Since we have not travelled in over a year, we are so excited to plan Christmas 2021 in Austria. We will have 10 days with half of our time in Salzburg and are looking for an alpine village for the other half. Our two 20 year old children with be with us. Skiing is not important but are hoping to find a charming, snowy, festive place. Thinking chalet or guesthouse but are open. We are looking for location and lodging suggestions. Thank you!
Posted by
Irving
2943 posts
What about Hallstatt and the Salzkammergut? It would be great if you could find something on the lake.
Posted by
Denver, CO
110 posts
Building on the Salzkammergut suggestion, we stayed at Gasthof Furberg on the Wolfgangsee in summer and it was a truly fantastic experience. My understanding is that they typically book up early for the holiday season:
In the winter, I believe they offer snowshoeing, sleigh rides, a couple of Krampus-themed evenings, as well as full and half-board dining options. There are a few nearby towns that should have small Christmas markets. There's a boat that cruises the lake and does pick-ups and drop-offs at a few towns. If it runs in the winter, I'm guessing that would be weather-dependent.
Another consideration if you're starting in Salzburg is to spend 2-3 days in Berchtesgaden. I believe the boat at nearby Konigsee runs in the winter, so you could ride that to the beer garden at the first boat stop:
https://www.berchtesgaden.de/en/nature/lake-koenigssee
In addition, Berchtesgaden played a role as the Nazi Party's favored town during WWII. The Eagle's Nest (Hitler's tea house) and bunkers are located there, although the Eagle's Nest may be closed during winter due to the precariously steep road one must take to get up there. Here is the official Berchtesgaden town site with links for things to see. I would think there will be a Christmas market offered there:
Posted by
Oberpfalz, Germany
1288 posts
You know Christmas in the Alps is high season, at least in the good old days. Provided travel is allowed and hotels are open, I would make reservations now. I would recommend a solid 4 star Austrian Hotel with top half board, wellness, pool etc. Dress nice for dinner and be ready for nudity in the spa.
Ehrwald: Romantik Hotel Spielmann
Mayrhofen: Alpin Lodge das Zillergrund
Bad Hofgastein: DAS.GOLDBERG