All Aboard for Adventure: An Unforgettable Journey through Austria and Hungary with Railbookers

Editorial

Anna Davies takes an unforgettable journey through Austria and Hungary with Railbookers

As our family of four – myself, my husband, our 11-year-old, and our 8-year-old – embarked on an Easter rail adventure through Austria and Hungary, we knew we were in for an unforgettable journey. With the stunning alpine landscapes, historic cities, and rich cultural heritage of this captivating region as our backdrop, we set out to discover the heart of Central Europe.

With an early morning flight our expedition began in the enchanting city of Salzburg, renowned for its Baroque architecture, ties to the beloved von Trapp family, and the legendary composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. We spent two days exploring this charming destination, starting with a stroll through the picturesque Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

One of the highlights was wandering through the Hohenzollern Fortress, a formidable landmark that towers over the city. Our children loved the stories of the castle’s tumultuous history, from its role as a princely residence to its use as a military fortress. The panoramic views of Salzburg and the surrounding mountains were certainly worth the climb!

From Salzburg, we boarded a comfortable high-speed train bound for the Hungarian capital, Budapest. As the landscape transformed from snow-capped peaks to rolling hills and green plains, we all took in the changing scenery from our window seats and the sense of anticipation for the next chapter of our adventure.

Upon arriving in the heart of Budapest, we were immediately struck by the city’s striking blend of Buda and Pest, divided by the iconic Danube River. We spent the next few days immersing ourselves in the city’s rich history and vibrant culture, starting with a visit to the majestic Buda Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers panoramic views of the city.

Another highlight was the visit to the stunning Hungarian Parliament Building, a magnificent example of Gothic Revival architecture, the scale of which was difficult to capture in our photos.

No trip to Budapest would be complete without exploring the vibrant Great Market Hall.  The colourful displays and aromas of paprika-infused produce was incredible.

Budapest also gave us all our first taste of Lángos – Made from deep-frying a yeasty dough, this Hungarian delight is then covered in a creamy garlic sauce and smothered in shredded cheese! We indulged in several of these during our stay in Hungary.

From Budapest, we travelled South to the Hugarian/Croatian border and the smaller town of Baja to visit friends where we stayed right on the banks of the glorious Danube River. We explored Baja itself as well as the nearby Gemenc Forest, home to the widest tree in all of Hungary. We also visited Siklos Castle and of course enjoyed a day at the thermal baths; when in Rome!

After 6 nights in Hungary, a country that stole our hearts, we made our way to the picturesque city of Innsbruck, nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps. The train journey through the stunning Tyrolean countryside was a breathtaking introduction to our stay in this alpine gem.

In Innsbruck, we spent our days exploring the charming Old Town, with its colourful buildings and medieval architecture. One of the standout experiences was taking a cable car up to the top of the Nordkette mountain range, where the panoramic views of the surrounding peaks left us in awe. It also gave us the chance to add ‘Snow Ball Fight’ to our list of things we had done on this holiday. We made excellent use of the Innsbruck 24 hour card which covered this mountain journey as well as the entrance to the Alpine Zoo, the Hofburg Palace and the Hofkirche.

As our journey drew to a close, we found ourselves reflecting on the rich cultural tapestry we had experienced across Austria and Hungary. From the baroque grandeur of Salzburg to the dynamic energy of Budapest, and the serene beauty of the Austrian Alps, we loved exploring each destination.

The decision to travel by train had proven to be a truly rewarding choice, allowing us to witness the ever-changing landscapes and immerse ourselves in the local communities along the way. It really felt like an adventure and an Easter holiday we won’t be forgetting very quickly.

Next steps

Has this inspired you to take an unforgettable journey of your own? Call our team of Silver Travel Advisors on 0800 412 5678 to help plan your next adventure.

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