Experience the old imperial grandeur and serene Alpine landscapes that you will only find in one place: Austria. The country's modern railway network takes you through stunning mountain passes from one historic city to the next. At Happyrail we've combined what we think are the absolute must-see cities of Austria, toegther with slow-paced river cruises and the most scenic rail rides to create one unforgettable journey. 
 

Day 1 - Lindau & Bregenz

Your journey to Austria starts at the train station or airport of your choice, from where high-speed trains take you to the historic island city of Lindau. Visit this historic and beautiful island city with many narrow streets and charming squares before before taking a short cruise across the Bodensee lake to Bregenz, Austria, where you stay in a hotel close to the train station and harbour.

Day 2 - Transalpin to Innsbruck

In the morning, you board the Transalpin express train to Innsbruck. Watch the breathtaking mountain scenery pass by as you climb into the Alps to reach Innsbruck. In 1st class the train has extra-large panoramic windows. Arrive in Innsbruck in the early afternoon and explore this small but stunning city with its well-preserved city center surrounded on every side by high Alpine peaks. Stay in a hotel near the city center, reachable on foot or by tram from the main train station.

Day 3 - Transalpine to Graz

Explore Innsbruck further in the morning. In the early afternoon, you board the Transalpin train again for a scenic journey all the way across Austria to Graz. Austria's second largest city is the 
capital of the Styria region, and has a city center full of monuments, churches and castles blending Austrian and Mediterranean styles. You stay in a modern hotel in the city center.

Day 4 - Semmering railway

In the afternoon, you board the direct Railjet train to Vienna, taking the scenic Semmering route. The railroad climbs hundreds of meters and slowly winds through the mountains. It's one of Europe's highest and slowest mainline railways, and one of the mos spectacular. Enjoy the comfortable train with dining car and business class, and arrive in Vienna in the late afternoon, where you stay in a hotel near the main train station.

Day 5 - Vienna

Day off in Vienna for sightseeing. History feels alive in Vienna, as it was for a long time the cultural, historical, political, and architectural center of central Europe. Visit the magnificent Schönbrunn palace, where emperors lived and a young Monzart played for the first time. Vienna has endless gardens and parks to stroll though, as well as many excellent restaurants to enjoy all of Austria's culinary delights like the traditional Schnitzel or the emperor’s favorite Kaiserschmarrn.

We highly recommend booking at least 1 extra night here in order to fully appreciate the city.

Day 6 - Danube cruise

You travel by train to the village of Melk, from where you take a relaxing 3-hour Danube river cruise. The last part of the journey to Salzburg is done by train, where you arrive in the late afternoon and stay in a hotel in the city center. For those less keen on cruises, a direct train Vienna-Salzburg can also be booked free of charge.

Day 7 - Salzburg

The historical city of Salzburg lends itself brilliantly to a day of shopping or sightseeing. Take a guided tour to visit all the iconic locations of the Sound of Music movie, or visit Mozart's birthouse and dedicated museum and take the funicular to the historical fortress.

Day 8 - return trip

Your journey through Austria has come to an end. Depart by express trains back to your preferred station in Europe.