Europe · Best Jun–Sep, Dec–Mar
Austria packing list for families
Austria lets families pair imperial Vienna and musical Salzburg with lakes or ski slopes in the Alps, all linked by easy trains. That mix means packing for both city polish and mountain weather, so a well-planned list makes all the difference.
Photo by Hasmik Ghazaryan Olson on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Austria
- Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck sit along one main rail line, and the Railjet trains are comfortable with room for bags. I plan Vienna first, then Salzburg, then the mountains, so the trip gets more relaxed as everyone gets tired.
- Pack for two trips in one. City days call for polished layers for palaces and concerts, while the Alps need hiking shoes in summer or full ski gear in winter, and mountain evenings run noticeably cooler than Vienna.
- If you are adding a ski stop, consider shipping or renting gear rather than hauling it through train stations. I also pack one nicer outfit per person, because Viennese cafés, concerts, and hotel dining rooms lean dressy.
Best timeJun–Sep, Dec–Mar
PlugsType F, bring an adapter
MoneyEuro
PassportYes
Where to go
Where to go in Austria
Splitting your trip across a few stops? Each place has its own detailed list, weather, and notes.
EuropeVienna & Salzburg
Palaces, pastry, Mozart, and alpine views.
Mountains & SkiSt. Anton Ski
Arlberg powder, a train-station village, and famous après-ski.
Mountains & SkiKitzbühel Ski
A medieval Tyrolean town, cozy cafés, and the legendary Streif.
Mountains & SkiLech & Zürs Ski
Quiet Arlberg luxury, deep snow, and uncrowded slopes.
Cruises & ExpeditionsDanube River Cruise
Vienna, Budapest, and Wachau Valley vineyards by riverboat.
Your packing edit
Austria
This time of year
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Every item links to what Kristina would buy. Tap Add to bag on what you're missing, then check out on Amazon in one tap.
Carry-on19
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Foot rest sling for long flightsKristina's pickHooks over the tray table so your feet are up and your back thanks you after hour six. I never fly long-haul without mine.
Coin purse for euro coinsHandy for paid restrooms and the mug deposit at Christmas markets.
Clothing13
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Light rain jacket per person
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Shorts and skirts
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
Dressy outfit for concertsVienna's concerts and cafés lean polished.
Shoes3
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Dress shoes or nicer sandals
Beach & pool1
Mineral sunscreen
Mountain2
Kids' hiking shoesKristina's pickSummer Alpine trails and lake paths are rocky.
Sleeping bag linerAlpine huts ask overnight guests to bring one for the dorm beds.
Cold weather1
Insulated jacketMountain evenings and winter markets get cold.
Little ones13
Lightweight travel strollerKristina's pick
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Little things19
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Small umbrella
Health & toiletries18
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
Documents & tech19
Phone lanyard or crossbody case
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
Travel plug adapterKristina's pickType F, bring an adapter
The outfit edit
Alpine
Snow, cabin red, navy, oatmeal
For photos
- Red and navy against white snow
- Matching knit hats
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
Austria weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 37°F 3°C | Cold, snowy in the mountains, ski season and winter city sightseeing | Vienna's ball season, with waltzing and glittering palace evenings Ski season in the Tyrol and Arlberg |
| February | 41°F 5°C | Cold, snowy in the mountains, ski season and winter city sightseeing | Vienna's ball season, with waltzing and glittering palace evenings Ski season in the Tyrol and Arlberg |
| March | 50°F 10°C | Cold, snowy in the mountains, ski season and winter city sightseeing | Ski season in the Tyrol and Arlberg |
| April | 59°F 15°C | Spring thaw, mild in the cities, snow lingering up high | |
| May | 67°F 19°C | Spring thaw, mild in the cities, snow lingering up high | |
| June | 73°F 23°C | Warm summer in the valleys, cool in the high Alps, afternoon storms | Alpine lake swimming and hut-to-hut hiking |
| July | 77°F 25°C | Warm summer in the valleys, cool in the high Alps, afternoon storms | Salzburg Festival with opera, concerts, and theater Alpine lake swimming and hut-to-hut hiking |
| August | 76°F 24°C | Warm summer in the valleys, cool in the high Alps, afternoon storms | Salzburg Festival with opera, concerts, and theater Alpine lake swimming and hut-to-hut hiking |
| September | 68°F 20°C | Golden fall in September and October, gray and chilly by November | Alpine lake swimming and hut-to-hut hiking Cows brought down from Alpine pastures with festive almabtrieb parades |
| October | 58°F 14°C | Golden fall in September and October, gray and chilly by November | Cows brought down from Alpine pastures with festive almabtrieb parades |
| November | 47°F 8°C | Golden fall in September and October, gray and chilly by November | Christmas markets in Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck |
| December | 39°F 4°C | Cold, snowy in the mountains, ski season and winter city sightseeing | Christmas markets in Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck Ski season in the Tyrol and Arlberg |
Questions families ask
Austria with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Austria with kids?
The best time is Jun–Sep, Dec–Mar. Warm summer in the valleys, cool in the high Alps, afternoon storms
What's the weather like in Austria?
Typical daytime highs range from about 37°F (3°C) in January to about 77°F (25°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Austria?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Austria?
Type F, bring an adapter.
What's your top tip for Austria with kids?
Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck sit along one main rail line, and the Railjet trains are comfortable with room for bags. I plan Vienna first, then Salzburg, then the mountains, so the trip gets more relaxed as everyone gets tired.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.