UPDATED 9/23/23

Use this stress-free, budget-friendly itinerary and see the best of Germany and Austria without a car in 14 days. It’s ideal for first-time Germany and Austria solo travel.

As you’ll notice from the tips throughout, this Germany and Austria itinerary is intentionally written for the first time, solo traveler, and/or older traveler (I am over 50 and have been traveling solo FOREVER). Yet, anyone can use this travel itinerary it to plan and book 14 days in Germany and Austria.

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Here are all of the best booking sites you need to successfully book these 14 days in Germany and Austria.

I recommend you bookmark and use these sites early to lock in your Germany and Austria itinerary and get the best travel deals in Europe.

Cheap Flights to Vienna

Vienna City Airport Transfer (CAT)

Austria Airport Private Transfer

Vienna City Center Accommodations

Salzburg City Center Accommodations

Innsbruck City Center Accommodations

Füssen City Center Accommodations

Munich City Center Accommodations

Cheap Germany and Austria Train Tickets

Cheap Germany and Austria Bus Tickets

Don’t forget to use the Ultimate Austria Solo Travel Guide and Ultimate Germany Solo Travel Guide to plan your 14 days in Europe. They are the ultimate one-stop-shop guides for all you need to know to plan Germany and Austria solo travel with:

Speaking of budget travel, use the Guide to Budget European Accommodations for planning Europe budget travel.

If you’re new to international travel, Tourism 101 will also help.

Europe Travel Packing Essentials

Here some travel essentials ideal to making your solo travel in Austria and Germany easier, if not more eco-friendly.

Why You Don’t Need a Car for This Itinerary

At CORR Travel, I advocate for eco-travel and sustainable travel practices, such as using public transportation, biking, walking, etc. in lieu of renting a car when possible. This goes for travel within a city as well as between cities and countries. Why not reduce your carbon footprint while you travel?

Renting a car, not to mention the cost of petrol, can be pricey, and gas-powered cars are not-so-hot for the environment. Plus, driving does not always guarantee you will get to another location quicker. When you’re driving and trying to follow directions, you could miss out on some of the lovely scenery. 

I love train travel, and the train service in Europe is extensive. Buses in Europe are also extensive and inexpensive. Trains and buses provide a time to relax, take a nap, or bone up on some ideas for the next town. You might even meet a traveling companion on your solo travel.

You don’t have to get a rental car in Europe in order to have a great time in Europe. You definitely don’t need a car to have a good time spending these two weeks from Austria to Germany. Trust me.

Why Tour Germany and Austria?

Why not go? Both Germany and Austria are full of culture, jaw-dropping natural and architectural scenery, and culinary delights that make indoor and outdoor activity options endless. Plus, they are very doable on a budget and as a solo traveler.

I have traveled to these Germany Austria locations myself as a solo female traveler and enjoyed all of them. I’m sure you will, too.

14 Day Germany and Austria Itinerary

Why have to choose between Austria and Germany, or spend just 10 days in Germany and Austria when you can spend a few days more, right? Well, you’re in the right place. Let’s get you to seeing the best of both Germany and Austria without a car.

To complete this Germany Austria itinerary, don’t forget to use the city itineraries, like Vienna in 4 Days. Each city itinerary fits this 2 week itinerary and gives you all you need to know on how to spend the best time in each desirable destination, even on a budget.

Your Austria itinerary and Germany itinerary are equally 7 days in Austria and 7 days in Germany. Cool, huh?

Now, let’s get you on your trip to Germany and Austria starting and ending in Vienna. I even give you an alternate option to end in Munich for flexibility.

Days 1 – 4: Vienna and Wachau Valley

The capital of Austria, Vienna rests on the Danube River, which runs for 1770 miles and through 10 countries. Vienna is famous for many things such as its opera and the Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna Opera House), stunning baroque architecture, music, and tasty schnitzel, strudel and coffee, just to name a few. 

Vienna is a very safe city surrounded by vineyards. When you go you’ll understand why it’s ranked the top city in the world to live multiple years in a row and got it again in 2022. Vienna is one of my favorite cities in all of Europe.

Arriving in Vienna

If you are flying into Vienna, you’ll more than likely arrive at the Flughafen Wien (Vienna International Airport), southeast of the city center. If your Vienna city center accommodation does not offer airport shuttle service, the quickest and inexpensive way to get from the Vienna airport to Vienna city center is the 16-minute, non-stop City Airport Train (CAT).

Vienna does have Uber, but do research on where it is available and if there are any restrictions.

By Austria train you’ll arrive either at the Wien Hauptbahnhof or Wien Westbahnhof station. Consider purchasing a Vienna Card or Weekly Travel Pass, covers the bus and U Bahn, and will take you all around the city. 

The Vienna city center is full of attractions and very walkable. I encourage you to take the Vienna public transportation to enhance your stay for attractions out of the city center. It is extensive and efficient, not to mention inexpensive.  

If you don’t wish to purchase the weekly pass you could purchase a 24-, 48-, 72-hour-ticket if this better suits your schedule.

A second option is to get the Vienna City Pass, which is good for 1, 2, 3, or 6 consecutive days and gives access to top Vienna sights and unlimited hop-on, hop-off bus rides.

Wachau Valley

An hour west of Vienna lies the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape is beautiful and the valley is famous for its peaches from which it makes wine and schnapps with the Danube River winding through it.

I highly recommend a day trip to Wachau Valley, by train or boat, to visit the towns of Melk, Krems, and Dürnstein for bike riding, wine tastng, and historic sightseeing.  You won’t be sorry.

Vienna Travel Itinerary & Guide

To know how to see the best of Vienna in 4 days on this itinerary, including how to get around Vienna, where to stay, what to see and do, and where to eat – even on a budget – use the ultimate Vienna 4 Day Itinerary and Travel Guide. It covers all you need to know for solo travel in Vienna in 4 days.

Jetlag or not, plan on hitting the ground running early your first day. There’s much to see and do in Vienna. You can sleep later.

Days 5 – 6: Salzburg and Hallstatt

Day 5: Vienna to Salzburg Travel Schedule

• Depart Wien Hauptbahnhof, Vienna early morning
• Time on train – 2h 26m
• Arrive Salzburg Hauptbahnhof, Salzburg
• Get your direct Vienna to Salzburg train ticket in advance.

Salzburg, Austria

Near the German border, Salzburg is the 4^th largest city in Austria and dates back to late 7^th century. Salzburg was the birthplace Mozart, is renowned for its Baroque architecture, and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. 

Divided by the Salzach River with the “Old City” (Altstadt) on the left bank and the “New City” (Neustadt) on the right bank, Salzburg is easily accessible by foot to take in its historical and natural wonders. 

Once you take in the views of the Eastern Alps from the Fortress Hohensalzburg, you may be inspired to sing, “The hills are alive with the sound of music.”

Hallstatt

To see more of the Austrian countryside, take a day trip to Hallstatt, a quaint Austrian village located on Lake Hallstatt between Salzburg and Graz. 

Also a UNESCO heritage site, stroll through Hallstatt’s 16^th century homes and shops. Dine and walk the Welterbeblick (Skywalk Hallstatt) for scenic views, all of which can be enjoyed in a leisurely afternoon.

Salzburg Travel Guide & Itinerary

To know how to see the best of Salzburg in 2 days on this itinerary, including learning how to get around Salzburg, where to stay, what to see and do, and where to eat – even on a budget – use the ultimate Salzburg 2 Day Itinerary and Travel Guide perfect Salzburg 2 day solo travel.

Day 7: Innsbruck

Day 7: Salzburg to Innsbruck Travel Schedule

• Depart Salzburg Hauptbahnhof, Salzburg early in the morning.
• Time on train – 1 hr 50 min
• Arrive Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof, Innsbruck
• Get your direct Salzburg to Innsbruck train ticket in advance. 

Innsbruck, Austria

In the center of the Tyrol region, Innsbruck is one of the many Alpine cities that offer downhill skiing and other winter sporting opportunities, centuries of Imperial history, the Hofburg Imperial Palace, and the Schloss Ambras, a Renaissance castle and palace located just on the hills overlooking Innsbruck. 

Tasty beer, schnitzel and apple strudel are the local “comfort food” sure to keep you warmed up.

Innsbruck Travel Guide & Itinerary

To know how to see the best of Innsbruck in a day on this itinerary, including learning getting around Innsbruck, where to stay, what to see and do, and where to eat – even on a budget – download the ultimate Innsbruck in 1 Day Itinerary PDF sure to please on Innsbruck, Austria travel.

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More Solo Travel Tips & Ideas

• How to Plan Your First Solo Trip:  Step 1
• How to Choose Your First Solo Trip Destination
• Why Don’t Americans Travel More? The True Reasons
• 7 American Excuses Not to Travel Debunked!

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Days 8 – 9: Füssen and Neuschwanstein Castle

Day 8: Innsbruck to Füssen Travel Schedule

• Depart Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof by regional bus before noon.
• Time on bus – 2h 25m
• Arrive near Old Town, Füssen
• Purchase your Innsbruck to Füssen bus ticket in advance.

Füssen, Germany

Füssen is the charming, southern-most of the 16 towns on the infamous Romantic Road. It is pretty small so highly accessible by foot, or choose to rent a bike to see more outside the town. Füssen is only a 2.25 hour train ride from München (Munich), making it the perfect next stop on this itinerary.

Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles

A day trip to Schwangau, 15 minutes from Füssen, is a must. What better way to soak in the Bavarian countryside while learning some German history than seeing some of Germany’s most famous castles?

The Schloss Neuschwanstein (“New Swanstone”) was commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria to be his home. It is widely known as the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle or recognized from the movies Chitty Chitty Bang Bang or The Great Escape.

Its adjoining castle is the Hohenschwangau (“Upper Swan”) Castle, where Ludwig II was born. He lived in this, the family’s summer home, while Neuschwanstein was being constructed. 

Images from this day trip will surely be imbedded on your brain for a lifetime.

Füssen Travel Guide & Itinerary

To know how to see the best of Füssen and the castles on this itinerary, including learning how to get around Füssen, where to stay and more – even on a budget – check out my ultimate Visit Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles Solo to make planning your Füssen solo travel in Germany easier.

Days 10 – 13: Munich and Dachau

Day 10: Füssen to Munich Travel Schedule

• Depart FüssenHauptbahnhof early morning.
• Time on train – 2h 25m
• Arrive Munchen Hauptbahnhof
• Purchase your direct Füssen to Munich train ticket in advance. 

Munich, Germany

The capital of Bavaria, Munich (München) is rich in culture one can learn a lot from. Munich is famous for the annual Oktoberfest festival, beer halls and gardens, hearty German cuisine, the 16^th century Glockenspiel in the Marienplatz, and architecture and music, as well as the rise of Nazism.

One of the remaining Nazi camps just 25 minutes outside Munich, this moving experience of the Dachau Camp tour is a must do if you are first-time visitor to Munich. It is easily reached on your own via train starting from the Munich central station, but I highly recommend a half-day Dachau Camp guided tour.

Munich Travel Guide & Itinerary

To know how to see the best of Munich in 4 days on this 2 week itinerary, including learning how to get around Munich, where to stay in Munich, where to eat and more, use the ultimate Munich 4 Day Solo Itinerary and travel guide that covers the best experiences for 4 days of solo travel in Munich, Germany.

Day 14: Munich or Vienna

If you booked a Vienna round-trip airline ticket, you’ll do a short Germany to Austria train ride, only 4.5 hours direct from Munich to the Vienna Airport.

Yes, you could fly from Munich Germany to Vienna Austria, but Munich Germany to Gienna Austria by train is much prettier and more eco-friendly. It’s probably cheaper, too.

Alternatively, a one-way ticket from Munich will allow you more time in Munich for more Germany travel fun.

Either way, after using this amazing 14 day Germany and Austria itinerary, you’ll be going home with a smile.

Let Me Hear From You

I would love to hear if my 14 day Germany and Austria itinerary for solo travel was helpful to your planning. Post me your thoughts or questions in the Comments section below. Thank you!

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