Austria is a compact treasure chest of culture and Alps, where Habsburg history, Baroque streets, and storybook villages meet crystal-clear lakes. From Mozart’s melodies in Salzburg to mountain panoramas in Tyrol, it’s tailor-made for families who like a little history with their hiking—and a pastry between each museum.

Fun fact: Salzburg’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Innsbruck once hosted the Winter Olympics twice (1964 and 1976). Expect superb public transit, spotless streets, and cafés that welcome kids with hot chocolate and towering cakes. The cuisine is hearty and comforting: schnitzel, käsespätzle, apple strudel—and plenty of vegetarian-friendly options.

Practical notes: The currency is the euro; cards are widely accepted. Tap water is excellent. Many attractions offer family tickets; Sundays and holidays can have reduced hours. Summer brings lake swims and cable cars; winter is all snow-globe charm. This plan aims for mid-range spending while keeping the days vivid, balanced, and fun.

Salzburg

Salzburg is a Baroque jewel cradled by mountains and the Salzach River, famous for Mozart, The Sound of Music, and an imposing clifftop fortress. Compact streets make it ideal for strollers, while gardens, funiculars, and chocolate workshops keep kids smiling.

• Top sights: Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mirabell Gardens, Mozart’s Birthplace, Hellbrunn Palace (Trick Fountains, seasonal), Getreidegasse, Mönchsberg viewpoints.
• Family flavor: Easy walking distances, abundant playgrounds (Mirabell), river paths for scooters, and cafés that understand “one more hot chocolate.”
• Arrival options (estimate; check live prices):
  • Flights within or to/from Europe: search and compare on Omio (Flights Europe).
  • Flights from outside Europe: compare intercontinental fares on Trip.com (Flights) or Kiwi.com (Flights).
  • Trains from Munich/Vienna: 1.5–2.5 hours on Railjet/EC; check schedules and prices on Omio (Trains Europe) or buses on Omio (Buses Europe).

Where to stay (family-friendly picks):

• Hotel & Villa Auersperg – Boutique calm, leafy garden, great breakfast; walkable to the Old Town.
• MEININGER Hotel Salzburg City Center – Budget-friendly rooms and family options; bus to the center.
• Hotel Sacher Salzburg – Icon by the river with unforgettable cake. Splurge pick.
• Hotel Elefant – Historic building steps from Getreidegasse; solid value for location.
• Prefer apartments? Browse VRBO Salzburg or check hotel deals on Hotels.com Salzburg.

Day 1: Arrive in Salzburg, Gardens and Baroque Streets

Afternoon: Arrive and settle in. Stretch your legs through Mirabell Gardens (hedge maze, Pegasus Fountain, Dwarf Garden). Kids can romp at the playground while you take fortress-framed photos. Pop into Café Fingerlos for pastries or a light snack; their topfenstrudel is fluffy and not too sweet.

Evening: Cross the Makartsteg bridge (hang a temporary “wish ribbon” rather than a lock) into the Old Town. Dinner at Bärenwirt (crispy schnitzel, tafelspitz, highchairs) or Zwettler’s Stiftskeller (classic Austrian, friendly service). For a lighter option, Afro Café pours fruity lemonades and serves colorful bowls kids love.

Day 2: Fortress Views, Mozart, and The Sound of Music

Morning: Ride the FestungsBahn funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress for ramparts, marionette museum, and sweeping views (family combo tickets available; budget ~€30–€40 for a family). Alternate kid-pleaser: a hands-on chocolate session:

Mozartkugel Erlebnis (Chocolate Workshop)

Break for lunch at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium (shaded courtyard; kids’ portions possible) or Sternbräu (multiple dining rooms, quick service, seasonal soups).

Afternoon: Join the city’s most beloved family tour:

The Original Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg

It’s a fun, sing-along coach trip to filming locations in and around Salzburg—great scenery and trivia that even kids enjoy. Expect ~4 hours.

Evening: Reward the crew with dinner at Die Weisse (Austria’s oldest wheat-beer brewery; hearty dumplings and non-alcoholic options) or Gasthof Goldgasse (cozy, creative takes on local classics). If little legs still have energy, stroll the illuminated Steingasse, one of Salzburg’s oldest streets.

Day 3: Day Trip to Hallstatt and the Salzkammergut (Full Day)

Venture into Austria’s lake district on a guided family-friendly excursion with minimal logistics and maximum views:

Full-Day Minivan Tour From Salzburg to Hallstatt with 5 Fingers, Lakes & Mountains

See mirror-like lakes, wander pastel Hallstatt, and—weather permitting—ride up to the 5 Fingers viewpoint for jaw-dropping panoramas (easy family hike from the top station). Pack a light jacket; mountain weather changes quickly. Back in Salzburg, grab late comfort food at Balkan Grill Walter (legendary Bosna sausage) or share plates at Organic Pizza Salzburg for a quick, budget-friendly bite.

Innsbruck

Surrounded by jagged peaks, Innsbruck blends medieval lanes with a youthful outdoor spirit. The colorful row houses along the Inn, the Golden Roof, and the Hungerburg funicular make it irresistible for families—everything feels adventurous yet accessible.

• Top sights: Nordkette cable cars, Alpenzoo, Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof), Ambras Castle, Bergisel Ski Jump, Maria-Theresien-Straße promenade.
• Family flavor: Cable cars from the city center to alpine meadows in under 30 minutes; Europe’s highest elevation zoo; easy stroller-friendly Old Town.

Getting from Salzburg to Innsbruck: Morning Railjet trains take ~1h45–2h; advance fares from ~€25–€45 per adult (kids often free with family offers). Check times and deals on Omio (Trains Europe). Budget buses take ~2.5–3h from ~€10–€20 via Omio (Buses Europe).

Where to stay:

• NALA Individuellhotel – Design-forward rooms (many with kitchenettes), quiet courtyard; walkable.
• Hotel Innsbruck – Central, with indoor pool and sauna; excellent for families between sightseeing spurts.
• See more stays on Hotels.com Innsbruck or apartments on VRBO Innsbruck.

Day 4: Salzburg → Innsbruck, Nordkette Adventure

Morning: Depart Salzburg after breakfast; the scenic Railjet rolls past lakes and peaks (~1h45–2h). Book on Omio (Trains Europe); seat reservations helpful for families. On arrival, drop bags and grab a quick bite at Café Munding (since 1803—excellent cakes) or The Breakfast Club (pancakes, eggs, veggie options).

Afternoon: Ride the Hungerburgbahn funicular from the city center, then gondolas to Seegrube or Hafelekar on the Nordkette. In good weather, do the short Panorama Trail; in shoulder/winter seasons, bring warm layers (round-trip adult tickets ~€40–€49; family tickets available). Animal-loving families can swap the top lift for Alpenzoo, Europe’s highest zoo, on the same line.

Evening: Dinner at Stiftskeller (Tyrolean dumplings, gemütlich halls) or Ludwig Das Burger (great kids’ appeal, veggie patties). For a relaxed stroll, wander the pastel Old Town lanes around the Golden Roof; stop at Café Katzung for hot chocolate and apfelstrudel.

Day 5: Swarovski Crystal Worlds and Departure

Morning: Spark your final day with this half-day art-and-light playground in Wattens (about 20 minutes from Innsbruck):

Private Half-day Tour to Swarovski Crystal World in Wattens

Inside the “Chambers of Wonder,” you’ll find immersive installations, a family-friendly playtower, and vast gardens anchored by the famous giant’s head and waterfall.

Afternoon: Pick up picnic bits at the Markthalle Innsbruck (bread, alpine cheese, fresh fruit) or sit down at die Wilderin (regional ingredients, seasonal menu). Depart in the afternoon: trains to Munich (~2h) and to Salzburg/Vienna are frequent—check Omio (Trains Europe) for live times; airport connections via Omio (Flights Europe) or long-haul on Trip.com (Flights).

Optional/Alternate Salzburg Activity (If You Add Free Time)

Want a guided history hit that adults appreciate and teens find engaging?

Salzburg Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide

Customize pace and themes (Mozart, WWII, Baroque art), and get tailored family tips from a local expert.

Food notes and treats to try: Salzburger Nockerl (a mountain-shaped soufflé), Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancake), Kaspressknödel (cheese dumplings), and Speckknödel soup. For gelato lovers, look for walnut or pistachio at small Old Town parlors; for a classic cake stop, Café Tomaselli in Salzburg is a living museum of pastry.

Seasonal tips: Trick Fountains at Hellbrunn run roughly April–October; winter swaps lake swims for toboggan lanes. Mountain lifts may close for spring/fall maintenance—always check operating dates a day ahead. Many city museums have kids’ audio guides or activity booklets—ask at the desk.

With two cities and a postcard-worthy lake district, this 5-day Austria itinerary balances trains, cable cars, and easy walks with hands-on fun and hearty meals. Expect satisfied kids, full memory cards, and a promise to return when the mountains call again.