Where Christmas?

My husband and I would like to come to Austria for Christmas but I dont know where to go. Salzburg, Vienna or Innsbruck all look nice. I love the old city streets, shopping, eating and taking in the old world Christmas atsmophere. Suggestions on where to go (city, hotel, etc.) and what to do would really be appreciated!

Thanks

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I would recommend Salzburg, it%26#39;s amazing at Christmas. I stayed at the Schloss (Castle) Monchstein which is on a hill overlooking Salzburg. A 5 min walk to the elevator in the grounds and it takes you down into city. We stayed there for New Years Eve and the firework display over Salzburg was incredible. We also have stayed at Schloss Fuschel just outside Salzburg, again faultless. Whatever you choose, have a great time !!!

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Sorry forgot to mention you can book a Sound of Music Tour online which is really worth doing. Good Luck

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Snowbird, is it far from the castle to the train station?

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I favor Salzburg also, I have not made it to the Christmas market there but have good things about it. The old city is small but there is something special about the city. I believe that the large number of squares and narrow streets is a major factor. I would also recommend that you experience the Augastiner beer hall along the river. You should also try the Bosna, a local sausage that is very thin, eaten in a rolled bread and flavorings. We ate them at whenever possible, you can get the at fast food windows along the main street.

Kabumia The train station is about a 30 min walk to the castle if I remember correctly.

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Salzburg is nicknamed the Christmas Capital of the World. Their Christmas market (Kriskindelmarkt) is lovely with lots of shopping, delicious food, hot spiced wine, and an unbelievable amount of charm. The tiny chapel in Oberndorf where Silent Night was written is a short train trip (about 30 minutes) from Salzburg. That would be a great little side trip.

There is a very strange tradition in the Christmas market that caught me off guard. There are these people dressed up in grotesque costumes with bells that carry whips. These Krumpus, as they are called, smack anyone in their way with the whips they carry. It was fun to watch as long as you%26#39;re not one of the people in their way! It%26#39;s just a funny tradition.

I agree that Augustinerbrau is worth a visit. It is definitely a cultural experience with an extra plus if you like beer. They have various places where you can get food like bosnas, stinky cheese, or my personal favorite, Kaisekraners, which is a small sausage with cheese in the middle.

I think Salzburg is much more quaint than Vienna or Innsbruck. I actually didn%26#39;t like Innsbruck very much. Unless I%26#39;m going skiing, I wouldn%26#39;t go back. Vienna is a much larger city with a lot of culture, but it just doesn%26#39;t have the charm of Salzburg.

Have a lovely time!

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I haven%26#39;t been to Salzburg at Christmas, but I think it is the best of the three anytime. Vienna is nice, but can be sterile. Innsbruck I enjoy for skiing, but Salzburg is the most charming city in my opinion. You won%26#39;t be dissapointed if you choose Salzburg for Christmas.

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The Christmas markets in Vienna are better - more variety and cheaper - especially the chocolate stall at the Schloss Schonbrunn. But Salzburg is smaller, walkable and more %26#39;quaint%26#39; as the other posts say.

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The Christmas markets in Vienna are better - more variety and cheaper - especially the chocolate stall at the Schloss Schonbrunn. But Salzburg is smaller, walkable and more %26#39;quaint%26#39; as the other posts say.