Road trip in a van in Austria : itinerary and tips for an adventure in the heart of the Alps

Between lakes, mountains, and picturesque villages, the hardest part will be choosing the best van itinerary to explore Austria. Need help ? Follow the guide we’ll give you the best tips to plan your trip. Get ready for an unforgettable van adventure in the heart of the Austrian Alps.

The best itineraries for a van road trip in Austria

1. Road trip in Tyrol and its alpine landscapes

Tyrol, nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps, offers magnificent mountain landscapes. Just getting around is an adventure, as the winding roads between peaks reveal breathtaking views. Expect to make many photo stops—every turn holds a new discovery!

Start this road trip in Tyrol from Bregenz, on the shore of Lake Constance. Head toward Holzgau in the Lechtal valley. With its traditional villages, you’ll quickly find yourself immersed in the Tyrolean atmosphere! Don’t miss the Rosengartenschlucht Gorge, considered one of the most beautiful in the country.

Continue through the Ötztal valley and the famous Stuibenfall waterfall before arriving in Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol. Explore the old fortified medieval town and enjoy some Kaspressknödel, a regional specialty. Take the cable car up to the glacier and admire the view over the city from the lookout.

Next, head to the Zillertal valley and hike the famous trail with views over the Schlegeis Stausee reservoir. Make a detour to the impressive Krimml waterfalls. Then continue to Lake Achensee, the largest lake in the country, often called “the sea of Tyrol.” And if your legs are still up for it, don’t miss hiking in the Kaisergebirge (Emperor Mountains), considered one of the most beautiful mountain landscapes in Austria.

2. Road trip around Austria’s most beautiful lakes by van

Start with Lake Lünersee in the Vorarlberg region. Nestled in the mountains, this heart-shaped lake makes for stunning photos, its blue waters contrasting with silver ridges. You can reach the lake on foot or take a cable car.

Less known but just as beautiful is Lake Obernbergersee in southern Tyrol. Surrounded by larch forests and with translucent blue water, it’s well worth the detour—just 45 minutes from Innsbruck.

If you have more time on this trip around Austrian lakes, make a longer loop to Hallstättersee and Gosausee. On the shore of the first—the most famous in the country—you’ll find the village of Hallstatt. Perfect for swimming, you can also rent a boat for a different view of the village and its traditional houses.

Lake Gosausee is easily accessible on foot via a family-friendly hike. Stay in a traditional inn where you’ll enjoy comfort and especially local specialties with beer.

End this road trip around Austria’s lakes with two Tyrolean gems: Lake Plansee, visible and accessible from the road, and Lake Seebensee. The latter is reached via a beautiful hike that can be extended to the turquoise Lake Drachensee.

3. Road trip in the Austrian mountains: head for the alpine road and its spectacular views

You can’t take a van trip in Austria without driving the stunning Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse alpine road. It’s even considered one of the most beautiful panoramic roads in the world! Its 48 km of winding pavement crosses glaciers, forests, majestic peaks, lakes, and valleys. There’s a toll, but trust us—it’s worth every cent.

No fewer than 12 official stops offer magnificent viewpoints along the road, but believe us—you’ll stop way more often! The highest point of this iconic Austrian route is Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe. From there, you can admire the Grossglockner peak, rising to 3,798 meters. Plan a hike along the rocky wall to get a higher perspective and take in the glacier views.

4. City trip in Austria: between culture and nature

A city steeped in history, Salzburg is world-famous as Mozart’s birthplace. Whether you’re into music, architecture, or just curious, this city leaves no one indifferent. From grand squares to narrow alleys, let yourself be carried away through its old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Salzburg, it's easy to reach the Eisriesenwelt ice cave—a surprising and refreshing visit! You can also head to Zell am See, a village on the shore of Lake Zeller.

A true postcard landscape, Hallstatt is a village on the edge of Lake Hallstättersee, also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its quaint buildings and proximity to both lake and mountains, Hallstatt is a perfect base for swimming, hiking, exploring, and discovering the local cuisine.

Innsbruck is a small, colorful medieval town. Nestled in the heart of the Tyrolean mountains, it’s an ideal destination to combine hiking and cultural discovery. Visit the Imperial Palace (Hofburg), stroll through the old town, and wander along the Inn River. Just outside the city, explore the Swarovski Crystal Worlds housed in a giant art installation.

And of course, you can’t miss Austria’s capital! With rich architectural heritage, strong cultural appeal, and outstanding cuisine, you’ve arrived in Vienna. Walk through the historic center and stop at a Viennese café. Visit its many palaces, such as the Hofburg Imperial Palace and its treasure, or the Belvedere. Don’t forget to admire St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the National Opera step inside if you can for a memorable performance.

JE LOUE MON VAN !

Practical tips for a successful van road trip in Austria

Wild camping regulations

Wild camping is generally not allowed in Austria, though it may be more or less tolerated in certain provinces. You can do it if you have the landowner’s permission—except in Tyrol. If you don’t want to stay in campgrounds during your van trip in Austria, there are apps that list rural hosts who allow overnight stays on their property.

Best times to go

The best season to visit Austria is from May to October, especially for hiking lovers. You’ll enjoy flower-covered fields in spring or golden hues in autumn. Summer brings pleasant weather, though you may encounter more crowds at tourist sites. The winter season, from November to February, is ideal for ski enthusiasts.

Budget and expected costs

The cost of living in Austria is just slightly higher than in France, so prices won’t be too shocking. Budget for fuel, a highway vignette, groceries, activities, and campground fees. If you don’t have your own vehicle, rent a van with AVIS explore. We’ll help you find the best vehicle for your trip.

Dreaming of a road trip in Austria by van ? Set off on an adventure with AVIS explore and drive the magnificent Austrian roads. Pack your bags and meet us at the agency !