramic views over the entire lake and the surrounding peaks.
One tip for visiting Hallstatt would be to always have a jacket with you. The weather changes very fast and storm form out of nowhere. Make sure you are prepared. All in all, one of the very best day trips from Austria is to Hallstatt.
Last but not least, those looking for all of the public transportation details to be taken care of for them, and who wish to visit visiting multiple locations on one day, may well consider a guided tour like this Melk, Hallstatt, and Salzburg Private Tour from Vienna.
Salzburg
By Maggie of The World Was Here First
If you’re looking for a fantastic day trip from Vienna, you cannot go wrong with visiting Salzburg. As Austria’s fourth-largest city, planning a one-day Salzburg itinerary is an excellent option if you don’t have the time for a longer stay.
Located in the west of Austria, Salzburg is easily reached by train, bus or car from Vienna in about 2.5 hours. There are countless bus and train connections between the two cities each day, making this a great and easy option for a day trip. Alternatively, you can book a guided small-group Day Trip from Vienna like this one.
As a relatively compact city, you can see a lot of Salzburg within the confines of one day. Because you can walk from one end of the city centre to the other in about twenty minutes, you’re going to be able to pack in a lot of sites without getting too overwhelmed.
Make sure to start your day at the Mirabell Palace and Gardens, which is famous for being a filming location for The Sound of Music. Classical music fans will enjoy a visit to Mozart’s Residence or Mozart’s Birthplace museums.
Perhaps the most famous site in Salzburg, however, is the Hohensalzburg Fortress, a beautiful fortification that rests over the city and is absolutely fascinating to visit.
There are lots of hiking trails behind the fortress that are worth wandering on if you’re feeling a bit more active. You can even walk all the way to the Augustiner Brau brewery and have a delicious Austrian beer in a very traditional setting. All in all, if you’re after an excellent day trip from Vienna, Salzburg is the perfect choice.
Graz
By Lori of Travlinmad
When visiting Vienna, build in some extra time for a day trip to Graz, the second largest Austrian city. Located in the southeast of Austria close to Slovenia, Graz is easily reached by bus or car in 2 hours and 20 minutes. To relax and enjoy the scenery along the way, most visitors opt for the comfortable high-speed train which takes just 2 hours.
From the modern train station in Graz, it’s best to take the tram to Hauptplatz, the medieval main square. From there, you’re on the doorstep of Old Town where you’ll find unique WWII historic sites and the Arnold Shwarzenegger Museum at the centre.
If you arrive before noon, chances are there’s a local farmers market going on in Old Town. Graz has a small town feel and you can easily spend the day wandering the city and noshing on local food. The restaurants in Graz are some of the best in Austria and are perfect when paired with the delicious crisp white wines from South Styria.
Be sure and take the funicular up to Schlossberg, a fortress on the town hill. It’s the site of a centuries-old clock tower, Uhrturm, and there’s a good restaurant where you can grab drinks and a bite to eat.
From this height, you’ll overlook the Old Town and the Mur River which divides the town. Be sure and follow the bridge to the Murinsel, the futuristic pod that seemingly floats mid-river, but is really a cool cafe to grab coffee. Just north of the river, the ultra-modern Kunsthaus Graz exhibits contemporary art and is well worth a visit.
Liechtenstein Castle
By Sophie of Solo Sophie
Easily one of the best castles in Europe is that of Liechtenstein Castle (or Burg Liechtenstein as it is so-called in German). This fortification dates all the way back to the Middle Ages and is often regarded to be one of the best-preserved 12th-century Romanesque buildings in Europe.
Close to the edge of the Vienna Woods and not far from the town of Maria Enzersdorf, Liechtenstein Castle is actually privately owned, though the interior can still be visited for a fee. As of 2021, a visit to the castle costs €10 for an adult.
Guided tours in English or German take place once an hour and it’s worth noting that the castle can only be visited as part of a guided tour. The easiest way to get to the castle from Vienna is by renting a car as public transportation only takes you to a few kilometres walk away from the medieval building.
Carnuntum, Austria
By Kat of Biker Girl Life
Austria is famous for its vibrant imperial history, especially if you’ve spent time in Vienna and seen the buildings and museums there, but very few realise that the area is full of even older history- some dating as far back as the Roman Empire.
Visitors should also note that, historically, Vienna in Austria was known as Vindobona. There is a town in France called Vienne which, was founded in 47 BCE by Julius Caesar and was, rather confusingly, known as Vienna.
If you’re interested in ancient history, the best place to visit is the Roman ruins at Carnuntum. Found near the border between Vienna and Bratislava, Carnuntum started life as a Roman fortress, but grew into a large city of over 50,000 inhabitants during the first century (in size it was even larger than modern-day Vienna!)
It was a base for both the fleet and the legionaries and remained an important city for securing the border and serving the trade routes until well into the 4th century. Today, parts of the city remain standing and it’s possible to walk around them. One of the major attractions in the city are the amphitheatres.
The largest was built from stone in the second century and could seat around 8,000 people. The outline, some walls, and the atmosphere still remain today. You can also discover more about the gladiator school held at Carnuntum and the incredibly intense training these soldiers undertook.
Another must-see is the Heathen’s Gate, one of the most recognisable landmarks in Carnuntum. Although only an arch remains, there are plenty of photos showing the huge cube it would have been and how imposing it would have looked.
It’s really easy to get to Carnuntum from Vienna, especially if you have your own vehicle. It’s only about 45km and the drive takes around 40 minutes. There’s plenty of parking on site and if you’re motorcycle touring there are safe spaces. Alternatively, there are public transport options; the closest train station is Petronell-Carnuntum and there are hourly trains during weekdays.
TOP TIP: If you’d like to get a photo of this arch without people around it, go there first, ideally as early in the day as you can. It only gets busier as the day goes on. Purchase your Roman City of Carnuntum Admission ticket here in advance.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is actually the capital of the neighbouring country of Hungary, though is an easy day trip from Vienna nonetheless. And so, just as Vienna is a great day trip from Budapest, so is true the reverse. Budapest can be reached from Vienna in around two and a half hours (depending on which train you choose).
Once in Budapest, there are a myriad of things to do. Admire the view from the Fisherman’s Bastion and marvel at the Parliament building. Budapest is actually formed of two towns which lie on either side of the river: Buda and Pest. The city is also known for its iconic thermal baths which are the perfect spot to relax in. For more inspiration, be sure to check out our one day in Budapest itinerary.
Bratislava, Slovakia
By Nadine of Le Long Weekend
Situated just over the Danube from Austria, the Slovakian Capital makes an intriguing place to visit as a day trip from Vienna. Close in distance, yet remarkably different in appearance, the two cities create an interesting juxtaposition.
Where Vienna is regal, refined, and almost uniform in appearance, Bratislava is wonderfully diverse, and a little shabby around the edges. It’s come from a rather rocky past, having served as the Hungarian capital, surviving many years under communist rule, and emerging today as an interesting city with a beautifully restored old town centre and a young and vibrant pulse running through it.
Of course, this tumultuous past means there’s much to discover, and the varied architecture is a testament to its past. You’ll most likely want to spend your day in Bratislava touring the old town, with its charming cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and quirky statues.
Be sure to also take a wander up to the reconstructed castle (the former castle was destroyed in the early 19th century), and a ride up the iconic UFO tower for the best views in the city (tip- head there just before sunset, as the view over the castle, old town, and surrounding parks and gardens glows under the golden light).
To get to Bratislava from Vienna, you can drive yourself the short 1hr journey, but you’ll need to purchase the Slovakia toll vignette on the way. Alternatively, take public transport and jump on the train, bus, or ferry – each option takes between 60-90 minutes each way, and it can cost you as little as €10 return.
Wachau Valley, Austria
By Claire of Claire Pins Travel
The Wachau Valley wine region, located between the Austrian towns of Krems and Melk, is characterized by quaint villages and dramatic, sloping vineyards built into stone terraces along the banks of the Danube River. This region has even been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the unique cultural landscape, with towns dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries.
While you could enjoy the region by car or on foot, the most popular way to visit the Wachau Valley from Vienna is by a combination of train ride and bicycle rental. Direct trains leave hourly from central Vienna to the town of Krems an der Donau, which has several rental shops to choose from.
A popular day trip itinerary is to cycle from Krems to the village of Spitz, cross the river and cycle back up to the ferry crossing for the well-known historic town of Durnstein on the opposite side.
Don’t miss the panoramic views of the valley from the castle ruins lookout above the town of Durnstein! This roundtrip is about 40 kilometres in total, which is perfect for a leisurely day trip and will allow you lots of time for wine tastings and photo stops.
Another popular one way option is to start your day in the town of Melk to see the famous Melk Abbey, cycle to Krems and return to Vienna on the train from there. You can easily and safely cycle along the banks of the river on a designated cycling path, which is separated from the main road.
There is very little elevation and no major inclines or obstacles, so cycling would be suitable even for those with less experience. Be sure to stop by one of the many wineries for a tour or tasting, the most common varieties produced here are Riesling and Grüner Veltliner. For those looking to go wine tasting with all of the transportation details taken care of, consider booking this Wachau Valley Day Tour with Wine Tasting.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
By Cosette of KarsTravels.
Ljubljana has a laid-back vibe and is the capital of Slovenia. It’s in western Slovenia, and perfect for strolling around in. From spending one afternoon in Ljubljana to several days, there’s plenty to do in the city for everyone. For more inspiration, check out our one day in Ljunljana suggested itinerary.
On any itinerary should be to visit Ljubljanski Grad, the large castle towering over the city. The castle is reachable by car and on foot, but also by furnicolare. A glass cogwheel that goes up from the city center to the castle, with perfect views on the city. Climb the tower, visit the inside of the castle, wander around the courtyard and the grounds.
There are so many well preserved buildings from the Baroque and Jugendstil periods in Ljubljana, stroll around to admire their colorful facades. Tromostovje, a triple bridge, is a highlight, so beautifully adorned. A tip is to stay on the outskirts of the city or park there, and visit the city center by bus.
Ljubljana has a lot of buildings with a long history. In the city center most buildings are from the Baroque and Classical period, outside the center there are mostly buildings from the Communist period.
There was already a settlement in the area in 1BC, just named Emona. From the 12th century the name Ljubljana came into use. It was the capital of the duchy Carniola in the 13th century, in the 14th century it became part of the House of Habsburg, until the 19th century.
They renamed it Laibach, and a large population of German speaking people settled in the city. After the Second World War Slovenia was part of Yugoslavia. In 1991 Slovenia gained independence and Ljubljana became its capital.
Ljubljana is 4 hours driving by car from Vienna, by toll roads. By train the fastest is going to Maribor and then to Ljubljana, almost 6 hours traveling in total. Those wishing to have the transport from Vienna to Slovenia taken care of may consider booking this Slovenia Day Trip From Vienna Including Ljubljana and Bled.
Vienna Woods, Austria
By Knycx Journeying
Tourists know that there are so many exciting things to see, do and eat in Vienna, as at least a week is required for visitors to experience the music, art, history, and culture of the Capital city of Austria has to offer.
Having said that, a wonderful day trip from the city is to explore a small town a little bit further away from the city center like Vienna Woods. Vienna Woods is located about 50 kilometers away from Vienna’s city center, and it is a place well known for its beautiful wine gardens, vineyards, natural walking trails, and picturesque villages.
There are a number of trains and bus routes that lead to Vienna Woods within an hour from Vienna; To make a full day out of the city, consider hiring a car so you can get around town and explore the area at your own pace.
Start the day with a wine tour in a vineyard and have a sip of some world-class liquor. For a more active adventure, go kayaking on the Danube or take a scenic walk through the magnificent historic forest, which was a hunting ground of Viennese royalty.
Take it slow and have a walk in the town center after lunch. Vienna Woods has no lack of historic sites including the Mayerling hunting lodge and Heiligenkreuz Abbey, which is one of the oldest Cistercian monasteries in the world.
All in all, Vienna Woods has something special to offer, no matter it is for food and wine lover, activity seeker, history buff, or natural people. Due to its close proximity to the city of Vienna, it’s also one of the easiest and most convenient day trips from Vienna.
Zell am See, Austria
By PlacesofJuma
A really nice trip amb Vienna is definitely to Zell am See! This magical place is absolutely worth seeing! Situated in an almost kitschy idyll, surrounded by high mountains, green meadows, and with the turquoise blue Zeller Lake, this destination is a real highlight in Austria.
There are so many things to do in Zell am See. Whether sightseeing, sports, gondola rides to glaciers, gorges, lakeside resorts, or museums, no tourist will be bored in this diverse region – we promise!
As a special tip, we can definitely recommend a day-trip in the summer month! At this time it is most beautiful in Zell am See, everything is green, the weather is great and the atmosphere is incredible. Also the days are much more longer than in winter!
In Zell am See there are a lot of places worth seeing. However, you should definitely see the historic old town with the beautiful townhouses directly on the lake, whose history goes back to the 9th century. If you like, you can take a boat trip from there and discover the highlights of the region from the boat.
A trip to the Kitzsteinhorn, a glacier that can be reached in no time by gondola, is also wonderful. Another highlight is the Kaprun reservoirs, which have plenty of photo opportunities to offer.
Sporty people, on the other hand, visit one of the numerous gorges, such as the Sigmund Thun Klamm, one of the most beautiful gorges in the country. The best way to reach Zell am See from Vienna is by rental car. For this, you need about 3 hours. However, there are also buses and you can also get there by train.
Český Krumlov, Czechia
By Rose of Where Goes Rose
One of the most picturesque locations that can be reached from Vienna is idyllic Cesky Krumlov, a small, UNESCO-protected city in the Czech Republic. For a total contrast to Prague, you need to visit this charming settlement often described as a ‘real life fairytale’.
Visiting the majestic Cesky Krumlov Castle is worth a trip all by itself. Dating back to 1240, this enormous castle has been influenced by many wealthy residents and the changing styles of the times: in the 1600s, it was modelled to match the architecture of Vienna. One of the highlights of visiting today is that the Castle is home to the best-preserved baroque theatre in the world.
Cementing Cesky Krumlov’s reputation as a cultural hub, these are a plethora of museums covering everything from art, history, photography, puppets and old-fashioned marketing materials. Egon Schiele Art Centrum is a must for those interested in the works of Egon Schiele, Salvador Dalí and Gustav Klimt.
Although Cesky Krumlov is indeed idyllic, don’t expect it to be a sleepy hidden gem. Due to its beautiful architecture and idyllic nature, it’s a tourist hotspot. A top travel tip is to visit early especially if you’re a photographer and want to snap some shots without the crowds.
Another option is to stay past 4pm when the tour buses depart, thus experiencing golden hour over this wonderful living fairytale. To reach Cesky Krumlov from Vienna, drive in 2.5 hours or catch a direct shuttle bus in just over 3 hours. It’s a long day but well worth it.
Sopron, Hungary
By Monique of Trip Anthropologist
Only 75 kilometres from Vienna in western Hungary is the charming medieval town of Sopron. Although Sopron is surrounded by excellent wine country, forests, and lakes and is a great destination for an extended day, it is also a very convenient day trip. The old city centre packs a great many interesting attractions into its compact area.
Like many European cities, the old city centre of Sopron is best discovered on foot so be sure to pack comfortable shoes to walk in. You will wander along cobbled lanes, past renaissance, baroque, and medieval architecture and through the towns many medieval squares.
At the heart of the city is the main square. The Holy Trinity column in the middle of the square commemorates the many locals who lost their lives to the Black Plague. From here you can visit City Hall (Eggenberg House), Storno-ház (a 15th century building housing a museum), and Fabricius-ház, an 18th century baroque house which is a museum for the finds from the Roman excavation of Scarbantia, below Sopron.
The Baroque “Goat Church” is close to these elegant buildings on the main square. If time is short, then in addition to spending time in Sopron’s main square, visitors should seek out the ruins of the ancient Roman town of Scarbantia, and the city’s focal point, the 58 meter-high Firewatch Tower (Tűztorony).
Excavated parts of the old Roman market town, Scarbantia, include the Forum and the walls. They lie between apartment buildings and offices on one side, and the main square on the other. You can only get into the ruins by entering through an office block!
Sopron holds dozens of festivals each year and a Christmas market. The Fairies festival celebrates the fairytales of the fairy folk of the forests surrounding Sopron. It is held around June 9 each year and a wonderful time to visit Sopron.
It’s an easy drive from Vienna to Sopron for a daytrip. Simply take the A2 from Vienna to the A3 and then onto the Sopron exit. This takes you directly to the city. Public transport is also very convenient with trains leaving from Vienna every hour. Sopron is the last stop on the line and the journey takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Lake Bled, Slovenia
By Emma of Emma’s Roadmap
Lake Bled is one of the most magical places in Europe for sure! The first thing you will notice is the colour of the water which is so blue that it seems unreal. But this is not the only thing that makes Lake Bled so unique.
In the most picturesque images, you can see the small island that stands in the middle of the lake. The legend says that the lake was created by fairies who go dancing at night on this small island.
When visiting Lake Bled, there are several activities you should definitely do. First of all, hike up to the Ojstrica viewpoint from which you have a great view of Lake Bled. Then, make sure to rent a little boat and make your way to the small island in the middle of the lake to visit the church and have a drink.
Of course, you can’t forget to taste a Bled cake at Vila Bled, which is a typical kind of pastry for Bled. Plus, for a nice dinner experience, try the kitchen of Restaurant Sova Bled.
From Vienna, Lake Bled can be reached by car, driving over Graz and, if you like, Maribor and Ljubljana as well. This drive takes about 4h30, so it might be wise to plan your day out in advance and leave in time!
At certain moments, Lake Bled can get quite busy, if you then want a calmer experience, take a look at Lake Bohinj. This lake is located not far from Lake Bled, as fun for several adventurous activities, but much calmer as well.
Mondsee, Austria
By Melissa of Parenthood and Passports
The small village of Mondsee, Austria is an easy and relaxing day trip from Vienna or Salzburg. Roughly 2.75 hours from Vienna by car, Mondsee is located directly off the A1 highway, making it an easy drive from Austria’s capital city.
Situated on the shores of Lake Mondsee, the town is home to one of the most famous churches in Austria. Basilica St. Michael not only holds historical significance, dating all the way back to the mid-700s, but it is also a famous filming location in The Sound of Music, one of the most recognized movies of all time.
Touring the basilica, which is often called the Mondsee Abbey, is one of the top things to in Mondsee, a town of less than 4,000 residents. The pale yellow cathedral with its ornate pink interior has one of the most fascinating church altars in the world.
The altar contains the mummified remains and decorated skeletons of martyrs and saints. Across from the famous cathedral, you’ll find a row of colorful cafes where you can enjoy lunch or have a refreshing drink.
Although the basilica in the heart of the town is the main draw to Mondsee, it is also a popular town for lake activities, like sailing, paddle boating, or swimming on a warm day.
There are lots of large shade trees and some lakeside vendors selling coffees, beers, and ice cream near the shore. It is the perfect place for a lakeside picnic or a relaxing afternoon by the water.
Prague, Czechia
By Zoe of Together In Transit
For a day trip in another country from Vienna, head to the beautiful location of Prague in Czech Republic. It is best to reach by car for a day trip, which takes just over 3 hours from city to city.
Prague is a unique destination to visit with many things to do for all ages. As the capital of Czech Republic, it’s a lively city that often has live music from most popular streets as well as from the beautifully famous bridge Charles Bridge. Around this bridge and centre area, it’s very easy to walk around due to the street’s being car-free, so a public transportation ticket is not required.
For highlights to explore on a day trip from Austria, step into the old town square for gorgeous views and a cosy atmosphere with the local restaurants. While at the square, watch the Astronomical Clock Strike on the hour before climbing the clock tower for 360 views of the capital.
For those into art or history, check out the graffiti Lennon Wall while exploring and then to Prague Castle for a tour. Else, take a tour at the Treasures of St Vitus Cathedral instead, where lots of local treasures are on viewing alongside the Church’s magnificent art nouveau stained glass.
For something alternative, there is also a KGB Museum open daily. Top tip, don’t leave Prague without eating a delicious Trdelnik, the soft twisted donut that are sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon! For more inspiration, be sure to check out our suggested one day in Prague itinerary.
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