Beyond Cruising: Best of Austria in 12 Days

Austria is the best combination of culture and nature – and we could not agree more! With our itinerary suggestions, you can explore all the highlights, from fascinating landmarks and historical cities to hidden gems and culinary delights. Find different attractions to explore in three days in top Austrian destinations, Graz, Innsbruck, and Arlberg, and how to reach them conveniently and relaxingly. 

Discover Austria by train
Discovering the highlights of Austria’s top destinations is possible with our 12-day itinerary that takes you through historical highlights and stunning landmarks. Embark on a sustainable and relaxing journey as the Austrian Railway system (ÖBB) provides a fast and easy way to explore the scenic beauty of Austria.

Austria’s hidden gems along the way – Kufstein
Besides top destinations, you can find other hidden gems along the road! On your way from Salzburg to Innsbruck, we recommend stopping at the so-called “Pearl of Tyrol” Kufstein to experience a unique historic town surrounded by the beautiful Kaiser Mountain Range and visit their most famous sight, the Kufstein Fortress. 

The scenic landscapes of Arlberg
With the Arlberg region, you have the best of the Austrian Alps experience in five historic villages that each represent the charm of Austrian culture. Enjoy traditional gourmet delights and fascinating panoramas, and learn more about the impressive history of skiing at the Skimuseum St. Anton. This is the perfect place to explore Austria’s fascinating alpine nature at its best during summer and winter.

Arlberg Highlight: a lightroom on the mountain
A truly unique and immersive experience is the Skyspace-Lech. The lightroom in the alpine landscape of Lech was designed by the world-famous American artist James Turrell and offers a captivating interaction between the alpine landscape, sky, and light. Watch the changing light conditions during sunrise and sunset which create a spectacle of color inside the domed building, a true must-see, especially for art enthusiasts! 

The capital of the Alps – Innsbruck
Located in the western region of Austria, you can find the capital of the Alps – Innsbruck. What makes this city so special is the combination of the historical old town, home to iconic landmarks like the Golden Roof and the Court Church, and breathtaking views surrounding the city. Soak in the beautiful views by taking a ride up to the mountains with the Nordkette Cable Car. Visit the Swarovski Crystal Worlds and explore the art museum and iconic headquarters of Austria’s famous crystal maker.

Innsbruck Highlight: Bergisel Ski Jump Tower
The iconic ski jump on the Bergisel hill is home to many famous ski jump tournaments and hosted the large hill ski jumping competition at the Olympic Games Innsbruck in 1976. This architectural masterpiece designed by Zaha Hadid, offers a dramatic view over Innsbruck with the possibility to enjoy local dishes such as “Tiroler Gröstl”

Explore Styria’s capital Graz
The second biggest city in Austria, Graz provides you with a lively, modern atmosphere combined with beautiful historic sides. Walk through the historic old town and explore the local farmer markets and regional products. To get a stunning overview, get up to the house mountain Schlossberg and visit Graz’s landmark, the Clocktower.

Curious to discover more about Graz? Listen to Susanne Höller talking about her hometown in this introduction and itinerary video or visit their website to learn more about a three-day trip to Graz!