Top 5 Scenic Drives in Austria

There’s nothing quite like cruising the highways of Austria.

Exploring Austria by car offers the freedom to discover its hidden gems and breathtaking heights, allowing you to stop and hike, bike, swim, or boat to fully appreciate the stunning landscapes and nature around you.

Navigating the picturesque roads of Austria is a breeze, thanks to well-maintained routes, convenient petrol stations, charging points for electric vehicles, and numerous rest stops. Enjoy the seamless journey through your windshield, transitioning from historic cities and charming towns to sprawling fields, vineyards, majestic mountains, and the sparkling clear waters of Austria's stunning lakes.

From expansive autobahns to twisting mountain roads, here are our top recommendations for road trips in Austria.

1. Grossglockner High Alpine Road

Ideal road trip for breathtaking mountain pass views Fusch an der Glocknerstraße, Salzburgerland to Heiligenblut, 48km (30 miles)

This perilous route was once only for the daring before Austria’s highest mountain pass was built in 1935. Now, both cars and motorcycles can navigate the Hohe Tauern National Park along the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, which features 36 exhilarating hairpin turns that ascend to 2500m (8202ft) before winding down into Carinthia.

Home to half of the country’s wildlife, including ibex, golden eagles, and playful alpine marmots, this route showcases conservation efforts through various museums and exhibits. Be sure to visit the emperor-endorsed Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe viewpoint at 2369m (7772ft) for stunning views of the snow-covered 3798m (12,460ft) Grossglockner peak and the impressive 8km-long (5-mile) Pasterze glacier. Hikers can find numerous panoramic trails here, including the Gamsgrubenweg tunnel trail leading to alternative glacial vistas. The highest accessible point is the Edelweissspitze at 2571m (8435ft), featuring a mountain inn with a traditional menu ranging from schnitzel to strudel.

Tip for travelers: The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is accessible only from May to November (car day ticket costs €43), but always verify weather conditions and which viewpoints are open before your visit.

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2. The Austrian Romantic Road

Ideal journey for exploring heritage sites and renowned lakes From Vienna to Salzburg, 450km (280 miles)

Known for its stunning array of sights, the Austrian Romantic Road begins by tracing the winding paths of the Danube River, showcasing a journey filled with historical treasures and UNESCO World Heritage sites between Vienna and Salzburg.

Travel through the wine country, starting from the monastery-crowned Klosterneuburg to the Wachau Valley’s charming town of Krems and the medieval streets of Melk, home to a Benedictine monastery. Enjoy the picturesque Danube village of Grein, then proceed to the majestic towns of Steyr and Scharnstein, the perfect warm-up before reaching the stunning lakes of Salzkammergut, taking in the historic spa town of Bad Ischl and the breathtaking Dachstein mountains before arriving at the trio of enchanting lakes: Hallstatt, St Wolfgang, and Mondsee.

Planning tip: Don’t rush through the sights. Dedicate a week to leisurely explore this nature-infused heritage route.

3. South Styrian Wine Road (Südsteirische Weinstraße)

Best journey for food and wine enthusiasts Ehrenhausen to Leutschach, Styria, 25km (16 miles)

This route showcases Austria’s celebrated South Styrian Wine Road (Südsteirische Weinstraße), leading you through the state’s largest wine-producing area. Travel from Ehrenhausen to Leutschach, hopping between picturesque villages nestled among gently rolling vineyards on the verdant meadows that border Slovenia.

If you’re eager to savor the local flavors and sample seasonal delights—from Sauvignon Blanc and Morillon whites to Schilcher and Blauer Zweigelt reds—you can reserve a stay at wine estates. Rent a bike for a delightful day of tasting as you navigate the undulating roads to the terraced hilltop Buschenschänken (local wine taverns), where cold snacks are paired with the region’s famous pumpkin seed oil.

Detour: Consider a circular route that begins and ends in Graz, allowing you to experience Austria's culinary heart.

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4. Villach Alpine Road

Ideal road trip for stunning southern alpine vistas From Villach-Möltschach to Rosstratte, 16.5km (10 miles)

Carinthia is famous for its warm, lakeside waters, but as you navigate the 11 winding mountain curves of the Villach Alpine Road in the Dobratsch mountain range, you'll be treated to one of the finest viewpoints in southern Austria. As you ascend to the summit—Rosstratte point at 1732m (5682ft)—you'll encounter 11 lookout points offering panoramic views from above the Roman-heritaged Villach city to the majestic peaks of the Julian Alps stretching into Slovenia and Italy.

Breathe in the crisp alpine air at the Aichingerhütte mountain hut, located at 1650m (5413ft), or savor the local Carinthian dishes at the Rosstratte mountain hut while the kids enjoy the playground at this lofty height. From here, you can embark on two trails leading into Dobratsch nature park, Carinthia's oldest nature reserve, featuring a geological path and an Alpine Garden with over 1000 plant species.

Travel tip: Start and finish your journey (one-way car ticket for €22) with a scenic tour of Carinthia's largest lakes, beginning at Wörthersee and concluding at Millstätter See.

5. Silvretta High Alpine Road

Best route to explore westernmost Austria Galtür, Tirol to Partenen, Vorarlberg, 22km (12 miles)

Winding through stunning peaks, the Silvretta High Alpine Road (€19.50 per vehicle) links the ski-famous Paznaun Valley in Tyrol to Austria's often-ignored western state, Vorarlberg, and its breathtaking Montafon region.

Ascending amidst the sharp Silvretta mountain ranges, the road culminates at the lakeside Silvretta-Bielerhöhe peak at 2032m (6666ft), offering spectacular views of Vorarlberg’s towering Piz Buin, which stands at 3312m (10,866ft). Here, you can park and explore a recreational haven, featuring a via ferrata on a 320m-long (1050ft) dam wall, opportunities for alpine fishing, a hiking trail adorned with nature-inspired sculptures, or a captivating light art installation tunnel. Enjoy a lakeside meal at one of four restaurants before embarking on the thrilling descent of 34 hairpin turns into Vorarlberg.

Insider tip: Vintage car lovers can enjoy a stylish drive during the annual Silvretta Classic Rally Montafon in July.

Driving tips for Austria

Expect toll fees for highways and mountain passes

To use the motorways, you need to display a physical Vignette toll sticker or purchase a digital sticker online (valid for 10 days at €4.60, two months for €11.50, or one year at €38.50); otherwise, you risk substantial fines. Additionally, mountain passes require an extra fee for entry.

Familiarize yourself with road regulations

Drive on the right side and overtake on the left. Speed limits are set at 130km/h on motorways (Autobahn), 100km/h (62mph) on expressways and open roads (Bundesstrasse), and 50km/h (31mph) in residential areas. Be aware of regulations and emergency numbers.

Check winter road closure dates

Austrian roads are in great shape during the warmer months, but winter rain and snow can make them hazardous (winter tires and snow chains are required). Keep in mind that many high mountain passes close for the winter season.

Bring a picnic for long journeys

Whether at autobahn rest areas, scenic lookout points, or hiking trails, you'll find plenty of seating options and stopping places if you prefer not to dine in mountain huts or restaurants.