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THE MOST SCENIC DRIVING ROUTES IN AUSTRIA

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Inspiring Alpine road trips

Road trips are all about the joy of the journey. It's the adventure, the voyage, that fills us with a sense of independence and freedom. When you hit the road with SHARE NOW, make it a special drive. We've put together some of the most scenic routes in Austria so you can make your next journey one to truly savour. From historical highlights and UNESCO sites to romantic roads through cultural landscapes - we've got you covered! Here are our three of Austria's best drives through this East Alpine territory.

Wachau Valley | Loop of Schlögen | Salzkammergut Lakes

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Austrian Romantic Road (Short)

The Wachau Valley

Time: 3 hours | Distance: 144 km
Start: Vienna | End: Schallaburg
Best for Home Area(s): Vienna

Top of the list for anyone starting a scenic drive from Vienna should be the famous Romantic Road (Romantikstraße). The route runs the entire 380 km to Salzburg, but there are plenty of places to stop off along the way for those looking for an unforgettable day trip from the Austrian capital.

There's a reason they call this the Romantic Road. Heading east from Vienna and following the Danube river, you'll discover historical and scenic highlights along the route. One of the first stops on your list should be the UNESCO World Heritage site, The Wachau. This 36 km long breakthrough valley between Emmersdorf and Melk (west) and Stein and Krems (east) is more than 700 m deep in some places. Besides the breathtaking landscape, you can visit Schallaburg Castle and the Benedictine monasteries of Melk and Göttweig if you fancy a stopover. Insider tip: treat yourself to brunch at the Wellenspiel in Krems an der Donau en route. The restaurant is directly on the Danube, and makes for the perfect scenic pitstop for lunch. • Image: Ferdinandswarte © Thomas Peham / Unsplash
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Austrian Romantic Road (Medium)

The Loop of Schlögen

Time: 9.5 hours | Distance: 540 km
Start: Vienna | End: Loop of Schlögen/Vienna
Best for Home Area(s): Vienna

Venturing a little further than The Wachau? This next leg of your Austrian scenic driving route takes you through Enns, the oldest town in Austria, and onto the famous Loop of Schlögen. You'll be looping in more ways than one, as you take the scenic route back through the charming town of Steyr.

Human settlements in this area date back 4,000 years, and it was the Romans who gave the names to Enns and Wels. After passing through the breathtaking Wachau and through Enns, head north-west to the Loop of Schlögen (Schlögener Schlinge). This scenic road provides not only a pleasant drive, but an unforgettable 360° view of one of nature's most impressive river turns. The only Trappist monastery in Austria is in this region at Engelhartszell, if you are in the mood to pick up some delicious liqueurs to devour after a day on the road. On the return leg back to Vienna, take the southern route through Wels and into Steyr. Here you can take in the incomparable charm of the historic main square. • Image: Hallstatt © Dimitry Anikin / Unsplash
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Austrian Romantic Road (Long)

The heart of Salzkammergut

Time: 7 hours | Distance: 397 km
Start: Vienna | End: Salzburg
Best for Home Area(s): Vienna

Stretching from the city of Salzburg eastwards along the Alpine Foreland, the Salzkammergut region of Austria - literally 'salt demesne' in English - is home to the peaks of the Dachstein Mountains. There are also numerous glacial lakes to take in along your drive.

The longest of our scenic routes for Austria takes us once again down the Romantic Road before heading southwest towards Salzburg. This whole area is like a dreamland, with glistening lakes amidst a backdrop of cows grazing on emerald pastures. Another cultural World Heritage awaits you in the form of the spectacular town of Hallstatt. Then, take in the breathtaking backdrop of the Alps and the Dachstein as you continue to Bad Ischl, a spa town with a culinary highlight. A stop off at Konditorei Zauner to try its unique speciality coffee, the "Zauner Stollen", is a must. As your epic journey comes to end at Lake Wolfgang (Wolfgangsee), a romantic stay at the Weissen Rössl (White Horse) hotel is recommended. The legendary inn, now run by the 5th generation of the Peter family, features a spa right on the lake. • Image: Austria © Daniel J. Schwarz / Unsplash
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Meet the fleet

In case you need a car...

Feeling the Wanderlust? From SUVs to convertibles to compact city cars, you get to choose your adventure. All prices include fuel and basic insurance. Pre-booking is free for trips of 1-30 days and we'll even deliver the car to the pick-up address of your choice. See all cars →

Peugeot 208

The power of seduction.
from
0,29 €/minute¹
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n.a./day²
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Fiat 500X

Dare to be wild.
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Peugeot 2008

Supple, yet robust.
from
0,39 €/minute¹
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Citroën C3

Feels like home.
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Opel Corsa

The cult classic.
from
0,33 €/minute¹
13,99 €/hour²
34,98 €/day²
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Opel Mokka

Unleash your urban spirit.
from
0,36 €/minute¹
15,99 €/hour²
39,98 €/day²
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Alfa Romeo Tonale

Redefining the compact SUV.
from
0,39 €/minute¹
17,99 €/hour²
44,98 €/day²
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DS 4

Different spirit.
from
0,39 €/minute¹
17,99 €/hour²
44,98 €/day²
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Notes

1

The minute rate includes 200 km of mileage. A long distance rate of 0,39 € per kilometer will apply for each additional kilometer after the included mileage. Hourly and daily rates do not include mileage and each kilometre driven will be charged (depending on car model category). Final price is available in the app. The daily price displayed is for a 30-day rental.

2

All SHARE NOW cars are covered by third-party liability insurance and your deductible is always automatically reduced to a specific amount in case of an accident. This agreement is waived, however, in cases of gross negligence. To learn more, please check out our terms and conditions.