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railtour suisse · Self-guided rail tour

Train journey through the heart of Austria

Eight-day self-guided rail tour from Salzburg to Vienna via Linz

Illustration of Train journey through the heart of Austria

Railtour Suisse's eight-day self-guided tour takes you through Austria's cultural core, connecting three cities by Railjet train. You depart Zurich and travel into Salzburg in five and a half hours, passing Alpine foothills and seasonal snow-capped peaks. Two days in Salzburg let you visit Mozart's birthplace, explore baroque alleyways, and climb to Hohensalzburg Fortress. You then travel through charming landscapes and past lakes to Linz for two nights, where the Danube embankment and historic centre reward your walking. The final three nights are in Vienna, where you tour Schönbrunn Palace and its 160 hectares of grounds, visit Belvedere Palace, and dine on schnitzel at local restaurants. Accommodation is in four-star hotels with breakfast each morning. This trip suits independent explorers and history lovers who want a structured rail itinerary without daily guided activities or group schedules.

What to know before you look closer

  • Train fares are included only on the basis of a Half-Fare travelcard; you must purchase or already hold this Swiss discount card, and confirm eligibility before booking.
  • The package lists hotel options by name and star rating, but accommodation is described as 'standard double rooms'; room views and specific amenities are not detailed.
  • Days 2, 4, and parts of 6-7 are entirely unguided; no guided tours, escorted activities, or group instruction are provided.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Salzburg

    Switzerland - Salzburg

    The Railjet, Austria's high-speed train, takes you directly to Salzburg in 5 hours and 30 minutes. The route passes through the Alpine foothills with picturesque villages and, depending on the season, green hills or snow-capped peaks. Accommodation in Salzburg for 2 nights.

  2. Day 2overnight: Salzburg

    Salzburg

    Explore the city with its baroque beauty, musical world heritage, and alpine nature. Stroll through the winding alleys of the old town. Visit Mozart's birthplace. Climb up to the Hohensalzburg Fortress for a spectacular view of the city.

  3. Day 3overnight: Linz

    Salzburg - Linz

    After breakfast, start the day with a walk to the Mirabell Gardens. Continue on towards Linz, travelling comfortably through picturesque landscapes, past lakes, hills, and charming towns. Accommodation in Linz for 2 nights.

  4. Day 4overnight: Linz

    Linz

    After breakfast, stroll through the city and take a break at the main square. Continue through the charming alleys of the historic center towards the Danube embankment and Danube Park. If time permits, visit the Lentos Art Museum on the banks of the Danube.

  5. Day 5overnight: Vienna

    Linz - Vienna

    Breakfast in Linz. Travel through the Danube Valley past St. Pölten to Vienna in 1 hour and 15 minutes. Accommodation in Vienna for 3 nights.

  6. Day 6overnight: Vienna

    Vienna

    Experience the imperial elegance of the Hofburg Palace. Stroll through the old town in the 1st district to St. Stephen's Cathedral. Short shopping trip through Kärtnerstrasse. In the evening, visit the opera or theater, or enjoy a schnitzel at Figlmüller.

  7. Day 7overnight: Vienna

    Vienna

    Start your day with a visit to Schönbrunn Palace, with over 40 magnificent rooms on a guided tour and 160 hectares of palace grounds. Also worth a visit is Belvedere Palace. Dinner at the Naschmarkt.

  8. Day 8

    Vienna - Switzerland

    Travel directly back to Zurich in 8 hours by Railjet.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1The Railjet departs Zurich for Salzburg, passing through Alpine foothills with picturesque villages and snow-capped peaks depending on season.
  • Day 2Climb Hohensalzburg Fortress for a panoramic view of Salzburg's baroque old town and surrounding alpine landscape.
  • Day 3Walk through Mirabell Gardens in the morning before boarding a train to Linz, travelling through the Danube Valley.
  • Day 7Tour Schönbrunn Palace, walking its 40 rooms and 160 hectares of palace grounds, then dine at the Naschmarkt in Vienna.

Included

  • Train journey in 2nd class from/to Zurich HB, based on Half-Fare travelcard, route according to the program
  • Accommodation in a standard double room with breakfast: 2 nights in Salzburg, Leonardo Boutique Hotel Salzburg Gablerbräu****; 2 nights in Linz, Hotel Arcotel Nike Linz****; 3 nights in Vienna, Hotel Zeitgeist Vienna****

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The Railjet train journey from Zurich to Salzburg and return from Vienna to Zurich is included based on a Half-Fare travelcard (which you must hold). Domestic trains between Salzburg, Linz, and Vienna are covered.
Is this tour guided or self-guided?
This is a self-guided tour. Railtour Suisse provides train tickets and hotel bookings, but no guide accompanies you or leads tours in the cities.
Which trains are used?
The Railjet, Austria's high-speed train, is used for the Zurich to Salzburg leg (5 hours 30 minutes) and Vienna to Zurich return (8 hours). Travel is in second class.
What hotels are included?
Leonardo Boutique Hotel Salzburg Gablerbräu (two nights), Hotel Arcotel Nike Linz (two nights), and Hotel Zeitgeist Vienna (three nights). All are four-star properties and include breakfast.
What is not included?
Meals other than breakfast, local transport within cities, museum or attraction entry fees, and incidental expenses are not included. A Half-Fare travelcard for the Zurich rail segments must be purchased separately or already held.
How much walking is involved?
Daily itineraries include city walks through old towns, a climb to Hohensalzburg Fortress, a Danube embankment stroll, and palace grounds exploration. No strenuous hikes are listed.

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