Discover Austria's Scenic Routes
Experience the breathtaking landscapes and charming villages along Austria's most beautiful roads.
Current Road Conditions
Plan ahead with real-time weather updates for Austria's scenic routes
Grossglockner
Silvretta
Nockalm
Timmelsjoch
Austria Vignette Information
What is an Austria Vignette?
The Austrian vignette is a toll sticker required for using Austria's motorways and expressways. It serves as proof that you have paid the mandatory toll for using these roads.
Unlike some countries where you pay at toll booths, Austria's system requires you to purchase a vignette before entering the motorway network.
Types of Vignettes
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Digital Vignette: Linked to your vehicle's license plate number
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Physical Sticker: Must be affixed to your windshield
Validity Periods:
- 10-day Short trips and tourism
- 2-month Extended visits
- 1-year Regular travelers and residents
Where to Purchase
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Online: ASFINAG website (official vignette provider)
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Service Stations: Along highways before the Austrian border
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Tobacco Shops: Throughout Austria and in border regions
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Automobile Clubs: Such as ÖAMTC or ARBÖ
Important Note:
Digital vignettes become valid 18 days after purchase if bought online, to comply with consumer protection laws. Plan accordingly for your trip!
Special Routes with Separate Tolls
Some scenic routes and mountain passes in Austria are not covered by the standard vignette and require additional toll payments:
Grossglockner High Alpine Road
Austria's highest panoramic road offering spectacular views of the Alps and the Grossglockner, Austria's highest mountain.
Silvretta High Alpine Road
A beautiful high mountain road connecting Vorarlberg and Tyrol, famous for its scenic beauty and numerous curves.
Nockalm Road
A panoramic road through the Nockberge National Park in Carinthia, known for its distinctive rounded mountain peaks.
Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road
Connects Austria (Tyrol) and Italy (South Tyrol) through a high mountain pass with breathtaking views.
These special routes have their own toll systems and are typically open only during the summer months (May to October). Check opening dates before planning your trip.
Vehicle Requirements in Austria
General Requirements
When driving in Austria, all vehicles must meet certain legal requirements. Ensure your vehicle complies with these regulations to avoid fines or penalties during your journey.
Documents
- Valid driver's license
- Vehicle registration document
- Valid insurance documentation
- Vignette (toll sticker) for motorways
Mandatory Equipment
- Warning triangle
- First aid kit (compliant with DIN 13164)
- High-visibility vest for each passenger
- Fire extinguisher (recommended)
Winter Requirements (Nov - Apr)
- Winter tires (marked M+S, M.S, or M&S)
- Snow chains (in certain conditions)
- Minimum tread depth of 4mm
- Ice scraper and antifreeze
Vehicle Types & Regulations
Cars
- Standard vignette required for all passenger vehicles
- Maximum speed limit: 130 km/h on motorways, 100 km/h on open roads, 50 km/h in built-up areas
- Headlights must be on at all times while driving
Motorcycles
- Specific motorcycle vignette required (different from car vignette)
- Helmet use is mandatory for both riders and passengers
- Daytime running lights required at all times
- Special caution required on mountain passes
Motorhomes & Campervans
- Vehicles below 3.5t require standard vignette
- Vehicles above 3.5t use the GO-Box digital toll system
- Special parking regulations in certain areas
- Weight restrictions on certain mountain roads
Important Regulations
Low Emission Zones
Some Austrian cities have environmental zones that restrict entry for vehicles with high emissions. Check local regulations before entering urban areas.
Alcohol Limits
The legal blood alcohol limit in Austria is 0.05%. For novice drivers (license less than 2 years) and professional drivers, the limit is 0.01%.
Child Safety
Children under 14 years and shorter than 150 cm must use appropriate child restraint systems. Children under 12 years and shorter than 150 cm cannot sit in the front seat if the vehicle has airbags.
Mountain Driving
When driving uphill, vehicles going uphill have right of way over vehicles going downhill, except where specifically signed otherwise.
Austria's Scenic Routes
Austria's diverse landscape offers some of Europe's most spectacular driving routes.
From alpine passes with hairpin turns to gentle roads winding through vineyards and lakeside drives, these routes showcase the country's natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Seasonal Recommendations
Discover the perfect Austrian routes for each season
Wachau Valley Drive
Spring is the perfect time to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Wachau Valley when apricot and cherry blossoms transform the landscape. This gentle route along the Danube river offers stunning views of medieval castles, terraced vineyards, and charming villages like Dürnstein and Spitz.
The road follows the Danube between Melk and Krems, with numerous opportunities to stop at wineries, historic sites, and viewpoints. During spring, many local festivals celebrate the blooming season with traditional food and music.
Grossglockner High Alpine Road
Austria's highest alpine road leads to the foot of the Grossglockner, offering 36 challenging hairpin turns and breathtaking views of alpine meadows, mountain peaks, and glaciers.
Silvretta High Alpine Road
Known as the "Dream Road of the Alps," this stunning route reaches heights of 2,032 meters, featuring crystal-clear mountain lakes, impressive dam walls, and spectacular mountain scenery.
Austrian Romantic Road
This cultural journey connects charming villages, historic castles, and idyllic landscapes. Perfect for those seeking a leisurely drive through Austria's picturesque countryside and cultural heritage.
Interactive Map
Explore Austria's Beauty
Immerse yourself in Austria's breathtaking landscapes through our curated photo gallery
Grossglockner Peak
Austria's highest mountain at 3,798m
Tyrolean Alps
Spectacular mountain range in western Austria
Hallstatt Lake
Crystal clear waters in the Salzkammergut region
Wörthersee
Popular summer destination in Carinthia
Alpine Road Curves
Challenging hairpin turns with spectacular views
Mountain Pass
High-altitude routes connecting valleys
Hallstatt Village
Famous UNESCO World Heritage site
Alpine Village
Traditional Austrian mountain settlement
About Us
Our Mission
At Straßen Scout, we are passionate about Austria's stunning roads and mountain passes. Our mission is to provide travelers with comprehensive, accurate information to help them navigate Austria's motorways safely and discover its most beautiful scenic routes.
Whether you're planning a motorcycle tour through the Alps, a family road trip, or simply need information about vignettes and driving requirements, we're here to make your Austrian driving experience smooth and enjoyable.
Road Enthusiasts
Our team consists of experienced drivers, motorcyclists, and travel experts who have personally explored Austria's road network.
Local Knowledge
We combine extensive research with local insights to provide accurate, up-to-date information about road conditions, regulations, and attractions.
Driving Safely
We prioritize safety by providing clear information about road regulations, seasonal restrictions, and driving tips for Austria's diverse terrain.
Contact Us
Have questions, suggestions, or spotted outdated information? We'd love to hear from you.
- [email protected]
- +43 (0)1 9219 226
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Ringstrasse 10, 1010 Vienna, Austria
- scout-vignetten.info