Looking for a European adventure that encompasses fairytale scenery, history and culture? Then you can’t go far wrong with Austrian road trips. Austria delivers all of this and more. It’s a joy to drive – with beautiful scenic bends, some of the smoothest roads you’ll ever travel and tolls to keep the traffic light. Here, we’ve selected some classic sights and some Austrian roads less travelled…
Photo by: serkat Photography/Fotolia
Romantic Austria
If it’s classic Austria you want, Salzkammergut is a must-see. This is often referred to as the ‘Austrian Lake District’ and is where The Sound of Music was filmed. The Romantikstasse (or Romantic Road) is a well-known route from Salzberg to Vienna. It will take you through magical mountain scenery, past sparkling alpine lakes and historic villages, castles and monasteries.
The ‘Romantic Road’ is a loop but if you’re restricted on time you can just drive part of it. www.romantikstrasse.at has downloadable maps and suggested routes ranging from 9km – 150km.
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Head to Linz (around 1.5 hours from Salzberg) for some city fun. Visit the amazingly futuristic Ars Electronica Centre and chat on the phone with an android, clone a plant or immerse yourself in 3D environments such as Deep Space. Check out www.aec.at. Afterwards, explore the wonderful cafés, especially the hidden gems down side streets such as Chay – Die Welt des Tees just off the main square. You can while away several relaxed hours here with a choice of over 150 teas, a free library and cheerfully decorated, homely interior.
The Pustertaler High Alpine Road
Bordering Italy and Switzerland, the Tyrol area is an excellent touring base, best known for its ski resorts. There are plenty of excellent scenic drives to take in this region too. Not least the Pustertaler High Alpine Road. Beginning and ending in Leinz, this route offers dramatic views, particularly of the Dolomites. But the smaller sights and details are equally unforgettable. Assling Deer Park, castles, chapels and picturesque villages make this an Austria road trip to remember.
Top tip: All of the companies we work with in Austria allow border crossings, most charge around 10 EUR per country. Click on the ‘Show Rental Conditions’ link displayed under each vehicle on our quote results page, then read the information under the heading Border Exits.
Photo by: lukas92/Fotolia
Styria
Austria’s Styria region is full of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. Head to the spectacular Island of Mur, Graz. This is an ‘island’ designed by artist Vito Acconi which is constructed entirely of glass and steel. Enjoy a coffee with a view here before heading on the A9 towards the pretty market town of St Michael in der Obersteiermark. From here continue on the A9 into the Gesäuse National Park. The scenery here is breath-taking and the website describes it as being ‘home to the last unregulated section of the great alpine river’. To get even closer to the scenery, you could camp at Wildalpen, where you can pitch a tent right on the banks of the Salza. Take the B146 and Erlauftalstraβe/b25 to the B24 which will take you to the two campsites. This Austria road trip takes around 2.5 hours but with all the amazing sights, you should allow much longer. Pack a picnic breakfast and eat it at the Brunsee Alpine Lake 6km further along the B24 from the campsite.
Top tip: There are some toll roads in this trip. You will need to purchase a vignette from the car rental provider, local post offices or petrol station. You can also find out more here.
Ready for an Austrian road trip of a lifetime?
Whether you’re going for classic Austria or seeking out hidden gems, you can book your vehicle here. Want more road trip inspiration? You’re in the right place. Check out our destination guides – and make sure you follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest travel tips and news. Remember to sign up to our newsletter below for the latest deals.
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Written by Kirsty Favell.
