Barcelona to Vienna- Driving?

With 5 weeks, roundtrip - that sounds like an awesome trip. I'd want to take a southern route along the Med. coast, Italy, Dolomites and maybe the north Adriatic and a northern route through the Alps and Switzerland and Provence. The car would allow you to stop and stay in smaller towns along the way, rather than big cities. You might find staying in smaller towns outside a big city convenient to traffic and parking, then take a commuter rail or regular train into a city for the day to sightsee.

As long as you are returning the car back to Barcelona, you should have minimal issues with the rental. Some countries require toll passes (Austria is one that I know of), so you'll need to research that out and make sure you get all the car/driving permits and toll passes you need.

Can I come?

Use viamichelin.com to look at alternate routes. Their drive times are usually optimal ones and don't consider pit stops, so don't be aggressive if you rely on them.

I do hope you are allowing some time in Barcelona. Have you driven in Europe before?

Technical thoughts - leasing may be cheaper than renting; make sure you are allowed to drive into all the countries on your route and that the insurance covers them all. Italy might be different for insurance, Slovenia may be an issue. Have you considered going as far as Budapest?

I do roadtrips most of the time and love it. I often have a vague plan but have done many trips where it all changes along the way. I have spend dozens of nights in Europe without advance reservations. Granted, some hotels are booked but the flexibility that I have is far more important to me than being on a schedule. If I find someplace I like I can stay. Yes, you might spend a little time finding a room, but I have also spent time trying to find a hotel I had booked ahead of time.... there are lots of different ways to travel, and I prefer the freedom of a loose schedule. I can change my mind at the last minute, and I have found some incredible gems simply because I was flexible. Obviously this type of travel lends itself to countryside and smaller towns and villages. If I am going to a big city I might make a reservation and be sure I have parking. I have not found that I pay any more than if I make reservations... but even if I do, it is worth it. Exploring small villages and finding lodging is part of the adventure. I don't want to know what lies around the next curve in the road.

Terry, I can´t agree more, nothing is more rewarding than spontaneous discoveries. It often indeed happens while looking for a place to stay, I have numerous experiences with that too. A plan needs to be necessary, but with flexibility you can get the best out of your itinerary. If you are still going in August be aware that it is high season and the weather hot not only around the Mediterranean but for instance also inland France and Spain.

I think planning different routes will give you the flexibility to change plans once on the move and look for places you like to visit with the weather you prefer. So if the weather is too hot you can follow a more nothern route. Not only little hotels but also B&B´s often offer good value for the money. Look for national organizations for B&B´s like “Gîtes de France”, for prices and phone numbers. Smaller hotels and B&B´s are also good for touristic info, outside the tourist hotspots finding good places within your budget must be possible.

In August the Atlantic coast of Portugal and northern Spain are weatherwise usually more pleasant than their Mediterranean counterparts. Lonely Planet guides has also good info for budget accomodation, restaurants and itineraries.

Great suggestions! Thank you all!

It will be hard to decide on itinerary to be sure.

I would prefer to travel flexibly- I did this throughout California last summer for several months and only had 1 night with a snag and no hotel to be had. Still, all worked out better than I could have ever planned. I was not sure it was possible to travel this way in Europe, especially in smaller towns with limited hotel availability and based on reports of every human in Europe traveling and taking vacation at the same time in August! A bit daunting. Glad to hear it is possible. The adventure and exploration is the best part of the trip and I would not want to struggle with a strict itinerary unless absolutely necessary and have that experience sacrificed. I mean to enjoy on my own schedule and revel in the discovery around the bend.

I have not driven a car in Europe yet and have relied on public transport, so the driving and car aspect of this journey is new for me. Thinking of making the reservation well beforehand. Company recommendations? Size car?
I am hoping to do some biking as well as driving and wondering how easy that is- perhaps buying a bike and bike rack and selling upon departure? to cumbersome? Easier to rent?

Keep the suggestions coming! This is great!

Break it down week by week, and then the long journey seems more manageable ...

Week 1 - Costa Brava & Cote d'Azur
Week 2 - Northern Italy (Genoa > Verona > Padua > Venice)
Week 3 - Austria (Graz > Vienna > Salzburg > Innsbruck)
Week 4 - Switzerland (Zurich > Luzern > Bern > Lausanne > Geneva)
Week 5 - Lyon & Provence

Car size: as compact as possible for good fuel economy and manoeuvring through narrow winding streets in villages. But with a trunk large enough to hide your luggage keeping it unvisible from the outside of the car and so lower the risk of burglary. Besides that I put all my stuff there like a picnic cooler, jackets, bag with maps etc. for not drawing any attention there is something inside my car when it is parked. You can feel intimidated driving in a too small car, I think looking for the size of a Ford Fiesta is to my opinion to consider with enough space and presence if you drive alone. Also are most of the time comfortable enough for the longer distances.

Even having a car pack as light as possible.