Discover Austria on the highway – Places worth visiting

2025. 06. 16. 10:54

Austria is one of the countries that enjoys great popularity among tourists. This is not only true during the winter season and among ski enthusiasts, but it is also an excellent destination for holidays, hiking, and urban tourism. Let’s see what is worth discovering in this Austrian paradise and what you need to know if you’re hitting the road by car.

Table of Contents

• Are there toll roads in Austria?
• How much does a vignette cost in Austria?
• Sights in Austria – where should you go?
• Urban tourism – Vienna, Innsbruck or Salzburg?
• Vienna's Attractions – Something for Everyone
• Innsbruck – for hiking enthusiasts
• Salzburg – All about Mozart
• Scenic Routes – Which is the best route to drive in Austria?
• Grossglockner Alpine Road – One of Austria’s Top Destinations
• Travel Europe’s Highways Worry-Free
• Summary
• FAQ

Are there toll roads in Austria?

Austria has a well-developed road network, and you have to pay to use the highways. In addition to higwhay sections, there are additional tolls for alpine roads or tunnels, which can be seen on the toll roads map of Austria:

How much does a vignette cost in Austria?

The usage fees for higwhays can be paid by purchasing a vignette, which is available for short or long durations. For a single trip, a short-term vignette is usually sufficient and must be purchased before using the highway. In 2025, Austria vignette prices are as follows:

Sights in Austria – where should you go?

Traveling by car opens up many opportunities to explore the country, including scenic alpine roads. You can visit Austria’s famous lakes, hike well-known trails, or explore city architecture and choose from a variety of activities. In addition to active recreation, Austria also offers many wellness services, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable stay.

Urban tourism – Vienna, Innsbruck or Salzburg?

Vienna captivates with baroque architecture like Schönbrunn and Belvedere, its famous opera, Prater amusement park, and the unique Hundertwasser House—perfect for lovers of culture and entertainment. Innsbruck offers skiing in winter and hiking in a picturesque alpine setting in summer. Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace, enchants with its baroque old town and Mozart museum—a great choice for cultural experiences. Learn more and discover what makes Austria’s cities special!

Vienna's Attractions – Something for Everyone

Vienna is a top destination for city tourism lovers with its rich historical heritage and vibrant cultural scene.

Baroque architecture defines the cityscape—don’t miss the Schönbrunn Palace and Belvedere Castle, which both offer hours of walking in their palace gardens in addition to the historic buildings.

Vienna is also a hub of classical music, home to world-renowned opera performances. The Vienna State Opera, one of the world’s most famous opera houses, is worth visiting both for a performance and a guided tour.

For entertainment, visit the Prater amusement park. Food lovers will enjoy the Naschmarkt, and no trip is complete without seeing the Hundertwasser House with its colorful façade, uneven floors, and integrated greenery.

Innsbruck – for hiking enthusiasts

One of Austria’s best-known cities, located in Tyrol on the banks of the Inn River amid the Alps. Its location offers great programs year-round.

In winter, it’s a skier’s paradise—within 30 minutes you can reach nearly 290 km of ski slopes. In warmer months, the area offers diverse programs from city tourism to exploring the surrounding nature.

Salzburg – All About Mozart

Salzburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Salzach River, is a historically and culturally rich baroque city. It's perfect for both culture and leisure lovers.

As Mozart’s birthplace, the Mozart Museum is a must-visit. The city’s charming old town and pedestrian streets invite exploration and discovery.

Scenic Routes – Which is the best route to drive in Austria?

On a road trip, the journey itself can be just as special as the destination. Europe’s natural beauty offers spectacular views, especially along scenic roads. Whether planned or coincidentally along your route, these roads enhance the travel experience.

The travel experience is enriched by breathtaking vistas, and rest stops along these roads often provide peaceful and memorable moments. Austria has several alpine routes, worth considering when planning your itinerary.

Grossglockner Alpine Road – One of Austria’s Top Destinations

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is one of Austria’s most famous attractions, connecting the town of Fusch an der Grossglocknerstrasse in Salzburg with Heiligenblut in Carinthia. This 48-kilometer road winds through the High Tauern National Park to Austria’s highest peak, the Grossglockner, and the Pasterze Glacier—the largest remaining glacier in the Eastern Alps. Renowned for its stunning views and natural setting, it’s among the world’s most beautiful scenic roads and one of Austria’s top three tourist destinations.

Is the Grossglockner Alpine Road a toll road?

Yes. A ticket is required to access the panoramic road. The shortest available option is the day ticket, which allows unlimited travel during opening hours on that day.

How much is the ticket for the Grossglockner Alpine Road?

Ticket prices vary by vehicle type. Day ticket prices are:

• Passenger cars: €45
• Motorcycles: €35
• Buses: €7.10/person (children: €3.50/child)
• Light trucks under 3.5t: €55
• Trucks over 3.5t: €155

Travel on European Highways Worry-Free

Austria isn’t the only country full of attractions—Slovakia and Hungary also hide many natural and architectural treasures. But when planning a trip, it's not just about booking accommodation and planning activities, it’s also about handling various fees and entry tickets.

Buying tickets online can not only grant priority entry but also ensures you won’t miss out on your chosen attractions and exhibitions during your trip.

It’s also wise to buy travel passes and vignettes before departure. Since Austria’s highways are toll roads, purchasing the Austria vignette ahead of time for the required period is recommended.

Summary

Austria’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage make it an attractive destination all year round. City lovers will enjoy vibrant Vienna, Salzburg, or Innsbruck, while nature enthusiasts can explore alpine scenery and hiking trails.

Traveling by car adds an extra layer to the experience: even the journey becomes memorable—just take the Grossglockner Alpine Road, one of Europe’s most scenic routes. Since highways and some alpine roads require tolls, it’s wise to buy vignettes and tickets in advance. Whether sightseeing, skiing, or hiking, Austria is easy to explore by car and promises unforgettable moments.