Christmas in the Alps - but which country?

If I were going to the alps, I would go to Switzerland’s Berner Oberland which you do not need a car for or the Bavarian Alps which you do need a car for to explore.

Hallein, Austria. Little town just south of Salzburg where “Silent Night” was written. It’s an easy drive/train into Salzburg. I think Salzburg is magical anytime of year.

Hi. I responded in your post for Austria.

This might be a winter of chilly chilly experiences in Europe. The energy situation is very unclear, so pack yer long johns.

I definitely agree with the Berner Oberland. But I’ve also always wanted to be up in the Alpe di Siusi for Christmas. You could stay up on the meadow or in Ortisei. It all feels very German with an Italian twist.

Check out Rick Steves Christmas special 🙂

If you are just looking for "the mountains", the Scandinavian mountains can also be an option.

If it were me, I would go to Austria. I’ve always thought I would love to spend Christmas in Salzburg. I like the suggestion above for Hallein - to be in the village where Silent Night was written - wow!!

I also agree with the recommendation to watch RS European Christmas. I loooove that special, and it will put you right in the mood !!!

Austria. Love the alpine towns during winter and Advent Markets.

I think you should be able to find a hotel or B&B that puts real lit candles on their Christmas tree! And no, it doesn't cause fires usually because they use a reasonably fresh tree, only do it on Christmas Eve for maybe an hour with everyone sitting around it singing songs, & I seem to recall in Bavaria they kept a bucket of water handy. I did find some links on TripAdvisor with photos of these live candles at hotels and highly recommend it. I've also been to midnight mass in a few of these (Catholic or Protestant) locations on Christmas eve, might not suit everyone but 'Stille Nacht' sung in German in small, rural churches filled with candles were fantastic experiences.