There are so many places to explore in Europe that it can be incredibly difficult to choose exactly where you want to go. However, if you’re keen to visit grand Alpine vistas and beautifully ornate cities, then I highly recommend planning a trip through Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
These three countries have heaps of history to enjoy and some of the world’s most spectacular natural scenery. And while you certainly can’t see everything within a short period of time, over the course of a couple of weeks, you can cover quite a bit of ground and get a good feel for the region.
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How Many Days?
You could hypothetically spend months or even years exploring all three of Switzerland, Germany and Austria, but if you’re short on time and want to condense these three nations into a digestible trip, then planning for 2 weeks is a good bet.
A fortnight allows you to cover a lot of ground and see a number of different cities and places while not having to move around too much. You can get under the skin of the places you’re visiting all while not feeling too rushed.
I generally wouldn’t recommend spending any less time if you want to cover all three countries in your trip. Instead, I would suggest planning a trip to just two of the countries.
Getting To & Around
The joy of travelling around this area of the world is that it is incredibly well connected, both via flight from overseas and via public transport when you’re actually on the ground.
I’ve designed this route to begin in Austria and end in Switzerland as that’s the most logical direction, and it’s easy enough to start in Vienna.
The Austrian capital is home to its own international airport with countless connections all over the world. Similarly, both Zurich and Munich are equally well-connected, so you can begin anywhere that makes sense for your trip.
Once you’re there, I put together this itinerary to be navigated via public transit. The majority of the stops are in major cities where a car is more of a hindrance than an asset and you’ll find that getting around them on foot or by metro or bus is simple.
For intercity travel, all three of the countries have incredibly well-established bus and train connections, so travelling between places is incredibly simple. I do recommend booking transport in advance, if you can, especially if you’re travelling in high season. You can browse train schedules here.
2-Week Austria-Germany-Switzerland Itinerary
Day 1 – Vienna
Vienna makes for the most logical starting point for this itinerary, and the Austrian capital really earns its place. It is a compact city, so you can see most of the highlights within it in the span of a day or two. Spend your first day seeing the iconic Vienna Opera House before exploring the Albertina Museum (tickets available here).
From there, you can also stroll over to the Austria National Library, which houses countless different attractions and museums.
Then, end your day by exploring one of the most iconic spots in Vienna, the Hofburg. This is a collection of buildings and monuments that is an absolute joy to explore. You can’t miss the famed Spanish Riding School, the Sisi Museum, the Imperial Apartments and the Imperial Silver Collection.
From the Hofburg, it’s only a short walk to the Stephansdom, Vienna’s gorgeous cathedral. Here, you can tour the church itself, or also visit the catacombs and the towers.
Where to Stay in Vienna
Motel One Wien – Westbahnhof – A stylish hotel within easy reach of the city centre, they have a range of room types to choose from, an on-site bar and a very good breakfast.
Hotel Brauhof Wien – This centrally-located hotel offers standard rooms and apartments. They also have a terrace, bar, restaurant and a good breakfast each morning.
Hostel Ruthensteiner – For budget and solo travellers, this hostel is a great option. They have a range of dorms and private rooms, good common areas and a convivial atmosphere.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Vienna hotels!
Day 2 – Vienna
Your second day in Vienna will have you enjoying even more grand palaces. Start your day at the former summer residence of the Hapsburg family – Schonbrunn Palace. This grand baroque palace is one of the most incredible in the entire country and its well worth taking the time to tour.
I also highly recommend visiting the Karlskirche on this day before heading to the slightly less impressive but no less beautiful Schloss Belvedere. This was also once a palace, but not is a museum complex and home to countless art collections.
If you haven’t had your fill of museums quite yet, then you can also make your way to the Museums Quartier, where there are lots of different museums you can visit depending on your interests.
Day 3 – Bratislava Day Trip
Though this itinerary encompasses, mainly, Austria, Germany and Switzerland, spending a third day in Vienna allows you to tack another country onto your trip, if only for a day.
The capital of Slovakia, Bratislava, is only about an hour away from Vienna by train, and it makes for the perfect day trip destination.
Bratislava’s Old Town is delightfully compact and absolutely beautiful. It’s also easily digestible and you can get a very good feel for the city in just a day trip. It’s a charming place to spend a day and a great way to experience a different country, if only for a short period of time.
Day 4 – Salzburg
From Vienna, it’s time to head west and visit one of Austria’s most lovely cities – Salzburg. Known for being the birthplace of Mozart and the setting of The Sound of Music, this is a popular city to visit for a reason.
Plan to spend three nights here – the first two days you can use to explore the city itself and the last day you can use a day trip.
The first day, spend your time in the city centre, wandering down the pedestrianised streets and taking in sights like the Salzburg Cathedral. And, of course, you cannot miss visiting the imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress, which towers over the city.
I also highly recommend walking in the hills surrounding and ending your day at the Augustiner Brau, a traditional brewery in the city.
Where to Stay in Salzburg
Gästehaus im Priesterseminar – Situated in a beautiful Baroque building, this centrally located hotel is a great base in Salzburg. There are many rooms to choose from and breakfast each morning.
Boutique Hotel Auersperg – A cool boutique hotel in the middle of the city, they have a range of modern rooms, a spa and wellness centre and many other plush amenities.
Yoho International Youth Hostel – This hostel is a great budget option for those after a social atmosphere. There are dorms and privates available, along with a Sound of Music screening nightly.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Salzburg hotels!
Day 5 – Salzburg
On the second day, you have the opportunity to dig deeper in Salzburg. Begin your day at the Mirabell Palace & Gardens. This is known for being a filming location for The Sound of Music but it’s worth visiting even if you’re not a particular fan of the film. The grand gardens are truly stunning.
You can also use this day to visit one of the many museums in the city, including the Mozat House, the Salzburg Museum and the Museum of Modern Art.
Finish your day with a leisurely cruise on the River Salzach, taking in the beautiful views of the city.
Day 6 – Mondsee or Werfen Day Trip
Spend your final day in the Salzburg area on a day trip. There are lots of options depending on what it is you’re after.
If you want to enjoy some lovely alpine lakes and idyllic villages, then I suggest heading to Mondsee & Wolfgangsee. Both of these lakes are beautiful in their own right, but there are also some cute little villages to explore along their shores.
You could also opt for a trip to the Werfen Ice Cave, though this is only open from May through October. If you’re visiting during this time, the caves are truly spectacular and well worth it. You could also visit the nearby Hohenwerfen Castle if you choose this day trip.
Day 7 – Munich
On your seventh day, it’s time to leave Austria and head across the border into Germany. And there is no better place to explore than lovely Munich. The capital of Bavaria and Germany’s third-largest city, there is so much this lovely metropolis has to offer. Again, plan to spend 3 nights here – 2 full days in the city and a third for a day trip.
Spend your first day in Munich exploring the iconic highlights of the city. Start in Marienplatz, the main square. I recommend visiting the tower in the town hall for great views over the city.
You can also pay a visit to St Peter’s Church, where you can also climb the bell tower. Make sure to browse the nearby Viktualiemarkt before heading to the Residenz. This grand palace is a highlight of visiting Munich.
Finally, end your first day at the iconic Hofbräuhaus. This is probably Munich’s most famous beer hall, and it is so worth the visit, especially if you want the true Bavarian beer drinking experience.
Where to Stay in Munich
Hotel MIO – A cool, modern hotel in central Munich, they have several different rooms to choose from. There is also an on-site restaurant and bar and a very good breakfast.
Platzl Hotel – A chic, 4-star hotel only 2 minutes from the Hofbräuhaus, they have a range of elegant rooms available and plenty of plush amenities.
Euro Youth Hostel – A cool hostel with lots of rooms to choose from, this is great for solo travellers after a social atmosphere or those travelling on a tight budget.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Munich hotels!
Day 8 – Munich
On your second day in Munich, spend your morning enjoying the lovely green space that is the English Gardens. This is a historic park and it’s well worth having a dedicated stroll through it.
After that, make sure to head over to the Alte Pinakothek. This art gallery is one of the most extensive in the city and houses countless historic art pieces.
I also highly recommend taking the time to plan a visit to the Deutsches Museum. This is a massive museum dedicated to science and technology in Germany – it’s great for kids, but also super interesting for adults.
Day 9 – Neuschwanstein Day Trip
For those who want to see a bit more of Bavaria, you can’t miss a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle. This is not only one of the most iconic castles in Germany, but one of the most recognisable in all of Europe.
This castle looks like it was pulled straight out of a fairytale and, once you visit, it’s quite obvious why it’s so popular to visit.
It’s possible to visit via public transit from Munich, but note that trains take about 2.5 hours each way, so plan to get as early a start as possible.
Day 10 – Zurich
After 3 days in Munich, it’s time to bid goodbye to Germany and head over to Switzerland. And your first stop will be the country’s largest city, Zurich.
Like the bulk of the cities on this itinerary, Zurich is delightfully compact, so you can see a lot of it in just a short period of time. Again, I recommend spending 3 nights in Zurich so you’ll have time to see the highlights of the city and also be able to head out on a day trip.
Your first day in Zurich should be dedicated to the Altstadt – the city’s old town. Here you can take in sites like Grossmunster, the Fraumunster and plenty of gorgeous streets and inviting squares.
I also recommend taking a stroll in the Rechberg Gardens and maybe visiting the Rechberg Mansion while you’re there.
Where to Stay in Zurich
Motel One Zürich – Located in the centre of the city, this cool hotel is the perfect base for exploring Zurich. There are several room types to choose from, along with a bar on site and breakfast daily.
Sorell Hotel St. Peter – A small boutique hotel in central Zurich, this has several chic and modern rooms on offer along with amenities like a fitness centre, a bar and room service.
Zurich Youth Hostel – Located spitting distance from Lake Zurich, this hostel has both dorm beds and private rooms available, good common areas and breakfast included.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Zurich hotels!
Day 11 – Zurich
Your second day in Zurich gives you the opportunity to explore the city more deeply. Start your day at Lindenhof, a beautiful park that was once home to a historic Roman fort. You can get a great view over the city from here.
Also, make sure to head over to St Peter’s Church nearby, which is the oldest parish church in the city. You can also enjoy a lovely stroll along Lake Surich and the Burkliplatz Pier.
Finally, for a delicious end to your day, visit the Lindt Home of Chocolate, a wonderful experience where you can learn all about this iconic Swiss chocolate.
Day 12 – Rhine Falls & Schaffhausen Day Trip
Zurich is well-positioned for exploring the surrounding area and there are a few different day trip options you could choose from. However, I highly recommend heading to the incredible Rhine Falls.
This is one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe and it’s one of the most incredible natural areas to visit in Switzerland (and there is a lot of natural scenery to take in).
Not far from Rhine Falls, you’ll also find the city of Schaffhausen. This is a charming small city packed with history and well worth a stop – especially to visit the imposing Munet Castle.
Day 13 – Lucerne
Your final stop in Switzerland – and in this itinerary as a whole – is the lovely small city of Lucerne. This city is easy to reach from Zurich and is an excellent change of pace.
Known for its gorgeous lakeside setting (something that can be said for a number of Swiss cities), Lucerne is compact and easy to navigate. Spend your first day here exploring the city centre. And one place you absolutely cannot miss is the Chapel Bridge, which is absolutely iconic to Lucerne.
Of course, you also must explore the historic Musegg Wall Towers before wandering through the Altstadt (the old town). End your day taking in the famed Lion of Lucerne, a monument to the Swiss Guards killed during the French Revolution.
Where to Stay in Lucerne
Hotel Central Luzern – Situated in the heart of the city, this hotel has plenty of bright and comfortable rooms to choose from, a very good breakfast and parking available.
Cascada Boutique Hotel – An effortlessly chic boutique hotel, this is a great central base in Lucerne. They have plenty of cool rooms on offer, along with many lovely amenities available to guests.
Backpacker’s Lucerne – This small hostel has a range of private rooms and dorms to choose from, clean kitchen facilities and good common areas for travellers.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Lucerne hotels!
Day 14 – Lucerne
On the final day of your trip – and your final day in Lucerne – it’s time to enjoy a bit of alpine scenery by venturing to nearby Mount Pilatus. Getting to the summit here involves a paddle boat, a cog railway and a gondola and the views from each are truly spectacular.
I highly recommend heading out as early as possible to enjoy the mountain with fewer crowds, while also allowing for more time up there itself. There are lots of hiking trails to enjoy, if you’re so inclined, and even some adrenaline-pumping activities for those who want to get their hearts pumping.
Back down in Lucerne, you can spend your afternoon taking in the Swiss Museum of Transport (one of the largest in the country), before ending your time along Lucerne’s tranquil waterfront.
Have More Time?
If you have more than 2 weeks to spend, there are infinite ways you could extend our itinerary. In Austria, you could venture further by exploring cities like Graz or Innsbruck before moving onto Germany.
To see more of Germany, consider heading to Nuremberg or exploring Regensburg or Konstanz before heading into Switzerland.
And it’s similar when visiting Switzerland, from Zurich or Lucerne, you can head to Interlaken, Bern or even as far as Geneva.
Planning a visit to Austria, Germany and Switzerland is an excellent way to see some of the most beautiful and historic cities in Europe, all within easy reach of one another.
Are you planning a trip to Switzerland, Austria and Germany? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!
