Austria is a snapshot of why people travel to the Alps. The Grossglockner High Alpine Road, the Wachau wine valley and the turquoise lakes of the Salzkammergut all fit into a country smaller than Finland.
By motorhome, Austria is an exciting mix of steep Alpine roads and relaxed valley life. A vignette costs around €12 for 10 days, opening the door to scenery found nowhere else: roads climbing to three kilometres, medieval towns and lakeshores where the water really is crystal clear.
Alpine roads by motorhome
Austria has some of the world's most beautiful Alpine passes and good campsites near every one. The Grossglockner High Alpine Road (48 km, peak elevation 2,504 m) is the best day trip ever — but remember, motorhomes are charged around €46 at the toll.
Alpine loop: Salzburg → Grossglockner → Carinthia
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1
Salzburg
The city of Mozart and The Sound of Music. Stay at Panorama Camping on the hilltop and visit Hohensalzburg Fortress.
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2
Salzkammergut & Hallstatt
There's no motorhome parking in Hallstatt itself, but you can take the ferry from the Obertraun side. Wolfgangsee and Attersee offer quieter shores.
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3
Zell am See → Grossglockner
Admire the Kaprun dams and drive to the roof of the Alps at Franz-Josefs-Höhe. You'll likely spot eagles and marmots.
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4
Heiligenblut → Wörthersee
Carinthia's turquoise lake has the best swimming water in the Alps. Klagenfurt and Velden are motorhome-friendly.
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5
Wachau — heading back east
The Danube wine valley between Melk and Krems is a UNESCO site. Apricots and Grüner Veltliner are part of the deal.
Other highlights
Innsbruck & Tyrol
An Alpine city beside the Nordkette mountain. Stubaital and Ötztal are motorhome dream valleys.
Vienna
Reisenrad Camping is 15 minutes from the centre. The Ringstrasse and Schönbrunn are doable in a day.
Silvretta Hochalpenstrasse
Western Austria's hidden gem — 22 km of hairpins and glacier views.
Neusiedler See
A steppe lake stretching to the Baltics border, a paradise for sailors.
How to make the most of your trip to Austria
- Buy the 10-day digital vignette at asfinag.at before your trip — it activates immediately.
- Motorhomes over 3.5 t are subject to the Go-Maut system; most rental motorhomes fall under the light class.
- The Grossglockner toll (about €46) includes a day's worth of parking along the whole route.
- Book Alpine campsites in advance in summer (Sedlmayr, Grubhof and Panorama Salzburg fill up).
Best season
June–September for the Alps (high passes open), Christmas markets in November–December.
From Ylihärmä
A 2–3 day drive through Germany. The fastest route is via the Puttgarden ferry and the A7 autobahn past Munich to Salzburg.
Ready to head to Austria?
Check available motorhomes and book your trip directly online.
