14-Day Austria Christmas Market Itinerary: The Ultimate Adventure

🎄Dom and Residenzplats Christkindlmarkt (Cathedral Square):
One of Europe’s oldest and most atmospheric Christmas markets is set against the stunning backdrop of Salzburg Cathedral.

🎄SternAdvent Christmas Market(Sternbräu Courtyard):
A charming artisan market tucked between Getreidegasse and Griesgasse, offering handmade gifts, crafts, and delicious local treats in a warm, intimate setting.

🎄Mirabellplatz Christkindlmarkt:
A smaller, more local market near Mirabell Gardens, known for its friendly atmosphere and regional specialties—perfect for enjoying mulled wine after sightseeing around Salzburg’s New Town.

🎄 Hohensalzburg Christkindlmarkt (Fortress Market):
Ride the funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress for a market with breathtaking panoramic views over the city. Cosy alpine huts sell crafts and warm drinks—open Friday to Sunday only, making it a magical weekend visit.

🎄Hellbrunn Adventzauber (Hellbrunn Palace):
Step into a true fairytale setting at Hellbrunn Palace. Family-friendly and enchanting, with reindeer, twinkling lights, and festive stalls—this is Salzburg’s most romantic Christmas experience.

Beyond its enchanting Christmas markets, Salzburg shines as the city of Mozart, music, and timeless charm. Between sips of Glühwein and the scent of roasted chestnuts, explore the landmarks, melodies, and flavours that make Salzburg unforgettable during the festive season.

Start with the Festung Hohensalzburg (Fortress), Salzburg’s crowning glory. Pre-book your tickets to visit this 900-year-old fortress perched high on Festungsberg Hill — one of Europe’s largest and best-preserved medieval castles. The views over the old town and snow-dusted Alps are simply spectacular.

Follow in the footsteps of the Trapp family on one of the famous Panorama Sound of Music Bus Tours (Read our Sound of Music Bus Tour Review. It’s a joyful way to see Salzburg’s filming locations and the scenic lakes and villages of the Salzkammergut region.

During Advent, the city fills with seasonal melodies. Experience the Salzburg Christmas Advent Concert at Hohensalzburg Fortress, or combine it with a festive dinner for an unforgettable evening high above the city.

For a Special Christmas trip, join the Silent Night Oberndorf Christmas Eve Tour, a serene 4-hour excursion to the historic chapel where the beloved carol Silent Night was first performed.

If you want to extend your stay in Salzburg, read our Unforgettable Salzburg Day Trips.

Day 8-9: Salzkammergut -Wolfgangsee

Just east of Salzburg lies the tranquil Salzkammergut, home to Austria’s most romantic lakeside Christmas Markets.

Each village—St. Wolfgang, St. Gilgen, and Strobl have their own festive identity.
Travel between them by Advent boat to see the reflections of lanterns across the still waters.

This region is perfect for slowing down, browsing handcrafted gifts, and enjoying mulled wine against a backdrop of snow-dusted peaks.

🎄St. Wolfgang Advent Market – Wooden chalets line the lakefront, their twinkling lights reflecting off the water. The 19-metre peace lantern on the lake is an unforgettable sight, creating one of Austria’s most iconic Christmas scenes.

🎄 St. Gilgen Advent Market – Known as the “Baroque Advent Village,” St. Gilgen glows with artistically painted stalls, candlelight, and red lanterns that illuminate the narrow lakeside streets.

🎄 Strobl Advent Market – Step into a nativity wonderland, famous for its life-size manger scene and gentle farm animals, giving this market a warm, traditional alpine feel.

If time allows, explore more of the Salzkammergut’s winter magic beyond the lakeside markets.
Take the festively illuminated Schafberg cog railway (21 Nov – 21 Dec 2025, Wed–Sun; 26 Dec – 6 Jan 2026, daily) to Schafbergalm, 1,364 m above sea level, for sweeping views over the snow-covered lakes and mountains.

For another unforgettable panorama, ride the Zwölferhorn cable car, where each gondola is transformed into a travelling Advent calendar. At the summit, follow the Zwölferhorn Mountain Panorama Trail—a scenic one-hour walk—and enjoy traditional food and mulled wine at the Panorama Restaurant.

Venture further afield to Hallstatt, where its one-day Christmas Market on 8 December offers a picture-perfect celebration beside the lake.
Or visit Bad Ischl’s Christmas Market inside the historic Trinkhalle, where local artisans and Ischl craftsmen display beautiful handmade gifts and regional treats.

🎄Old Town Market: Beneath the Golden Roof, framed by mountain views.

🎄Maria-Theresien-Strasse Market  Chic stalls and sparkling decorations.

🎄Advent at Marktplatz across the River Inn, famous for its 14 m high Swarovski crystal tree.

🎄Christmas Market at Hungerburg. Take the Nordkettenbahnen funicular to one of Austria’s highest Christmas Markets

Even with just two days in Innsbruck, you can experience the city’s best sights, history, and alpine magic. Here’s our curated list of must-see attractions

Historic Innsbruck – Explore & Discover

Stroll through Innsbruck’s charming Old Town and visit the iconic Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl) and Annasäule (St. Anne’s Column, which stands on Maria-Theresien-Straße). Climb the 15th-century Stadtturm (City Tower) for panoramic views over the city’s rooftops.
Step inside the Hofburg Imperial Palace and admire the 28 bronze statues of ancestors and heroes at the Hofkirche (Court Church).
Explore the Tiroler Volkskunstmuseum to discover Tyrolean folk art and cultural treasures, and don’t miss the Tiroler Landesmuseum, which houses masterpieces by Gustav Klimt, Brueghel, and Rembrandt.

🎄Marienplatz Christkindlmarkt – Munich’s iconic market in the heart of the city, dating back to the 14th century. Set against the neo-Gothic Rathaus (City Hall), it runs from November 24 to December 24 and is a must-see.

🎄 Winterzauber am Viktualienmarkt(Winter Magic at the Food Market) – A foodie paradise with mulled wine, festive lights, and Advent magic. Don’t miss the Nativity scene in the beer garden (closed Sundays).

🎄 Mittelalterlicher Weihnachtsmarkt (Medieval Christmas Market) at Wittelsbacherplatz – Step back in time among medieval huts, artisans, and costumed merchants offering crafts, food, and entertainment.

🎄Weihnachtsdorf im Kaiserhof der Residenz (Christmas Village at the Residenz Palace) – Set in the palace’s largest courtyard, this Christmas market showcases traditional handicrafts, including goldsmiths, fur tanners, and glassblowers.

🎄Christkindlmarkt at Sendlinger Tor – A smaller market beside the city’s oldest gate, perfect for drinks and light snacks.

🎄Pink Christmas Market – Named for its vibrant pink lights, this lively queer Christmas market is perfect for sipping prosecco under a twinkling, festive glow.

🎄Münchner Feuerzangenbowle – The highlight of this market is a large flaming cauldron where glühwein is poured over roasted, rum-soaked sugar cubes to create the traditional Feuerzangenbowle (fire tongs punch).