Lakes, Mountains, and City Breaks: A Journey Through Austria and Bavaria

Join us on a scenic journey through Austria and Bavaria. Our Hallstatt-Zell am See-Munich itinerary takes you through the most gorgeous Alpine landscapes, ending in the vibrant urban heart of Bavaria.

Our low-cost air fares open the doors to amazing destinations across the globe.

Simply book your seat on a flight to Salzburg and hop in your rental car after landing to start this incredible summer adventure. A road trip gives you the freedom to explore gems that do not lie directly along the main routes.

European Summer Road Trip from Hallstatt to Munich

A direct drive from Hallstatt to Munich is a little less than three hours, but where’s the fun in that? We’ve plotted a route filled with natural wonder, old-world charm, and extraordinary experiences to make your European summer vacation one you won’t forget!

Hallstatt: Austria’s Fairytale Village

Your road trip technically starts in Salzburg, about an hour-and-a-half drive from Hallstatt. This city’s café culture is a perfect mix of old and new. You won’t regret enjoying a steaming cup of coffee and a Salzburger Nockerl (a special soufflé) before heading out.

Your route to Hallstatt runs through the stunning Salzkammergut Lake District with its shimmering mountain lakes and impressive limestone cliffs. In Hallstatt itself, the scenery is just breathtaking.

This picture-perfect village, considered one of the most beautiful lakeside villages in Austria, stands out for several reasons. It lies on the tranquil shores of Lake Hallstatt and is surrounded by the majestic Dachstein Alps, which rise directly from the water’s edge.

Hallstatt is also home to the oldest salt mine in the world. A visit includes a ride on a funicular, views from the astounding World Heritage Skywalk, ancient archaeological sites, and exciting miners’ slides.

Zell am See: The Home of Lakeside Adventures

This world-famous alpine resort town attracts countless visitors during the balmy European summer months. Things to do in Zell am See revolve around the sparkling Lake Zell and towering mountains.

Aside from taking in the incredible natural beauty, you can also enjoy different water activities like swimming, paddleboarding, and boat tours. Zell am See’s hiking trails range from relaxed lakeside strolls to challenging, high-alpine tracks. Definitely something to see, the impressive Kitzsteinhorn Glacier is just a 20-minute drive away.

Munich: The Cultural Heart of Bavaria

After you’ve had your fill of nature and adventure, it’s on to your Munich city break. The drive itself takes about two and a half hours. It winds through the majestic Austrian Alps before unfolding into the rolling meadows and storybook villages of the Bavarian countryside.

Munich is known for its “gemuetlichkeit”, a German word which means warm and friendly. Although it’s a vast city, it has a homey feel. Modern life integrates seamlessly with age-old Bavarian customs.

The city’s historic royal roots can be seen in palaces like the medieval Residenz and Nymphenburg. It also has a treasure trove of art on display in the Alte Pinakothek and Neue Pinakothek Museums.

The food is rich and hearty. You’ll come across dishes like Käsespätzle, the Bavarian version of macaroni and cheese, topped with crispy onions. Obazda is a flavor-packed cheese spread for giant pretzels, and Prinzregententorte is an incredible layered chocolate cake — delicious!

The trip from Hallstatt to Munich has everything — stunning scenery, fun adventures, and a city break brimming with history and culture! Book those tickets and let’s make your dream road trip come true!

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