What to see & do with your IDP in Austria?
Austria offers some of Europe’s most scenic and culturally rich road trip experiences. With an International Driving Permit (IDP) in your glovebox, you’re free to explore without being tied to tour schedules or train timetables. Here are some unforgettable destinations to discover behind the wheel:
1. The Grossglockner High Alpine Road
This is Austria’s most iconic driving route, offering dramatic views of the country’s tallest mountain. The serpentine roads are an adventure in themselves, and you’ll pass through glacier viewpoints, alpine meadows, and even spot marmots along the way. Perfect for drivers seeking a mix of nature and thrill.
2. Hallstatt and the Salzkammergut Lakes
Skip the crowded tourist buses and take your time driving to Hallstatt—an enchanting lakeside village known for its fairytale setting. Along the way, stop at lesser-known gems like Lake Wolfgangsee and Bad Ischl, where thermal spas and cozy cafés await.
3. The Styrian Wine Road
Southern Austria offers a countryside escape filled with rolling vineyards, quaint guesthouses, and panoramic viewpoints. The Wine Road near the Slovenian border is best explored by car, allowing you to visit farm-to-table wineries and picturesque towns at your own pace.
4. Tyrol’s Alpine Passes
The western region of Tyrol is a haven for mountain lovers. With an IDP, you can confidently explore villages like Alpbach, cross into dramatic passes like Hahntennjoch, and stop for schnitzel at traditional inns overlooking the valleys.
5. Wachau Valley Drive
This UNESCO-listed region along the Danube River is a scenic paradise of medieval castles, apricot orchards, and wine terraces. Take a slow drive through Melk, Dürnstein, and Krems, pausing for tastings and riverside views.
Driving with an IDP in Austria gives you access to remote villages, off-the-map adventures, and hidden roads that public transport can’t reach. It’s the key to seeing Austria not just as a visitor, but as a traveler in control of your journey.