Munich to Salzburg Road Trip Itinerary: A Scenic 48-Hour Journey Through Salzburg and Linz

Experience the ultimate Munich to Salzburg road trip with this 48-hour itinerary. Explore baroque Salzburg, scenic Linz, and the beauty of Austria in late summer.

TRAVEL

K Khalid

4/24/20252 min read

Scenic view of the Munich to Salzburg road trip, showcasing Salzburg’s baroque architecture and the
Scenic view of the Munich to Salzburg road trip, showcasing Salzburg’s baroque architecture and the

In September 1976, I took a memorable weekend road trip from Munich, Germany to Salzburg and Linz, Austria, accompanied by two close friends and the comfort of a car. With just 24 hours in each city, we experienced the best of Austria’s late-summer beauty, from baroque architecture in Salzburg to Danube river views in Linz.

Day 1: Exploring Salzburg – Austria’s Baroque Gem

Our journey from Munich to Salzburg took about 1 hour and 45 minutes. As we crossed the German-Austrian border, the cool, crisp air and the first signs of autumn greeted us warmly.

Top Sights in Salzburg:

  • Hohensalzburg Fortress: Perched above the city, this iconic medieval fortress offered us sweeping panoramic views of Salzburg and the Alps. It's a must-visit on any Salzburg itinerary.

  • Mirabell Gardens: Bursting with early autumn blooms, the gardens were alive with color and symmetry—perfect for a tranquil afternoon stroll.

  • Salzach River: Flowing gracefully through the heart of the city, it reflects the architectural beauty and historical charm of Salzburg.

The nearby Untersberg mountain, mysterious and majestic, framed the cityscape with a natural grandeur.

Day 2: Discovering Linz – Where Industry Meets Natural Beauty

The next morning, we set off for Linz, Austria, just a 1 hour and 25-minute drive from Salzburg. The road passed through gentle hills and quiet countryside, giving us time to enjoy the changing autumn scenery.

Top Things to Do in Linz:

  • Walk Along the Danube River: The riverbanks, lined with slowly yellowing trees, provided peaceful moments and scenic views that highlighted Linz’s quieter charm.

  • Visit Pöstlingberg Hill: From here, we enjoyed a panoramic view of Linz and its surrounding landscapes—the perfect blend of natural beauty and urban life.

  • Explore Linz Parks: With foliage turning golden, the parks were a photographer’s dream and offered space to relax amid nature.

Though more industrial than Salzburg, Linz had its own poetic beauty, with cultural depth and riverside charm.

Returning to Munich – A Weekend Well Spent

By Sunday evening, we were back in Munich, fulfilled by the magic of our short but rich Austrian getaway. In just two days, we had experienced two distinctly different Austrian cities—each offering its own version of beauty, history, and peace.