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Tirol and Salzburg

My wife and I are going to be staying in hall in Tirol December 21 to 24 and Salzburg 25 to 29.

We are really interested in seeing the Christmas markets and all things historical. What are some good day trips to take from these two spots and what are some events we might want to look at? Would love to hear silent night sung by a choir on Christmas Eve. Where can this be done?

Also how do we find some good places to eat? Doesn’t have to be fine dining but it can be. Want to try some of the local food.

Posted by
2406 posts

Too bad you won’t be in Salzburg on the 24th when the Silent Night villages are visited in the evening

Posted by
20090 posts

Just look on google maps for Hall and click on restaurants. Lots of choices.
You are just outside of Innsbruck. Bolzano, Italy is 2 1/2 hours away by frequent trains. Nice Christmas market there.

Posted by
4861 posts

Although it appears you won't be arriving in Salzburg until Christmas day, you will want to make your lunch and dinner reservations for that day well in advance. Christmas Eve, too. Expect most shops to close early on Christmas Eve, and remain closed Christmas day. Pretty much all of the churches will hold a Christmas Eve evening service. Check their website for times.

Posted by
934 posts

Just be sure and check the dates on when the Xmas Markets close. Most of our favorite Christmas Markets close on 12/23.

The area you are visiting is incredible. You will have a wonderful time.

They do an organ concert in the main cathedral in Salzburg around noon daily. It costs 6Euros to enter the cathedral anyway, so might as well go in around 1130 and stay for the free organ concert.

Take the Funicular to the fortress for great views of Salzburg.

Grab a sausage sandwich at the famous sausage window of the locals, Balkan Grill - it's good and quite an experience.

Be sure and download the FREE Rick Steves app BEFORE you go -- there is a good Salzburg Town Walk that is worth doing.

Posted by
13 posts

Which are your favorite Christmas markets? We will be near innsbruck up to the 23rd. Other than the ones there and hall in Tirol are there other we should try to get to before the 23rd?

Posted by
1292 posts

I think a day in Innsbruck is a must. From Salzburg maybe a trip to Werfenweng, Schladming etc. and a lift up into the mountains? Kaiserschmarrn, Kaspressknödelsuppe, Speckknödelsuppe, Käsespätzle, Gröstl, Dampfnudel, Pommes at an Alm? A pilgrimage to Hallstatt :') ? Local food should not be too hard to find. Ask some of the local folks (just ask in English), tourist office, hotel etc.

Posted by
4412 posts

I posted about my day trip to Wolfgangsee.

Stretch a bit and check out the restaurants on the Linder Strasse, there are many good Italian places in Salzburg.