📷 Eweht / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Seven days of Advent from Vienna to Salzburg, without a car: train, local bus, and an Advent boat. Two days of Viennese Christmas markets, a scenic railway to Mariazell and one of the largest traditional Advent celebrations in Austria, two nights on the Wolfgangsee travelling from village to village by boat, and a finale in Salzburg. The route is designed for a Tuesday departure, as the Advent market in Mariazell operates Thursday to Sunday and the Wolfgangsee boats run Wednesday to Sunday. The Advent season on the Wolfgangsee ends on 20 December, so the last possible departure is Tuesday, 15 December. The first departure is Tuesday, 24 November, as the Mariazell Railway is closed for maintenance until 20 November. The Schafbergbahn journey depends on weather and is not guaranteed; if it is not running, that day can be used to visit Hallstatt. Check the boat and train timetables for your chosen date.
Schematic view: the line connects the destinations and does not show the actual route.
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The first evening belongs to the Christkindlmarkt in front of the City Hall, Vienna's most famous market, followed by a stroll through the narrow streets of Spittelberg, where stalls are tucked between old houses. Along the way, a Melange coffee is in order, and dinner means a Wiener Schnitzel. The arrival day is kept light.
Imperial Tour is the best choice for a one-day tour of Vienna, while the gardens and panoramic viewpoints are available free of charge.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Sisi Ticket (Imperial Apartments + Sisi Museum + Treasury + Schönbrunn) - 47 EUR (valid for all 4 attractions). Hofburg only - 19.50 EUR.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Upper Belvedere (where the Klimt collection is) 17.50 EUR. Lower Belvedere (special exhibitions) 13.50 EUR. Combo ticket 25 EUR.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Park entry is free. Riesenrad (Giant Ferris Wheel) 14 EUR per ride. Other attractions 3-8 EUR per ride.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Tour 13€ (45min, several languages). Standing ticket for the performance 13-18€ (purchased 80min before the performance). Season September-June.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Walking through the complex is free. Leopold Museum €17, MUMOK €15, Kunsthalle €8. MQ Combi Ticket (3 museums) €28.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Exterior free to view. Interior is private.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
The morning is dedicated to Schloss Schönbrunn and the Christmas market in the courtyard in front of it. The afternoon continues through the city centre, from Stephansplatz to Maria-Theresien-Platz, while those looking for a quieter Advent experience can take the train to Baden. The evening calls for a café and a slice of Sachertorte. Same accommodation as the previous night.
From Vienna, take the train to St. Pölten, then board the narrow-gauge Mariazell Railway through the Pielach valley and past the Ötscher to Mariazell. There, the Advent market unfolds on the square in front of the basilica, with candlelit stalls and the scent of gingerbread. A visit to the Pirker gingerbread workshop is a must, and the Mariazell gingerbread makes the perfect souvenir to take home.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Departure day: take the train back to St. Pölten and then continue westward, switching to a local bus to reach the lake. You arrive at Wolfgangsee in the afternoon, just in time for the evening Advent celebrations, when a floating Advent lantern reflects on the water and the narrow village streets fill with the scent of baked apples.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
The ticket covers the permanent puppet and marionette collection. It is advisable to check the opening hours in advance, as the museum may operate on seasonal schedules.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
In the morning, weather permitting, an Advent ride on the Schafbergbahn through the winter forest to Schafbergalm. In the afternoon, a boat crosses the lake to St. Gilgen and Strobl, whose Advent markets have a different character from that of St. Wolfgang. If the Schafbergbahn is not running, the day is spent exploring Hallstatt and the salt mine above the village. Same accommodation as the previous night.
The bus takes you from the lake into Salzburg. The Christkindlmarkt spreads between the cathedral and the Residenz, beneath Hohensalzburg Fortress, and in the evening you cross the river to the market at Mirabellplatz. Perfect for picking up along the way: Mozart Kugeln and Salzburger Nockerl.
The ticket includes the cable car ride (Festungsbahn), access to the fortress and museums. Online purchase in advance is recommended, especially during the summer period. The cable car departs every 10 minutes.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
It is advisable to purchase tickets online to avoid queuing, which can be up to one hour. A combined ticket with Mozart's residence (Wohnhaus) offers savings. An audio guide in Serbian is available.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Entrance to the cathedral is free, but access to the crypt and cathedral museum is charged (around 3 EUR). It is open daily, except during religious services. The rich interior includes frescoes and an organ played by the young Mozart.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
The ticket includes a tour of the water games and tricks, as well as a view of the palace and the baroque gardens. Purchasing online in advance is recommended, especially during the summer period when crowds are common.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Spend the morning at the fortress and Getreidegasse, then the afternoon taking in the advent magic at Hellbrunn Palace and its park. In the first half of December, it is well worth catching the Salzburg Advent Singing. Last night in the same accommodation, no packing required.
Everything you need for Advent in Austria — 7 Days Without a Car in one place
