Possible road trip in early December

Posted by Sasha (NC, USA) on 07/19/16 12:59 AM

We're thinking of visiting some of the Christmas markets in Germany/Austria in early December, then driving to Venice to stay a few days before flying home. I've checked the weather history for points along the route, but that doesn't really tell me whether a road trip would be a good idea! Temperatures look comparable to what we'd be having at home, as do precipitation amounts, but what about road conditions? Is this a do-able road trip or should we make plans to travel by train or air?

Thank you!

Posted by Paul

NYC area

07/19/16 01:23 AM

3004 posts

Hi Sasha,

We did two driving "Christmas Market" trips in early Dec. 2010 and 2013. Flew into/out of Munich both trips. We picked up and returned the car at Munich airport. Visited by car: Berchtesgaden, Bad Reichenhall, Salzburg, St. Gilgen, Hallein, Schladming, Ramsau am Dachstein, then moved on to Hall in Tirol, Innsbruck, Rattenberg and then over the Italian border to Sterzing/Vipiteno and Brixen/Bressanone. We also enjoyed a day cruising the Wolfgangsee visiting the markets in St. Gilgen and St. Wolfgang. We parked in St. Gilgen and hopped on the ship and cruised to St. Wolfgang. Very nice way to spend a day. We missed a stop at Strobl.

We have been to most of these before, but during the Christmas Markets it was like visiting for the first time all over again. Simply magical. Christmas lights, decorations, trees, stalls lining the old town selling all sorts of goods, hot drinks, food, the smell of roasting chestnuts, fires to warm up by... the holiday atmosphere is incredible.

We had a few days with some snow on both trips, but roads were kept clear and the snow wasn't an issue at all. Temps were basically what we experience at this time of year in NYC area. During our stay in Ramsau am Dachstein, while there was nearly a foot of snow already on the ground, the sun was so strong we didn't need to wear jackets during the day.

Paul

Posted by jjj

07/19/16 01:28 AM

179 posts

In December, you have to expect a lot of fog, slush and icy rain. Sometimes snow. Drive carefully and slowly and you should be okay.

Posted by Ruth

Atlanta

07/19/16 02:04 AM

1001 posts

I've done Christmas market trips with a car in 2013 and 2015 and will return this December. Trips were generally Frankfurt to Salzburg. In 2013 there was lots of snow, but major roads were cleared very quickly. Had a very slow trip from Munich to Salzburg in a snowstorm, but that was the only problem. Had to deal with icy parking lots a few mornings, but it was doable. Last December there was NO snow on any roads in first two weeks of December. German drivers are so competent, and I find driving there easy. It was very freeing to have a car, and since we were splitting the bill among 4 people, it was also reasonable. It IS definitely easier driving in daylight when you get off on the winding smaller roads.

If you're ending in Venice, you might want to connect that last leg by train. Gemut.com offered me a great rate on a BMW for this year's trip, but since we're dipping down into Italy to Ortisei for a few days, it wouldn't work, since rental agencies generally don't allow "luxury" cars to be driven into Italy. I asked a question similar to yours on this board and was assured the major roads through the Dolomites to Venice should be clear driving. So I guess the type of car you want to rent might affect your decision.