Linen & Luggage
Europe · Best May–Jun & Sep, Dec for markets

Vienna and Salzburg packing list for families

Austria rewards a little polish, with palaces, concerts, and grand cafés, plus weather that can turn rainy or cold fast. This is how I pack for Vienna and Salzburg with kids, in any season.

Hohensalzburg Fortress above the baroque old town of Salzburg

Photo by Free Walking Tour Salzburg on Unsplash

Kristina's notes on Vienna & Salzburg

  1. The train between Vienna and Salzburg is easy and takes about two and a half hours. I book seats ahead so we can sit together with snacks and a game.
  2. Salzburg gets a lot of rain, even in summer. A good umbrella and waterproof shoes keep a Sound of Music day from turning soggy.
  3. Pack one dressier outfit per person. A family concert or a café afternoon feels special here, and kids love dressing for it.
Best timeMay–Jun & Sep, Dec for markets
PlugsType C/F, bring an adapter
MoneyEuro
PassportYes
Your packing edit

Vienna & Salzburg

This time of year

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    Carry-on9

    Carry-on suitcase per personOur pick
    Packing cubes, one color per personOur 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
    Compact travel umbrellaOur pickSalzburg is one of the rainier cities in Austria.

    Clothing5

    Daytime outfits8 per person
    Pajamas2 per person
    One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
    Underwear and socks9 per person
    Kids' dress-up outfitConcerts and grand cafés are more fun when kids dress the part.

    Shoes2

    Broken-in walking sneakersOur pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
    Waterproof walking shoesRainy days and cobbled lanes are common.

    Beach & pool1

    Mineral sunscreen

    Cold weather1

    Warm winter coatChristmas market evenings are often near freezing.

    Little ones5

    Lightweight travel strollerOur pick
    Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
    Portable sound machineOur pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
    Travel blackout shades
    Favorite lovey, plus a backup

    Health & toiletries3

    Travel first-aid kit
    Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
    Hanging toiletry bag

    Documents & tech5

    Phone lanyard or crossbody case
    Portable phone chargerOur pick
    Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
    Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
    Travel plug adapterOur pickType C/F, bring an adapter
    The outfit edit

    City neutrals

    Navy, cream, camel, olive

    For the grown-ups

    • A trench or chore jacket
    • White sneakers
    • One dinner outfit that packs flat

    For the kids

    • Cozy knits that layer
    • Navy or olive leggings and joggers
    • A raincoat with a hood

    For photos

    • Neutrals plus one red scarf or hat
    • Overcast days flatter everyone
    Month by month

    Vienna & Salzburg weather and what's happening

    Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.

    MonthTypical highWhat it's likeDon't miss
    January37°F 3°CCold, gray, often near freezing. Snow possible. Bundle up.Vienna's ball season, with family-friendly children's balls.
    February41°F 5°CCold, gray, often near freezing. Snow possible. Bundle up.Vienna's ball season, with family-friendly children's balls.
    March50°F 10°CCool and changeable spring. Layers and an umbrella.Easter markets at Schönbrunn and Freyung.
    April60°F 16°CCool and changeable spring. Layers and an umbrella.Easter markets at Schönbrunn and Freyung.
    May69°F 21°CMild to warm with blooming gardens. Showers, especially in Salzburg.
    June75°F 24°CMild to warm with blooming gardens. Showers, especially in Salzburg.
    July79°F 26°CWarm summer with occasional thunderstorms.Salzburg Festival brings opera and concerts to the city.
    August79°F 26°CWarm summer with occasional thunderstorms.Salzburg Festival brings opera and concerts to the city.
    September69°F 21°CPleasant early fall, cooling quickly by October.Grape harvest and new wine in the vineyards around Vienna.
    October58°F 14°CPleasant early fall, cooling quickly by October.Grape harvest and new wine in the vineyards around Vienna.
    November46°F 8°CChilly and damp, markets opening late in the month.Christmas markets in both cities, from mid-November.
    December38°F 3°CCold, gray, often near freezing. Snow possible. Bundle up.Christmas markets in both cities, from mid-November.
    Questions families ask

    Vienna & Salzburg with kids, answered

    When is the best time to visit Vienna & Salzburg with kids?

    The best time is May–Jun & Sep, Dec for markets. Mild to warm with blooming gardens. Showers, especially in Salzburg.

    What's the weather like in Vienna & Salzburg?

    Typical daytime highs range from about 37°F (3°C) in January to about 79°F (26°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.

    Do I need a passport for Vienna & Salzburg?

    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 Vienna & Salzburg?

    Type C/F, bring an adapter.

    What's your top tip for Vienna & Salzburg with kids?

    The train between Vienna and Salzburg is easy and takes about two and a half hours. I book seats ahead so we can sit together with snacks and a game.

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    Want the whole trip handled?

    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.

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