Exploring Austria from HBF Station – A Traveller’s Guide

Touching down in Vienna and arriving at the city’s main railway hub, Wien Hauptbahnhof (HBF), is like stepping into the heart of Austria’s travel network. Whether you’re here for the imperial architecture, world-class coffee, or a jumping-off point to the rest of Austria, HBF is the ideal base. As Austria’s largest and most modern train station, it’s not just a transit point – it’s your gateway to a memorable European adventure.

From HBF Station, you can reach just about anywhere in the country with ease. Salzburg, Innsbruck, Graz – they’re all just a train ride away. But before you dash off to explore castles or climb alpine trails, take a moment to set yourself up properly. Step one? Ditch the heavy bags. Stasher’s luggage storage near HBF Station is a game-changer, letting you roam freely without the baggage (literally). It’s secure, affordable, and super easy to book. Check out your closest Vienna HBF storage spot here.

Why Vienna HBF is the Perfect Launch Pad

Located in the Favoriten district, Vienna HBF is more than just a sleek transportation hub – it’s surrounded by local culture, cool cafes, and efficient tram and U-Bahn connections. Planning a day trip to the Wachau Valley or the vineyards around Krems? Or maybe you’re eyeing a cross-border jaunt to Prague or Budapest? This is where your journey begins. Plus, staying near HBF means you’re just a short hop from Vienna’s historic center while enjoying typically better hotel rates than in the tourist-heavy Innere Stadt.

With Austria’s stellar rail network, trains departing from HBF run like clockwork – literally. You’ll find connections to every major city, and many routes offer stunning alpine views along the way. And for those doing the Grand Tour of Central Europe in 2025, Vienna HBF is likely already on your list – so why not make it your home base?

While HBF Station is your launch pad to the rest of Austria, don’t skip out on Vienna’s own iconic sights. Start with a visit to Schönbrunn Palace, the former imperial summer residence, where you can stroll through lavish gardens or take a tour of the opulent rooms. Art lovers should head to the Kunsthistorisches Museum and Albertina, while music fans won’t want to miss a concert at the Vienna State Opera. Stroll the elegant Ringstrasse, grab a sausage from a Würstelstand, and relax with a slice of Sachertorte in a traditional coffeehouse like Café Central. And if you’re tight on time? Many of these attractions are easily accessible via a quick metro ride from Vienna HBF, making it easy to dive into the city’s cultural treasures between travels.

4 Amazing Day Trips from Vienna HBF Station

1. Salzburg – Mozart, Mountains & Baroque Charm

Travel Time: ~2.5 hours

Catch a direct ÖBB Railjet from Vienna HBF to Salzburg early in the morning. Spend your day wandering the charming Old Town, touring Mozart’s birthplace, and climbing up to Hohensalzburg Fortress for panoramic views. Have lunch at a riverside café, then stroll through the Mirabell Gardens. Don’t forget to try some Salzburger Nockerl before heading back on an evening train.

2. Wachau Valley & Melk Abbey – Vineyards and UNESCO Views

Travel Time: ~1.5 hours

Hop on a train to Melk via St. Pölten. Once there, explore the stunning Melk Abbey, perched above the Danube. Continue with a scenic boat cruise to Dürnstein or Krems (seasonal), passing through terraced vineyards and storybook villages. Sip some local Grüner Veltliner wine and enjoy a traditional Austrian lunch before catching the train back to Vienna.

3. Bratislava, Slovakia – A Quick International Getaway

Travel Time: ~1 hour

A direct train from Vienna HBF gets you to Bratislava’s main station in just over an hour. Explore the compact historic center, visit Bratislava Castle, and enjoy a coffee at one of the riverside cafés. This bite-sized capital is perfect for a leisurely day trip with a touch of international flair – and it’s a budget-friendly bonus.

4. Graz – Austria’s Culinary Capital

Travel Time: ~2.5 hours

Take a direct train south to Graz, a UNESCO City of Design. Start with breakfast at a local café, then head up to Schlossberg for city views. Check out the Kunsthaus (modern art museum), and wander the picturesque Altstadt. Graz is also a foodie’s paradise – don’t miss the local pumpkin seed oil or a hearty Styrian Backhendl (fried chicken).

2 Longer Trips from Vienna HBF

1. Innsbruck – One Week in the Alps

Travel Time: ~4.5–5 hours

Perfect for a full alpine experience, Innsbruck offers a mix of culture, history, and outdoor adventure. Spend your week hiking in the Nordkette mountains, visiting the Imperial Palace, and enjoying Tyrolean cuisine. Winter 2025? Think skiing and snowboarding in nearby resorts like Kühtai or Stubai Glacier. Summer? Cable cars and panoramic trails await.

2. Hallstatt & Salzkammergut Region – Idyllic Lakeside Escape

Travel Time: ~3.5 hours to Hallstatt

Stay a few days and unwind in this postcard-perfect lakeside town. Take in the views from the Skywalk, explore the ancient salt mines, and enjoy tranquil boat rides on Lake Hallstatt. Use nearby towns like Bad Ischl and Gmunden as your base for exploring the Salzkammergut lake district – a dream destination for photographers and slow travelers alike.

Luggage Sorted? Let the Adventure Begin

Once your bags are safely stashed with Stasher’s luggage storage near Vienna HBF, you’re free to explore without dragging your suitcase over cobblestones or guarding it during lunch. Want to wander the Belvedere Palace gardens or hop off to Salzburg with nothing but a daypack? Easy. Stasher partners with trusted local businesses, so your belongings are safe, insured, and waiting for you when you return.

Getting Around from HBF

Getting around Vienna – and the rest of Austria – from HBF is refreshingly straightforward. The U1 metro line takes you right to Stephansplatz, the city’s core, in under 10 minutes. Trams, buses, and regional trains are also well integrated, with signs in German and English for easy navigation.

Consider a Wiener Linien pass for local travel or an ÖBB Vorteilscard for nationwide train discounts. And here’s a reminder: Austrian trains are famously punctual – give yourself plenty of time when heading back for luggage pickup or connections.

Final Thoughts

Vienna HBF is more than a station – it’s your passport to all that Austria has to offer. Whether you’re planning quick day trips or a week in the Alps, Stasher is your travel sidekick, keeping your luggage safe so you can explore freely. Make 2025 the year you travel smarter.

👉 Ready to explore Austria hands-free? Book your luggage storage near HBF Station with Stasher today and make every journey lighter.