When is the best time to explore Austria's panoramic roads?

The ideal time to travel Austria’s panoramic roads is between May and October. Once Alpine routes are free of snow, summer and autumn offer clear views, colourful autumn landscapes and open passes, making these months the best time to go.

Which panoramic roads are ideal for nature and food lovers?

Nature lovers will enjoy routes such as the Nockalm Road or the scenic roads of the Bregenzerwald, where Austria’s landscapes can be experienced at close range. Those travelling for culinary pleasures will find regional variety and a relaxed way of life along the wine roads of Styria and Burgenland.

What makes Austria's themed routes so special?

Themed routes offer a direct insight into Austria’s way of life. They combine nature, history and regional specialities, highlighting what defines the country – whether on the Cheese Route in the Bregenzerwald, along the South Styrian Wine Road or on the Route of Emperors and Kings. On these routes, the journey itself becomes the experience.

Which panoramic roads in Austria are particularly well known?

Among Austria’s most famous panoramic roads are the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, the Nockalm Road and the Silvretta High Alpine Road. They lead through striking Alpine landscapes, connecting valleys and mountain peaks with views that stay with you.

The Most Beautiful Themed and Panoramic Roads

Themed routes connect Austria's diversity: Whether nature, crafts or culture - each route reveals unique insights into traditions and landscapes.

Austria’s themed and panoramic roads combine stunning natural scenery with cultural highlights. Alpine routes like the Großglockner High Alpine Road offer breathtaking views of majestic peaks and lush green valleys. Meanwhile, themed roads tell their own stories—from the gentle hills of wine routes to historic paths showcasing traditional craftsmanship and culture. Each route reveals a unique side of Austria, whether rustic and traditional or modern and unexpected.

Here, the essence of Austria comes to life: authentic, charming, and welcoming. Small moments along the way, such as meeting an alpine dairyman or visiting a lovingly restored farmhouse, make these journeys truly memorable. These roads are more than just routes—they're experiences for travellers seeking fresh perspectives and inspiration from Austria’s rich diversity.

Discover Austria from a new perspective on five routes

Grossglockner High Alpine Road

Often described as the queen of Alpine roads, the Grossglockner High Alpine Road offers impressive views of high-alpine valleys between Salzburg and Carinthia. This iconic panoramic route reveals classic Alpine scenery at every turn.

Nockalm Road (Carinthia)

One of Austria’s best-known Alpine roads, the Nockalm Road winds its way through stone pine forests and gentle mountain landscapes. Its 52 bends lead through the heart of the Nockberge range, known for its rounded peaks and wide valleys.

Silvretta High Alpine Road

This high-altitude panoramic road crosses broad Alpine valleys and delivers striking views throughout the journey. A highlight along the route is the Silvretta Reservoir, set against an impressive mountain backdrop.

South Styrian Wine Road

The South Styrian Wine Road is a scenic themed route through rolling vineyard hills with far-reaching views. Traditional wine taverns and open landscapes define this relaxed gourmet route in southern Styria.

Route of Emperors and Kings

Following the Danube region, the Route of Emperors and Kings connects monasteries, castles and centuries of lived history. Along the way, the landscape opens up to views of the Danube and historic cultural scenery.

Turns that open up to new perspectives

Alpine and panoramic roads

Austria’s Alpine and panoramic roads lead straight into some of the country’s most varied mountain landscapes. Routes such as the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, the Silvretta High Alpine Road and the Nockalm Road open up wide views across mountain ranges and Alpine valleys. These roads connect valleys and high-altitude landscapes, creating routes where nature, culture and regional character come together.

Along the way, small moments make the journey memorable: a short stop at a viewpoint, a glance across alpine meadows, or a conversation with people who live and work in the mountains. Each panoramic road becomes a place to experience Austria’s Alpine identity – clear, contemporary and authentic. For travellers looking for new perspectives, these Alpine roads offer an ideal introduction to Austria’s blend of nature, craftsmanship and cultural landscapes.

Please note: There is often an additional toll fee for driving on Alpine and panoramic roads in Austria. Seasonal opening hours and winter closures may also apply. Find out about current conditions and toll costs in advance!

Connecting landscapes, crafts and enjoyment

Nature theme roads

Austria's nature-themed routes show how landscape and regional flavours come together in a harmonious yet varied way. Each route leads through regions where traditional craftsmanship and modern production exist side by side – from fruit growing and flower cultivation to cheese-making and cider traditions. Along the way, the scenery keeps changing, opening up views of rolling hills, fields, alpine pastures and places where people and nature have worked together for centuries.

A sense of ease accompanies the journey, shaped by spontaneous stops, friendly encounters and regional specialities that reflect the character of each place. These nature routes highlight Austria’s diversity and reveal how strongly its way of life is influenced by local creativity and regional identity.

Enjoyment routes through hills and vineyards

On the trail of wine

Austria’s wine routes wind through picturesque regions, combining exceptional wines, culinary delights, and stunning landscapes.

In Styria, eight wine routes invite visitors to sample varieties like Sauvignon Blanc, Traminer, and Schilcher, with the Klapotetz Wine Route featuring charming traditional windmills.

The Weinviertel, home of Grüner Veltliner, boasts 400 kilometres of wine roads through scenic cellar-lined lanes, blending indulgence with history, especially in the Retzer Land.

Along the Danube, areas like Wachau, Kremstal, and Kamptal host wine festivals and offer tours through historic cultural landscapes.

Each wine route highlights Austria’s deep connection between winemaking, tradition, and lifestyle.

Paths that show historic depth and variety

Cultural theme routes

Austria’s cultural theme routes uniquely combine history, art, and landscape. They wind through picturesque regions, passing historic sites, castles, churches, and museums that bring the country’s rich cultural heritage to life.

From stunning Gothic architecture to fairy-tale castles and UNESCO World Heritage sites, each route tells its own story. Along the way, visitors can enjoy cultural highlights, traditional craftsmanship, and culinary delights.

These routes offer a relaxed and inspiring way to explore Austria’s past and present while showcasing the country’s remarkable diversity.