Traveling to Germany Vs Austria: An Overview
Germany and Austria tours are known for their stunning views over the Alps, ancient picturesque towns, ranging from Hallstatt to Bamberg, and great outdoor activities.
Traveling to Germany Vs Austria: An Overview
From the majestic Alps to historic cities such as Vienna, Munich and Frankfurt, Germany and Austria tours have so much to offer. Explore ancient castles like Schachen Castle in Bavaria and Aggstein Castle in Austria, cycle along the Danube all the way from Passau to Vienna, and explore some of the world’s most beautiful hiking trails among Wetterstein and Karwendel mountains in Austria and the Black Forest region in Germany. Our tours will take you through all the popular destinations and hidden gems of these two countries.
Scroll down to check out our best tours to Germany and Austria.
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Germany and Austria tours are known for their stunning views over the Alps, ancient picturesque towns, ranging from Hallstatt to Bamberg, and great outdoor activities.
Getting from Austria to Germany
Start your journey in the capital of Austria, flying to the biggest airport in the country, Vienna International Airport. Spend a few days here, moving around either by rental car or relying on local buses. The best way to travel to Germany from Austria is by train. You can consider buying an Interrail pass, which will help you save plenty of money. You can also opt for bus companies, such as Flixbus if you are looking for a more budget-friendly travel option. Low-cost airlines also connect most major cities in both Germany and Austria.
Best time to visit Germany and Austria
May, June, and September are the best months to visit both Germany and Austria. You will find mild temperatures and fewer tourists during these months. If you like taking long hikes in nature and an unrushed sightseeing experience, these are the months to plan your trip. To enjoy the winter vibes in Austria and Germany, try to visit in early December, when the cities are decorated with Christmas lights. You will also get to visit Christmas markets, and, with a bit of luck, ski in some resorts in December.
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Best time to visit Germany
Best time to visit Austria
Highlights of Germany and Austria trip
- Enjoy the winter at its fullest with a weekend skiing trip in Austria, which gives you the chance to level up your ski game. Head to Arber in Germany if you are a beginner.
- Opt for a city tour in Vienna and then head to Munich before ending your trip in Frankfurt.
- Embrace the hiker in you and explore all the best trails in Austria and Germany. The Rennsteig in Central Germany will lead you to the enchanted Thuringian forest, while the Schladminger Tauern High Trail in Austria will take you to crystal blue tarns and breathtaking waterfalls in the Niedere Tauern range.
- Head to the lake district in Austria and enjoy the baroque palaces and Renaissance gardens in Salzburg before heading to the stunning Lake Walchen, one of the deepest and largest alpine lakes in Germany.
- Get a taste of the authentic German and Austrian lifestyle by visiting small towns and villages, such as Rothenburg ob der Tauber, renowned for its medieval architecture, and Durnstein, a small Austrian village built between the banks of the Danube and the Alps.
Germany and Austria travel tips
- The ski season in Austria starts in December and ends in late March.
- Eurail Pass is an EU initiative that gives you access to great train ticket discounts in both countries. You can get a monthly pass allowing you to travel by train at a fixed rate. Eurail Pass will not only save you plenty of money but also give you way more options than the limited plane routes.
- Most SIM cards in Europe will give you free data to other European countries. Ask for roaming deals when buying your SIM card.
- Despite being two Western European countries, most people in Austria and Germany do not speak English. The good news is that German is the official language in both countries. Learning a few German phrases before your trip will help you a great deal.
At a Glance: Germany Vs Austria
Germany | Austria | |
Annual visitors | 163 millions | 40 millions |
Ideal duration | 7 to 10 days | 5 to 7 days |
Transportation | Fly to Berlin, Munich, or Frankfurt. Once in the country, you can use the train system or local buses, such as Flixbus. Consider buying an Interrail pass. | Fly to Vienna. Once in the country, you can use the train system or local buses, such as Flixbus. Consider buying an Interrail pass. |
Top destinations | The Black Forest, Berlin, Munich, Dresden, Quedlinburg. | Vienna, Graz, Salzburg, Lake District, Kitzbuhel Alps. |
Top activities |
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Affordability | Germany tends to be slightly cheaper than Austria. Here you will find more hostels to choose from as well as cheap restaurants and take-away places. | Austria is a bit more expensive than Germany. Hostels here are quite pricey and in general, the country doesn’t offer many options for budget travelers. |