Rotterdam to Austria: Planning Our 8-Day Family Road Trip
Planning our family road trip through Germany to the Salzkammergut — 3 adults (including my mum), Ishani (5), and baby Saanvi (1). Würzburg, Krimml Waterfalls, Bad Ischl, Waldbachstrub, Altausseer See, Dachstein, and back. May 2026.
We’re taking our family — three adults, a five-year-old, and a one-year-old — on a road trip from Rotterdam to Austria in May 2026. Eight days, one overnight transit through Würzburg, one night at Krimml village (Europe’s highest waterfall), then four nights at Bad Ischl as a base for mountains and caves in the Salzkammergut. No stroller — baby carrier only. This post is the full plan — day-by-day itinerary, costs, packing lists, and everything I’ve learned while researching.
- 8 days, 4 destinations. A family road trip from Rotterdam through Würzburg and Krimml Waterfalls to the Austrian Salzkammergut and back.
- Flagship: Krimml Waterfalls (Europe's highest, 380m) — overnight in the village, morning visit before crowds.
- Main base: Bad Ischl (Salzkammergut) for 4 nights — Waldbachstrub Waterfall, Altausseer See, Dachstein Five Fingers + Mammut Cave.
- Transit stop: Würzburg (1 night each way) — UNESCO Residenz, Old Main Bridge.
- Max ~4–5 hours per driving leg. Rest stops with playgrounds pinned for each day.
- Priority: Waterfalls > Mountains > Caves > Lakes > Cities.
- No stroller. Baby carrier only. Senior-friendly. Cable cars, cog railways, flat promenades.
The Route
Our route heads south from Rotterdam through Würzburg (Franconia) to Krimml village for Europe’s highest waterfall, then into Austria’s Salzkammergut for four nights at Bad Ischl, then back the same way. Every driving leg stays under five hours. Bad Ischl is the hub — 20-25 minutes from every day trip destination.
| Day | Date | Route | Drive | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sat 23 May | Rotterdam → Würzburg | 4.5h | Residenz palace, Old Main Bridge at sunset |
| 2 | Sun 24 May | Würzburg → Krimml (via Munich/Inntal) | 4h15 | Sunday — shops closed. Overnight in Krimml village |
| 3 | Mon 25 May | ★ Krimml Waterfalls then → Bad Ischl (Whit Monday) | 2h15 | ★ Flagship — Europe's highest waterfall (380m) |
| 4 | Tue 26 May | Bad Ischl — settling day + first shop run | — | Katrin cable car, Wolfgangsee, or Waldbachstrub waterfall |
| 5 | Wed 27 May | Waterfalls & Lakes (Waldbachstrub + Altausseer See) | 20-25min | Free day — no tickets, no queues |
| 6 | Thu 28 May | Dachstein Krippenstein | 25min | Five Fingers viewpoint + Mammut Cave |
| 7 | Fri 29 May | Bad Ischl → Würzburg | 4h | Marienberg Fortress, bridge sunset bookend |
| 8 | Sat 30 May | Würzburg → Rotterdam | 4.5h | Home by early-mid afternoon |
Days 5–6 (Waterfalls & Lakes, Dachstein) can be reordered to chase the best weather. Day 3 (Krimml) is fixed — it’s on the transit day. Clear days go to Dachstein Five Fingers and Altausseer See. Grey or rainy days go to the Mammut Cave and Waldbachstrub (waterfalls work in rain). Krimml waterfalls work in any weather — they’re actually more spectacular in rain.
Day 2 (Sunday) and Day 3 (Whit Monday) both have shops closed. Order nappies, baby supplies, and essentials online before the trip and pack them. Stock up in Würzburg on Saturday (Day 1) before shops close (~8 PM). First Austrian shop run: Tuesday (Day 4) at Spar/Billa in Bad Ischl. Petrol station shops remain open for emergencies.
Day by Day
Rotterdam → Würzburg — Sat 23 May
4.5h drive via A3/A67/A3. Depart Saturday morning. Arrive Würzburg by early afternoon. The Würzburg Residenz is a UNESCO World Heritage baroque palace with one of the world’s largest ceiling frescoes — quick visit, 1-1.5h, gardens are free and perfect for the kids. Then the Alte Mainbrücke (Old Main Bridge) at sunset — wine stands, pedestrian-only, the 5-year-old can run around safely. Walk the compact Altstadt for dinner.
Recommended rest stop
Raststätte around Limburg or Wetzlar (~2h in) — playground, baby-change facilities.
Tip
Saturday means shops are open in Würzburg. If you forgot anything, there’s time to buy it before shops close (~8 PM). But ideally, order everything online before the trip.
Würzburg → Krimml — Sun 24 May
4h15 drive via A3/A9/A8 to Munich, then Inntal motorway into Austria. Two route options to Krimml: the Gerlos Pass (B165) — scenic alpine road with a separate ~€10 toll — or the toll-free Kitzbühel route (B170/B164/B161/B168, adds 20-30min). Arrive Krimml village late afternoon. Check into your Ferienwohnung or Gasthaus (€80-140/night, shoulder season). Evening walk to the falls entrance area — free views of the lower cascade, and the sound of 380m of falling water is something else. Early night — tomorrow morning is the flagship.
Sunday — shops closed
Shops are closed on Sundays in Germany and Austria. Tomorrow (Whit Monday) is also closed. Essentials should already be packed from home. First shop run: Tuesday (Day 4) in Bad Ischl.
Austrian motorway vignette + Gerlos toll
Motorway vignette required from the border (~€12.80, buy online at asfinag.at). The Gerlos Alpenstraße (B165) has a separate toll of ~€10 per vehicle — not covered by the vignette. The toll-free alternative via Kitzbühel/Mittersill adds ~20-30min.
★ Krimml Waterfalls — Mon 25 May (Whit Monday) — FLAGSHIP DAY
This is the #1 priority day of the trip. Krimml is Europe’s highest waterfall — 380m in three thundering stages. Whit Monday means tourist attractions are open but tour buses don’t arrive until ~10 AM. Walk to the falls at 08:00 from the village (5min). The first viewpoint (Kürsingerplatz) is only 15min from the entrance on a barrier-free, paved path — fully senior-friendly. This is the most dramatic single drop: 140m of water with mist spray reaching the platform. The senior and baby stay here. One adult + the 5-year-old continue to the 2nd viewpoint (Riemann Kanzel, 30min) and optionally the 3rd viewpoint (Regen Kanzel, 45min) — steeper with steps. Done by 10:00-10:30.
Then drive to Bad Ischl: 2h15 via B168/Zell am See/Bischofshofen. Arrive ~1:15 PM. Check in, Konditorei Zauner for coffee and Ischler Törtchen, Kurpark riverside walk with playground. Settle in for the week.
Cost
Adults €9, children 6–15 €4.50, under 6 free. Parking ~€6/day. No advance booking needed — open access.
Tip
Waterfalls are more spectacular in rain — higher water volume, dramatic mist. Don’t worry about grey weather on this day. The first viewpoint (Kürsingerplatz) is genuinely the highlight — the 140m unbroken drop is the most dramatic moment of the whole trail.
Bad Ischl — Settling Day + First Shop Run — Tue 26 May
No major driving. No tickets. No time pressure. Tuesday — shops are finally open. Hit Spar or Billa in Bad Ischl for nappies, groceries, and supplies. Then choose: Katrin Cable Car (gentle alpine meadows at the summit, 5-12°C, easy walks), Wolfgangsee (15min drive to Strobl — lakeside promenade, boat rides), Waldbachstrub Waterfall (15min drive towards Hallstatt — short 30min walk through a forest gorge, free, senior-friendly), or just Bad Ischl (Kaiservilla grounds, Kurpark playground, find your favourite dinner spots for the week).
First Austrian shop run
Tuesday — shops are open! Spar (Grazer Straße), Billa (Salzburger Straße), Hofer/Aldi (Salzburger Straße) — all within 5-10min. Stock up for the week.
Tip
Don’t push for a big activity today. You have two active days ahead (Waterfalls & Lakes + Dachstein). The 1-year-old and the senior will thank you for a slow day.
Waterfalls & Lakes — Wed 27 May (Free Day)
A relaxed, free day — no tickets, no queues, no time pressure. Morning: drive 20min to the Waldbachstrub Waterfall — a flat, shaded 40-minute forest gorge walk to a charming waterfall. Free, senior-friendly, no steps. Allow 1.5-2h total. Afternoon: drive 25min to Altausseer See — a crystal-clear alpine lake with a flat 5km lakeside loop (1.5-2h gentle pace). Dachstein massif as a backdrop. Benches along the route. The 5-year-old can run ahead; the senior can take it slow. Stop at a Gasthaus in Altaussee village for lunch.
Why this day works
The opposite of everything else on this trip. No queues, no tickets, no cable cars. Just walking, water, and mountains. Both attractions are completely free. The senior and the 1-year-old will have their best day.
Weather flexibility
This day works in any weather. Waldbachstrub waterfall is better in rain (more water, dramatic gorge). Altausseer See is prettier in sunshine but the flat walk is fine in drizzle. No weather dependency at all.
Dachstein Krippenstein — Thu 28 May
25min drive. Drive to Obertraun for the Dachstein Krippenstein cable car. Free, large parking lot — never fills. Leave Bad Ischl by 08:00, catch the first cable car (~08:40).
1. Five Fingers Viewpoint (do first)
Cable car to Krippenstein summit. 20-30min easy walk to the platform. Five metal/glass platforms over a 400m drop. Senior-friendly walk, safe railings, flat platforms. Hold the 5-year-old’s hand. Baby in carrier is fine. Skip if heavy cloud — no point without the view.
2. Mammut Cave (recommended over Ice Cave)
Cable car back to Schönbergalm (middle station). 15-20min walk to entrance. +3°C inside — cool but manageable with fleece + jacket. 50min guided tour. Impressive rock formations + art installations. Fewer stairs than the ice cave, no rope bridge. Opens 9 May 2026.
3. Giant Ice Cave (optional — consider skipping)
Same starting point, separate entrance. -2°C for 50 minutes. 500-700 steep stairs. 30m rope bridge over an abyss. Demanding for a senior with knee issues. Baby needs snowsuit-level warmth. Only if the senior is fit and you’ve packed for the cold. The Mammut Cave gives the same quality experience, warmer and easier.
Cost
Cable car + Mammut Cave combo: adults ~€50, children ~€28. Book combo tickets in advance at dachstein-salzkammergut.com.
Tip
If weather is bad, skip Five Fingers (no view) but still do the cave — it’s inside a mountain, weather-proof. The cave alone is worth the trip to Obertraun.
The Return
Bad Ischl → Würzburg — Fri 29 May
4h drive via A1/A8/A3. Depart ~9 AM after breakfast. Arrive Würzburg early afternoon. This time, head for the Marienberg Fortress — hilltop across the river with panoramic views over the city and vineyards (20min walk up, moderately steep — assess for the senior). End with sunset wine on the Alte Mainbrücke — a fitting bookend to Day 1.
Tip
You saw the Residenz on Day 1. Use Day 7 for the fortress side of town — different views, different vibe. Or just relax at the bridge with wine. You’ve earned it.
Würzburg → Rotterdam — Sat 30 May
4.5h drive. Depart ~9 AM, home by early-mid afternoon. Travel day only — no sightseeing. One rest stop around Limburg/Montabaur (~2.5h in) with playground and baby-change. Trip complete. Full weekend to recover.
Bad Ischl: The Main Base
Four nights at Bad Ischl in the Salzkammergut. Not a tourist village — a real town with supermarkets, pharmacy, bakeries, playgrounds, and local restaurants at local prices. And just 20-25 minutes from every day trip destination.
| Factor | Detail |
|---|---|
| To Waldbachstrub / Altausseer See | 20-25min drive |
| To Dachstein (Obertraun) | 25min drive |
| To Wolfgangsee | 15min drive (Strobl) |
| Supermarkets | Spar, Billa, Hofer — all in town |
| Restaurants | Good selection, local prices. Konditorei Zauner is the famous one |
| Katrin cable car | From town to Mt. Katrin summit — bonus mountain day |
| Accommodation | €90–150/night (cheaper than lakeside St. Wolfgang) |
| Senior / family | Flat Kurpark, riverside walks, playground, pharmacy in town |
St. Wolfgang is charming but Bad Ischl saves 35min each way to Dachstein and is 20-25min from Waldbachstrub and Altausseer See. It’s also cheaper (€90-150 vs €120-200/night) and has real services — supermarkets, pharmacy, playgrounds — not tourist-only shops. Krimml is handled on the transit in (overnight in Krimml village), not from the Bad Ischl base.
Accessibility & Family Notes
Baby Carrier Only
No stroller on this trip — saves 100-150L of boot space in the CX-30. Baby carrier is essential for Dachstein caves (stairs) and the Krimml waterfall trail (uneven path on upper sections). Keep the carrier in the cabin, accessible for every day trip.
Senior-Friendly
No steep hikes. Krimml’s first viewpoint is barrier-free (paved, flat — the most impressive drop). Waldbachstrub waterfall is a flat forest walk. Altausseer See lakeside loop is completely flat with benches. Dachstein Five Fingers walk is easy. The Mammut Cave involves stairs but fewer than the ice cave. Cable cars have seating.
Nap-Friendly Scheduling
Drives timed around toddler nap windows. Day trips from Bad Ischl are short (15-25min) — the baby barely notices. One major attraction per day — no overloading. Afternoon free time at the accommodation for naps. The base camp model means no hotel changes in Austria.
Driving with Kids
Max ~4–5h legs with rest stops every 1.5–2h. Mazda CX-30 rear seat: 2 child seats + 1 adult (snug but manageable). 430L boot is comfortable without a stroller. Keep baby bag accessible in the cabin. Build 30-45min buffer into each drive.
Late May Weather
| Region | High | Low | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Würzburg / Franconia | 20°C | 9°C | Warm, occasional showers |
| Krimml (1,076m) | 16°C | 6°C | Mountain valley, fresh. Waterfall mist adds chill |
| Bad Ischl / Salzkammergut | 20°C | 9°C | Warm lakeside, fresh mornings |
| Altausseer See (712m) | 18°C | 8°C | Warm lakeside, fresh mornings |
| Dachstein summit (2,108m) | 3–8°C | -2°C | Cold. Mammut Cave: +3°C. Ice Cave: -2°C |
Late May in the Salzkammergut is late spring. No winter coats, thermals, or ski gear needed. Pack one fleece + windproof jacket per person for mountain summits and the cave. Light gloves and hat for the Mammut Cave day (+3°C). Baby needs a warm onesie + hat for cave/summit days. Sunscreen for altitude sun.
Drive Times
Daily driving hours (including buffer for rest stops)
Trip at a glance
8 days · 4 destinations · ≤4.5h max drive · 4 Austrian nights · Krimml Waterfalls + Altausseer See · Five Fingers + Mammut Cave
Austria vs Switzerland: Cost Comparison
One reason we’re planning an Austria trip alongside the Switzerland one — Austria is significantly cheaper across the board.
| Item | Switzerland | Austria |
|---|---|---|
| Motorway vignette | CHF 40 (~€42) | €12.80 (10-day) |
| Mountain railway (return) | CHF 72 (Rigi) | Free (Waldbachstrub + Altausseer See) |
| Summit cable car + cave | CHF 111 (Pilatus) | ~€50 (Dachstein combo) |
| Eating out (main course) | CHF 25–40 | €12–20 |
| Supermarket groceries | Very expensive | Moderate (20–30% above Germany) |
| Accommodation target | €200–400/night | €90–150/night |
Estimated Budget (Family of 5)
| Category | Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (7 nights) | €700–€1,200 | Würzburg ~€100–130/night × 2, Krimml ~€80–140/night × 1, Bad Ischl ~€90–150/night × 4 |
| Fuel (~1,800km) | €180–€240 | Slightly more km via Krimml. Fill up in Germany before Austria |
| Austrian motorway vignette | ~€13 | 10-day digital vignette |
| Gerlos Pass toll | ~€10 | Gerlos Alpenstraße (B165). Or toll-free Kitzbühel route (+20-30min) |
| Krimml Waterfalls entry | ~€25 | 3 adults × €9. Under 6 free. Parking ~€6 |
| Waldbachstrub + Altausseer See | €0 | Free — no tickets needed |
| Dachstein cable car + Mammut Cave | ~€130 | 3 adults + 1 child combo |
| Wolfgangsee boats / Katrin cable car | ~€40–60 | Optional — settling day activities |
| Food & groceries | €400–€650 | Self-catering at Bad Ischl. Order essentials online pre-trip |
| Parking & misc | €30–€60 | Würzburg, misc |
Rough total: €1,500–€2,400
Significantly cheaper than the Switzerland trip. The biggest savings are on accommodation, mountain attractions, and eating out. Self-catering at Bad Ischl saves further. Hallstatt dropped (salt mine likely closed). Schafberg replaced with free Waterfalls & Lakes day (saves ~€85). Krimml overnight adds ~€80-140 but Bad Ischl drops one night, roughly budget-neutral.
Packing — Mazda CX-30 Constraints
Clothing
Warm fleece + windproof rain jacket for everyone. Comfortable walking shoes. Light hat and gloves for cave day and summits (3-12°C). Extra socks. Baby warm onesie + hat for cave/mountain days. Sunscreen and sunhat for altitude sun. No winter coats or thermals needed.
Baby & Toddler
Car seat (rear-facing), baby carrier (essential — no stroller on this trip), nappies (order online pre-trip), baby food/pouches, milk/formula, bottles, baby monitor, baby paracetamol.
Travel & Documents
Passports/IDs for everyone, health insurance cards, booking confirmations, Austrian motorway vignette, cash (EUR), phone/car chargers, offline maps, travel insurance docs. Green card from car insurer.
Car & Luggage
430L boot with all 5 seated. Soft bags only — no hard suitcases (they don’t conform to the space). First aid kit + hi-vis vest + warning triangle (legally required in Austria). No roof box needed — 430L is comfortable without a stroller. Keep baby bag + rain jackets in the cabin.
Packing Checklist
Tick items off as you pack. Everything saves automatically in your browser.
0% ready
Pre-Trip Timeline
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 6+ months out | Book Krimml village accommodation (1 night: Sun 24 May), Bad Ischl (4 nights: Mon 25 – Fri 29 May), Würzburg (2 nights: Sat 23 + Fri 29 May, same hotel both times) |
| 4 months out (Jan 2026) | Book Dachstein combo tickets (cable car + Mammut Cave) |
| 3 months out (Feb 2026) | Buy Austrian motorway vignette at asfinag.at. Decide Gerlos Pass (€10 toll, scenic) vs Kitzbühel route (toll-free, +20-30min) |
| 2 months out (Mar 2026) | Check passport validity. Buy travel insurance. Get green card from car insurer |
| 1 month out (Apr 2026) | Order nappies + baby supplies online. Download offline maps. Check late May weather forecasts |
| 1 week out | Print confirmations. Pack soft bags. Car check (tyres, oil, first aid kit, hi-vis vest, warning triangle) |
| Day before | Load car. Prep snack bag + baby bag for cabin. Download kids' shows offline. Set GPS routes |
Regional Notes
Sunday + Whit Monday — back-to-back closures
Day 2 (Sun 24 May) and Day 3 (Mon 25 May, Whit Monday) both have shops closed. Order essentials online before the trip. First Austrian shop run: Tuesday (Day 4). Petrol station shops remain open for emergencies.
Driving requirements for Austria
Car seats: Children under 14 AND under 150cm must use appropriate restraint. First aid kit + hi-vis vest + warning triangle: legally required in vehicle. LEZ: No low-emission zones on this route. IDP: Not needed for EU licence holders.
Gerlos Alpenstraße toll
The Gerlos Pass road (B165) to Krimml has a separate toll of ~€10 per vehicle — not covered by the motorway vignette. Toll-free alternative via Kitzbühel/Mittersill adds ~20-30min. The Gerlos Pass (1,507m) is open year-round and reliable in late May.
FAQ
Why Bad Ischl over St. Wolfgang as a base?
Bad Ischl is 20-25 minutes from every day trip destination. St. Wolfgang saves time only on Schafberg day (walk vs 20min drive) but costs 35 min extra each way to Dachstein. Bad Ischl is also cheaper (€90-150 vs €120-200/night) and has real services — supermarkets, pharmacy, playgrounds. Krimml is handled on the transit in, not from the base.
Why Mammut Cave over the Ice Cave?
The Mammut Cave is +3°C (manageable with a fleece). The Ice Cave is -2°C with 500-700 steep stairs and a 30m rope bridge — demanding for a senior and requires snowsuit-level warmth for the baby. Same quality experience, much more family-friendly. Only choose the Ice Cave if the senior is fit and you’ve packed for sub-zero temperatures.
Can I take a baby into the Dachstein caves?
Yes — there’s no lower age limit. You’ll need a baby carrier (no strollers). For the Mammut Cave (+3°C), dress the baby in a warm onesie + hat + blanket. The tour is 50 minutes. Watch for low ceilings when wearing the carrier.
Is Krimml senior-friendly with a baby?
The first viewpoint (Kürsingerplatz) is 15min from the entrance on a barrier-free, paved path — fully accessible. This is also the most dramatic viewpoint (140m unbroken drop with mist spray). The senior and baby can stay here comfortably. The upper trail gets steeper with steps — one adult and the 5-year-old can continue while others wait.
Should I book Dachstein tickets in advance?
Yes — Dachstein is popular in late May with limited cave tour slots. Book combo tickets at dachstein-salzkammergut.com. The Waterfalls & Lakes day (Waldbachstrub + Altausseer See) needs no bookings at all — both are free and open access.
What if the weather is bad on Dachstein day?
The Mammut Cave works in any weather — it’s inside a mountain. Skip the Five Fingers viewpoint if visibility is zero (no point without the view). You can swap Dachstein and Waterfalls & Lakes days based on weather — Altausseer See is prettier in sunshine, Waldbachstrub waterfall works in rain, Dachstein caves don’t need clear skies.
Will we need winter gear?
No. Late May in the Salzkammergut is late spring (15-22°C in valleys). You need one fleece + windproof jacket per person for mountain summits (5-12°C) and the Mammut Cave (+3°C). Light gloves and hat for cave day. No winter coats, thermals, or ski gear. The baby needs a warm onesie + hat for cave/summit days, not a snowsuit.
Is Austria cheaper than Switzerland for a family trip?
Significantly. The motorway vignette is €13 vs CHF 40. Mountain attractions are roughly half the Swiss price. Eating out is €12–20 vs CHF 25–40. Accommodation at Bad Ischl is €90–150/night vs €200–400/night in Swiss lake towns. Self-catering saves further.
Useful Links
Travel Notes
Jot down tips, reminders, and notes as you plan. Stored locally in your browser — completely private.
Your Travel Notes
Save personal tips and notes for this trip. Stored locally in your browser -- private to you.
No tips yet. Add your first one to start building your personal travel notes.