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While some may disagree, there is no better tTime to visit Europe then in the winter: between the little to no crowds and the snow-capped church steeples that almost look like they were cut out of a storybook, it’s nothing short of magical.
Moreover, some countries are fair made to experience in winter.
Austria is such a rare example, with both historic cities and dramatic alpine nature, with vast mountain ranges as far as the eye can see.
From its cozy nest in Central Europe, it may not be that of every American first choice for a winter getaway this season, but here are a few reasons why you should:
Vienna is one of the best winter city trips in Europe
Let’s start with Vienna, Austria’s top tourist destination and one of Europe’s most prominent cultural capitals.
It is known for its high concentration of opulent Baroque churches, palatial opera houses and Habsburg-era buildings.
We understand why you might save Vienna for the next warm season, with the blooming Schönbrunn Gardens and all the green parks you could explore, but it is in winter that you get the thermal bathsthe festive atmosphere, and all that incredible Christmas markets.
There are several to choose from, with some of our favorites including the foodie-favorite Christmas Village at Maria-Thérèsien Platz–make sure you get yourself some of that delicious currywurst–and the huge exhibition with 150 stalls at Rathausplatz, the best place to browse traditional crafts.
The fact that it is chilly outside is also a perfect excuse to visit indoor attractions.
If you love architecture, don’t miss the carefully frescoed Austrian National Library, the Hofburg Imperial Palace, which would rival Versailles in beauty, and the Gothic marvel that is St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Magical medieval towns covered in snow
Vienna is where most visitors would say goodbye to Austria before jumping on to the next country, but you not wants to make the same mistake: Austria’s winter charm extends to other cities such as Salzburg, famous for its historic city center, Beethoven and Sound of music associations.
It’s where the Julie Andrews-starrer classic was filmed, the classical composer was born, and the proud home of a UNESCO-listed medieval center dotted with palaces. ethereal winter gardens and cozy cafes serving that thick, velvety hot chocky––Café Konditorei Furstwe are looking straight at you!
A visit to Austria in winter is also not complete without a stopover, however short, in the fairytale Hallstatt: it is often called the most beautiful village in the world, it lies on the banks of a frozen lake and is surrounded by mountains that being high that you tilt your head. head back to see the highlight.
In the westernmost third of Austria – the small pear-shaped strip of land that sticks out – Innsbruck is a medium-sized city that spa hotels with views of the Alps (look at a beautiful one Hotel Bon Alpina), ski slopes with exciting toboggan runs and that hearty, dumpling-heavy Tyrolean cuisine.
Ski areas galore
Ah-ah. Stop there.
We can see you thinking, ‘Why on earth would I fly all the way to Austria for a winter ski holiday when I could just go to Colorado?’
Have you thought about the fact that, besides the freezing temperatures, the other thing you’ll be exposed to is the incredible culture?
Or that, no matter how expensive Austria may be European standards, it still is far cheaper than the average ski trip in the United States?
Have you checked the prices for those lift tickets and long weekend stays in Telluride lately?
So before you close this page or scroll to the next article in line, check this one out amazing winter offers:
Winters in Austria are all about putting on your ski boots and taking beautiful gondola rides, after which you slide down snow-covered mountain slopes. no better way to enjoy nature than booking a stay at an alpine resort:
What are some of the best spa hotels in Austria this season?
Located in Bad Gastein, one of the country’s ski capitals, the MONDI Hotel Bellevue is a listed property exuding an old-world atmosphere at the foot of the Hohe Tauern peaks, a short walk from the cable cars, and welcomes you to heated indoor pools, a sauna and an exquisite breakfast from $290 per night.
Elsewhere in Maurach, a picturesque winter village about a 45-minute drive from Innsbruck, the Frühstückshotel Margret Hotel offers rooms with mountain views. from $170including breakfast––and it’s only a 5-minute walk to the picturesque Achensee!
Achen is called the Fjord of the Alps because of its strip-like extension and winding course, and it is the largest lake in Tyrol.
If you need a spa break after that three-day museum trip in Vienna, head west to the small community of Waidring, on the outskirts of Salzburg, which may not look like much at first if cottagecore isn’t your preference aesthetically, but plays host to the 4-stars Waidringer.
It offers views of Kitzbühel, an unspoilt area of the European Alps timeless wooden furniturea huge spa consisting of a fitness room, several treatment rooms and no fewer than 7 different types of saunas, and even a swimming lake.
The The restaurant’s food is prepared with local produce, and there’s even a playground if you come with the kids – all for a reasonable price. surprisingly reasonable $230 per night!
Austrians are the friendliest people in Europe!
Finally, Austria was recently named the friendliest country in Europe during the 2024 Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awarddebunking America’s favorite Ireland for the first time.
With a score of 93.88 out of 100, Austrians are not so cold and dismissive as you might think: walk into a cafe in a big, sprawling city like Vienna or a small town like Hallstatt, or ask strangers for directions, and you’ll likely be greeted with a friendly smile and quick assistance.
All things considered, it’s no wonder this is so one of the best winter destinations this year across the pond, with record bookings for 2024, surpassing the previous record peak of 2019, as reported by Tobias Thomas, Managing Director of Statistik Austria.
This season, Americans can fly non-stop from the United States to Vienna (VIE) from no fewer than 6 departure points, exclusively with Austrian Airlines, namely New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Washington-Dulles (IAD), Chicago-O’Hare (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX) and Boston ( BUNCH).
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
