The Wonders of Train Travel in Austria: From Adventure to Art

Unforgettable train journeys can be found in every corner of the globe, yet the journeys offered by Austrian Federal Railways often go unnoticed. On Austria’s ÖBB, the national railway company, traditional charm blends seamlessly with modern design, creating a delightful experience where the romance of rail travel meets innovative engineering. There’s no better (or more eco-friendly) way to unwind while soaking in the stunning scenery as you travel from Vienna, the nation’s cultural capital, to the picturesque countryside filled with fresh farm-to-table cuisine, breathtaking landscapes, and quaint villages perfect for hiking, biking, and peaceful getaways.

Passengers in first and business classes can relish spacious leather seating complete with power outlets, Wi-Fi, a complimentary drink, meal service at their seats, and digital access to over 100 publications. However, it’s likely you’ll be captivated by the majestic mountains and historic castles as ÖBB whisks you through Austria’s most beautiful sights and cities. Here are some must-see highlights.

Begin Your Journey in Vienna

Vienna is one of the few urban cities worldwide surrounded by lush forests and well-marked hiking paths. Hikers and cyclists can enjoy views of oak trees before transitioning to oak barrels along City Hiking Trail 5, where cozy Heurigen wine taverns await those who appreciate local and fresh sips. Here, aging rules are relaxed, and you’ll discover that in Viennese German, the term heuer means “this year,” meaning the wine available for tasting is typically from a recent harvest.

If you prefer coffee, a visit to Cafe Hawelka is a must. This kaffeehaus has been family-owned for three generations, and their buchteln sweet rolls are a standout treat.

Vienna’s coffeehouse culture is renowned, having nurtured artists, writers, and thinkers in its bohemian charm for centuries. You can admire some of their works at the MuseumsQuartier or enjoy a night of classical music at the Vienna State Opera. After all, Austria is the birthplace of legends like Mozart, Strauss, Mahler, Schubert, Bruckner, and Schönberg, among others.

Explore Graz's museums, stunning architecture, and culinary delights

From Vienna, take the Railjet directly to Graz. As Austria's second-largest city, Graz is a hidden gem for many international travelers. Recognized as a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site and a UNESCO City of Design, it boasts a harmonious blend of modern and historic attractions. Don’t miss the bubble-shaped Kunsthaus museum in the arts district near Mariahilferstrasse, or enjoy a cocktail at Murinsel, a stunning floating island made of glass.

Food enthusiasts should visit one of the two daily farmers markets, as Graz is the culinary capital of Austria, surrounded by hundreds of farms. Create a picnic from the seasonal delights at Kaiser Josef Markt or Lendplatz, and pick up a souvenir like nutty pumpkin seed oil, known as Styria’s “green gold.”

Castles, Mozart, and Beer in Salzburg

Not everything that shines is gold, as you’ll discover while exploring the treasures at Hohensalzburg Fortress after a picturesque four-hour train journey to Salzburg. The fortress stands majestically atop Mönchsberg mountain, overseeing the baroque city, which is also the birthplace of Mozart and a filming location for The Sound of Music. Stroll along charming Getreidegasse, where cozy courtyards and quaint boutiques await, and don’t miss the delectable Mozartkugel nougat treats for chocolate lovers.

Toast to new experiences at the Stiegl-Brauwelt museum, dedicated to the art of brewing beer. Salzburg, known as Austria’s beer capital with 11 breweries, has a vibrant brewing culture, making it easy to strike up conversations with locals at the communal tables found in the beer gardens.

Hot Springs, Hiking, and Day Trips Around Salzburg

One of the great advantages of using Salzburg as your home base for a few days is its proximity to nearby attractions. The city serves as an ideal launchpad for train journeys to charming villages that often remain undiscovered by travelers from outside Europe.

For a bit of relaxation, take the train to the soothing thermal springs in the quaint village of Bad Ischl. The healing saline waters gained popularity as a resort in the early 19th century after doctors recommended them for Archduchess Sophie’s treatments.

If you’re intrigued by the Middle Ages, there are two essential sites to explore in the countryside just outside Salzburg. A train ride to Werfen offers the chance to hike the Sound of Music trail and experience the thrill of birds of prey at Hohenwerfen Fortress, which hosts captivating falconry demonstrations in its grand courtyard gardens, along with medieval sword fighting shows.

In Kufstein, a little over an hour’s train ride west of Salzburg, history meets technology at Kufstein Fortress, built in 1205 C.E. Visitors can don 3-D glasses to interact with a hologram, a “talking” painting, and stunning 270-degree projections, providing a remarkable glimpse into life a thousand years ago.

Dive into the mountainous history of Innsbruck

Reaching new heights is effortless in Innsbruck, just a train ride of under two hours from Salzburg. Whether your interests lie in art or sports, the Bergisel Ski Jump is a must-see. This architectural marvel designed by Zaha Hadid rises majestically above the city, offering views of the Nordkette mountain range. You can explore the lift, jump tower, and a glass-walled café that serves delicious traditional Tirolean dishes like kasspatzln, a cheesy spätzle (egg noodles) delight.

Use Innsbruck [LINK TO: 3 Ways to Experience Innsbruck, Austria’s Imperial Gem] as your base for exploring the region. In nearby Wattens, you can discover the intricate topiary at Swarovski Crystal Worlds and immerse yourself in the 17 futuristic Chambers of Wonder exhibits that make you feel as if you’re inside a dazzling jewel box.

Alternatively, in the village of Mutters, admire the charming wooden balconies and painted facades of the farmhouses as you head towards the Mutteralm cable car. Ride up the mountain for a hike, followed by a meal in a cozy mountain hut. Typical dishes include delicious schlutzkrapfen (dumplings filled with cheese or spinach) and hearty Tiroler gröstl (a comforting mix of potatoes, meat, and vegetables).

Embark on a journey to the pinnacle of adventure in the Arlberg region.

Delve deeper into Alpine bliss in Arlberg, just a one-hour train ride from Innsbruck. Each of the five charming villages offers hikes suitable for all skill levels, meandering past crystal-clear lakes, flowing streams, and vibrant flower-filled meadows. For dedicated trekkers, planning a multi-hour hike is essential, while others might opt for a more leisurely ascent using the Galzig and Valluga cable cars, which take you up to 9,222 feet to the summit of Valluga, the region's highest peak.