By night train to Austria: Vienna, Graz and Salzburg

This is where your journey begins. In the evening, the ÖBB Nightjet departs towards Vienna, so there's still time during the day for one last stroll and an early dinner in the city.

For children, the Nightjet is the highlight of the journey: their own sleeping compartment, breakfast in bed, and a new country outside the window in the morning. Book a compartment for four so you have it to yourselves.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

The Nightjet arrives in Vienna in the morning. From here, it's just a few underground stops into the centre, or a short walk plus local transport to your hotel.

A central, family-friendly base just a few steps from the Staatsoper and the Ringstrasse. Everything important is reachable on foot or with a short underground ride.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

The city's landmark, with its colourful tiled roof, stands right in the heart of the old town. It's worth climbing the south tower or taking the lift up to the Pummerin for the view over the rooftops.

After the train journey, some time outdoors does everyone good: the Prater offers playgrounds, meadows and the famous amusement park. A ride on the historic Giant Ferris Wheel is a classic Vienna moment.

The former summer residence of the Habsburgs, with lavish rooms and a huge baroque garden. Children enjoy the Children's Museum, the maze, and the climb up to the Gloriette for a view over the city.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

The oldest still-operating zoo in the world sits right next to the palace grounds. Pandas, seals and the rainforest pavilion round off the afternoon nicely for the children.

Vienna's most famous market, with stalls ranging from falafel to fine foods and plenty of small eateries. A good spot for dinner and your first taste of market atmosphere, which will accompany you throughout the trip.

The collection ranges from dinosaur skeletons to the tiny Venus of Willendorf. A classic for children, with a Digital Planetarium and plenty of halls that invite wonder.

The sprawling imperial palace in the heart of Vienna, with the Imperial Apartments and the Sisi Museum. You'll dive into life at court, then step straight back out into the old town.

A traditional Viennese coffee house with vaulted ceilings and live piano music. Sachertorte, apple strudel and hot chocolate for the children are simply part of the experience here.

Railjet trains run at regular intervals southwards from Vienna Hauptbahnhof. The journey over the Semmering is scenic, so a window seat is worth having.

You'll reach Graz in a good two and a half hours. From the station, the tram takes you straight into the old town.

A traditional hotel right on the Mur, with views of the old town and the Schlossberg. Centrally located, so you can reach everything on foot.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

The hill overlooking Graz, topped by the famous Uhrturm, rises above the old town. You can walk up via the steps, take the funicular, or ride the glass lift, and a wonderful panoramic view awaits at the top.

The largest historic armoury in the world, with thousands of suits of armour, helmets and weapons spanning four centuries. An impressive place for history-loving children.

Around the Hauptplatz and at Kaiser-Josef-Platz, farmers from Styria sell pumpkin seed oil, cheese and fresh fruit. Graz is the region's culinary capital, and here you can sample your way through it.

The floating platform of steel and glass on the Mur is a modern landmark of the city. Children love the spiral pathways and the small amphitheatre.

The blue, bubble-shaped building on the banks of the Mur, affectionately nicknamed the 'friendly alien', showcases contemporary art. The architecture alone is an experience.

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The magnificent baroque palace on the outskirts of Graz is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, designed around the universe: 365 windows, twelve state rooms, four corner towers. Real peacocks wander through the extensive park.

The large landscaped garden invites picnics and play. Peacocks roam freely among the old trees, a highlight for the children.

Back in the old town, round off the day at one of the cosy inns. Styrian fried chicken or bean salad make a fitting end to the excursion.

The journey from Graz to Salzburg cuts across the Alps and takes a bit longer. Bring provisions and a game, as the scenery makes up for the travel time.

Once in Salzburg, a trolleybus or short walk takes you into the old town. The station is only a few minutes' walk from the centre.

A traditional hotel right on the Salzach, with views of the old town and the fortress. Centrally located, with all the sights within walking distance. A slightly more upmarket choice to round off the family holiday.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

The famous shopping street with its wrought-iron guild signs and Mozart's Birthplace. A good way to start exploring Salzburg on foot.

One of the largest surviving fortresses in Europe towers over the city. The funicular takes you up, where state rooms, the marionette museum and a magnificent view over Salzburg and the mountains await.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

The baroque cathedral, with its imposing dome, stands at the heart of the old town. The Domplatz is often alive with market and craft stalls.

The lively weekly market in the old town offers regional specialities, bread, cheese and warm snacks. A good spot for lunch between sightseeing stops.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in this yellow house on Getreidegasse. The exhibition, with original instruments and everyday objects, brings the era to life.

The baroque garden, with its dwarf garden, Pegasus fountain and view of the fortress, is freely accessible and perfect for a play. Many will recognise it as a film location from The Sound of Music.

A large, very child-friendly natural history and science museum with an aquarium, reptile zoo and a hands-on science centre. An ideal spot for a rainy afternoon.

A short climb up the wooded hill rewards you with what might be the finest view of the old town and the fortress. A peaceful farewell to Salzburg before heading home.

From Salzburg Hauptbahnhof, a long-distance train takes you back north. Salzburg is well connected, and for the return journey to Hamburg, an early-booked discount fare or the night train again is well worth considering.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here