By Nina Heric, Country Manager, Austria & Germany
Many people ask me: what is Austria like during the winter holidays?
Of course, being a local, I can readily tell them that it’s exactly as they imagine it to be; maybe even more so.
I can tell them that every street in Vienna becomes fit for an imperial ball once the festive lights go up. That few holiday markets are more deserving of a place in a fairytale than the Christkindlmarkt in Salzburg. Or that the sight of the Alps rising over the colorful facades of Innsbruck triggers more goosebumps than a cool winter breeze.
And trust me, I do!
Yet there is also an answer to that question you might not expect. Which is that it’s warmer than you think.
“After more than 20 years in the travel industry, I’ve had the chance to discover many remarkable places, but none quite as diverse as Austria. I love how it brings together grand history and architecture, breathtaking mountains and lakes, incredible food, and traditions, all within one elegant exterior. And the best part is that I now get to help other travelers uncover it.” — Nina Heric, Country Manager, Austria & Germany
Now, don’t get me wrong. Bring a jacket or two by all means, as Austria’s Alpine surroundings do make themselves known. But that’s not quite what I’m talking about here.
What I mean is that while Austria may carry the usual cool demeanor of a quintessential European destination (which it is), it actually packs more layers than someone heading to the North Pole.
Coincidentally, one of the best times to uncover them is the winter holiday season. A time when every moment fills you with that pleasant, warm sensation that comes with a first sip of mulled wine at a Christmas market or a hearty serving of gröstl in the mountains.
And since we’re on the subject of discovering Austria at its warmest and most festive, here are some of my favorite places and ways to do it.
Vienna | Imperial Festivities
Believe it or not, even imperial capitals can’t resist letting their guard down a little during the holiday season. Case in point: Vienna.
Known for its palaces, grand avenues, and royal splendor, the city softens in winter beneath twinkling lights and fills with market stalls, music, and the scent of something warm and sweet.
At Schönbrunn Palace, the festive market turns the former imperial residence into a storybook setting, with traditional crafts, seasonal treats, and even a scrumptious apple strudel workshop (highly recommended!)
Meanwhile, at Rathausplatz, visitors can lace up their skates at the Viennese Ice Dream, while the Giant Ferris Wheel offers a panoramic view of Vienna dressed in full seasonal regalia.
Royal, playful, and delicious, Vienna celebrates the season in three very different ways. The best part? You can enjoy all of them at once.
Salzburg | Sounds of the Season
Every time I visit Salzburg, I find it baffling that Mozart never composed a single Christmas carol. Because if ever there was a place to perfectly capture the spirit of the season, it’s this one.
Salzburg’s Baroque Old Town, mountain backdrop, music, and historic traditions make winter feel especially festive and picturesque. At Hohensalzburg Fortress, the Advent market combines local crafts and seasonal delicacies with beautiful views over the illuminated city, putting it in the palm of your hand, pretzel in the other.
And speaking of Wolfgang Amadeus, attending one of Salzburg’s traditional seasonal concerts offers a chance to catch some of his greatest hits, right before warming up in a classic café with apple strudel and whipped cream.
Innsbruck | The Perfect Holiday Setting
If Salzburg has the perfect holiday soundtrack, Innsbruck has the perfect setting.
Historic streets and festive markets sit beneath some seriously impressive Alpine scenery, making the city feel like a postcard with very good timing.
While there, I love to explore the Old Town market, head up to Hungerburg for some photo opporunitites or take the train from the city center up the Nordkette mountain for panoramic views of Innsbruck and the Alps. And yes, it’s as breathtaking as it sounds.
For travelers looking for that idyllic, snow-capped winter escape, Innsbruck is about as close as Austria gets to gift-wrapping one in time for the holidays.
Bonus (Alpine) Tip
Those who want to trade Christmas markets for something a little more exhilarating, Austria’s snowy mountains are waiting. Head to one of the country’s ski resorts for skiing, snowshoeing, or sledding, including the illuminated 8.7-mile run at Neukirchen am Großvenediger in Salzburg’s Pinzgau region. A little more adrenaline with your Glühwein, perhaps.
Austria, Beyond the Holidays
As beautiful as Austria is under a blanket of snow, I’d be doing the country a disservice if I suggested that winter is the only good time to visit it. Because while it may keep you warm during the holidays, Austria is a year-round destination that offers something different throughout the seasons.
And because it sits so naturally within Central Europe, it is also easy to combine with neighboring destinations such as Switzerland or Italy. That means travelers can pair imperial cities with Alpine scenery, festive traditions with cosmopolitan living, or build a larger European journey without losing the sense of cohesion.
Austria at its Most Heartwarming
I could go on, but we’d probably be here until it’s actually time to put up the ornaments.
That said, the holiday season in Austria is one that I personally always look forward to, as it never ceases to bring something truly special out of this already remarkable destination.
And the best part is that your travelers don’t have to uncover it on their own. Austria by Travelive’s on-site team works closely with trusted hotels, guides, drivers, and other local partners to turn our destination knowledge into thoughtful, seamless journeys.
So, whether your travelers are dreaming of festive markets beneath the Alps, a culture-rich city escape, or an Austria itinerary that continues long after the holiday lights come down, contact Austria by Travelive at [email protected] and let us help you uncover Austria throughout the seasons.
