Winter in Vienna is truly a delightful experience that in turn has made weekend getaways more popular especially during Christmas. Couples, families, and solo travelers come to Vienna to explore the Christmas markets, ornaments, beverages, and seasonal food. This is one of the most beautiful destinations to visit in winter to watch the main streets and the pedestrian zones decked with lovely colorful lights. Promising the thrill of snow, the most famous New Year Concert, and colorful Christmas markets, this place is worth exploring. See how you can make the most of your vacation to Vienna in the winter season.
Weather During Winter In Vienna
Vienna experiences a dry continental weather with cold winters and hot summers. December to February are the coldest months wherein temperature struggles to get above 0°C. Also, day temperatures below zero is not rare. You can expect snow frequently in these months. The local authorities clear the roads and sidewalks very quickly to allow hassle free transportation. Lowest recorded temperature in recent years was -21.7°C (-7°F) in 1985. If you are visiting place during winter months, check the forecast and get warm clothes along.
8 Things To Do In Winter In Vienna
Here are a few things to do during winter in Vienna. Treat yourself to a spa session, toss a glass of wine, and discover the city’s museums. These are the perfect way to make the best out of your Vienna vacation.
1. Christmas Markets – Buy Festive Trinkets
The key reasons for visiting Vienna include the Christmas markets. You will find fabulously constructed wooden stalls that are lined along the Christmas streets. One of the famous and traditional places at the front of Belvedere Palace, there are ample streets consisting of circle of stalls selling traditional handicraft items, Austrian food and beverages, including mugs of gluhwein (mulled wine) and daily choral performances.
Best Christmas markets in Vienna: Spittelberg, Wiener Christkindlmarkt, Rathausplatz, and Christkindl Markt
Also Read: Indian Restaurants In Vienna
Europe Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle
2. Cafes – Indulge In The Coffee Culture
One of the fabulous winter activities in Vienna is to relax and take a seat with a cup of coffee accompanied with tasty dessert. Viennese cafes are a perfect place for warm up, after hours of sightseeing. More than 300 years old, the coffee houses here still retain the Austrian original style such as Café Leopold Hawelka, Café Korb and Café Central.
There are different kinds of coffee offered in Vienna, explore the menu and order accordingly. If you want us to suggest then Melange is the typical Viennese coffee that is Austrian cousin of the cappuccino. Thankfully, there are ample cozy corners to relax right from the frosty weather in Vienna. There is no better place than Traditional Viennese coffee house.
3. Rathausplatz – Go Ice Skating
One of the sought-after winter activities in Vienna is to go ice skating, which is great fun. Both visitors and locals enjoy this activity alike. You can pick from modern indoor skating rinks or go skating adjacent to some stunning backdrops at Vienna’s top outdoor ice rinks.
During winter, Rathausplatz, located at the front of Vienna City Hall, is transformed into a fabulous outdoor ice rink. Lit up with beautiful lights during night, Rathausplatz is an excellent place to enjoy ice skating. During Christmas time, a 6000 sq. meter ice rink is set up between Inter-Continental Hotel and Vienna Konzerthaus.
Related Post: Things To Do In Vienna
4. Imperial Palace – Dance At The Ball
A huge number of dance balls are organised at the Imperial Palace in Vienna that adheres to a set festive ceremonial pattern. Further, The Vienna ball season lies within January and February. At the end of the ball, there is a traditional ritual that follows. The lights in the ballroom are dimmed and the performing bands start playing a slow waltz while everyone vacates this room.
5. Enjoy A Spa Therapy
Get ready for temperatures below zero as winter in Vienna is quite frosty. In order to escape from the wind and cold, spa is an excellent solution. Spend an afternoon by sunbathing in the steam room, whirlpool and sauna. Arany Spa Vienna, So SPA at Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom, and Therme Wien are some of the best places to go for a refreshing spa therapy in Vienna.
Related Post: Vienna Nightlife
6. Prater Park – Play In The Snow
Due to global warming, finding snow in Vienna in winter is impossible. Everything is romantic, and you get a Christmas feel during winter. If you are lucky to experience the snow, capture winter pictures or find the nearest park and make a snowman. You can go to Prater Park, indulge in a fun snow-fighting game with your friends and make snow fairies!
7. Schönbrunn Palace – Attend A Classical Concert
One of the fabulous tourist places in winter in Vienna is Schönbrunn Palace that was the Summer home of the Habsburg monarchs that is easy to reach via public transit. This elegant palace is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is an outstanding cultural, architectural and historic monument in Austria. Vienna is a global capital of classical music, with daily Mozart and Strauss concerts in the historic Orangery. If you want to attend and enjoy the concert here, it is highly recommended that you make an advance booking.
Related Post: Best Places To Spend Christmas In Europe
8. St. Stephen’s Cathedral – Climb To The Top
One of Austria’s most famous sights, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, is drawing the attention of more than 1 million visitors. Positioned at the centre of the city, St. Stephen’s Cathedral is one of the most well known cathedrals in Vienna. Just climb up to the top with 343 steps and enjoy the view of the city center of Vienna. But the reward you get after climbing all these steps is truly a gift. With 700 years of history, this church is one of the prominent landmarks of the entire city. Considered as one of the fabulous tourist places in winter in Vienna, St. Stephen’s Cathedral is an amazing architectural marvel to explore.
You May Also Like To Read: Snorkeling In Europe
By now, you must have some idea of what you wish to do and where you want to go in winter in Vienna to make the most of your trip. So, plan your trip to Vienna for a ultimate travel experience with loved ones.
For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Winter In Vienna
Does it snow in Vienna in December?
In the city of Vienna, there are 8 days of rainfall or snow. This city receives a maximum of two hours of sunshine per day.
How cold does it get in Vienna?
The temperature of Vienna typically ranges from 27°F to 79°F and is seldom below 13°F or above 89°F.
What do people wear in Vienna in winter?
People here wear shoes and suitable thick socks. Also, thermal leggings, scarf, sweater, long-sleeved shirt, medium-sized winter coat gloves, and knit hat are worn by them.
What is the weather like in Vienna at Christmas?
During December, the weather in Vienna produces a temperature of 2°C and the sun sets at 4 pm while the climate of winter produces around 50 mm of rain on an average along with a little snowfall of snow.
Is Schonbrunn Palace free?
If you want to enter this fabulous tourist place in winter in Vienna during opening hours, then you are not charged with anything. However, if you wish to visit special attractions like Orangery Garden, maze, zoo and privy garden, you have to purchase an individual ticket.
Looking To Book An International Holiday?
People Also Read
Winter In Argentina Winter In Jakarta Winter In Andaman
A keen observer, an avid reader, a complete foodie, a pet lover and a curious entrepreneur with a vision to empower women. Penning down thoughts and musings come naturally, so, what better way to make a living than do what you love the most. Sujata started off as a content writer and today spearheads a content agency with an all-women team, where each day is about exploring the strength within, overcoming challenges and aiming to scale new heights. Her idea of a holiday well spent is visiting beautiful destinations, experimenting with food and trying out adventure activities.
