📷 Thomas Fabian / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Seven days through the Austrian Alps, where fairy-tale towns, mountain villages, thermal springs and snow-capped peaks follow one another on a journey that requires no car. The trip begins in Salzburg — a city of music, baroque streets and romantic atmosphere — before continuing to Hallstatt, a picture-perfect village nestled between a lake and the mountains that looks as though it has stepped straight out of a fairy tale. In Bad Gastein, the pace slows. Surrounded by grand historic hotels, mountain summits and a waterfall that tumbles through the very heart of the town, the days are reserved for enjoying nature, taking in panoramic views and unwinding in the thermal baths. Next come Zell am See and Kaprun, where the stillness of the lake meets the high Alps. The ascent to the Kitzsteinhorn glacier reveals an entirely different world — mountain panoramas, snow and the feeling of being above it all. The journey ends in Innsbruck, where historic streets and lively squares sit within easy reach of the impressive Tyrolean mountains. Trains, combined with local boat and bus connections, link these diverse alpine experiences together. Without the need to drive on winter roads, there is more time for what travel is really about: discovering new places, savouring the moment and creating memories that linger long after the journey home.
Schematic view: the line connects the destinations and does not show the actual route.
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The first day is for the old town: Getreidegasse with its wrought-iron shop signs, Mozart's Birthplace, and the square in front of Salzburg Cathedral. Above the city rises Festung Hohensalzburg, reachable by funicular or on foot along a walking path, with views over the rooftops and mountains. During Advent, a Christmas market operates on Domplatz.
The ticket includes the cable car ride (Festungsbahn), access to the fortress and museums. Online purchase in advance is recommended, especially during the summer period. The cable car departs every 10 minutes.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
It is advisable to purchase tickets online to avoid queuing, which can be up to one hour. A combined ticket with Mozart's residence (Wohnhaus) offers savings. An audio guide in Serbian is available.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Entrance to the cathedral is free, but access to the crypt and cathedral museum is charged (around 3 EUR). It is open daily, except during religious services. The rich interior includes frescoes and an organ played by the young Mozart.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
The ticket includes a tour of the water games and tricks, as well as a view of the palace and the baroque gardens. Purchasing online in advance is recommended, especially during the summer period when crowds are common.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
The train stops on the opposite shore of the lake, and the village is reached by ferry — which also offers the finest first glimpse of Hallstatt. The afternoon is for the Market Square and the Bone House of St Michael's Church, while the funicular leads up to the Skywalk and the Salt Mine above the village. When the funicular is not running, the day belongs to a leisurely stroll through the village and along the lakeshore.
The ticket includes a cable car ride to the top and a guided tour of the mine. Online booking in advance is recommended as spots fill up quickly, especially during the summer season.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
The ticket for the cable car (Salzbergbahn) includes transport up and down and access to the viewpoint. The viewpoint is free if you also plan to visit the mine — purchase a combined ticket for a better price.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
A symbolic ticket of around 2 euros. The charnel house is located right next to the Church of St. Michael in the center of Hallstatt and can be combined with a visit to the church.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
The price includes a gondola ride to Krippenstein mountain and access to the Five Fingers viewpoint. Advance reservation is recommended, especially during peak season.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
This is the longest day on the train, so the programme is intentionally light. Bad Gastein is a village built around the Gastein Waterfall, which tumbles through the very centre, between grand belle époque hotels. The evening is reserved for the Felsentherme, a thermal spa with pools carved into the rock and views of the mountains.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
A cable car from the village centre takes you up to Stubnerkogel, where a suspension bridge carries you across a gorge with views over the High Tauern. Those who are not skiing can spend the afternoon at the Alpentherme in Bad Hofgastein, a few minutes further down the valley. Same accommodation as the previous night.
A short train ride brings you to Zell am See, a small town on Lake Zell surrounded by mountains. The afternoon is perfect for a stroll along the lakeside and through the old town centre with the Vogtturm. Access to the frozen lake is permitted only in the designated skating zone and only when it is officially open; venturing onto the ice outside that zone is prohibited.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Tickets can be purchased at the station or via the ÖBB app; the Salzburg Card, which includes free public transport, is recommended. The train runs between Zell am See and Krimml through a picturesque alpine landscape.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
A local bus runs from Zell am See via Kaprun to the cable car for the Kitzsteinhorn glacier. Gipfelwelt 3000 is a viewing platform at around 3,000 metres, with views over the peaks of the High Tauern. Another option is the Schmittenhöhe, the mountain directly above Zell am See, accessible by cable car from the town. Same accommodation as the previous night.
The final day leads to Innsbruck, a city where historic streets meet the impressive Tyrolean mountains. A walk through the old town reveals the Golden Roof, the Imperial Palace, and picturesque squares framed by mountain peaks. If arrival time and weather conditions permit, a cable car runs from the city centre up to the Nordkette, offering views over Innsbruck and the surrounding Alpine valleys. This is a fitting conclusion that blends city life with mountain scenery, with excellent rail connections for onward travel.
The ticket is valid for the museum inside the building. Viewing the golden roof from outside is free of charge. The museum is open daily; arriving in the morning before tourist groups is recommended.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Ticket includes a tour of the imperial apartments and temporary exhibitions. An audio guide is available in multiple languages. A combined ticket with the Court Chapel is a more affordable option.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
The price includes a return ticket to Seegrube; the ride to the top of Hafelekar costs more. Purchasing tickets online is recommended. The Innsbruck Card includes unlimited use of the cable car — a worthwhile option for a multi-day stay.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
The ticket often includes entry to the Tiroler Volkskunstmuseum located in the immediate vicinity — check the combined offer at the ticket desk. The church is open daily, though on Sunday mornings it may be closed due to religious services.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Ticket includes all collections within the castle. The castle can be reached by bus number 4130 from the city center or by taxi. The castle is closed in November — check opening hours before your visit. The park surrounding the castle is free of charge.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
The ticket covers entry to the zoo featuring animals from the alpine region. Purchasing online or at the ticket office is recommended, open daily throughout the entire year.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
The ticket includes a ride on the panoramic lift and access to the observation platform at the top of the ski jump. Arriving in the morning hours is recommended for a better view of Innsbruck and the surrounding Alps.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Everything you need for A Winter Fairy Tale in the Alps — 7 Days Without a Car in one place
