Discover Austria’s Top Attractions – Innsbruck, Olpererhütte, and Vienna
Going on a journey to discover Austria was an unforgettable adventure filled with awe-inspiring sights and memorable experiences. From the charming city of Innsbruck, surrounded by majestic mountains, to the wonderful sceneries from Panoramabrücke Olpererhütte, and the grandeur of Vienna’s historic architecture, each stop offered its own unique treasures to explore. This journey through Austria was a testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage and natural wonders. It left me with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for its beauty. After spending more than a week, Austria has firmly secured its place as one of my favorite destinations during this trip.
Thee Days in Innsbruck
Innsbruck was my unexpected yet delightful first destination in Austria. Originally, I didn’t plan to stay longer. However, circumstances led me to spend three days in the city exploring its wonders. It was undoubtedly the best decision of my trip. Innsbruck, often overlooked by travelers, revealed itself as a hidden gem. It has breathtaking scenery, relaxed ambiance, and offers abundance of activities. While it is renowned as a ski destination, the city offers much more. It makes a perfect destination for those seeking a balance of adventure and tranquility in Europe.
During my three-day stay, I had the chance to explore a number of attractions around the city. I was fortunate that my hostel had a partnership with the tourism office, allowing me to receive a complimentary city pass. This pass provides access to 22 museums and attractions, along with free rides on selected lifts and cable cars in the region, and unlimited use of public transportation. Here’s how I made the most of the city pass and the places I visited in Innsbruck.
- Rode the Cable Car to Muttereralm Bergbahnen and enjoyed an afternoon by the artificial lake.
- Went on a walking tour around the city of Innsbruck and visited the following attractions:
- Triumphpforte
- Maria-Theresien-Straße
- Hofburg Innsbruck
- Altstadt Innsbruck
- Golden Roof
A Day Trip to Panoramabrücke Olpererhütte
Another highlight of my stay in Innsbruck was visiting the Panoramabrücke Olpererhütte, which was the main reason for my visit. After stumbling upon a captivating photo of a friend on this bridge, I knew I had to experience it for myself. This breathtaking bridge offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and is a must-see attraction for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
To reach Olpererhütte from Innsbruck via public transportation for a day trip, an early start is recommended. Here’s the step-by-step guide I followed:
- Depart from Innsbruck HBF by train bound for Jenbach at 6:10 am (Fare: EUR 9).
- Transfer to the Zillertalbahn train heading to Mayrhofen at 6:30 am (Fare: EUR 10).
- Take local bus #4102 to Schlegeis Stausse at 7:35 am (Fare: EUR 10).
- Arrive at Schlegeis Stausse, then walk approximately 15 minutes to reach the trailhead for Olpererhütte.
- Begin the hike to Olpererhütte at 9:00 am, typically taking 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace.
- Reach Olpererhütte by 11:00 am and head to the Schlegeis Suspension Bridge for an epic photo opportunity.
- Begin the journey back to Innsbruck at 1:00 pm.
The hike to Panoramabrücke Olpererhütte proved to be quite challenging for me. I hadn’t anticipated the level of difficulty, but the stunning views along the trail made every step worth it. After two hours of hiking, I was greeted with an awe-inspiring vista of the Alps and surrounding mountains. I also finally able to have that epic photo of the suspension bridge. While the hike presented its challenges, it was undoubtedly a rewarding experience to discover Austria and a memorable addition to my European adventure.
Exploring Vienna’s Tourist Attractions
After a scenic 4-hour train ride from Innsbruck, I reached Vienna. It’s the capital city of Austria. initially. When I arrived, I initially felt overwhelmed at the bustling train station but soon found myself enchanted by the city’s movie-like atmosphere. The city is famous for its rich history, stunning architecture, and lively cultural scene.
Though my time was limited, I made the most of my two days exploring Vienna. I visited some iconic attractions that left a lasting impression. Here are the highlights of my adventure in this lovely city.
- St. Charles’s Church
- Vienna State Opera
- St. Stephen’s Cathedral
- St. Peter’s Catholic Church
- Rathaus der Stadt Wien
- Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien
- Hofburg
- Swiss Garden
- Belvedere Palace
After spending more than a week to discover Austria, I find myself wishing for more time to explore the country and visit other places. I guess it would be perfect reason to plan a return trip. Austria has truly captured my heart, making it one of the best places I’ve ever traveled to.
Budget
To help with your trip and make sure you enjoy your vacation, here’s a rough estimate of how much I spent during my trip to Austria This is excluded of train ticket from and to Innsbruck and Vienna.
- Bed in a 6-bed dorm room at Youth Hostel Innsbruck (4D/3N) – Php2,200
- Bed in a 6-bed dorm room at Stadtaffe – Chic Hostel VIE (5D/4N) – Php6,000
- Food and drinks (estimated cost for my lunch, dinner, and snacks for 4 days) – Php10,000
- Transportation to and from Olpererhütte – Php3,600
- Vienna City Card (72 hours) – Php1,770
- Other expenses (transportations and miscellaneous) – Php1,000
Approximate total expense per person: Php24,570
Where to book hotels and activities for Austria?
Unlock exclusive hotel deals and uncover the best activities and attractions in Austria through the following travel apps below.
KLOOK: Use this exclusive promo code “MARXTERMIND” to get discounts on hotel and activities up to 5% off.
Got some questions? Put it in the comment section below!
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links in this post are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link. For more information, see my disclosures here.
