01Stop · Start
Wine Tasting·Austria
Dürnstein
Iconic Wachau town with medieval castle ruins and world-class wines.
⌬Richard the Lionheart's castle ruins⌬Blue baroque church tower⌬UNESCO World Heritage site⌬World-class Wachau wines
Slow travel route·🇦🇹 Austria
Austria Castle Route – 10-Day Itinerary
Wachau to Burgenland by Car
Duration10 days
Stops5 stops
Best timeLate spring to early autumn — Wörthersee swim season, clear Tauern passes
CategoriesCastles · Wine Tasting
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DürnsteinThe itinerary
The stops.
5 stops05
02Stop · Midway
Camper Van Rentals·Austria
Salzburg
Mozart's birthplace, baroque jewel of Austria
⌬Mozart's birthplace⌬Baroque architecture⌬Old town⌬Festivals
03Stop · Midway
Castles·Austria
Mittersill
Small Alpine town in the Pinzgau region of Salzburg, home to a 900-year-old castle overlooking the Salzach valley and gateway to the Hohe Tauern National Park.
⌬Hohe Tauern National Park⌬Schloss Mittersill⌬Pinzgau mountains⌬Hiking
04Stop · Midway
Castles·Austria
Pörtschach am Wörthersee
Belle Époque lakeside resort on the Wörthersee where Brahms composed, lined with elegant villas and a historic castle hotel in its centre.
⌬Wörthersee⌬Brahms connection⌬Belle Époque villas⌬Hiking
05Stop · End
Castles·Austria
Bernstein
Remote hilltop village in southern Burgenland, home to Austria's highest-situated castle and the only place in Europe where precious green serpentine stone is mined.
⌬Burg Bernstein⌬Precious serpentine⌬Felsenmuseum
The shape of it
Route map.
5 stops · 4 legs
Why this route
Highlights of this route.
01
Ruined Kuenringer castle above the Danube at Dürnstein
Richard the Lionheart's prison tower crumbles on Danube cliffs above Dürnstein's baroque monastery and vineyards.
02
Hohensalzburg fortress and Mozart city in Salzburg
Hohensalzburg fortress overlooks Salzburg's baroque old town where Mozart's birthplace sits on Getreidegasse.
03
Hohe Tauern pass and Schloss Mittersill
The mountain road climbs through Hohe Tauern passes to Schloss Mittersill's Renaissance towers.
04
Wörthersee lakeside castles around Pörtschach
Habsburg-era castles reflect in Wörthersee's alpine waters around Pörtschach's lakeside promenades.
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What's actually available to you.
5 stops
Zoom out
Regions on this route.
4 regions
Austria3 destinations
Salzburg
Nestled in the Alps, this region is renowned for its baroque architecture and stunning landscapes. Salzburg is the birthplace of Mozart and boasts a rich musical heritage. The region is characterized by picturesque lakes, including the beautiful Wolfgangsee, and the majestic peaks of the surrounding mountains. Hidden gems like the charming village of St. Gilgen and the historical town of Hallein invite exploration. Salzburg's unique salt mines, dating back to prehistoric times, reveal its historical significance in trade. The region hosts various local festivals, including the Salzburg Festival, celebrating music and theater, making it an intriguing locale for cultural exploration. Ideal for those seeking to connect with both nature and history, this area offers a wealth of experiences off the typical tourist path.
CastlesHikingWine TastingCamper Van Rentals
Austria7 destinations
Carinthia
Carinthia, Austria's southernmost region, is renowned for its stunning lakes and mountains. The largest lake, Wörthersee, is famous for its turquoise waters and vibrant summer festivals. Klagenfurt, the capital, features the historic Lindwurm fountain and a beautiful old town. The region boasts rich Slavic heritage, reflected in its cultural events and cuisine, such as hearty stews and local cheeses. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the Nockberge National Park, offering scenic hiking trails. Carinthia also has a unique blend of Italian and Austrian influences, evident in its architecture and gastronomy, making it a fascinating area for deep exploration.
Wine TastingHikingCastles
Austria48 destinations
Burgenland
Burgenland is Austria's easternmost region, known for its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. It is home to the historic city of Eisenstadt, where the Haydn Museum showcases the music of composer Joseph Haydn. The region features the unique Neusiedler See, a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its wetlands and birdwatching opportunities. Burgenland is also renowned for its wine production, particularly the sweet wines from the vineyards surrounding the charming town of Rust. Explore lesser-known towns like Lutzmannsburg, known for its thermal baths, or the picturesque village of Mönchhof, celebrated for its local crafts and traditional festivals. Outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling trails along the lake enhance the immersive experience in this less-traveled area.
Wine TastingHikingLocal CuisineThermal Spas
Austria175 destinations
Lower Austria
Lower Austria is the largest province in Austria, known for its diverse landscapes that include rolling vineyards, historic towns, and the Danube River. The region boasts notable sites like the picturesque Wachau Valley, famous for its apricot orchards and terraced vineyards. Krems and Dürnstein are charming towns that offer a glimpse into the region's medieval past, while the vibrant city of St. Pölten serves as the provincial capital. Lower Austria is also home to several castles, such as Schloss Grafenegg, and natural parks like the Thayatal National Park, which provide opportunities for hiking and exploring local flora and fauna. This area is rich in wine culture, particularly known for Grüner Veltliner and Riesling varieties, drawing wine enthusiasts to its many wineries. The blend of nature, history, and gastronomy makes the province a fascinating destination for those looking to explore Austria beyond the usual tourist routes.
Wine TastingHikingThermal SpasLocal Cuisine