Austria
Austria is proof that you don't need to rough it to have a proper adventure. Vienna brings the grand architecture, coffee houses and late nights, while beyond the cities you'll find huge Alpine landscapes, lakeside towns and some seriously good hiking. Add schnitzel, strudel and a healthy dose of après-ski, and Austria has plenty to keep backpackers busy.
Our Must-Read Guides
Quick Facts
Austria Accommodation Guides
Editor's PickWhere to Stay in Vienna (Best Places)
Where to Stay in Vienna Hotel-Pension Wild | Best Budget Hotel in Vienna Hotel-Pension Wild is located near the city centre and…
Editor's PickWhere to Stay in Salzburg (Best Places)
Salzburg Neighborhood Guide – Best Places to Stay in Salzburg Located in Austria right on the border with Germany, Salzburg is a…
Editor's PickWhere to Stay in Innsbruck (COOLEST Areas!)
Where to Stay in Innsbruck Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in…
Editor's PickThe Absolute 5 Best Hostels in Vienna (Insider Guide!)
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Vienna What to Expect from Hostels in Vienna I’m aware that hostels are generally known for…
Editor's Pick9 AMAZING Hostels in Salzburg (Insider Guide!)
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Salzburg The 9 Best Hostels in Salzburg MEININGER Salzburg City Center – Overall Best Hostel in…
Editor's PickThe BEST 5 Cheap Hostels in Vienna for Budget Travellers
1. Overall Best Hostel in Vienna – Wombats City Hostel Vienna – The Naschmarkt This is definitely one of the coolest hostels…
Book It
Hostels
The one we actually use to lock in dorm beds across Austria.
Hotels
Treat yourself to your own room once in a while.
eSIM
Data the second you land – no SIM hunt at the airport.
Travel Insurance
The cover we trust on every trip – built for backpackers, actually affordable.
Tours
Even on a budget, some experiences are worth paying for.
Transport
Book your trains, planes, buses and ferries across Austria.
Travel Advice From The Trenches.
Subscribe to our newsletter for practical guides, honest destination breakdowns, and budget travel tips straight from the road. No fluff, no filler.
No spam · Unsubscribe any time
Our Latest Stories from Austria
New trip stories, guides, and honest lessons, straight from the backpack.
Austria Travel FAQs
Is Austria good for hiking?
Very. The Alps cover a huge part of the country, with everything from gentle lakeside walks to serious mountain hikes. Summer is ideal for hiking, while many mountain areas turn into ski resorts during winter.
What is après-ski actually like in Austria?
It's less about quietly sipping a drink after a day on the slopes and more about the party continuing long after the skiing stops. Alpine bars, live music, schnapps and plenty of questionable dancing are all part of the experience. You don't even need to ski to join in.
What Austrian food should you try?
Obviously, start with Wiener schnitzel, then work your way through käsespätzle, goulash, dumplings and Austrian sausages. For something sweet, try apple strudel, Kaiserschmarrn or a slice of Sachertorte. Come hungry.
What's the best way to travel around Austria?
Trains are the easiest option for most travellers, with excellent connections between Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck and other major destinations. Buses and local trains are useful for reaching smaller Alpine towns, while hiring a car can make sense if you're exploring more remote mountain areas.