Austria is renowned for its stunning landscapes, charming villages, and picturesque mountain roads, making it a fantastic destination for road trips. Here are some of the best scenic routes to explore:
## 1. Grossglockner High Alpine Road
The **Grossglockner High Alpine Road** is a breathtaking journey through the Hohe Tauern National Park. Spanning 48 kilometers, this road takes you to Austria's highest peak, the Grossglockner (3,798 m). With 36 hairpin turns and numerous lookout points, it offers spectacular views of glaciers and alpine meadows. The road is typically open from May to October, making it a must-do during the warmer months [1][2].
## 2. The Austrian Romantic Road
This route stretches approximately 450 kilometers from **Vienna** to **Salzburg**, following the Danube River. It is filled with historical sites, charming towns like Melk and Krems, and beautiful landscapes in the Salzkammergut region. The journey allows travelers to experience Austria's rich cultural heritage while enjoying scenic vistas [1][2].
## 3. South Styrian Wine Road (Südsteirische Weinstraße)
For wine enthusiasts, the **South Styrian Wine Road** offers a delightful 25-kilometer drive through rolling vineyards and quaint villages between **Ehrenhausen** and **Leutschach**. This route is perfect for sampling local wines and enjoying the picturesque countryside [1][5].
## 4. Villach Alpine Road
The **Villach Alpine Road** is a shorter but stunning drive of about 16.5 kilometers in Carinthia. It features 11 lookout stations that provide panoramic views of the Julian Alps and the city of Villach. The road winds through lush forests and offers numerous hiking opportunities along the way [1][2].
## 5. Silvretta High Alpine Road
Connecting Tyrol's Paznaun Valley with Vorarlberg, the **Silvretta High Alpine Road** is a scenic 22-kilometer route that takes you through majestic mountain scenery. Known for its breathtaking views and access to outdoor activities, this road is ideal for those looking to explore western Austria [1][3].
## 6. Gerlos Alpine Road
The **Gerlos Alpine Road** is celebrated for its stunning panoramas as it connects Krimml with the Zillertal Valley. The drive features beautiful waterfalls, lush meadows, and impressive mountain views, making it one of Austria's most picturesque routes [3][5].
## 7. The Enns Valley
This scenic route follows the Enns River from **Schladming** to **Liezen**, showcasing stunning alpine landscapes and charming towns like Gröbming and Irdning. It's an excellent choice for those interested in outdoor activities like hiking and cycling [4].
## 8. Lake Constance Circuit
The circuit around **Lake Constance** offers a mix of stunning lake views and charming towns such as Bregenz and Lindau. This route provides opportunities for water sports, cycling paths, and relaxing lakeside picnics [4].
## 9. Wachau Valley
The **Wachau Valley**, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famous for its vineyards along the Danube River between **Melk** and **Krems**. This route offers beautiful landscapes dotted with castles, monasteries, and quaint villages—perfect for leisurely exploration [5][6].
## 10. The Tyrolean Alps
Driving through the Tyrolean Alps provides breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and lush valleys. Routes around Innsbruck lead to charming alpine villages like Seefeld and Kühtai, offering plenty of opportunities for hiking and skiing depending on the season [4][5].
These scenic routes showcase Austria's diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, making them perfect for an unforgettable road trip experience.
Citations:
[1] https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-road-trips-in-austria
[2] https://www.moonhoneytravel.com/europe/austria/road-trip-itinerary/
[3] https://www.epikdrives.com/post/beautiful-places-austria
[4] https://vuenj.com/spontantrip-an-austrian-road-trip/
[5] https://www.hannahhendersontravel.com/austria-road-trip-inspiration-austrian-scenic-drives/
[6] https://www.autoeurope.com/road-trip-planner/austria/visit-austria-the-perfect-road-trip/
[7] https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/travelogues/253942-magnificent-road-trip-around-austria.html
[8] https://www.roughguides.com/articles/best-road-trips-europe/
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