9 Beautiful Places of Scenic Austrian Alps 🇦🇹 [No.4] 😲

Austria: A Scenic Playground for the Road Trip of a Lifetime

Nestled in the heart of Central Europe, Austria is a treasure trove of breathtaking alpine roads, charming villages, and dramatic peaks. Despite its modest size, over 60% of the country is covered by mountains—making it one of Europe’s most spectacular road trip destinations. And if you’re craving a journey where the road becomes the destination, this is it.

We’ve compiled 9 of the most beautiful places to experience on a road trip through the Austrian Alps. Each stop is a handpicked highlight—blending nature, culture, and pure driving pleasure.

🚘 Why Travel by Car?

Driving gives you the freedom to stop at hidden lakes, take detours over scenic mountain passes, and experience Austria’s natural beauty at your own pace. It’s not about getting from A to B—it’s about how you get there.

And if you're ready for more, our bespoke luxury road trip doesn’t stop at Austria’s borders. It continues into the Italian Dolomites and Bavaria for a truly grand Alpine adventure. ➡️ Explore our Austrian Alps Driving Tour

But first, let’s dive into Austria’s greatest hits:

Historic fortress atop a hill, with baroque buildings below. Dramatic sunset sky in shades of orange and pink, creating a serene mood. — Skyline of Salzburg in Austria

1. Start in Salzburg – The Baroque Jewel of Austria

📍 Where Mozart Was BornHorse-drawn carriages, Mozart’s birthplace, and

UNESCO-listed streets—Salzburg is a timeless city that brings together music, culture, and architecture in perfect harmony.

Stroll the historic old town, visit the stunning St. Peter’s Monastery, and take the funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress for sweeping views over the city and the Alps.

Don’t miss: A slice of original Sacher Torte at the riverside terrace of the Hotel Sacher Salzburg.

Aerial view of a large gray stone castle surrounded by lush green forest. Courtyard and gardens visible, with a parking area nearby. — Hohenwerfen Castle

2. Visit Hohenwerfen Castle – A Fairytale Fortress

📍 Austria’s Most Beautiful CastlePerched high above the Salzach Valley,

Hohenwerfen Castle is a 900-year-old fortress with panoramic mountain views. Once a military stronghold, now a cultural gem—it’s a stunning blend of medieval architecture, falconry shows, and dramatic alpine backdrops.

Aerial view of a large blue lake surrounded by lush green hills and mountains. A castle-like building is situated on the shore. — Rosewood Hotel Schloss Fuschl

3. Cruise Lake Fuschl – A Postcard-Perfect Drive

📍 Salzkammergut Region

The drive along Lake Fuschl offers glassy-blue water flanked by green hills and quiet forests. One of the most photogenic lakes in Austria, it’s a peaceful detour en route from Salzburg into the heart of the Alps.

Winding road through lush green mountains, scattered cars, a clear sky, and distant peaks create a serene, panoramic landscape view. — Grossglockner Pass

4. Drive the Grossglockner High Alpine Road

📍 Austria’s Most Iconic Mountain Drive

The legendary Grossglockner High Alpine Road winds 48 km through the Hohe Tauern National Park, climbing to 2,504 meters above sea level. With hairpin bends, glacier views, and perfect pavement, it’s considered one of the best driving roads in the world.

Park at the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe lookout for epic views of the Pasterze Glacier and Austria’s highest peak, the Grossglockner (3,798 m).

Silhouette of a person with hiking poles stands among pine trees, overlooking a mountain landscape. The mood is tranquil and scenic. — Lienz, Austria

5. Discover Lienz – Austria’s Sunniest Town

📍 A Hidden Gem in East TyrolLocated on the southern side of the Grossglockner Pass

Lienz is a charming alpine town with over 2,000 hours of sunshine per year. Its colorful facades and relaxed vibe make it the perfect spot to refuel and unwind. In summer, the main square becomes a pedestrian-only zone with lively terraces and outdoor dining.

Blue sports car parked on a mountain road with snowy peaks in the background. Overcast sky, road curves, and guardrails visible. — Porsche 911 GT3 parked on Gerlos Alpine Road

6. Explore the Gerlos Alpine Road

📍 Scenic Route to Krimml Waterfalls

Designed by the same engineer as the Grossglockner Road, the Gerlos Alpine Road offers 12 kilometers of smooth, scenic driving between Krimml and the Zillertal Valley. Expect panoramic views, forested curves, and a striking overlook of Krimml Waterfalls, the tallest in Europe.

Scenic lakeside village with colorful houses, a tall church spire, and mountains in the background under a clear blue sky. — UNESCO village Hallstatt

7. Visit Lake Hallstatt – Austria’s Most Famous Alpine Village

📍 The Postcard-Perfect Icon of Austria

Nestled between towering mountains and reflected in glassy waters, Lake Hallstatt is home to one of the most picturesque villages in the world. Its colorful houses, lakeside cafés, and mountain views have earned it UNESCO status and global fame.

Wander the storybook streets, take the funicular to the Hallstatt Skywalk, or enjoy a peaceful boat ride across the lake.

Note: Hallstatt is incredibly popular—especially in summer—so plan your visit early in the day or during shoulder season for a quieter experience. Even with the crowds, its beauty never disappoints.

Aerial view of a forested peninsula surrounded by turquoise water, featuring a house, pier, and sandy beach with lush greenery and cliffs. — Lake Achensee

8. Drive Along Lake Achensee – The Tyrolean Fjord

📍 Turquoise Waters Between Limestone Walls

Nestled between the Karwendel and Rofan mountain ranges, Lake Achensee offers a tranquil yet dramatic drive. Its striking colors and lakeside road between Maurach and Pertisau provide the perfect combination of serenity and scenery.

Curvy road winds through a scenic mountain landscape with autumn trees. Blue sky with clouds creates a serene, vibrant atmosphere. — Nockalm Road

9. Conquer the Nockalm Road – Curves in Carinthia

📍 Austria’s Best-Kept Driving Secret

Tucked away in Carinthia, the Nockalm Road is a 34-kilometer stretch with 52 sweeping bends through soft, rounded mountain peaks. With far less traffic than the Grossglockner, it's a hidden paradise for drivers seeking rhythm, flow, and quiet alpine beauty.

✨ Want to See Even More?

Our Austrian Alps Road Trip doesn’t end with Austria. The full route continues into:

🇮🇹 The Italian Dolomites, where the legendary Sella Ronda Drive takes you over four breathtaking alpine passes in a single loop.

🇩🇪 Bavaria, where you’ll drive the best part of the German Alpine Road and visit the world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle—a storybook icon set against a mountainous backdrop.

It’s one of the most stunning cross-border road trip you can take in Europe.

🔑 Ready for the Ultimate Alpine Escape?

We’ve designed a bespoke luxury driving tour connecting the most iconic sights and secret corners of the Austrian Alps, Dolomites, and Bavaria. All roads lead to unforgettable views, cultural gems, and moments of pure alpine magic.

➡️ Explore our Austrian Alps Driving Tour 📅 Best Season: Mid-May to October: Includes highlights of Austria, the Dolomites & Bavaria – from glacier roads to castle dreams.

9 Most Beautiful Places in Austria to Visit on a Road Trip through the Austrian Alps 🇦🇹