Austria Meets Bavaria: 10 Days Exploring Central Europe

Touch down in Vienna to have your driver awaiting your arrival and ready to assist with your bags. After about a half-hour drive winding towards and eventually along the Danube, you’ll reach your home away from home for the next few nights, Rosewood Vienna. Upon entry to its verdant courtyard on the ground floor, take the elevator up to the lobby to be greeted by Rosewood’s signature residential design. Freshly opened in summer 2022, this property boasts a prime location in the heart of Vienna’s pedestrian and shopping district (think: Hermès as a next-door neighbor) and features well-appointed rooms and suites set in historic buildings dating back to the 1830s.

Once you settle into your suite, be sure to note all the special details from your monogrammed pillows to the patterns by Backhausen that have been digitized across many in-room elements to infuse Viennese heritage into your stay. One of our favorite in-room features is actually a clue for where you’re headed next — take a peek at the coffee maker to observe its leather lining. This custom project was done by SCHEER, a seventh-generation shoemaker with a studio just around the corner from Rosewood Vienna. With a collaboration dating back more than a year before the hotel’s highly anticipated opening, the partnership between the property and this local institution is just one of many ways that Rosewood has enmeshed itself in Viennese culture.

After a light lunch at Neue Hoheit Brasserie – an on-property rooftop outlet where you can taste local fare while enjoying year-round views of Vienna’s historic center — we recommend getting out in the city to beat jetlag. This afternoon, your SmartFlyer travel advisor has arranged for you to get behind-the-scenes access to the very leathermaker whose family has been outfitting the Imperial and Royal Court of Austria-Hungary since 1816. On your private tour of their atelier, you’ll meet Markus Scheer, a passionate craftsman who has managed to protect the craft that six generations before him have honed while expanding SCHEER’s offerings from bespoke shoes to include accessories too. While you’ll have to need to clear his months-long waitlist to have a custom fitting (and then another several months before the custom goods are ready), just having the chance to walk through this active workshop is impressionable. With over forty hours of handiwork required for each pair of shoes, you’re sure to depart with an extra appreciation for this irreplaceable piece of Vienna’s culture that Markus and his team are protecting.

If you’re in need of a pick-me-up post-touring, now is the time to indulge in Viennese coffee culture. The city is teeming with cafés, and on our recent scouting trip, we tried as many as possible (someone’s got to do the hard work!) to ensure you’re pointed in exactly the right direction. Demel is a short walk from SCHEER and offers both bar seating and outdoor tables where you can indulge in any variety of their delectable treats. The classic order would be Kaiserschmarrn which is essentially a torn-up pancake with a side of plum compote that is somehow going to immediately catapult itself onto your list of favorite desserts. For a caffeine boost, opt for a “melange” which is the in-the-know way to order espresso, with warm milk and milk foam in Austria. If you’re up for it, continue on for a walk through the nearby shops. For dinner, we recommend trying out either Salzamt or Oswald & Kalb for some of the best Wiener Schnitzel in town! We love Loos American Bar for a nightcap which dually acts as sightseeing and drinks thanks to the bar being designed by the famous architect Adolf Loos over a hundred years ago.

Begin your day with breakfast at Rosewood Vienna — as a guest of a Rosewood Elite agency, of course, it’s included in your stay! Perhaps grab an extra pastry as fuel for an ambitious day of touring. Your guide will meet you directly in the ground floor courtyard; depending on your preferences, your SmartFlyer travel advisor will have matched you with a local best suited to explore points of interest most aligned to your tastes, whether those include art, history, the culinary scene, a more active immersion into local life, or a combination of these interests.

Since there are well over a dozen highly reputable museums in Vienna, today will be about focusing on what most interests you. Two of the  “must-sees” for art lovers are the ALBERTINA (possibly in combination with the Albertina Modern) and Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien, the Fine Arts Museum located directly on Maria-Theresien-Platz. The highlight in the Albertina which is known internationally for housing the largest and most valuable graphical collections including the Batliner Collection which offers highlights from the greatest works from Monet to Picasso. You will experience the magic moments of the eras of Impressionism and Expressionism firsthand and witness first-hand the expression of the legendary artists. In addition, the ALBERTINA also offers temporary exhibitions on various exciting topics and artists. From there, the Fine Arts Museum is only a ten to fifteen-minute walk. Here, you’ll find large collections of the Habsburgs including jewelry and accessories of the Noble Times. But one of the biggest highlights is certainly the art collection of the great masters on the upper floor. You will find an impressive collection of great masters of art like Michelangelo and more. You may also enjoy a coffee afterward in the impressive café and the magnificent dome of the institution.

For lunch, we recommend heading to the 2nd District to try out Mochi. Once here, you can check out what there is to offer on the other side of the Danube Canal including Praterstrasse and the Karmeliter District. Use your afternoon at leisure to shop, stroll, enjoy a spa treatment at Asaya Spa, or even retreat to the hotel for a cat nap before a glitzy night on the town. Regroup in the Rosewood Vienna lobby for your transfer to the Belvedere Palace to begin this evening’s events. Each day, the Upper Belvedere is available for a private tour at either 8 a.m. or 6 p.m., after guests have left. We’ve opted for the early evening slot so that you can stroll through this extraordinary gallery with the narrator of one of its expert curators. Take in the beauty of the largest Klimt collection worldwide during this private look at Secession art, including “The Kiss.”

From The Belvedere, you’ll be transferred to a very special dinner at one of the best restaurants in all of Austria — Steirereck. Recipient of two Michelin Stars and #22 on the list of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, there is no better introduction to Vienna’s culinary scene! Note, if you’re visiting on the weekend, Steirereck is closed on Saturdays and Sundays so plan accordingly. And don’t miss out on the cheese course, trust us.

This morning, you’ll meet one of the top guides in all of Austria for an immersion into the 9th District, one we’d compare most closely to New York City’s Upper West Side. Perfect for travelers who want to truly experience the destination away from tourist crowds, this is where you’ll want to be. The French-styled 9th district is called “Little Paris” by the people of Vienna for its streets lined with local restaurants, particularly on Servitengasse. The houses here are expertly manicured and surrounded by florists, charming artisanal shops, and lots of eateries. Your guide will weave you through the living history of this neighborhood, ensuring you see points of interest like the Servitenkirche, a Baroque church dating back to the 17th century. We recommend a stop at Café Konditorei Ingrid Bürger for a little strudel pick-me-up. Lunch can be at any of the wonderful eateries in the 9th, we love a casual bite at The Hummus Workshop if you’re craving Israeli fare.

Depending on how flexible you prefer your day to be, mid-afternoon could be completely at leisure, or, your SmartFlyer travel advisor could arrange for a private and exclusive glimpse inside the restored palace of the Liechtenstein family. From gorgeous architecture to opulent staterooms to the family’s personal art collection, time here is a fantastic visit for travelers who want to see a palace without all the crowds. While photos are not permitted during the majority of this tour, you will be able to capture the gold-adorned ceiling in the final room you’ll see at Liechtenstein City Palais which we assure you warrants a visit all on its own.

Either directly following your free time or time visiting Liechtenstein City Palais, your driver and food expert will be waiting to take you on a food safari through Vienna, concluding with a dinner at a typical Viennese Heuriger. This experience takes you away from the touristy spots and introduces you to authentic local cuisine and wine — perfect for foodie travelers. You’ll begin by toasting some Austrian bubbles with your guide, Bianca, paired with her homemade bread before hopping in for a ride out to Vienna’s vineyards.

Located in the 19th District (again, for our New Yorkers, we’d most closely relate this neighborhood to Brooklyn Heights), Vienna’s wineries located within city limits make it the only capital city in Europe to have this unique opportunity to wine taste without leaving town. For your food safari, expect to be at the winery within twenty or so minutes of leaving the 1st district; upon arrival, the winemaker will take you for a tour of the vineyards while your guide sets up a delicious spread to be paired with your tasting. From here, you’ll have the chance to sample several varietals complemented by cheeses, meats, and spreads. But don’t fill up too much! This is all just the preamble to your local dinner at a nearby “heuriger” which is a seasonal wine tavern offering more wine and Austrian fare. Toast to a day well spent – your final in Vienna – before returning to Rosewood Vienna for a nightcap at Neue Hoheit.

This morning, enjoy one final breakfast at Rosewood Vienna before your checkout. You can reach your next stop by train or car, depending on your personal preference. The drive from Vienna to Rosewood Schloss Fuschl will take just over three hours, whereas the train journey will find you in Salzburg, where you’ll need to be picked up and driven approximately twenty-five minutes to the hotel; should you opt for the train, you could tour Salzburg briefly prior to transferring to the resort.

Winding up the drive to the recently reimagined Rosewood Schloss Fuschl is sure to elicit childlike excitement as this stunning property is nestled in the alpine haven of the Salzkammergut region of Austria. Its bones date back to 1461 when Schloss Fuschl was built as a hunting lodge for the Prince-Archbishops of Salzburg, and after becoming a hotel post-WWII, this property became a seasonal favorite of those in the area. The property’s reopening on July 1st, 2024 as a Rosewood Hotel has ushered this classic into an entirely new era that beautifully balances refinement fit for discerning international travelers with a welcoming and approachable level of service crafted to bring back in locals.

For your first evening on the property, we recommend dinner at Seeterrasse, one of the moderately casual outlets at Schloss Fuschl anchored by sweeping views of the lake. You can opt to sit out on the terrace (hence, the name), or indoors and still be guaranteed views. The menu here ranges from fish stew to schnitzel to the fresh catch from the day; there truly is something for everyone. If you’re looking to keep the night going, Schloss Bar is your go-to for expertly made cocktails surrounded by walls handpainted by an Austrian artist; alternatively, the Whiskey Room welcomes even more intimate gatherings.

Today is all about rejuvenation, beginning with sleeping in until whenever you see fit – the only thing you have scheduled today is a spa treatment, and that’s not until close to noon! Each morning, breakfast is served out on the terrace, but you also have the option of in-room dining if you’re luxuriating in the comfort of your suite soaking up the lake views. If the lake is tempting you, consider getting your sneakers on and heading out for a walk around its perimeter — at twelve kilometers, the entire thing might be a bit ambitious, but you can head either direction directly from the resort and double back.

Head to Asaya, Rosewood’s wellness concept, for your early afternoon treatment. You’ll be greeted by the lovely team here and escorted into the facility which includes eight treatment rooms, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and a sauna. The menu of treatments ranges widely including body and facial treatments, but we especially love their massage that optimizes your sleep in part due to the use of CBD oil. Post-treatment, opt to relax in the pool or head straight to the See Club down on the lake where lunch awaits.

A completely unique concept in Austria, Rosewood Schloss Fuschl’s See Club will have you feeling more like you’re in Lake Como than Salzkammergut! Here, there are dozens of loungers beneath blue-striped umbrellas along a deck hanging over the lake. You can dip directly into the crystal-clear water, or simply admire it from your lounger. The See Club is full service, so this is also your spot for casual meals and cocktails as the afternoon sun is hanging high in the sky. More active travelers can opt to go kayaking, try SUP, or go for a long swim.

Head back to your suite or chalet (if you’re interested in a multi-bedroom unit, chat to your SmartFlyer travel advisor about a stay in one of the six chalets), to refresh for dinner. This evening, you’re dining at the most formal outlet on property, Schloss Restaurant. Located beneath the Seeterrasse, this indoor venue has more elevated menu options complete with lake views. Post dinner, you’re going to head upstairs where the Rosewood team has set up a private viewing of The Sound of Music for your crew — savor your dessert (the soufflé is a must), while you relish in Julie Andrews’ performance in preparation for your visit to Salzburg tomorrow.

This morning, fuel up on breakfast (we love the Austrian breakfast which comes with cheese, meats, and hyper-locally sourced eggs) for an excursion to nearby Salzburg. Your local guide will meet you in the Rosewood Schloss Fuschl lobby and escort you to your driver who will weave you around the lake towards Salzburg, located just twenty-five minutes away. Here, your private tour will commence with highlights of this charming city, including points of interest like Mozart’s birthplace.

If you’re keen to dig into the Sound of Music, this guided experience can include spots where the renowned movie was filmed in 1964 including Mirabell Gardens which features the Pegasus Fountain, The Hedge Tunnel, Musical Steps, and Gnome Garden. Wander through these locations where song and dance unfolded in the film and perhaps even break out into a little performance yourself. If you need a break from skipping and singing, consider lunch at St. Peter which is the oldest restaurant in Europe, dating back to 803.

Depending on how much time you want to spend in Salzburg, your guide can take you through more history and culture, or, you can choose to peruse the shops with unique handicrafts. We love Kirchtag for its family-owned approach to umbrella-making dating back to 1903; you can find it in the heart of Getreidegasse where the workshop and storefront remain today. Once you’re done shopping and strolling, your driver and guide will bring you back to the comforts of Rosewood Schloss Fuschl.

On your first evening on the lake, consider a more casual dinner at Vinothek. This outlet has been designed to welcome resort and outside guests alike with an adept focus on catering to locals in a nod to how Schloss Fuschl was long embraced by the community prior to its pre-renovation closure. Here, expect warm pretzels, cured meal platters, dips, and of course, a hearty dessert course. If you’re in the mood for an alcohol-free nightcap, we suggest ordering fresh mint tea to be delighted by the most delicate personal teapot.

Wake up for your final day on Lake Fuschl knowing it’s yours to seize how you wish. Your options are limitless but include doing absolutely nothing, venturing to St. Gilgen to take the Zwölferhorn cable car to hike Pillstein (our choice), or driving to Bad Ischl. For the purpose of this itinerary, we’re going to recap what it would look like to go the more active route and visit St. Gilen, a charming lake town within fifteen minutes of the resort.

On the way, consider stopping at the roadside lookout point to see St. Gilen from above, knowing you’re about to climb much higher in your submit of the Zwölferhorn cable car which brings you to 4,990 feet above sea level. Once up top, soak in the glorious views of seven lakes, including Lake Fuschl — you can even see Rosewood Schloss Fuschl from here! For those seeking movement, there is a loop of just over two miles that will allow you to see the lakes and mountains from a variety of angles. For lunch on summer days, Voit’l Hut is your spot for beers, pretzels, and maybe even a käsepätzle which is essentially macaroni and cheese!

When you’re done admiring the view with a beer in hand, descend down to St. Gilen and head back to the resort. You have a laundry list of options for when you get back to Lake Fuschl including time at the See Club, a swim, afternoon tea at Sisi Teesalon, or pre-dinner cocktails looking over the lake. For your final night on property, opt for dinner at Schloss Restaurant or Seeterrasse depending on what level of formality you’re seeking. Retreat to bed knowing you’ve maximized your time in this special corner of Austria.

Embrace the bittersweet beauty of your final morning at Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, as you prepare to bid farewell to embark on the next chapter of your adventure: Munich awaits. The drive to Bavaria is going to take just two hours before you reach Munich city center where Rosewood Munich is located. The property, freshly opened in fall 2023, is located in what was once a bank and is now a beautifully appointed hotel with several dining outlets, a spa, and a robust fitness center. Settle into your room before regrouping for lunch at Brasserie Cuvilliés where you can admire the orchestra of the open kitchen.

If you’d like to keep the momentum of discovery going, your SmartFlyer advisor can pair you with a local guide to help orient you to Munich this afternoon. Discover the rich history of the city with a walking tour that charts its unique architecture, beginning at the city square of Marienplatz and as you listen to the chimes of the Rathaus Glockenspiel. Taste Weißwurst, pretzels, and a drink at one of the city’s iconic beer gardens before visiting the Munich Residence — an opulent palace that served as the seat of the Wittelsbach dynasty for over 400 years. Conclude the tour with a visit to the city’s private art studios, meeting local creatives to gain an authentic insight into Munich’s vibrant creative scene. Be sure to stop by the canal to see Eisbachwelle where perhaps Munich’s most surprising activity unfolds: surfing in the English Garden!

Should you really want to delve into German craftsmanship, you can go behind the scenes at a traditional Lederhosen workshop. Here, you’ll be able to watch as Munich’s skilled artisans use techniques passed on by generations to transform hand-tanned local deerskin into time-honored garments. The experience also offers the opportunity to have your own Lederhosen tailor-made — a unique keepsake of Bavarian craft and culture worn at the famous Oktoberfest taking place every September and October. This evening, you have a table booked at Dallmayr where you can dine on oysters, lobster pasta, and other seafood-forward dishes while people-watching on the terrace.

Wake up at Rosewood Munich for the final full day of your whirlwind trip across Austria and Bavaria. If you’d like to squeeze in a morning swim, there’s a subterranean pool at your disposal – you can even schedule a private water aerobics class if you’re really trying to work off the inevitable beers on deck today!

After an included room service breakfast and readying yourself for the day, head just a few minutes walk to the Kunsthalle, where a museum curator will show you the current exhibits. When we visited on our scouting trip, there was a retrospective of the avant-garde fashion of Viktor & Rolf, but expect a rotating exhibit to constantly be changing in alignment which what’s new and fresh in the art world. After your museum stroll, we recommend heading to Schwabing, a stylish neighborhood for lunch. You’ll love the outdoor seating and German menu options at Kaisergarten; this is the perfect spot to sip on a stein of beer under the trees.

If you’re keen to retreat back to the hotel, you can chill out with a spa treatment at Ayasa or perhaps hang in the Wintergarten for Afternoon Tea. The master Pastry Chef has curated stunning pastries that will be the perfect afternoon treat, oftentime even relating the the current exhibit at the Kunsthalle. Or, if you prefer to get out and shop a bit, there are plenty of local boutiques and high-end shops in walking distance of Rosewood Munich; the knowledgeable concierge can surely point you in the right direction depending on what you’re looking for.

This evening, we recommend dining on property at Brasserie Cuvilliés for your final dinner of the trip. We’re still thinking about the warm sourdough and mustard bread they serve here, so we have a feeling it may leave its mark on you too. The menu here is a mix of Alpine-inspired cuisine pulling from Bavaria, France, Switzerland, and Italy, so there truly is something for everyone. For a post-dinner nightcap, there’s nowhere better than Bar Montez; while here, we overhead a local say “this is the best bar in Munich,” so, we don’t think there’s any higher endorsement. Soak up the sophisticated selection of libations with live music as you relish in the memories made on this very special discovery of Austria and Germany over the past ten days.

After a trip filled with memorable moments, it’s time to head back home. The SmartFlyer Air Team has selected the most efficent route back on your preferred airline, so it’s smooth sailing from your airport transfer (prepare for the speed limit-less Autobahn!) to your check-in at Munich International Airport. Touch back down at your local airport with a suitcase full of treasures and lifelong memories.