Copyright ©
WienTourismus - Christian Stemper
Wintertime in Vienna
Vienna in winter: Things to do & places to be
A fine! season
Winter in Vienna is the time of gala evenings and balls, Christmas markets and twinkling lights. A special magic lies over the city, sometimes even a delicate layer of snow that brightens your path as you stroll through the alleyways of the city center.
Romantic, lively, enchanting
The ski slopes are far away, but culture, cuisine and sightseeing are right here. People bustle around the punch stalls in front of Vienna City Hall, elegantly dressed revelers bring the ballrooms to life. And all around, the city beckons with its history which it has carefully carried into the modern age.
From the State Opera to the Karlskirche, from St Stephen’s Cathedral to the Hofburg, from the MuseumsQuartier to Schönbrunn Palace. In winter in Vienna there is much to do, to see, to taste and to marvel at.
Copyright ©
WienTourismus:Christian Stemper
From glistening ice rinks to warming punch
A variety of Christmas markets in the most beautiful corners of the city, a winter dream on ice and unforgettable moments in one of the most beautiful cities in the world make a winter holiday in Vienna a very special experience.
01
Art Advent at Karlsplatz
With the stunning Karlskirche church in the background, the annual Art Advent at the Karlsplatz is considered one of the most diverse Advent markets in Vienna. In winter from mid-November until Christmas, nearly 100 stalls bring handicrafts of all kinds together – from glass blowing to painting and photography to natural cosmetics and lovely delicacies. Brought to you from all over Austria to the capital.
400 meters from the Kaiserhof: approx. 5 minutes on foot
02
Old Viennese Christmas Market Freyung
As early as 1772, a pre-Christmas market was held on the Freyung in the 1st district. Still today one of Vienna's most atmospheric Christmas markets is hosted here, surrounded by historic palaces between Schottenstift and Am Hof. In addition to warming mugs of fragrant punch and mulled wine, there are beautiful Christmas presents to be discovered. Concerts, puppet theatre and arts and crafts demonstrations are the cherry on top.
2 km from the Kaiserhof: approx. 25 min on foot/20 min on tram line 1
03
Christmas market on the town hall square
With the city hall as a backdrop, the Vienna Christmas Market has been bringing festive joy to Rathausplatz for 50 years. Around the large Christmas tree, decorated with hundreds of lights and Christmas baubles, there is a colorful array of culinary delights, arts and crafts and jewelry stalls to be discovered. A special highlight: the romantic Christmas tree with sparkling hearts in the Rathauspark.
2 km from the Kaiserhof: approx. 30 min on foot/15 min on tram line 1
04
Winter market at the Riesenradplatz
The venerable Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel sets the scene. The Christmas market at the foot of the city's landmark is lively and buzzing with the festive spirit. Live music, shows and events create a great atmosphere, the market stalls offer food and drink and the carousel, rollercoasters and Ferris wheel spark happiness at every age.
3.5 km from Kaiserhof: approx. 45 min on foot or 20 min on the U1 underground line
05
Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market
No other Christmas market has as much imperial flair as the one in front of Schönbrunn Palace. The location alone is worth a trip, but the traditional art, crafts and indulgent food will make you stay. There are also a Christmas tree and a nostalgic carousel, rounding off those picturesque winter moments in Vienna.
6.5 km from the Kaiserhof: approx. 35 min on the U4 underground line
01
Viennese ice dream
The ice shines particularly beautifully under the lights of Vienna City Hall. In January, the Christmas market on Rathausplatz gives way to a 10,000 m² ice rink. Comfortably rent skates on site and spin in pirouettes from morning until late in the evening.
2 km from the Kaiserhof: approx. 30 min on foot/15 min on tram line 1
02
Horse-drawn carriage ride
For centuries, horse-drawn carriages have been as much a part of the capital as St. Stephen's Cathedral. It is truly incomparable to discover Vienna in winter in a cozy and snug carriage pulled by horses. There are simple tours of the city center, rides through Vienna's Central Cemetery or an extraordinary dinner experience.
Fiaker stands can be found at Stephansplatz, Michaelerplatz and near the Albertina.
03
Theatre & Opera
From the famous Burgtheater to the Volkstheater and Theater in der Josefstadt to smaller theatres, Vienna offers a wide variety of theatres to visit in winter. Performances range from literary classics to contemporary plays. A visit to the historic State Opera also adds another highlight to your winter holiday in Vienna. Here, not only the performance but also the unique ambience is an experience in itself.
04
Opera Ball & Co
The Opera Ball became a world-famous event a long time ago. The ball was first held at the State Opera House in 1935 and today, more than ever, Vienna's high society and international guests gather to celebrate this highlight of the Viennese ball season. Hotel Kaiserhof is located near the State Opera so that only a short stroll lies between you and a truly fantastic evening. But Vienna also offers many other balls worth experiencing in winter, such as the Philharmonic Ball at the Vienna Musikverein, the Hofburg Silvesterball and the Zuckerbäckerball.
05
Ride the Ferris wheel
The Giant Ferris Wheel was built in Vienna's Leopoldstadt district to mark the 50th anniversary of the accession to the throne of Emperor Franz Joseph I in 1897 and was one of the largest Ferris wheels in the world at the time. Even today, the 65 meter high structure with its 15 characteristic red wagons is still one of the most famous Ferris wheels in the world. A ride opens up a wonderful view of the city.
3.5 km from the Kaiserhof: approx. 45 min on foot or 20 min on the U1 underground line
Imperial winter holidays in Vienna
Experience all the beauty that Vienna has to offer in winter up close at the Kaiserhof. Our hotel in Vienna’s 4th district is just a few minutes from Karlsplatz, which attracts visitors with one of the city’s most beautiful Christmas markets in Advent season. The Naschmarkt, Ringstrasse and opera are also just a short stroll away.
Hotel Kaiserhof is right at the heart of the city and your place to relax and enjoy a winter in Vienna to the fullest. From the moment you wake up until the end of the day, from the breakfast buffet to the wellness area to our stylish Viennese hotel bar.
