Four easy escapes from the capital, from a 30-minute spa town to a mountain-backed baroque city.
Vienna is one of the best-connected cities in Central Europe, and trains leave from Wien Hauptbahnhof all day. These four trips need no car, no tour and no early-morning stress. Buy a ticket in the ÖBB app or at the station, and book a seat on the longer routes in peak season.
About 30 minutes · Easiest
A relaxed spa town at the edge of the Vienna Woods, popular with the Habsburgs and with Beethoven. Walk the pedestrian centre, stroll through the Kurpark and soak in the thermal water at the Römertherme. It is the simplest trip on this list and works well on a half day.
About 1 hour · Best for scenery
Take the train to Melk and visit the huge baroque abbey above the town. Then continue to the Wachau, a UNESCO-listed stretch of the Danube lined with vineyards and apricot orchards. Stop in Krems or Dürnstein for a wine tasting and a walk along the river. In summer you can also cover part of the route by boat.
About 1 hour · Best for a second country
Another capital, just across the border. The compact old town is easy to walk, with cafés on its squares, and the castle above the Danube gives a wide view. Bring your passport or ID card, and note that Slovakia uses the euro.
About 2.5 hours · The big one
The direct Railjet gets you to Mozart's birthplace in under three hours. Explore the old town, ride the funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress and walk past the locations from The Sound of Music. It makes a long day, so leave early and book your seat ahead. If you would rather not rush, stay a night.
Tip: check the last train back before you plan your evening.
Our Imperial Austria itinerary includes both Vienna and Salzburg, and our European Gems itinerary pairs Vienna with Budapest and Prague. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for day trips.