Backpacking Austria Travel Guide

Welcome to my backpacking backpacking Austria travel guide! Austria is one of the most culturally rich countries in Central Europe. The country is blessed with fantastic mountains, laid-back wine taverns, trendy bars, and wonderful cultural traditions. There are alpine valleys, the exquisite architecture of Vienna and Salzburg, the world’s most famous ski resorts, postcard-worthy farmland, and friendly locals that will make you want to return. It’s no wonder that backpacking Austria is high on any budget traveler’s list.

There is truly so much on offer in Austria that it blows my mind more backpackers don’t take advantage of it. Austria, however, tends to be more expensive than other countries in Central Europe.

For many travelers, the thought of backpacking Austria for more than a couple days is a bank account draining fantasy. So how does one navigate the steep costs associated with backpacking Austria? Is it even possible to travel to Vienna on a budget?

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In this Austria travel guide, you will get all the tips and tricks you need to travel to Austria on a budget. Get Austria travel itineraries, in-depth tips on backpacking in Vienna, Linz, and Salzburg, and Graz, top things to do in Austria, where to go, where to stay, and much more.

By the end of this Austria travel guide, you’ll get some Austria vacation ideas and will no longer fear the high prices in this part of Europe (well maybe a little bit). Plus, once you get to know what’s on offer in Austria you will probably start preparing your backpack right away!

Let’s get right to it!

Best Time to Visit Austria

Austria is open for backpackers year-round, though what you can enjoy doing depends on the season. Winters are cold and encourage plenty of winter sports. If you’re into skiing and snowboarding, then summer is certainly the low season. Though the various ski resorts of Pitztal, Sölden, Stubai, and Hintertux, get rolling in the summer months.

Summer is arguably the most beautiful. Trees and flowers are blooming and smelling so damn good. Hiking in the mountains is very comfortable. With the good weather come the crowds. Burggarten, Volksgarten, and Stadtpark will almost certainly be crowded with travelers willing to take some cool pictures.

Vienna and Salzburg will be busy at their peak season between June and August. Expect the flight prices and accommodation to be higher, and prepare for some crowds in all popular destinations.

Spring and Summer are also excellent times to come backpacking in Austria. If you visit between late winter and early spring, expect cold temperatures.

Austria really has four distinct seasons. Each has something special to offer.

Keep in mind that the weather in the Alps might be unpredictable as it depends on the altitude. You should stay informed about the weather forecast when planning cycling and hiking routes. Bring light jackets and other proper clothes in case the weather get worse. The ski season in Austria starts in December and lasts until mid-April or even May (in the highlands).

Austria Entry Requirements

EU citizens will only need their passport to enter Austria. Citizens of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, and the US, should have their passports valid at least six months beyond their stay. If you plan on staying longer than 90 days you must obtain the appropriate visa. Otherwise, you don’t need to pre-apply for a visa. Other nationalities will need to apply for a Schengen Visa in advance to enter any country in the Schengen Area.

As a non-European traveler, you can travel in the Schengen zone countries for 90 days without a visa. Once six months have passed from your original arrival date, you can come in again as your visa resets.

How To Get To Austria

To start your Austrian backpacking adventure, all of the larger cities are viable candidates depending on your Austria travel itinerary. If you plan on spending a majority of your time backpacking Vienna for example, catch a bus or book a cheap flight with EasyJet or Ryanair from literally any capital in Europe. Although Austria is a small country, extensive rail and bus networks across Europe offer an efficient and comfortable way to get to Austria.

Whilst looking for plane tickets to your chosen backpacking destination, I advise that you look at multiple cities and book the cheapest flight even if that city isn’t in your targeted region. As I already mentioned, you can easily fly between all major cities in Europe on the cheap. Sometimes the main domestic carrier – Tyrolean Airways offers cheap flight deals so you may want to check it. The carrier operates several flights a day between Austria’s main cities, such as Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck.

For example, you might find it cheaper to fly into Düsseldorf or Berlin first. You can then book a second flight to your intended destination.

If you are already traveling in Europe before coming to Austria, try to end your trip in the city with the cheapest flights. It’s common sense and an oft-repeated piece of advice but I think it’s worth repeating.

Austria Travel Guide to Getting Around On a Budget

Okay, there are many great ways to get around Austria! If you plan on hitting up multiple cities in Austria in a short period of time, the Eurail Pass is the way to go. Since the country is a part of the Eurail network, you can buy a rail pass either for Austria or for all of Europe.

Buying a single ticket each time you ride individually adds up fast, so in the end, buying a pass it totally worth it.

Long-distance buses are probably the cheapest option, though it usually takes longer to get from A to B. A 7-hour journey with companies like Eurolines, Busabout, or ÖBB is likely to cost you between 20-45 Euros, depending on the distance and time.

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Consider taking the Bundesbus for shorter trips between cities and to the remote corners of the Alps. For example, Bundesbus will get you to some ski resorts in Voralberg and Tirol on a budget without the necessity of renting a car.

When I compare journey times and costs for train and bus travel, taking a train will almost always be faster. Although, buses in Austria are plentiful and the more economical option. Long-distance buses are equipped with air conditioning, an on-board restroom, and reclining seats with headrests. That is why I like traveling by bus. It gives me more flexibility when I modify or cancel a reservation. You can find long-distance buses for as little as 5 Eur if you’re really on it too.

Bicycle travel is extremely popular among backpackers on a budget. Bicycles are available at over 160 railway stations and can be returned to any other station with a rental office. Go on a bike trip in Wachau and sample the famous wine. Also, don’t miss Hallstatt and the picturesque lake next to it. There is a cycling route so you can see the best of the region in a day.

All big lakes and rivers, like the Danube, are navigable. River cruises along the Danube start on Easter day and last until the end of October providing a chance for travelers to visit the neighbouring countries. Although lake cruise season usually runs from May to September.

Austria Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit in Austria

Austria is full of adventure potential. Where ever you choose to spend your time backpacking here, you can be sure that you will leave with your eyes wide and your travel heart full.

The Austrian states do share many things: natural beauty, friendly locals, clean cities, to name a few.

They also are very distinct and unique from one another: different landscape, traditions, hiking routes, attractions.

No matter what you have heard or seen regarding Austria, leave your expectations at the door. What awaits is a country full of classical music, history, and a definite highlight of your backpacking trip to Europe.

Let me take a look at the Austrian states that make backpacking in Austria so special!

1. Vienna

The former home of the Habsburg Dynasty is also its own state. It’s the smallest Austrian state in terms of geography but it’s full of old imperial glory, classical music and awe-inspiring architecture, which makes it one of Central Europe’s most popular city. That shouldn’t be surprising when you know that many backpackers blew a hole in their backpacking budgets trying to experience Vienna’s top tourist attractions.

That said, there plenty of free things to do in Vienna that can help avoid putting a hole in your pockets.

The city is also one of the best places to visit in Austria if you are passionately fond of classical music. You probably have heard that Vienna was home to the most famous classical music composers such as Johannes Brahms, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Johann Strauss, and Ludwig van Beethoven. Aside from the big classical music scene, there’s also a young and hip side. In Vienna, I stumbled upon many hipster coffee shops, neighborhoods full of contemporary art and unique pop-up bars. These were the highlights of my backpacking trip to Vienna!

2. Lower Austria (Niederösterreich)

Surrounding the capital on all sides, Lower Austria is well-known for its vineyards in Wienerwald and best white vines from the Wachau Valley. The region offers backpackers one of Austria’s most lively cultural landscapes that contribute directly to the region’s endless charm.

Hiking in Lower Austria brings stunning new experiences due to hundreds of miles of marked hiking paths and many mellow old wine cellars. Consider Lower Austria as a great and cheap weekend getaway from Vienna. Most hotels are very affordable and finding one here isn’t a problem because they’re signposted at the various approaches to the resort or village.

3. Upper Austria

The region is known as an outdoor holiday destination with plenty up hiking and cycling trails in the summer and skiing and cross-country opportunities in winter. Upper Austria attracts travelers by the amazing combination of vast areas of green spaces and historical buildings. A town of Bad Ischl was a residence of Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife, Empress Elisabeth of Austria. Moreover, it is famous for its thermal baths and hot springs. Its capital Linz is so much different from Salzburg and Vienna. It’s the third-largest city in Austria that harbors many historic treasures. Don’t miss the Dachstein Giant Ice Cave – it’s breathtaking!

4. Styria

Styria is a province deeply steeped in folklore and is famous for its beautiful natural settings in the Salzkammergut region. They also call it the “Green Heart of Austria”. Styria is a land of countless mountain peaks, including the Hoher Dachstein. The Dachstein Massif covers an area of around 20×30 km with dozens of peaks above 2500 m, while the highest is in the southern and southwestern corners of the province. Plenty of lakes, alpine pastures, vineyards, and green hills make Styria a great destination for hikers, cyclists, and winter sports fans alike.

5. Tyrol

Tyrol is yet another great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It has literally everything an avid hiker like me may need: miles of walking and hiking trails across nature, historical sights, and architecture, clear mountain streams, and museums. Tyrol is good at any time of the year. It’s great for winter sports lovers because of ski resorts such as Kitzbühel, Mayrhofen, St. Anton, and the very family-friendly Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis.

If you have decided to start with Innsbruck, you may want to visit the Alpine zoo, Renaissance Ambras castle and the medieval Hofburg castle. Spanish Hall in Ambras castle is the place where annual classical concerts are held. If you prefer exploring nature be sure to visit the lakes of Tyrol. Achensee, Pillersee and Schwarzsee, each of these lakes represent a great subject to explore. I find the Tristachersee to be the most picturesque lake in Eastern Tyrol. Hidden among the trees it is just 4 km away from the city of Lienz.

6. Carinthia

Carinthia is one of my favorite Austrian province for a multitude of reasons. If you love idyllic hiking areas, beautiful villages, and diving deep into the history of monasteries, churches, and abbeys, you are going to love Carinthia.

Klagenfurt is the base of operations for all hikers entering Austria’s southernmost province. Here you will start to get to grips with what backpacking Carinthia has on offer.

As I said before in this Austria travel guide before there are heaps of hiking trails to explore in Carinthia. There is the Grossglockner mountain for hikers of any experience and the national museum for Norse mythology lovers.

Enjoy a long walk through the streets of Klagenfurt. The wonderfully preserved Lindwurm fountain, the symbol of the town is a local explorer’s delight.

I recommend taking a drive along the Grossglockner High-Alpine Road. This 30-mile-long spectacular road leads through all vegetation steps on earth. At the end of the road, you find the scenic mountain village Heiligenblut at the foot of the Grossglockner mountain. Avid skiers and snowboarders meet on the slopes in the town of Bad Kleinkirchheim.

7. Vorarlberg

The province of Vorarlberg, which borders with Germany and Switzerland, is one of the smallest in the country. Although, it sees almost as many crowds on its peak season as Tyrol and Salzburg do. Vorarlberg is a land of old towns, ski resorts, mountains and incredible Lake Constance (Bodensee).

During wintertime, the province is all about skiing, alpine slopes, and fluffy snow. All kinds of winter activities that fit any budget. Despite its relatively small size, Vorarlberg offers a range of hiking tours and an abundance of things to see and do. Cities like Bregenz and Bludenz should be on your bucket list if you visit Vorarlberg. Additionally, if you go skiing, consider hitting these ski resorts: Lech, Zürs am Arlberg, Sonnenkopf, Silveretta Montafon, Bregenzerwald, St. Anton am Arlberg and St. Christoph am Arlberg. The last two are the iconic ski resorts known worldwide.

8. Burgenland

Burgenland is gaining popularity with backpackers, but leaving the beaten path is still so damn easy in Burgenland.
Blessed with the lowest point in the country, and Austria’s largest lake, and outlying fairy-tale pastoral landscapes, it is no surprise that more and more wine enthusiasts, bird watchers and hikers are discovering Burgenland.

There are several excellent places to eat and drink in Eisenstadt. Also, be sure to hit up the magnificent Esterhazy Palace. It’s now entirely renovated to 19th-century grandeur, with several floors of superb and opulent furniture befitting the family’s station. Very impressive indeed. That’s the thing about backpacking in Austria: architectural quirks are everywhere.

Austria Budget Travel Hacks

A large part of your budget for traveling Austria will be split between pricey accommodation and expensive food (and drinks). Below are my tips for how to reduce travel costs:

1) Camp. With plenty of awesome mountains, small rural campgrounds, huge recreation parks that often some extra amenities for those who don’t want to pitch their own tent, camping is an essential way to save money whilst backpacking Austria. Okay, sometimes you just need to book a hostel. Fair enough. But outside of major cities, when there are no hostels available, finding a decent campsite is a must. That option – a budget option – is camping, which will take you to beautiful destinations and get you off of the beaten path.

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2) Cook your own food: If your hostel doesn’t provide self-catering kitchen facilities consider buying a portable backpacking stove and cook your own food. It will save you some serious cash whilst backpacking across Austria. You can also reduce your expenses by buying groceries at the supermarket and eating out rarely. Some restaurants in Vienna are very expensive. I think few things are better on the road than sipping a hot cup of tea as you are watching the sun goes down behind the mountains.

3) Couchsurf: The Austrians may seem a bit grumpy at times but in general they are awesome folks. Get to know some! Check out Couchsurfing to meet a knowledgeable local who can help you better understand the country, culture, and traditions. When using Couchsurfing or similar sharing economy sites be sure to personalize your messages and look like a real human being. A generic copy and paste message are much more likely to get turned down. Make yourself stand out.

4) Don’t drink much whilst backpacking Austria: I know it can be hard to give up on drinking whilst you are on a backpacking adventure. I’ll admit, I have spent a fortune over the years on drinking alcohol. But in Austria, one beer might cost you €4 EUR.

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If you are traveling in Austria for a couple of weeks and have one beer a day, well, you do the math. It’s a lot of money. And ordering mixed drinks whilst backpacking in Vienna for example? You’re looking at €10-15 EUR a pop.

My point is taking a break from drinking while hiking in the mountains and saving it for the campfire that night. You can put the money you save on booze towards renting a car, sampling local pastry, or going to a museum. If you really want to save money and travel Austria on a budget, give up alcohol.

Backpacking Austria Budget and Costs

It’s no secret that backpacking in Austria can be a pricey venture if you are not careful, but you probably already knew that. Nevertheless, just because backpacking in Austria isn’t as cheap as backpacking in Hungary or Ukraine you shouldn’t feel discouraged or intimidated to come here.

Each province in Austria requires a different budget and travel strategy. Prices can be similar for some things I would say, but not always.

Staying in hostels every evening, booking trains last minute, going to the bar night after night, and eating out for every meal adds up before you can say Unabhaengigkeitserklaerungen (German). If you are backpacking Austria, it’s always a good idea to bring a mixture of cash and bank/credit card. ATMs are plentiful in major cities and smaller towns in the countryside. Keep in mind that smaller and a bit remote accommodations and shops will only accept cash.

I thought it would be helpful to break down the costs in a realistic way to help you get to grips with your own Austria backpacking budget. Check the chart below:

Budget Breakdown for a Trip to Austria

Estimated Cost

Backpacking Austria Travel Guide: Where to Stay in Austria

Aside from dreamy Austrian refuge huts, your comfy tent, and a stranger’s couch, sometimes one needs to take a deep breath and book a hostel.

Hostels are in abundance and the most affordable budget travel accommodation option for backpackers in Austria’s bigger cities. Hostels tend to be very clean and event the shared bathrooms often have a high level of cleanliness and sanitation. When you just need a place to lay your head or a spot to meet fellow backpackers like yourself, hostels are clearly where it’s at!

For outdoor enthusiasts traveling with a tent, camping is available around the country. There are a few hundred campgrounds that offer tent sites and basic cabins as low costs. Prices range from €20 EUR ($23 USD) per night for two people and closer to €25 EUR ($29 USD) during peak season. If you want to save money on accommodation there are large campsites on the outskirts of big cities like Vienna.

Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Austria:

Wombats City Hostels Vienna At The Naschmarkt
Vienna Hostel Ruthensteiner, Vienna
YoHo – International Youth Hostel, Salzburg
Hotel Der Salzburger Hof, Salzburg
Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Salzburg
Kolpinghaus Salzburg, Salzburg
Alibi Hostel, Vienna
Junges Hotel Zell am See, Zell Am See
Jugendgaestehaus Linz