Featuring wide boulevards, a rich history, and a spotlessly clean city center, Vienna is undoubtedly one of the most elegant cities in Europe. With a convenient location on the banks of the Danube and at the foot of the Alps, it makes for a great base for exploring both the surrounding region and neighboring countries. This means there are plenty of day trips from Vienna to choose from!
No matter whether you prefer to escape to the countryside or explore other historical cities in central Europe, below you will find a varied selection of the best day trips from Vienna, including transportation information and the best things to see in each place. It’s up to you to decide which one sounds the most enticing!
01|Hallstatt
Why is it one of the best day trips from Vienna?
An idyllic, deep blue lake with swans swimming floating about and wooden houses in a gorgeous village situated at the foot of towering salt-producing mountains–welcome to Hallstatt!
This picturesque village is one of the most famous places in Austria and thus needs to be included in every itinerary.
How should I spend my day there?
Upon arrival, the first and best thing to do is to walk along the lakeside promenade. There are lots of lovely cafés where you can enjoy a good cup of coffee while admiring the stunning view. It’s also possible to rent a swan pedal boat or take a swim in the lake if the weather is hot. In the center of the village, there’s a gorgeous square with many local restaurants serving typical Austrian dishes.
Another interesting thing not to miss in Hallstatt is the world-famous Charnel House (“Beinhaus”) which can be found at the cemetery next to the church. This small chapel dates to the 12th century and houses more than 600 spectacularly painted skulls.
Getting there from Vienna: The easiest way to get there is to rent a car or take the train + ferry across the lake or bus + train + ferry (both typically require several transfers). The journey usually takes around three hours no matter how you choose to get there.
By Alina / World of Lina
02|Wachau Valley
Why is it one of the best day trips from Vienna?
The Wachau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, is a 36km (22 mile) long valley created by the Danube River. Demarcated by the cities of Krems and Melk, it has become a popular day trip option from Vienna due to its proximity to the city.
Wachau is one of the most picturesque river valleys in Europe. It is recommended for those looking for top-notch wines, hearty cuisine, lovely towns, historical ruins, and jaw-dropping views.
How should I spend my day there?
One of the most popular ways to spend the day is by arriving early to Krems. Once there, explore the old town on foot, including the imposing gate, multiple museums, and lovely riverbanks. There are plenty of restaurants, pastry shops, and wine tasting rooms where the area’s specialties can be sampled. Next, move on to Durnstein, a small town located seven kilometers away. Visitors flock to Durnstein to see its abbey, with a distinct blue and white bell tower, and ruined castle.
From Durnstein, take a boat trip to Melk. This will be the highlight of your day since the boat passes through villages, vineyards, orchards, the ruins of Aggstein castle, and the famous Schloss Schonbuhel, one of the most photographed spots in Austria. Once in Melk, tour the impressive Baroque Abbey. If you still have time to spare, take a walk around town before returning to Vienna.
Getting there from Vienna: The Wachau can be accessed from Vienna by train or car. If visiting by train, use the cities of Krems, Durnstein, or Melk as your base. The journey takes 1 to 1.5 hours each way.
03|Lake Wolfgang & Schafberg Mountain
Why is it one of the best day trips from Vienna?
Lake Wolfgang (German: Wolfgangsee) is one of the most famous lakes in Austria, while the peak of Schafberg Mountain next to the lake offers incredible views and an even more unique way to get up there.
Both are located in the Salzkammergut region west of Vienna, a bit of a journey, but still doable as a day trip from Vienna.
How should I spend my day there?
Arriving at the town of St. Wolfgang on Lake Wolfgang, park at one of the numerous parking lots around town. It is worth going for a boat ride on Lake Wolfgang before exploring the town. But all that should lead up to the real climax: ascending Schafberg Mountain!
You can hike to the top of the mountain, but it’s much more fun to reach the peak by riding the Schafberg Railway. This is the steepest steam cog-railway in Austria, and it has been ascending Schafberg Mountain since 1893. The journey to the summit only takes 35 minutes. There you’ll find a small restaurant and endless stunning views–I can guarantee you will be blown away!
Getting there from Vienna: St. Wolfgang can be reached in around three hours by car. Take the E60 towards Salzburg, then the 145 and 158 roads to St Wolfgang. If you leave early in the morning on a summer day, you will have plenty of time to explore this beautiful spot.
04|Zell am See
Why is it one of the best day trips from Vienna?
Sandwiched between Lake Zell and the Schmittenhöhe (a ski mountain) is Zell am See, a beautiful and picturesque town in the Zell am See-Kaprun region in Austria. Being a lakeside town, there are several ways to enjoy in Zell am See – from open-air pools to a lakeside promenade and from water sport activities to boat excursions on the pristine Lake Zell. The water in the lake is crystal clear and the quality is so good that it is potable!
If you are visiting in the summer months, you can enjoy the annual Magic Lake Show which is a unique water, light, music & laser show which will surely leave you enchanted.
How should I spend my day there? Located a short distance from the lake is the Schmittenhöhe cable car (a gondola in Porsche design) that takes visitors uphill to the Schmittenhöhe mountain. The views from the mountain are spectacular. You can see Lake Zell and parts of the town. It is very beautiful.
You can spend the rest of your time strolling through the pedestrian-friendly town shopping at traditional souvenir shops or enjoying traditional cuisine in one of the many restaurants in the town.
Getting there from Vienna: Zell am See is at a distance of around 400kms from Vienna, depending on the route taken. There are regular train services from Vienna to Zell am See (around 4.5 hours journey time) and if you take the very first train (departing Vienna at around 6:30 am) and an evening train back (departing Zell am See at around 6:15 pm) it is feasible to make a day trip to this lovely town from Vienna. You will have around 7 hours to explore the town.
05|Eisenstadt
Why is it one of the best day trips from Vienna?
A lovely place for an unforgettable day trip from Vienna is the charming town of Eisenstadt. It’s the political and cultural center of Burgenland. Visitors just love the mix of a long history, cultural events, and the modern outlook. Actually, there is a lot to see in the city center between the pedestrian zone, the palace park, and the parliament building. The whole inner city is stuffed with lovely details and many highlights.
How should I spend my day there?
The main attraction in Eisenstadt is the Esterházy Palace. It dates back to a fortified 13th-century Gothic castle. For more than 40 years, the composer Joseph Haydn was inspired by Esterházy Palace’s special atmosphere to create exceptional music to accompany historic events. The Haydn Room, named after the composer, is still one of the world’s best – acoustically – and loveliest concert halls.
Lovely is also beautiful palace grounds. On a walk, you will enjoy the lovely botanic garden, a small lake, and even a public pool area. On any case, don`t miss the Gloriette (the Esterházys’ former hunting lodge), Haydn’s House, and Haydn’s church, which contains Haydn’s mausoleum and the Stations of the Cross are all worth visiting too.
Getting there from Vienna: It’s easy to organize the day trip from Vienna to Eisenstadt: You can either take the train (1:10 hour), the bus (1:20 hour), or the car/taxi (45 minutes).
By Martina & Jürgen / PlacesofJuma
06|Bratislava
Why is it one of the best day trips from Vienna?
The Slovak capital city of Bratislava makes for a charming and easily manageable day trip from Vienna, just a short hop across the border. The 60-kilometer journey takes a little over an hour by train or bus and can be done for less than €10. Alternatively, it’s a very pleasant drive along the Danube if you have your own transport.
Bratislava is a city full of stories, with a rich and fascinating heritage. Located at the heart of Central Europe, it is a place where continental cultures meet, and has been at the intersection of historical events for centuries. Like Vienna, it is perched on the Danube River and is decorated with many magnificent examples of baroque architecture.
How should I spend my day there?
Exploring the quaint old town is one of the most popular things to do in Bratislava on a day trip, and for good reason. This is where you will find many of its iconic buildings, such as the Old Town Hall and National Theatre, all connected by a network of narrow and winding cobbled streets. Bratislava Castle stands high above the riverbank nearby, and a little further out you can find curiosities such as the ‘Blue Church’ of St Elizabeth and the hilltop Slavín war memorial.
Slovak food is hearty and wholesome, so be sure to enjoy a traditional lunch while you’re in town. FlagShip is one of Europe’s largest restaurants, while Viecha U Sedliaka is a lesser-known gem just a few minutes’ walk from the main square.
Getting there from Vienna: Bratislava can be reached in less than an hour from Vienna by train. You can use one of the two regional express trains, one leaving from Bratislava Hlavná stanica (Main station) via Marchegg and the other from Bratislava Petržalka station via Kitts. The trains leave every hour.
07|Budapest
Why is it one of the best day trips from Vienna?
Although there are many day trips to be taken from Vienna, one of the best is to Budapest, Hungary. The Hungarian capital offers a wide variety of unique and compelling things to do. And don’t forget that this city consists of two: Buda on one side of the river, and Pest on the other.
Besides the chance to hop over to yet another country from Vienna, Budapest comes with a completely different vibe than the latter, not to mention cheaper prices and totally different food.
How should I spend my day there?
Budapest has a wide assortment of things that you could squeeze into one day. Start by heading up the hill to Fisherman’s Bastion in the Buda Castle. The structure offers gorgeous views of the city, especially of the Parliament building. There are many paths surrounding it which makes for a nice stroll around the area.
Next, add some relaxation to your day by visiting one of the city’s famous thermal baths. Although picturesque Szechenyi Thermal Spa is one of the largest and most popular, Gellert Thermal Spa is another excellent choice. If interested in views of the city and a smaller spa, consider Rudas Thermal Spa.
Finally, no visit to Budapest is complete without taking a walk or ferry ride along the Danube River to see the Parliament Building and the Shoes on the Danube Memorial. Finish off the day with a drink at one of the city’s unique Ruin Bars.
Getting there from Vienna: The easiest way to get from Vienna to Budapest is by taking the train, which will cost about €14 and takes about two and a half hours. The train ride is super scenic and offers comfortable seats.
08|Salzburg
Why is it one of the best day trips from Vienna?
If you are traveling to Vienna, Austria then make sure to include Salzburg in your itinerary. Salzburg is one of the most picturesque cities of Austria, even in winter.
Salzburg is well known for three main things: The hilltop fortress dominating the Old Town, The Sound of Music, and the composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and most of the things to do in Salzburg revolve around these.
How should I spend my day there?
Start with a walk through the Old Town, which is full of beautiful old baroque buildings like the Townhall, Mozart’s birthplace, Mozart’s Plaza and its statue of Mozart, and the 16th century Residentzplatz with its huge fountain. There are also many museums, churches and cathedrals throughout the Old Town. Last but not least, Salzburg Cathedral is definitely a must-see.
Next, take the funicular up to the 1000-year old Hohensalzburg Fortress on the hill. The view from the top is nothing short of spectacular. The audiovisual tour is a worthwhile investment.
Taking a tour of the many Sound of Music movie locations in and near Salzburg’s Old Town is another way to pass a fine day in Salzburg. Notable ones include Mirabell Palace, Pegasus Park, the site of the do-re-mi steps, well-manicured Mirabell gardens, Nonnberg Abbey, Mönchsberg Hill, Karajan Square, Rocks Riding School Auditorium, and St. Peter’s Cemetery, all of which are within walking distance.
Getting there from Vienna: Salzburg makes for an easy day trip from Vienna as the two cities are well connected. The most comfortable and quickest mode of transport is by train, which takes 2.5 to 3 hours, or you can travel about 2 hours by car. The earlier you start your day, the better.
09|Brno
Why is it one of the best day trips from Vienna?
Often overshadowed by Prague, Czech Republic’s second-largest city is not only worth visiting but also one of the most enjoyable and easiest day trips from Vienna. You will definitely enjoy its laid-back student atmosphere (with up to 80,000 of its 400,000 inhabitants being students, Brno is the Czech Republic’s largest student city by the percentage of population).
Brno is situated at the confluence of the Svitava and Svratka rivers. The city center is dotted with parks and cafes. Founded around the year 1000, Brno was one of historical capitals of the Moravian region over the centuries. Today, it hosts many institutions related to Moravian history and culture.
How should I spend my day there?
There are many interesting things to do in Brno, yet the coolest part is situated underground: explore a labyrinth of cellars, including the second biggest ossuary in Europe (after the Catacombs of Paris). You can take a tour starting from a Vegetable market, where 212 steps will take you down mysterious medieval cellars hidden six meters underground. Another underground highlight is the Ossuary at the Church of St James (Kostnice u sv. Jakuba), with a creepy but yet interesting collection of bones from an estimated 5000 people.
The cool thing about Brno is that you can visit most sights on foot. Also worth seeing is the city’s three outstanding castles, the iconic St. Peter and Paul Cathedral atop Petrov hill, the Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady in the Old Brno District, and St. Jacob’s Church. Many visitors also come to adore Modern architecture from the early 20th century, such as the UNESCO-protected Villa Tugendhat (insider tip: it’s only worth going if you actually enter; from the outside, it looks rather ugly).
Getting there from Vienna: You have two transportation choices for this day trip from Vienna: either 1,5 hours by train. This is the most convenient option, and you can take either RailJet or RegioJet. RailJet trains leave every 2 hours and tickets are sold at Vienna train station for €29. You can also go by bus , which is the cheaper option at €8-10, using Flixbus or Student Agency Bus.
10|Olomouc
Why is it one of the best day trips from Vienna?
This architectonical pearl of the Czech Republic is situated about 2,5 hours’ drive away from the Austrian capital. It’s definitely a bigger day trip from Vienna, but doable if you wake up early and plan well. Olomouc features the second largest and second oldest historic preservation zone in the Czech Republic (after Prague) and it’s certainly worth visiting.
How should I spend my day there?
Start your explorations on the main square (Horní náměstí or ‘Upper Square’), with its legendary 32-meter-high landmark, the Holy Trinity Column (the largest column in Europe). According to legend, Maria Theresa ended up was staring at it with an open mouth when she came to visit Olomouc for the first time😊
With all the sights situated within distance, Olomouc is a sightseeing paradise. The cobbled streets of the once capital of Moravia are decorated with magnificent churches and Gothic fountains. Make sure to visit the astronomic clock and the town hall, and sample the local cheesy snack called Olomoucké tvarůžky or Olomouc cheese (ripened soft cheese) sold in Olomouc’s markets and cafes.
Getting there from Vienna: Olomouc is situated 220 kilometers from Vienna. You can go there by car, bus (12-16 EUR) or train (10-18 EUR). You’ll most likely need to transfer in Brno if you are using public transportation.
11| Prague
Why is it one of the best day trips from Vienna?
Often considered the most photogenic city in the world, Prague makes for a tempting day trip from Vienna. Although it’s even better if you have the whole weekend to explore the Czech capital, there is still a lot that you can pack into one day. Just keep in mind that it takes four hours each way to get there from Vienna, so start as early as you can to maximize your time in the city.
How should I spend my day there?
Prague’s maze of cobbled lanes and hidden courtyards is a paradise for the aimless wanderer, always beckoning you to explore a little further. Situated all within the walking distance, some of the major Prague highlights include Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, and the Jewish quarter. You can either explore on your own or take one of many walking tours. If you visit in the summer, a boat trip on the Vltava river is enjoyable as well.
Getting there from Vienna: Getting to Prague from Vienna takes 4 hours each way. It’s worth considering a guided tour from Vienna including transportation so that you can rest on the 330-kilometers journey and not have to worry about planning. Other options include traveling by bus (10-22EUR) and train (10-50EUR). If you decide to stay overnight, I have compiled a list of the best hostels in Prague here.
12|Munich
Why is it one of the best day trips from Vienna?
On top of its pilgrimage-worthy status among beer lovers, the capital of Bavaria offers much more than just Octoberfest. Coming and you will be surprised by the sheer variety of sights. You can explore beautiful neo-classical streets, including as Ludwigstraße & Leopoldstraße, or head to one of the city’s world-class museums, such as Museum Brandhorst.
The only thing you have to keep in mind when organizing this day trip from Vienna is the distance: like Prague, the trip to Munich is four hours each way. If you can extend it to overnight, you can enjoy one of the legendary beer garden or experience Munich by night.
How should I spend my day there?
Start your explorations in the famous Marienplatz, and then head to the Peterskirche and climb up the church tower to get an excellent view of Munich. Once you have done wandering around the city center, head to Englisher garden to rest and enjoy the greenery.
There countless sights in Munich, so if you have a special interest, I would recommend you to do some advance research so you don’t waste any time navigating the large city once you get there. For example, Munich has no less than 80 museums; there is no way you could see them all, even in one month.😊
PS: Munich is pretty at any time of the year: and if you visit Munich in winter, you can also enjoy some of the awesome Christmas markets.
Getting there from Vienna: To get to Munich from Vienna, the best way is to go by car or train (22 to 27 EUR). It’s one of the furthest possible day trips from Vienna, so only go if you are fine with the long traveling time.
Which day trip from Vienna sounds best to you?
Tell me: which of these day trips from Vienna would you choose first?
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Veronika Tomanova is the founder of award-winning solo female travel blog Veronika’s Adventure, featuring travel tips, guides and stories from around the world. She is from Czech Republic and has been to 30+ countries.