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Austria and Christmas markets

Thinking of an 8 day Christmas market trip in early/ mid December . My thoughts are 4 nights in Vienna, which would include a day trip to Bratislava. Any thoughts on other 4 nights? Salzburg? Other small villages? Not opposed to Prague or Budapest. Have been to both,but not in the winter.
Did a solo market trip last year and loved the small villages in Alsace. Any ideas are appreciated! Thanks!!

Posted by
10 posts

You are not going to find these German villlages like in Alsace

in vienna check out lesser known markets like the medieval christmas market (check dates) or wilheminenberg

or day or half-day trips to the markets at schloss hof, Aggstein castle ruins in the Wachau (check dates) and schloss esterhazy
But places like Steyr are close and have nice Christmas markets

you can´t go wrong with a trip to budapest or prague. excellent cities.

if you go to Salzburg - assuming you have a car - try to see the little villages and area surrounding salzburg and the region.
salzburg is small and gets very crowded - so maybe base yourself outside of salzburg.
check out places like hohenwerfen castle and the towns in the region, like hallein.

Posted by
5362 posts

Never fear, your friendly, Vienna Christmas Market expert is here!

Best overall market; best crafts; best for kids - Karlsplatz (be sure to have the doughnut with sauerkraut)
Most quaint market; a Viennese favorite; explore the galleries - Spittelberg
Cosiest market, also with good food and lots of twinkle lights - Altes AKH
Most dramatic setting; best punsch selection - Belvedere (at night only)
Best food and Christmas tree - Schonbrunn

You'll notice I did not include the main market at the Rathaus. That is intentional.

For markets in villages, I can highly recommend staying in the Wolfgangsee area. Magical. Easy to get to Salzburg from there for more market fun.

Posted by
17639 posts

I love Budapest at Christmas. You didn't mention dates, but if it helps, the Budapest markets open a bit earlier than most; mid November and they stay open longer than some; December 31.

All that is sold has to he approved by a committee which means it's all local crafts and good quality; no imports.

The lights, theaters, and night life is vibrant. Even if you've been before not a bad idea for a few nights of shopping and the theater

Posted by
3049 posts

Salzburg is OK and the setting of it's market is beautiful but the market itself was very cookie-cutter.

I went to Innsbruck last year for 2 nights in December and while the various markets are small, they're varied, and Innsbruck in winter was just beautiful. I enjoyed the very small Alpine Christmas Market, which boasts being the highest altitude Christmas Market in the world. Beautiful going at dusk and watching the city light up, and it was also cool going to the summit of the mountain in just 30 minutes from being downtown.

Posted by
2898 posts

Hi,

I'd look at staying in St. Gilgen and visiting Salzburg, St; Gilgen, Strobl and St; Wolfgang while there. Take a day for cruising the Wolfgangsee.

Otherwise, I'd be in Innsbruck. Love the old town during the Christmas markets. The snow capped alpine backdrop, smells, lights, etc. Over the top sensory atmosphere. Yes, the trip to Hungerburg, overlooking Innsbruck and having it's own tiny market. Gorgeous in the evening.