Spring days in the Thermenland Steiermark

This is where your journey begins. It's best to set off early, so you arrive down south relaxed, splitting the long leg over two days.

The city of three rivers, where the Danube, Inn and Ilz meet, is perfect for a leg-stretching break. Stroll through the baroque old town and take a look inside Dom St. Stephan, home to one of the largest cathedral organs in the world.

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Linz sits in exactly the right spot to split your journey into two comfortable legs. A central hotel lets you take an evening stroll along the Danube riverbank before the final stretch into the Thermenland the next morning.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

After breakfast, you continue heading south. The drive to the Thermenland is the shortest of the road trip, getting you there by early afternoon.

The mild, mineral-rich thermal water is just what you need on arrival. The Heiltherme is peaceful and geared towards relaxation, with indoor and outdoor pools plus a generous sauna area for your first relaxed afternoon.

Your base for the coming nights sits right by the thermal spa grounds, with many rooms offering their own direct access to the spa. From here, all your excursions into the vineyard hills work nicely as day trips, without needing to change hotels every day.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Start the day gently in the warm thermal water. It's quietest in the morning, ideal for moving calmly between the pools and the sauna.

In the afternoon, head into the gentle vineyard hills of the Vulkanland. Short circular walks lead between vines and old Kellerstöckl wine cottages; in March you'll spot the first signs of spring and enjoy wide views across the rolling landscape.

To round things off, you'll stop at a Buschenschank, serving up homemade Brettljause platters, spreads and their own wine. The rustic parlours and vineyard gardens are just the right mix of indulgence and cosiness.

Today also starts gently in the warm water, before heading off to one of the region's landmarks.

The mighty Riegersburg sits perched on an extinct volcanic rock high above the land. The walk up via the old castle steps is a lovely, short stroll with far-reaching views, and at the top, castle rooms and the Greifvogelwarte bird of prey centre await.

Just a few minutes from the castle, you'll sample chocolate made from fair-trade cocoa at the well-known manufactory. The tour, with plenty of tasting stops along the way, is a sweet contrast to your day of walking.

To finish off, a morning at the colourful Thermenwelt in Bad Blumau, designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, is well worth it. The curving façades, green roofs and warm pools make this a real experience in itself.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

After the thermal spa, a short walk through the gentle landscape around Bad Blumau rounds off the trip. Quiet paths between fields and hills give spring a little more room to breathe before you set off home.