Austria’s Hidden Historic Towns – A Scenic Self-Drive from Vienna to Salzburg

Day 1: Vienna Airport to Baden

Collect your rental car at Vienna Airport and begin the journey with a short drive through the Vienna Woods to Baden. Explore the elegant historic centre, the spa quarter and the town’s imperial heritage. In the afternoon, follow the local wine roads through the surrounding vineyards. Stop at a traditional wine tavern and enjoy the freedom to choose between a short vineyard walk.

Overnight in Baden.

Day 2: Baden through the Wachau to Freistadt

Leave Baden and travel west on smaller roads towards the Danube. Instead of taking the fastest motorway route, follow the river through the Wachau, passing vineyards, orchards, historic villages and panoramic viewpoints. Suggested stops include Krems Dürnstein and Weißenkirchen. Continue through rural Lower Austria towards the Mühlviertel, where the landscape changes from the Danube Valley to wooded hills and granite countryside. Arrive in the medieval brewing town of Freistadt.

Overnight in Freistadt.

Day 3: Freistadt and the Mühlviertel

Discover Freistadt’s preserved fortifications, historic town gates and colourful main square. The remainder of the day is dedicated to an individual self-drive loop through the Mühlviertel. Follow quiet country roads through forests, small farming villages and gently rolling hills. Recommended experiences include a local brewery visit, a countryside inn, a farm shop or a short walk through the surrounding landscape. Overnight in Freistadt.

Day 4: Freistadt to Steyr

Drive south through the rural landscapes of Upper Austria. The route passes small villages, agricultural regions and stretches of countryside rarely included in conventional guided tours. Allow time for spontaneous stops at local markets, cafés or viewpoints before arriving in Steyr, situated at the confluence of the Enns and Steyr rivers. Explore the historic town centre, the impressive town square and the heritage created by merchants, craftsmen and the iron trade. Overnight in Steyr.

Day 5: Steyr through the Alpine Foothills to Gmunden

Leave Steyr and follow scenic secondary roads through the Alpine foothills. A recommended stop is Kremsmünster, with its historic abbey and traditional town centre. Continue through the green Almtal, passing forests, rivers and mountain landscapes. As the mountains become more dramatic, continue towards Gmunden on Lake Traunsee. Overnight in Gmunden.

Day 6: Gmunden and Lake Traunsee

Explore Gmunden, its lakeside promenade, historic centre and ceramic tradition. Use the car to discover Lake Traunsee independently. Follow the scenic lakeside road towards Traunkirchen and Ebensee, stopping at viewpoints, bathing areas or traditional restaurants. Depending on the season, the day can include a boat trip, a mountain excursion or a leisurely lakeside walk. Overnight in Gmunden.

Day 7: Gmunden to Bad Ischl and Hallein

Continue along Lake Traunsee before driving through the heart of the Salzkammergut to Bad Ischl. Visit the imperial town, enjoy traditional coffeehouse culture and explore the surroundings associated with Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth. In the afternoon, continue on a scenic route through the lake and mountain region towards Hallein.

The drive offers opportunities for stops around Lake Wolfgang, Lake Fuschl or in one of the smaller Salzkammergut villages. Arrive in Hallein, known for its historic centre, Celtic heritage and centuries-old connection with salt. Overnight in Hallein.

Day 8: Hallein to Salzburg

Explore Hallein’s narrow streets and historic town centre. An optional visit to the salt mine or Celtic Museum can be included. Drive the final short section to Salzburg. Return the rental car at Salzburg Airport or extend the journey with additional nights in Salzburg. The complete route covers approximately 650 kilometres, including the recommended scenic detours and local discovery routes.

Picture source: LCC Mondial