Where should I stay in Austria in the winter?

If you are wondering where to spend your winter vacation, head to Austria without any doubt.

It is a destination where you can practice numerous winter sports or relax by the fireplace, get body treatment in a spa, or engage in sightseeing tours.

All of these activities are accompanied by fabulous alpine settings and history-charged architecture as well as the flair of the cultural heart of Europe.

Don’t waste your chance to spend glorious holidays!

Vienna

It goes without saying that Vienna is among the top cities to spend a vacay. A wide range of Christmas markets with twinkling lights and fragrant mulled wine are waiting for you in the marvelous Austrian capital.

Admiring the Schönbrunn Palace, ice-skating in front of the city hall, attending the New Year’s Concert, exploring the exhibitions of Albertina and Belvedere – make sure to cope with the must-do list for the snowy metropole.

Check my Vienna travel guide

Kitzbühel

Kitzbühel is regarded as one of the best ski areas not only in Austria but also worldwide. It offers 68 pistes and 215 kilometers of slopes, therefore, both experts and newcomers can find the appropriate one.

Besides, the town provides hiking facilities as well as a vast number of restaurants and cafes with mountain panorama views.

Get more details about this and some more top ski resorts in Austria.

Salzburg

The birthplace of Mozart, Salzburg, pays homage to its most prominent son indeed. Each year, winter Mozart concerts are held in the city.

Also, the Christkindlmarkt is an outstanding hotspot namely the Christmas market with the 500 years tradition that draws thousands of tourists.

Snow-covered and surrounded by stunning landscapes Salzburg certainly leaves a lasting impression.

Hallstatt

Although Hallstatt is a tiny village with merely 900 inhabitants, it still lures busloads of tourists. Its charm lies in the idyllic scenery of Salzkammergut – the Lake Hallstatt and steep mountain slopes.

Besides, narrow alleys with variegated half-timbered houses invite you for strolling and exploring the dreamy atmosphere. In fact, Hallstatt is extremely popular among tourists, especially Chinese who have constructed a copy of the entire medieval town in Huizhou, Guangdong province.

Thus, local authorities took measures to deal with over-tourism and set up a limited number of individuals for tour buses.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a town that offers you both tranquil walking through Christmas markets and thrilling outdoor activities.

It has lots to discover: from Oldtown with marvelous architecture like the Imperial Palace, the iconic Golden Roof, Ambras Castle to the multitude of ski areas in the town surroundings.

Such resorts as Axamer Lizum Olympia Park, Nordkette Freeride Lounge, Kühtai Ski Resort, etc. are the right choice indeed.

Moreover, real tourist magnets are the unique Innsbruck Alpine Zoo, located on the height of 750 meters above sea level, and gorgeous Swarovski Crystal Worlds with the garden, museum, and outstanding fountain in the form of a figure’s mouth.  

Zell am See

Municipalities Zell am See and Kaprun form one of the most significant ski areas in the whole of Austria.

Well-developed infrastructure, proximity to the thermal complex Tauern Spa, a wide range of pistes for experts and first-timers are among the benefits of this region. Besides, you are able to visit Salzburg at one go as it’s located merely one hour’s drive. 

Feldkirch

The historic town of Feldkirch in Vorarlberg is well-known due to its great location on the Liechtenstein and Switzerland border, right on the lake Bodensee.

Feldkirch is a cozy medieval town that is regarded as a perfect starting point for Austrian holidays or afternoon excursions.

It fascinates visitors with such attractions as the Schattenburg Castle, St. Nikolaus Cathedral, well-preserved ancient city gates, and towers. 

Get ready to fall in love with Austrian winter wonderland and revel in your holidays to the fullest!